Renee Medland

Just as this rock provides the substrate for the growth of bryophytes, my studies and time spent engaging with peers and industry professionals has provided the substrate for my own growth and development.

I actively engage with industry professionals by participating in extra-curricular activities to further develop my professionalism. Activities include the Mentoring and Environment PLUS programs, representing undergraduate students in the Griffith University Council and various committees, and being an active member of Soil Science Australia and the Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand.

Throughout my degree, I have been recognised for my academic excellence, which has allowed me to continue on and commence Honours research. 
I have produced high-quality statistical and scientific reports and collaborated with fellow students on group projects. In addition to the courses taught within the degree, I take it upon myself to further develop my skills and knowledge by engaging with professors and using DataCamp to further my data analysis and statistical modelling skills.

In an effort to better understand soil processes and capabilities, I participated in a Work Integrated Learning Placement with the Australian Rivers Institute. During this placement, I ran carbon incubation experiments containing synthetic zeolites - manufactured by Zeotech Limited. The research undertaken during this placement was part of a two-year partnership program centred on climate change mitigation and nutrient management.

Following on from this, I have just commenced my Honours research, where I am diving deeper into the use of high surface area and chemically-reactive geologic materials to sorb key nutrients from waste streams. This will also include an evaluation of the nutrient availability potential via leaching experiments, scanning electron microscopy and a plant growth trial to determine their effectiveness as slow-release fertiliser delivery systems – stay tuned.