Combining work with PhD studies

Originally from France, Emilie Gauthier came to Australia in 2006 to undertake an internship as part of her Masters degree. She commenced working as a Research Assistant at the University of Queensland (UQ) with Professor Pete Halley. With a background in materials science engineering, Emilie joined a CRC-P project team in 2007 and since then has been working on the characterisation and processing of novel polyolefin materials.

In order to further pursue her career goals, Emilie realised that a PhD degree would be the key to opening up broader research opportunities. Now an Australian citizen and with the support of both her workplace and family, she embarked in 2013 on a part-time PhD in addition to full-time employment. For her PhD thesis, Emilie is investigating the effect of different environmental conditions and microorganisms on the degradation rate of agricultural polyethylene films.

Whilst most PhD students have projects which are confined to their home university, PhD students associated with a CRC have access to the large network of industry, academic and government research laboratories who participate in the cooperative research program.

When speaking of the advantages of undertaking a PhD with the CRC-P, Emilie explains “The diversity of polymer experts from across Australia allows the student to be well guided; and with access to the best advice and equipment – this helps to complete a PhD smoothly.” Further to the scientific merits, the extracurricular activities have been of real value. “On top of this, the CRC-P provides a range of training for its students such as media skills, research paper writing, R&D leadership and the Polymer Summer School – all which are extremely useful to build up your skills and scientific network.”

Working and studying in a large and complex research consortium such as the CRC-P, Emilie comments “By meeting with researchers from other projects and institutions in the CRC-P, as well as the industry partners, they all look at your project with fresh eyes and also from a different angle. This is particularly helpful in order to solve unanswered questions. The industrial links of the CRC-P have allowed me to become familiar with the commercial context and have given me the opportunity to consider not only a career in academia but also in industry.”

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