Student profiles

Bronwyn Isaac
Bachelor of Environmental Science (Conservation Ecology)

A NINE-to-five workday is a foreign concept to Deakin University graduate Bronwyn Isaac.  Rather than normal business hours, Bronwyn arranges her days, and more often her nights, around the nocturnal timetable of the powerful owl.

Bronwyn graduated from the course now named Environmental Science (Wildlife and Conservation Biology) in 2005.  She is now undertaking PhD studies involving the spatial ecology of powerful owls across Greater Melbourne using Geographic Positioning System (GPS) transmitters.  It is the first study of its kind in Australia using the technology.

Bronwyn was first attracted to Deakin University’s environmental science courses by her love of the natural world.

``I have always loved animals and been fascinated by the environment, and that is what led me to courses in Environmental Science,’’ she said.

``I really liked the hands-on experience at Deakin.  When I first started, I couldn’t believe the number of wildlife species living in close proximity to the Burwood Campus.’’

One of the biggest benefits of the course for Bronwyn was the accessibility of the teaching staff.  “The lecturers were always really helpful and communicated as easily with students as they did with fellow colleagues.  They’re all passionate about what they do, which is revealed by the high quality of their lectures.  Their passion for conservation drives you and makes you want to work harder.’’

Bronwyn completed her Honours thesis on “Predictive Mapping of Powerful Owl Habitat” and her interest in the species has continued with her PhD.  The powerful owl is considered threatened in Melbourne and her recent studies on this species will provide new information on the habitats that are important for the owls’ survival.  Bronwyn said she hoped her work would help in the conservation of the largest member of the owl family in Australia.

As a result of her passion for animals and nature, she said that she did not mind her unusual working hours, instead enjoying the opportunity to work outdoors and keeping nature’s hours, rather than business hours. 

“I would recommend an Environmental Science course to anyone,’’ she said.  “It’s hard work, but it’s definitely worth it for anybody who loves animals and the environment.’’

In the future, she would like to continue to work in research, although after teaching first year students during her research, she is also considering a role in education.