Can you tell us a little more about your studies/research?
My research is looking at the different narratives and constructions of climate change that people have and articulate, and how those different narratives interact and influence the way we think about and potentially respond to this massive issue.
What has been one of your most memorable experiences at UC?
Doing my Honours during Covid-19 lockdown was memorable for a whole lot of reasons, the sudden switch to online learning, and the slightly surreal feeling of going back to campus in the second semester made the whole year quite a memorable time.
What is one achievement that makes you proud?
Graduating together with my friends was a great feeling, and hopefully when I graduate with my PhD it will also be something to look back on with some pride.
What’s been your biggest challenge/learning experience?
Time management with the thesis has definitely been a big learning experience. Figuring out how to get in a productive space, knowing when you’re approaching burnout and need a break, and balancing commitments outside of university is all part of the process and takes a bit to work out.
What’s some advice you’d give to someone considering diving into PG studies/research?
Make sure your topic is something that you’re passionate about but also don’t hold onto it too tightly. It’s almost inevitable that the thesis you hand it will be quite different to the thesis you might have originally envisioned, and being ok with that is really important.
Did you take part in any internships, exchanges, field trips? Did these help you with getting into your career? What did they teach you?
I took part in a few field trips and research projects during both undergraduate and graduate studies. I also had to travel around a bit during my thesis research. I think these were valuable experiences, in my view research should involve more than just being in-front of a computer or at a library, especially if you are hoping to transition into a career outside of university.
Do you have any future goals?
I would ultimately like to be working in a space related to my research, climate change is an issue that is only becoming more urgent with every passing year and I think there is a need to try different ways of thinking and talking about this problem, because many of the current approaches do not seem to be very effective!
