UTAS PhD and Masters students are regularly interviewed on ABC 936 Hobart radio, speaking about their research, their backgrounds, their hobbies and interests and their aspirations for the future.
PhD candidate Laura Parsley’s research focuses on how some chemical contaminants can interfere with embryonic development in live-bearing lizards. Years ago, Laura had to make the choice between performing arts or science. Science won- but only just. These days she loves bellydancing and says this gives her a much-needed creative outlet while she completes her PhD in the School of Zoology at UTAS.
Jess’ PhD research resulted in the development of an innovative world-first tool for exploring the future of coral reefs around the globe. The Coral Reef Scenario Evaluation Tool (CORSET) will be useful to coral reef managers, policy makers, conservation groups and researchers. A web portal, 'Reef Scenarios', allows anyone connected to the internet, even by smart phone, to access and use CORSET on the UTAS supercomputer from anywhere around the world, free. Jess loves the outdoors, in particular diving, which fits perfectly with her area of research.
Joel’s PhD project looks at using properties of the Antarctic ice to learn about past changes in the behaviour of the sun. The point of this is to get a better understanding of what caused climate changes in the distant past. Joel and some of his colleagues have set up a group called ‘the climate conversations’. The objective of this group is to get out into the public and tell people from the perspective of working climate scientists what we do and don’t know.
Patrick is a PhD candidate in the School of Computing and Info Systems and the CSIRO. An inventor since he was a child, Patrick’s PhD project concerns the development of remote devices to encourage exercise, with the aim of improving the user’s health. Patrick likes playing the piano and occasionally composing his own music.
Laurie is a PhD candidate in the UTAS School of Geography and Environmental Studies. Originally from Prince Edward Island, Laurie travelled to another island – Tasmania- to undertake her PhD research, which focuses on the notion of “islandness” and aims to compare the islands of Tasmania and Newfoundland. Laurie has a strong interest in arts and island culture and used to own a publishing company.
Rodrigo is a PhD candidate in the UTAS School of Zoology. His project concerns the epidemiology and transmission dynamics of Tasmanian Devil Facial Tumour Disease . In his spare time Rodrigo performs with Chilean band Arauco Libre, playing traditional South American market music at the Salamanca Market.
Emerald is a PhD candidate in the UTAS School of Asian Languages and Studies. Her research involves the analysis of images of masochism in the work of three Japanese women writers. Emerald is passionate about Japan and Japanese culture.
Dawn is a PhD candidate at the Menzies Research Institute. Dawn's current research focuses on bone's role in osteoarthritis. She is also strongly interested in exercise and obesity and their effects on chronic disease. Dawn travelled to Tasmania from Canada and began working with Menzies after doing some volunteer work for the institute.
Oliver is undertaking a Masters by Research in the UTAS School of Engineering. His project is examining climate change mitigation on a local level. In his spare time Oliver also informally studies sustainable architecture. He also tries to get in a bit of bushwalking around Tassie over summer.
Ryan is undertaking his PhD in the field of separation science in the UTAS School of Chemistry but has an artistic side as well. As well as working on his research project, Ryan is a talented photographer, who enjoys snapping photos in his spare time. He also likes hiking and white water rafting.
Peta is a PhD candidate at the Menzies Research Institute, an Institute of UTAS. Peta’s research informs a Menzies study which has taken the first step towards developing appropriate interventions to reduce the number of jockeys injured or killed in thoroughbred horse racing conducted in flat racing. Peta comes from a horse racing family and started riding at age 12.©2010 Australian Broadcasting Corporation