I pursued my interest in Science at University, signing up for a Bachelor of Science with a major in Environmental Biology (Zoology & Botany) at The University of Adelaide. Why?..I went to University because I didn't want to go from school straight in the "work force", and I was not sure what kind of career I really wanted to have. I chose to do a Science degree because I had focused on Science subjects in Years 11 and 12, doing a Science degree seemed a logical choice. When I started the degree I was not passionate about studying, but as I progressed further into the course the more I began to enjoy it!

After I completed my Bachelor of Science I was still not certain about what I wanted to do and I felt like I needed to know more about ecology before I could get a job, so I continued on to do Honours. My Honours project looked at the nest site selection of western pygmy possums (Cercartetus concinnus) in relation to a number of habitat variables. The aim of this study was to examine whether the animals select areas for nesting based on the nature of the flowers and/or structure of the surrounding vegetation. Having completed Honours I am much more confident in my abilities and I feel better equipped to get a job, I am actually looking forward to applying my skills.

The skills you develop during Honours can open up many doors. Very soon after completing Honours I presented a paper at a Possum and Glider Symposium, which was a part of the annual Australian Mammal Conference. What better place can you make yourself known among the mammal research experts? Soon after this I was contracted by the University of Adelaide and the State Forestry Department of NSW to undertake two Wildlife Surveys of the Goonoo State Forest near Dubbo in NSW. In April 2002 I was offered two PhD Scholarships, one with the University of Adelaide and one with Macquarie University in Sydney. Originally I had no intention of doing a PhD, but now I am seriously considering pursing one!

In the long term I would like to find employment in Ecological Research, Public Education about environmental and ecological issues, or Ecotourism. I will be looking for work in a Government Department, Zoo, or National Park.