Kye Chamberlain

"I get to provide new records for threatened species and help contribute to improving our knowledge of their distributions and ecology."

How did your UQ degree get you where you are today?

I chose to study at UQ because of the university’s renowned reputation in the field of Zoology and its specialty research areas that align with my interests. Studying at UQ has empowered me with important identification skills and the theoretical knowledge to understand nature’s complex patterns and intricate ecosystems to identify and target species under protection.

Through my degree, I have gained an in-depth understanding on how to approach and conduct research to seek specific information and identify gaps within current knowledge as well as the ability to create informative and insightful reports that clearly articulate the findings of research and survey efforts. 

What was the best part of your time at UQ? 

Some of my most memorable experiences at UQ were spending time studying and connecting with people with shared interests – leaving me with a couple of friends for life. These people were there to celebrate (and commiserate) all the final exams with me, and now we get together to share stories of our similar, yet unique life journeys post-University.

It was also an amazing feeling when I received the UQ medal at the end of my degree (2022) as recognition for my knowledge, academic contributions, and hard work I put during my studies.

What kind of work do you do as part of your job?

Primarily, my role as ecologist involves conducting surveys for flora and fauna for potential development sites across Queensland. I deliver insights and recommendations to advise clients on ecological constraints to a project in line with government legislation via written reports that articulate the findings of survey efforts and other research conducted prior to fieldwork.

I’m fortunate that my first role after graduating is varied and involves various other pieces of work such as protected plant translocations, habitat assessments, vegetation mapping and more.

I am curious to potentially undertake a PhD sometime in the future to open more focused opportunities for research and conservation work on the species I care about most.

What is the best part of your job?

I most enjoy being provided the opportunity to travel across Queensland to conduct fieldwork and search for species that are new to me. I get to provide new records for threatened species and help contribute to improving our knowledge of their distributions and ecology.

What advice would you give to anyone thinking about studying at UQ?

If you struggle to study at home or need access to resources you can’t otherwise find, there are so many different places around the campuses for you to find help and the best study environment for you. There are libraries all over campus, each with their own unique vibe and helpful staff.

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