In this month’s newsletter, we would like to introduce PhD graduate, Rupert Mathwin from the College of Science and Engineering.
Rupert’s recently submitted thesis, “Modelling a threatened species (Litoria raniformis) to guide conservation” received outstanding results from the examiners.
We asked Rupert to share what led his to a PhD and why it is important, the most enjoyable and hardest parts of a PhD journey and what the future holds.
What was your research about?
I create computer simulations of the South Australian River Murray and use them to identify the best conservation strategies to save southern bell frogs.
What was the topic of your PhD and why was it important to you?
Amphibians are the world’s most endangered animals. Currently two in every five amphibian species are threatened with extinction and these numbers keep getting worse. I produce scientifically defensible management advice to support amphibian recovery in South Australia.
Tell us about yourself
I have three daughters, two dogs, a rainbow lorikeet and far too many frogs.
What led you to undertake a PhD? What inspired or motivated you?
I was working my dream job as a freshwater ecologist, but I felt ineffective. My main goal entering the PhD program was to develop the skills needed to publish in scientific journals.
What was been one of the most enjoyable parts of the journey?
I carefully planned my PhD to be a mixture of field work, animal care and lab work. During my second PhD year, family health issues and the global pandemic forced me to completely rethink my perfect plan, and I reluctantly started an office-based population modelling chapter. Much to my surprise, I absolutely loved modelling, and it’s all I’ve done since.
What was been one of the hardest parts of the journey?
PhDs take years to complete, and life happens regardless. My biggest PhD challenges came when personal issues forced me to question the true cost of my ongoing enrolment. I made it to completion, but I have complete empathy with anyone who makes a different choice.
What was highlight of your student life at Flinders?
If I was stuck on a problem I would walk a lap around the lake at Bedford Park. I’ve taken that walk hundreds of times now, it was such a useful tool to reframe my thinking.
How did your supervisors support you during your candidature?
I was incredibly lucky with my supervisory team. Professor Corey Bradshaw was a mentor and a role model. He gave me the freedom to seek my own solutions but was immediately available whenever I needed help. He and Professor Skye Wassens (Charles Sturt University) strongly encouraged publication which they role modelled by consistently publishing impactful research. All four of my supervisors (including Associate Professor Qifeng Ye – South Australian Research and Development Institute and Dr Jeanne Young) tried to lift my profile at every opportunity.
How did you overcome any challenges of doing a PhD?
There were plenty of challenges and no secret formula, the solution for me was always to find the time and do the work. The work never does itself.
What advice would you give to those who are about to undertake a PhD?
Why are you doing this?
Before you start, find a strong and clear answer to this question and make it your mantra. When things are hard this can be a source of motivation.
How has your PhD influenced your future career? Where do you see your career heading in the future?
I’m not sure what I’ll do when I grow up, but now I can make people call me Dr which seems useful.
How has your PhD helped you in the role you are in now?
Most days I combine and analyse giant datasets. This requires a bizarre combination of statistics, algebra, coding, and applied ecology. I can’t imagine how I would have acquired these skills outside of a PhD program.
What have you been doing since you completed?
I am a Research Associate with the Gulbali Institute (Charles Sturt University) and a freelance consultant on complex ecological analyses and frog ecology.
Have you published anything?
During my PhD I was first author on four Q1 manuscripts, two Government Reports, a recovery plan and a translocation plan.