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Scientist in the Spotlight: Sam Taylor |
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| Degree | Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology (Honours), Graduate Certificate in Spanish |
| Current research | PhD in Marine Biology and Algal Phycology. This research centres on the problem of invasive species and the lack of information about how they could impact habitats in the future when the climate changes. |
| Favourite Quotes | “Don’t write crap. It can’t be that hard.” – The Hon Julia Gillard PM, National Press Club 18/7/2011, on the role of the Media in reporting policy matters. |
Sam Taylor snorkelling at Heron island
Sam Taylor wants to see changes. And he is working to make the happen. As a marine biologist, he understands the impacts our activities are having on the planet. And his volunteer work in policy development for conservation organisations and universities has helped him discover the path he wants to take to contribute to changing those impacts. Sam wants to be the valuable link between scientists and politicians, to have a global impact in how the environment is treated. He has fascinating views on the place for science and science communicators in our society.
He says:
When I think of science, I think of the environment. Science is fundamentally about trying to understand natural processes, and our place in the grand scheme of things. We also use science and engineering to copy nature, and it informs most of our economic activities. However, many people take science for granted, or do not understand its full significance in society.
So I see an important opportunity to help others realise the importance of science and to take it more seriously.
While a PhD usually leads into postdoctoral research and a research-based or academic career, I see it now for me as being an avenue of credibility, that is to say, a key in the door to being a link between scientists who value what the PhD means, and the public and governments who don’t.
He is a fabulous example of how many different strengths and passions can be combined. And the impact can be greater than the sum of the parts. Sam’s dreams are big, and so is his desire to follow them. When we worked together to run biology tutorials at University, Sam was already passionate about conservation. But like many people he didn’t have a set path of what he wanted to do. It was by making that effort to be involved, by using his imagination and by keeping a broad view that he’s created an awesome vision for his future. It was certainly very interesting hearing his views and ideas when I interviewed him recently…
thelaboflife 