Experience
Doctor of Philosophy (Science) Research Project on Genus Gobiodon and its relationship with the architectural complexity of its host coral in Genus Acropora
2021-2024
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Propose, design and conduct a multi-chapter research project, with the aid of my supervisor Dr Marian Wong and the Fish Lab at UOW, to investigate coral dwelling fish genus Gobiodon and their relationship with the architectural complexity of their host coral in genus Acropora.
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Plan and conduct both lab based experiments and field based sampling at One Tree Island Research Station.
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Complete data compilation and cleaning for analysis.
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Conduct a range of statistical analyses on an array of different data.
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Compile the analysis into publishable format and produce manuscripts.
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Conduct a Literature Review of the current knowledge in the realm of the topic.
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Conduct taxonomic research to obtain further knowledge of the genus: (Conducted at the Ichthyology department at Australia Museum.
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Take numerous accurate measurements on small fish specimens using calipers and observational microscopes.
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Analysis fish geometry using discriminant analyses, nMDS and PCA.
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Learn the correct terminology for morphology of fish.
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Compile genus wide information in order to accurately depict the genus as a whole and the species within.
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Utilise programs such as R, ArcGIS Pro and Agisoft Metashape Pro to analyse and display results.
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Utilise programs such as Microsoft Word, Lyx (Latex) and Google Docs to compile manuscripts and theses, and Microsoft Powerpoint and Canva for Presentations.
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Organise volunteers to aid in remote field work.
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Complete ethics approval applications for research purposes.
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Complete safety and university travel forms for research and conference purposes.
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Complete Remote First Aid, Oxygen resuscitation and CPR courses.
Casual Academic demonstrating for a number of Biology, Ecology and Environmental Science subjects at UOW
2 years, 2022-2024
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Taught in numerous subjects at the University including Fisheries and Aquaculture, Behaviour and Evolution, Marine and Terrestrial Ecology and Environmental science.
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Guided students through practical hands on experiences and course content.
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Supervised student run research projects.
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Marked assessments including reports and scientific papers.
Council Member for Australian Coral Reef Society
July 2023- July 2024
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Was an active council member for the Australian Coral Reef Society (ACRS) for 2023-2024.
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Aided the council in the sub-teams for the yearly society magazine "Reef in Review", the social media accounts doing frequent posts during 2023-2024 and attended the society's general council meetings.
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Ecological and Bushfire Consultant
Harris Environmental Consulting
1 year and 5 months, 2023 - Current
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Writing reports identifying and describing the ecological and bushfire restraints and impacts of development applications for council approval.
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Production maps and figures for reports and clients using GIS and CAD drawing software.
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Advising on vegetation formations and threatened species.
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Communicating both within the team and across teams with other departments to solve ecological and bushfire problems within the development process.
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Communicating with clients and members of council/government.
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Training new team members in figure and report formation.
Honour's Project Investigating Habitat Complexity in Rockpools and its influence on Fish Assemblages
2020
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Designed and undertook an individual research project to investigate the link between rock pool complexity and the fish assemblages found whilst utilising photogrammetry techniques.
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Learnt skills in study design and sampling techniques.
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The organisation and mentoring of a small team of fieldwork volunteers in sampling and photogrammetry techniques.
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Utilising technology for sampling techniques such as the use of GoPro cameras for the baited underwater video recording (BRUV) sampling and transect recording for the generation of 3D models.
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Analysis of recorded videos recording the time of arrival, MaxN and species richness.
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Working with photogrammetry program Agisoft Metashape and statistical programs JMP and PRIMER.
Lizard Island Research Station Internship through Australia Museum
Jan - Feb 2019
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Lived on the research station for a total of 4 weeks
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Contributing to a variety of research projects operating at the time
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Memory analysis of Picasso triggerfish
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Effects of climate change on Cleaner Wrasse
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Effects of climate change on Gnathiid fish parasites
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Analysis of sand samples for the identification of algal species and ooids.
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Learning and utilisation of various skills:
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Boat driving and operation in reef settings
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Completing sample treating of sand cores whilst on the boat
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Collection and release of Cleaner wrasse and Picasso triggerfish specimens
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Completing snorkel surveys of species on the reefs
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Helping maintain the operation of the research station with various maintenance activities:
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Maintenance of aquaria set ups and cleaning of tanks
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Weeding and maintenance of invasive species surrounding the research station.
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Contributed to the Lizard Island Field Guide app and website by working on the taxonomic system used to organise organisms in the database
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Volunteer Research Assistant at the Janet Cosh Herbarium
Dec 2018 - Feb 2019
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Worked on the database system used to organise the herbarium specimens
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Helped to collect specimens from the field that are now part of the Herbarium collection.
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Utilised identification guides, both digital and hard copy guides, for the taxonomic ranking and sorting of specimens.
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Database cleaning for double up of entries or incorrect data.
Volunteer Research Assistant for PhD student at the University of New South Wales
Dec 2016 - Feb 2019
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Collection and identification of cryptobenthic fish species from around the Sydney Harbour region.
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Photography of the specimens for identification and database formation.
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Preservation and dissection of the specimens for gut content analysis.
