When did you first become interested in science?

 

In college, years 11 and 12.

 

What path did you take to get to your career?

 

I am a PhD student, so I went to university to get a degree and then loved it so much I am still continuing to study with a supervisor who I knew was really awesome and had really good project ideas.

 

What is an average day like in your job?

 

An average day in the field involves scuba diving for zooplankton and then studying them in the lab and putting them in experimental seawaters to observe the way that they grow. When I am at uni a typical day might involve some work at my desk or in the lab, it depends what I need to be getting done but is also quite flexible as to what I feel like doing that day!

 

What is the best thing that has happened in your job?

 

Field work opportunities are the best! Currently I am on Catalina Island, which is off the coast of L.A and I get to scuba dive and live with a group of amazing scientists who are also share my interests. Last year I spent over a month in Eden on the South Coast [of New South Wales] and got to go out on boats to catch my planktons and see many whales and dolphins while working!

 

What advice would you give to a young aspiring scientist?

 

If you are enthusiastic it doesn't matter if it is hard, you will be able to do it !