EMCR Forum interview with Dr Kaya Klop-Toker
I’m a postdoctoral researcher in the University of Newcastle’s Conservation Science Research Group. I specialise in amphibian conservation and currently manage a project employing on-ground conservation actions for several threatened frogs in NSW.
I have been in my current role for six months, but have been a postdoc in this lab for 3.5 years. I completed my PhD in this lab, and since then I have been fortunate enough to secure two externally funded positions to manage research projects on endangered frog conservation.
I’ve been stung by at least seven different species of wasp. Through these experiences, I’ve learnt that wasps can be very territorial, and small species can pack just as much of a punch as the big species!
A typical day as a conservation biologist can vary considerably and range between being in the field, in the lab, or at the computer. A day in the field can start at any time, but often lasts until well after dark as that is the best time to find frogs. Depending on the field site, we may have to hike up to an hour to reach a stream transect. Other sites we can drive to, hop straight into waders, then spend a lot of time up to our bellies in pond water trying to catch and count frogs. Once we have a frog in hand, we will weigh and measure them, swab them for disease testing, and often times microchip them so we will know if we catch that individual again in the future. On other days I spend hours in the lab running qPCR tests to identify disease loads in captured frogs, preparing water samples for mass-spec analysis, or running controlled behavioural experiments. But most days are actually spent behind the computer, where I prepare applications to get work approvals, write up reports for industry, compile conservation advice for threatened species management, work with postgraduate students, and try to find time to publish.
Bureaucracy and red tape. I know these are challenges for any academic, but when you work in the field with animals and multiple industry and government partners, there can be a lot of additional tape. This can be a challenge when negotiating multiple approval platforms becomes the biggest use of your time. This aspect of the job is worth it when you can see benefits for personal safety and animal welfare, but other times certain hurdles can be as painful as wasp stings – another challenge of the job!
The best part of my job is getting to work hands on with animals that I love, and getting to travel to amazing and beautiful sites to do this work. I’ve been privileged to travel to some of the world’s top biodiversity hotspots, and encounter animals very rarely seen by most people. For a nature lover, these experiences can’t be topped. I also receive immense joy and pride when I see how our work has made a difference to the long-term survival of some of our country’s most vulnerable species. These outcomes don’t happen every day but being able to make a tangible change to a species’ survival is what keeps me motivated.
I regularly use skills developed during my PhD, particularly for statistical analysis, writing, experimental design, and project management. I’ve definitely expanded on these skills and enjoy seeing how far I’ve come from my PhD days, however my PhD really set me up for the style of research I currently do.
If you are passionate about conservation and making a positive impact for threatened species, research can be a successful pathway. It can be challenging to break into a role that allows you to pursue your passions, but there are often more opportunities available than can first appear. So, don’t give up, seek out good mentors who can help you find career opportunities, and try to network as much as possible – don’t be afraid to make contact with academics you’d like to work with. If they care about threatened species, then chances are they are a really great, supportive person who would be just as excited as you to work with another passionate researcher.
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