Why I applied
• Relates to degree
• Have done little work experience in undergrad
• Went to AusPlots field day October 2014
About AusPlots & ATN
TERN- Research Infrastructure• AusPlots (Forests and Rangelands)
- Plot Based Monitoring program
- For consistent ecological monitoring
• ATN (Australian Transect Network)
-Patterns and trends along environmental gradients
Field Preparation
• Permission to access land
• Field Equipment, Vehicles and checklists in AusPlotsRangelands Survey protocols Manual
In the Field• 3 plots. Maireana sedifolia, Acacia
papyrocarpa & Casuarina pauper
Tech- setting up plots with DGPS, photopoints, LAI, Basal Wedge
Vegetation- Collection of all present species and point intersect along transects
Soil- collection of soil and metageonomics, assessing colour and texture, calculate EC & pH
Data and Sample Management of Genetics
Tasks
• replacing old silica
• Catalog new barcodes
• Change teabags
Why
• Maintains good samples
• Barcoding quick identifier for research use
Data and Sample Management of Vegetation
Tasks
- Replacing vegetation samples back to site boxes
- Choosing good samples to be sent to Canberra Herbarium
- Database entering
Why
- Data location
Researcher UseTasks
• Herbarium to select vegetation samples
Why
• Readily Available for others
• Win-win- Researcher doesn't need to collect samples and TERN is Acknowledged in a publication
Collaboration- ATN
Tasks
• Prepare maps for ATN brochure
• Proof read and add publications to ‘Summary of Achievements List’
Why
• To be presented
in ATN brochure
Collaboration-NERP
Tasks
• Research government websites
• Fauna Survey Protocols- permits required, methods, hygiene and security, access permission.
Why
• Collated information of each state to put into presentation for NERP AusPlots Fauna Survey Protocols Workshop
• Animal Ethics Sate Summary- general responsibilities, permit costs, penalties
• Mostly standard across the Country
• Differences in pitfalls, bird surveys, active searching and spotlighting and Camera traps
NERP…(cont)
Collaboration- AWNRAlinytjara Wilurara Natural Resources
Tasks
• Create map showing previously established plots
Why
• Ranger Training & how to modify methods
Challenges
• GIS- Definitely out of my comfort zone
• Balancing internship with summer school and project work
Most memorable / Biggest achievements
• Field work
• Producing Final Maps
Skills Acquired
• Teamwork
• Flexibility
• Data and Sample Management
• GIS
• Research Skills
• Interviewing skills
• Understanding of the importance of Collaboration
Future Prospects
• Finish mid year 2015
• Travel & Work/life Experience (combined?)
• Honours- Assessing Ecological change in coffee plantations