Entomology - plant-insect interactions; honey bee research
Mangrove ecology - impact of sea level rise, mangrove physiology/morphology
Dugong research
Science education at university and in schools
Field work
Throughout my undergraduate degree, I have been fortunate to participate in a number of field trips:
ASPinS (Advanced Study Program in Science): North Stradbroke Island (Moreton Bay Research Station) BIOL1030 (Biodiversity and Our Environment): Mt Nebo - rainforest ecosystems BIOL2015 (Ecology Field Studies): Fraser Island - rainforest, forest, sand dune and mangrove ecosystems; small mammal and dingo ecology etc. MARS2014 (Marine Science): Lota and Redcliffe - rocky shore, mangrove and seagrass communities BIOL3207 (Animal Behaviour): Bunya Mountains National Park - social systems (anti-predator vigilance) in red-necked wallabies BIOL3215 (Marine Ecology): Wellington Point - rocky shore, mangrove and seagrass communities, stratification exercise BIOL3206 (Australian Marine Vertebrates): Seaworld behind-the-scenes tour and North Stradbroke Island to survey marine mammals of Moreton Bay (Moreton Bay Research Station) BIOL3015 (Rainforest Field Ecology): Lamington National Park - rainforest ecology (project on herbivory of stinging nettle)
I was also invited to two grade 11 biology field trips from my high school (Northside Christian College) to work as a tutor at Moreton Island (2010 and 2011).
Entomology
Within my degree, I have been fortunate to study two subjects in entomology. BIOL2205: Insect Science and BIOL3232: Insect Identification and Taxonomy (Summer Semester). I have learnt a lot about insect taxonomy, and have gained the relevant skills to accurately identify insects to the family level. I have also produced two insect collections that as part of the assessment of these courses.
The following are some websites that were useful/interesting for me whilst undertaking these courses.
Michelle Gleeson is a UQ science graduate with honours in entomology. Her story has inspired me because it is pretty much the kind of career I desire. She gets to work with kids and animals - how much better can it get?!
Career options in science
Research scientist in conservaton/zoology/ecology/science education