It all starts right here
USC graduate Dan Morgan tells how he started his career in environmental science
Dan Morgan’s career in environmental rehabilitation started at USC with a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science (Environmental Planning).
He is now working for the Southern Regional Water Pipeline Alliance, who are constructing a major part of the state government’s $9billion water grid to drought-proof South East Queensland.
As Environmental Rehabilitation Team Leader for the pipeline, Daniel is part of a $901million infrastructure project.
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Dan says he applies many of the restoration ecology principles and practices he learned at USC to his daily work.
“Reinstating and rehabilitating the natural environment to be as good or better than its pre-construction state is challenging,” says Dan.
“Some of our rehabilitation works actually end up improving the pre-existing natural environment.”
Dan’s love of the natural environment, and experiences as a tour guide in Tropical North Queensland’s Daintree National Park, led him to enrol at university.
“Environmental science was the career path I chose, and USC’s Environmental Science degree had a good blend of natural environment and management,” says Dan.
“By doing a combined degree I was able to include the built environment/town planning aspects and environmental ethics through the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.”
Dan made the most of life at USC.
“Part of my motivation at university was to get as much out of all USC had to offer – not just a formal education,” he says.
“My four-year involvement in the USC Student Guild enabled me to experience many aspects of student life, including the Environmental Collective, sports clubs, the University Games, student nights and O Week festivities.
“I was also given the opportunity to be a Student Mentor and a student representative on University Council, which was a great experience.”
Dan says that starting at USC was a catalyst for both his career and his personal development.
“All aspects of my degree and the other experiences I gained at USC have assisted me in my career.
“When you can walk away at the end of the day or week knowing your work has made a positive benefit to the environment and your company…that is a fulfilling feeling.”
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