Kate Turner

Community-driven sea ice research underpinned Kate’s studies in Physics and continues to influence her work in climate science.

I returned to do Honours in Physics after completing undergraduate studies in Physics, Mathematics, and Philosophy and working for a time in the energy industry as an energy analyst and regulatory advisor. I knew I wanted to apply my scientific mind to something with a real-world application and that had relevance to people and communities.

In my Honours year I focused my research on sea ice, and developed some techniques and methodologies needed for sea ice research. I also chose a special topic in Science Communication to better understand science as a community conversation. After my honours, I went to Alaska on a Fulbright scholarship for graduate studies, working on a project called Ikaaġvik Sikukun: Ice Bridges, which brought together scientists and Indigenous Knowledge Holders to investigate sea ice changes in Kotzebue Sound. We established community sea ice monitoring stations, and spent days with Elders on the ice doing ocean, ice, and snow surveys, and investigating seal lairs. With our tools and techniques, and the Elders’ knowledge of the history and behaviour of the ice and animals, we were able to develop a much richer understanding of what was happening to answer community-driven research questions. This experience showed me how science can be used as a tool to support community aspirations and work alongside those with generations of lived experience, instead of as the extractive process it has been for Indigenous peoples around the world.

I now work for the Deep South Challenge: Changing with our Climate, as a climate change knowledge broker. This role bridges scientists (and climate science) and end users, supporting decision-makers in different parts of our society access and engage with information that will help adaptation to climate change.

Physics is really quite beautiful and I missed the type of thinking it demanded while I was working in industry. Logical, yet creative. It is an incredibly powerful degree to have when you do look for a job and can take you in many different directions. You have strong analytical skills, which can translate to competence in numerical work, policy analysis, and statistics, to name a few. It is one degree with huge value.