Student Highlights
Out in the field

Growing up homeschooled, and not completing the HSC, James Taylor decided to complete the NewStep enabling program in 2019.

Living locally and already having a connection to the university, it was a natural choice for James to continue studying at the University of Newcastle.

“I was always interested in nature and ecology and I love spending my time outside in the bush.

“I thought that the Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management would be a great way to follow my passions,” he said.

Knowing that his degree program could lead to a lot of possible career options, James wanted to learn about as many different areas of science as possible, finding what he liked most.

“I knew that any career which was based outside and involved work with fauna and flora would be a dream job for me," he said.

Sadly, James spent most of his studies at home and online due to Covid. Although he is positive about the skills he developed as a result.

“Having to adjust my study technique, it helped me become a more flexible student and adjust to new circumstances. This is now a major part of my job,” he said.

James was still able to interact with a number of University of Newcastle services through his studies.

“Having access to libraries and VR was probably one of the standout services which I was provided with by the university.

“I also had the opportunity to participate in research with the ecology department, looking at bellfrogs on Kooragang Island. It was an incredible experience,” he said.

James had the opportunity to undertake several fieldwork and work-integrated-learning opportunities while studying.

“Before I studied NewStep, and during the entirety of my degree, I was a casual at blackbutt reserve and was able to work alongside koalas, birds and amazing team in one of the best jobs in Newcastle.

“I was also fortunate enough to be involved in a project with The University of Newcastle, Anditi (a spatial analytics company), and Lake Macquarie Council.

“This project was looking at measuring the carbon sequestration levels in different vegetation types by measuring tree DBH (diameter at breast height) and ground truthing with a GPS, to then calculate the amount of carbon available,” he said.

Initially starting in the Ecosystems and Biodiversity major, James began selecting more Earth Sciences courses by his third year.

James completed his Bachelor program in late 2022 and currently works with RPS, an international company who have an ecology team in Newcastle.

“I’m employed as a graduate field ecologist. My weeks can look very different, from office work and data analysis to report writing and field work,” he said.

Reflecting on gaining employment, James is grateful for the extra opportunities provided by the university to help showcase the skills learnt to potential employers.

Making connections was also a key part of the puzzle for James.

“I made connections through different ecology groups and the Hunter Environment Institute.

“They held frequent career nights where students could meet and interact with industry,” James said.

James also appreciated the smaller skills developed while studying.

“The skills which didn’t seem that important at the time are what are really beneficial in industry.

"For example, using Word and Excel efficiently, personal communication, and the ability to see problems from multiple viewpoints significantly help me in my current job,” he said.

Concurrent to his employment, James is completing his Honours year, researching coastal dynamics and how they impact bellfrog populations.

“The breakdown of this work is mapping salinity and the opening and closing points in lakes and lagoons.

“I’ll be looking into how they impact the bellfrogs who survive in saline water,” he said.

For those considering studying at the University, James believes that it provides a lot of opportunities for those wanting to get into industry or continue with further research and study.

“It’s a great place to learn, have a flexible lifestyle, and enjoy whatever you love,” he said.

James Taylor

Completing NewStep in 2019 and his Bachelors program in 2022, James is now a Field Ecologist at RPS.