Ken Wasmund
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) student
Ken Wasmund's research led to an experience he will never forget - a three-week sampling cruise aboard the National Marine Research vessel the RV Southern Surveyor.
Forming part of his PhD research into microbial diversity associated with hydrocarbon seeps in the Timor Sea, the surveying and sampling of gas seeps and reef systems on the cruise indulged Ken's love of in-depth research and the thrill of scientific discovery.
"It was great working in the field with experienced marine scientists from the Australian Institute of Marine Science and CSIRO," Ken says.
"It was an experience I will definitely never forget."
Ken, who will be working from both the University, with supervisor Dr Ipek Kurtboke, and the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) in Townsville during his PhD, first came to USC as an undergraduate student.
After graduating from a Bachelor of Science (Microbial Ecology) degree in 2003, he went on to complete an Honours degree specialising in microbiology. He began his PhD in 2005.
"I was attracted to this particular (PhD) project because I believed it would sustain interest throughout the three-year project," he says.
"It offers opportunities to gain knowledge of multiple subject areas such as geology, geochemistry, and biology."
Ken said he was looking forward to a research-based career path.
"I was attracted to a PhD degree simply because it is a great opportunity to launch a career as a research scientist," Ken says.
"I believe scientific research can potentially offer an extremely rewarding career, with an opportunity for life-long learning and development."
Ken said his advice for others considering a postgraduate degree was to "find a project that is interesting to you."
"The motivation and results will follow," he says.