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How impressive is the structural complexity of this reef in the background. It is suggested that the structural complexity is an extremely integral aspect of a coral reef health. Studies have shown that structural complexity is positively linked to biodiversity and carrying capacity of reef ecosystems.
Nikon Coolpix W300 - October, 2019.
©PaigeStrudwick
Let us just backtrack for a second. It seems I had not updated this photo journal for so long that I had forgotten where I left you. Let me explain where I was at when we parted ways, where I am now and what happened along the way.
I left you guys almost a year ago in August 2018, when I had been granted a bridging visa and was allowed to start working. A lot has happened since then. Mostly I was searching for funding, I had been given an offer to complete my Masters at UTS around about that time, yet I was still considered an international student and I couldn’t afford those fees.
I had been working at a rock climbing gym full time, which I absolutely love doing. To be able to share your passion with so many people is a privilege. Yes, rock climbing is a passion of mine I haven’t shared on here yet.
In August 2019 I was granted permanent residency. This changed the game for me, as it meant I am now considered a domestic student. This also lead to me being awarded a Research Training Programme Government funded fee offset, meaning I didn’t have to pay for fees. Hence, in late August I enrolled at UTS to begin my Masters of Science by research doing my dream project in coral microbiology in relation to current restoration techniques.
That brings me to where I am now. I currently do not have a living stipend, so I still work at the rock climbing gym to support myself (pay rent and buy food, you know those important things) whilst I am conducting my research and studying. I am so grateful that I have this opportunity and I have the capacity to be able to work on the side. My supervisors are extremely supportive and there are so many inspiring people in the office and lab group that I feel like I’ve struck gold. I still get overwhelmed with imposter syndrome every now and then. Such as, when I was given my desk I was sure someone would come along and say I was in their seat or when we were out on the reef setting up my nursery frames that I would just wake up from the dream.
I’m so proud of myself for persisting, not giving up on my dreams and believing I was capable of doing this. If I’ve learnt one thing so far, it is that if theres something you’ve found that ignites a spark, or a fire inside of you, you have to keep at it, don’t waste it and more importantly never give up on what sets your soul alight.
Nikon Coolpix W300 - October, 2019.
©PaigeStrudwick
This was a monumental day for me. T=0 for my Masters project. I will be looking at whether the microbiome certain Acropora and Pocillopora species changes throughout the process of restoration via coral gardening.
I had to pinch myself the entire time, that after all the hard work writing research proposals and tears wondering whether I’d ever be able to start my project it was actually happening.
I’ll try to keep track of my progress on here. I hope a few people can follow along, lets get some reef science happening. Time to start processing my samples in the lab.
GBR, Australia
Nikon Coolpix W300 - October, 2019.
©PaigeStrudwick
