A Road Paved with Science

Scientist in the Spotlight: Sam Buckberry
Degree	Bachelor of Science (extended major in Biological Science)
Current Research	Genetics of complicated pregancies
PhD aspirations	Ancient DNA/Medical Research
Favourite Quote	“A man can fall many times in life, but he is never a failure until he refuses to get up” -Robert Craig ‘evil’ Knievel

Sam Buckberry

Do you have a passion you’ve pursued for years? Something you spend a lot of your free time immersed in, so much so that you’ve become a ‘lay expert’? Would you have the courage to quit your job to pursue this passion further- to finally get paid to do something you’d do for free?

This is what Sam did.

From an early age he had an interest in science, but it wasn’t until his mid-twenties that he took this to university and started a journey into the world of genetics. It was when we were both facilitating study sessions for first year Biology students that I met Sam. I was struck by his passion and the wealth of knowledge and insights he’d already gained through his voracious appetite for reading and life experience. It was inspiring. Read his story and I’m sure you’ll be inspired too.

I’ve had an interest in science since I was really young, probably 9 years old. I had chemistry sets, microscopes, bug catchers, and books about dinosaurs – I loved it all.  Since then I have always been reading books and watching shows about science and nature. I became this sort of amateur citizen scientist. So I got to a point in my life where I felt I just had to do science. I gave up a fairly well paying job to start an undergraduate degree when I was 26, which was pretty hard financially but it just felt like the right thing to do. It was actually quite liberating being totally honest with myself about what I wanted and doing it.

I left school before I finished year 12, so first started with a Foundation Studies course in applied science and engineering. After the first 6 months I thought I’d have a go at the STAT test (mature age entry exam) and successfully got my first preference – Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science. After my first year of the Environmental Science program I found my interests were centred around biology, so I discussed this with the biology co-ordinator, which led me to changing my degree program to a Bachelor of Science with extended major in biological sciences. This basically meant that I could choose whatever biology topics took my interest. I chose all the topics related to genetics & evolution and even managed to do a philosophy of science topic in the school of humanities. In my final year I did a topic ‘Human Molecular Genetics’ which was one of the best undergraduate topics I took. This led me to apply for honours at the University of Adelaide in the Medical School, which is where I am now.

 

I’m working in the department of Paediatrics and Reproductive health at the University of Adelaide and the Robinson Institute on the underlying genetics of complicated pregnancies. I hope to provide insight on the origins of pregnancy complications that often do not feature symptoms until much later in pregnancy, which can be fatal for a mother and baby. I’m interested in how genomes are structured, how they have evolved and how they will continue to change. I think we are only just beginning to understand the genetic structure of life and how genomes interact.

 

I’m gong to start a PhD next year for sure, but I’m yet to finalise what I’ll be doing. Maybe something in ancient DNA and/or medical research…

He found studying science provided him with many invaluable opportunities:

I was lucky enough to start mentoring, working and teaching at university after I had only been there for a year when one of my favourite lecturers employed me (he asked lots of good questions: talk to your lecturers, it gets you places). The opportunity to teach was one I am incredibility grateful for. I found mentoring and teaching biology tutorials challenging yet always enjoyable – they paid me but I would have done it for free. It made me realise that teaching biology is something I want to do in the future.

 

I been on some great field trips, One of the best was spending two weeks in Naracoorte studying vertebrate palaeontology. Some of the theory was pretty dry, but all the caving and hands on stuff was awesome. It gave me a real appreciation of science in the field, something that is hard to get a taste of while being on campus most of the time. 

Sam on a field trip

 

I’ve self-funded trips to several conferences just for interests sake, and ended up in Darwin for the Charles Darwin Centenary celebrations. That week I heard the most amazing people speak at a few different conferences and even got to have a chat with Nobel Laureate Peter Doherty over lunch- really amazing guy. I think that was one of the first times I noticed how truly intelligent people can stump you with such simple questions.

 

But the most valuable opportunities science has provided me with are the every day one’s that often go unnoticed. The opportunities in having meaningful, intelligent and challenging conversations with someone have continually increased since I began pursuing science seriously, and that is something I really value. I have met some fantastic people.

So what advice would he give to other young people trying to find a direction?

Try a lot of stuff in general. I mean try lots of sports, social groups and organisations. Do different topics at school and don’t be afraid to try anything new. Read widely, ask questions and talk to people about your interests. Don’t just follow your dreams, do what it takes to earn it and make sure you enjoy it. If you spend you time doing what you enjoy, what you are truly interested in, you wont go too far wrong.

 

 I like to read good books and I read a lot. I make time just about everyday to read. I think reading widely helps to see things from a different perspective. I’m passionate about seeing things clearly, for what they really are. Being a broad reader has helped me immensely in science; I think it allows me to bring a unique perspective and new insights to whatever I am doing. And having such a thirst for knowledge has led me to be interested in education, which I feel quite passionate about. I believe an education is the most powerful thing you can give someone. The more people that can think critically and independently, the harder it will be for the wool to be pulled over our eyes.

 

I completely agree. Explore, discover, ask questions, find out what turns you on. Find and follow your passions- even if it involves climbing a few mountains, fjording a few streams or following a few rainbows. I think one of the best things about science is the encouragement to stay open-minded, to think critically, to continually learn.

And don’t let anyone box you in. You can have and follow multiple interests and talents.

As Sam says:

I’m personally interested in evolutionary biology, neurology, psychology and moral philosophy. And I also like to write. Outside my science life I go rock-climbing, skateboarding and mountain-biking as much as I can. I love to travel, and have travelled widely in Southeast Asia and lived in a remote island in the Philippines for a short while in a very poor community. I also love eating good food and drinking good wine and its all the better if I can enjoy it with my wife and good friends.

 

What a great life Sam has created for himself. I hope this inspires you to get out there and give things a go.

And if it inspires you to pick up a book and gain some new knowledge and insights, check out http://www.betterworldbooks.com. This profits from all books sold by this group go to fund literacy programs and public libraries in underprivileged areas worldwide.  So you’re not only advancing your education but that of people all over the world.

Stay tuned for my next post about Sam’s views on science and morality.