Day 9

One of the best things about being a PhD student (even a 9-day-old one!) is the opportunity to network, share ideas and socialise with other students, academics and professionals in the field. 


Every year, the UWA School of Biological Sciences organises a PhD retreat and summer school, where all the PhD students stay over for a couple of nights on Rottnest Island, present our research in short symposiums, and generally have an awesome time. We got back yesterday, and it was a brilliant opportunity to meet everyone and get some excellent ideas and advice about my project. 

In case you don't know, Rottnest Island just off the West Australian coast is home to largest remaining population of quokkas (Setonix brachyurous), these guys:



They're pretty much the cutest animal ever, I reckon. The largest mainland population used to be in the karri forest, but the fire that I am studying had a huge impact on their numbers and research is currently being planned to estimate the extent and to design management plans. I hope collaborate and contribute to that research... Not sure exactly in what capacity yet, but all will become clear in the coming weeks once I've figured out my primary focus, and of course funding (!!!)

Anyway, the Rottnest summer school was also a great opportunity to explore the island, so of course we took ample time out to snorkel, ride and surf. 


So far, PhD life is pretty sweet, but I'm back into the office and real world today!



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