I was happy to gain education on new topics and a broader perspective. Thinking about humans intertwined with natural ecosystems is essential when thinking about management and climate change.

From my perspective as a water quality scientist, studying coral reefs was another world. I know the Caribbean corals and that Australia has more species, but I never realized there were over 410 species in the Pacific. I have never seen so many corals in one place.

One major benefit to having guest lecturers at the field station with us was the ability to create personal and professional connections. One night, around a heated game of spoons, I sat with Michele and was able to pick her brain about career options post-graduation. She provided invaluable advice and offered herself as a resource in the future.

I gained tangible skills this week through lectures, field-based tutorials, and my independent project, however, I also gained a lot from unscheduled time. I tend to be more shy in large groups – especially when everyone on the island is an expert in something. But through Saturday barbeque and nightly sunset chats I expanded my network, and even practiced my elevator pitch outside of the classroom!

Being able to visualize the physical barriers between the rainforest and coral reefs of Northern Queensland made it clear that these two habitats influenced each other whether it be from nutrient transportation from the coast or protection from wave action and coastal erosion.