I’ve had a passion for animals since I was very young. I always knew I wanted to study zoology and become a zoologist, and UNE is the only university in Australia that offered a straight zoology degree - I didn’t want to just major in it. I was also still living at home and working, so being able to study online was another bonus. Through my journey of study I did a stint with Green Army and fell in love with our environment, doing environmental restoration, it was then I knew I wanted to further my studies with a Master of Environmental Science. Working full time and now living with my partner I needed a flexible degree and that’s what UNE offers.
The intensive schools from my Zoology degree were so memorable. The first time I saw the night sky in Dorrigo, studying Conservation Biology, or Invertebrate Zoology at Arrawarra, where I saw my first wild octopus and was able to study the marine life in rockpools. Other experiences were studying on the coast for Wild Dog Ecology, and in the Armidale area for ecology, scats, skull studies. Whilst undertaking my Master’s I had one intensive school learning ecosystem rehabilitation. It was honestly one of the best ones I’ve had.
My studies have taken me to Bhutan and Botswana, and it was life-changing. Through UNE I have such amazing experiences and invaluable learning through intensive schools. I was one of the 16 chosen as the first group to go to Bhutan and study the animals and ecology of the Himalayas - what other uni offers that?! As part of my Master’s I was lucky enough to travel to Botswana in 2018 to study the animals of Africa. It had been a dream of mine for so many years, ever since I can remember. The main project I studied was the whisker spot patterns of lions.
I’ve also been able to travel and volunteer with Big Cat Rescue in Florida. They rescue, and when possible, release big cats. Big cats that are in there care have been neglected, abused and saved from being made into fur coats. They’re also saved from a life of cub petting and circus.
Graduating is another stepping stone to my long-term goal of doing environmental work and helping animals. If I can protect habitat and provide environmental restoration, our wildlife will benefit. It’s been a bumpy journey. Like everyone else, I’ve had work changes, moving out of home, meeting my partner and starting a family. It was a proud moment standing there receiving my award with family watching on.
Just a few other things that I have been up to since my Zoology degree and whilst studying Masters:
- Personally secured funding to start the process of having a biobridge built this year for koalas in Noosa. It is huge and part of a 2500 hectare revegetation project. This project is the one I’m most proud of, it’s been years in the making and in June this year we planted the first koala trees of the project. It’s the biggest koala habitat project Queensland has ever undertaken, and I was part of history getting it started.
- Created over 1600 Joey pouches and more than 100 koala trees in my plantation. My trees have also gone to feed koalas in care that have been orphaned. I featured on the television program Totally Wild in 2017 to talk about this project.
- Have been nominated for several Queensland Young Achiever Awards and Community Achiever Awards, where I was a semi finalist, over the past few years.
- Spoken to many primary and high school students about my university experiences and life journey helping animals, and I will continue to do this.
- Spoken on stage at events about my experiences, and shared my love for the natural world.
- Hosted and co-hosted protests against animal abuse, captivity and trophy hunting to help share ideas and educate people on important animal issues.
- Am heavily involved in a range of koala conservation groups, fundraising and raising awareness on the vulnerability of koalas, especially in SE Qld. I have a particular soft spot for these guys and am determined to make a difference for them and be part of creating more habitats for them.
