University of Western Australia
I have loved the ocean since I was young, and first became involved in marine science when I chose a PEAC (Primary Extension and Challenge) course at the Aquarium of Western Australia. My passion continued through my high school years, and I completed numerous hours of volunteer work, later becoming a Swan Alcoa Landcare Award finalist.
“The course allowed me to follow my biological interests and had numerous projects involving fieldwork, including two trips to Albany – one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots.”
Nicola Paige Thomas
I went on to study a double degree in Marine Science and Conservation Biology at UWA, graduating in December 2019. The course allowed me to follow my biological interests and had numerous projects involving fieldwork, including two trips to Albany – one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots. I studied marine and terrestrial environments unique to the South West of WA.
I then moved to the Albany Campus, where I finished the final semester of my degree. This gave me many opportunities to do work experience and to volunteer with the University, master's students from the UK, The Nature Conservancy Australia and the Albany Shellfish Hatchery. Having now graduated, I am working full time as a hatchery technician, while studying part time for my master's degree in biosecurity.
Nicola Paige Thomas
Bachelor of Science (Marine Science, Conservation Biology) 2019