Networking with classmates and acquiring highly desired skills through The University of Queensland’s Master of Conservation Biology program helped Morgan Rubanow land her perfect job.
Originally from New York, Morgan now resides in Colorado and works for the Bureau of Land Management as the Volunteer and Visitor Services Coordinator where she has been able to combine her passion for the environment with her passion for education.
The Bureau of Land Management is a federal government agency with a mission to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of public lands in the United States for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. In the United States, public lands are open to recreational opportunities such as hiking, biking, camping, hunting, and fishing as well as commercial uses.
“I am currently responsible for managing hundreds of volunteers each year who assist our office with a range of activities including trail maintenance, trash removal on public lands, data management, archaeological surveys, and more. I also provide information to the public about wildlife, plants, and recreation opportunities while educating them about ways to protect these areas for other visitors to enjoy,” she says.
“Another part of my job includes assisting with environmental education programs for school-aged children. My science background, including my Masters from UQ, was highly valued by my employer and I have been using my knowledge to encourage future generations to become environmental stewards.”
Morgan says her employer was “very impressed” with the content and fieldwork covered during the UQ Masters program. She said she has the opportunity to go out into the field as part of her job from time to time and valued her time in the field during her Masters.
Prior to working for the Bureau of Land Management, Morgan worked for the U.S. Forest Service and two non-profit environmental organizations called the Western Slope Conservation Center and the Nature Connection.
Morgan said, “Having studied abroad at The University of Queensland during my third year of undergraduate studies, I valued UQ’s highly recognised lecturers as well as the fieldwork provided by various courses. I was hoping to further my education at UQ due to its hands-on learning emphasis in the biology department and was able to do so through this Masters course.”
“I particularly enjoyed the fieldwork component of the Master of Conservation Biology program and the program’s small, yet diverse class size. I valued being taught by some of the top conservationists in the world and gained important insight from their experiences.”
During her UQ studies, Morgan gained numerous awards, including a Dean’s Commendation for Academic Excellence; a Fellowship Funds Inc. one year Fellowship; UQ Science International Scholarship; and a UQ Masters in Conservation Biology Scholarship.
She says the program gave her a comprehensive array of skills and knowledge that could be expanded on during her career. She said, "The program’s ability to include both marine and terrestrial terrains expanded my potential job market. I felt like I had a major advantage being able to apply for either terrestrial or marine-based jobs."
What advice would Morgan give people wishing to study the Master of Conservation Biology at UQ?
“I would say that they shouldn't be afraid to show their passion and to find others who share similar interests. The intensiveness of this course is not for everyone but it is worth it since you will learn from some of the top lecturers at one of the top universities for conservation science in the world.”
