Profile: Rachel Miller

Rachel Miller always knew that she wanted to be involved in the field of environmental conservation and protection. When she found out about the Graduate Diploma in Environmental Science offered at The University of Sydney, she saw it as the perfect way to convert her general science degree into something more applied, and in the specific area that she was interested in.

"The research project was a really beneficial part of the course," says Rachel, "The topics chosen for the research projects were totally up to the individual students, and they ranged from Chemistry or Biology to Geology or management strategies, and each of the coursework subjects we did could be applied to our projects somehow."

As a result of Rachel's research the Long-nosed Bandicoot population at North Head was the first to be listed as endangered under new legislation, and measures were taken to preserve it.

Rachel's work landed her a job with the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service's Threatened Species Unit, monitoring the same bandicoot population for the recovery plan that is to be implemented.

Now, Rachel works as a Ranger for the National Parks and Wildlife Service, as well as continuing her research on the bandicoots. "I think through the Grad Dip I gained skills that have been of great value in the workforce," she says, "Not just the field research, but report writing, management, and computing skills which have added immense value to my career opportunities".