Alumni Profile: Anthony Boxshall
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Degree: PhD Science (Marine Ecology) 1999 Current Position: Manager of the Marine National Parks Research Program at Parks Victoria . Dr Anthony Boxshall has worked extensively in Australia and the United States researching marine environments and has worked for EPA Victoria as well as lecturing in biology at Deakin University. |
What does your work involve?
As the Manager of Marine National Parks Research for Parks Victoria I basically run a large marine research program. It is like running any other research program, except that this one is targeted at the applied end of research, specifically for management. There are 24 Marine National Parks and Sanctuaries across Victoria, along with many smaller marine and coastal parks and reserves. All have a wide range of research needs.
What does a standard day at the office entail for you?
Being a trained marine ecologist means that most people think my office is the ocean and my tools are scuba gear, boats and quadrats… well unfortunately that is not the case. I do get in the water occasionally these days, but most of my days are spent in the office developing research projects, interpreting results, implementing actions, project managing and working with researchers all over Victoria.
What’s the most difficult decision you have had to make in your career?
Choosing to move to the USA for career reasons. Moving back to Australia was easier.
What is the most enjoyable aspect of your job?
Seeing it make a difference. If one ranger, or one member of the public changes one action due to evidence and new information from a research project, that is a good thing … and thankfully it does happen.
What inspires you about your job and life in general?
Creative people. The more of them the better. No specific experience required – just creativity.
What is the most stressful or difficult aspect of your job?
Fitting it into the rest of life. Balance is extremely important to me. I think I get it right, but it is not without difficulties at times.
What led you to study at the University of Melbourne?
I could answer this with hindsight and discuss the great facilities or the sports association or marine science or so many things… but I actually think it was luck and reputation. I was lucky I did ok at school and could go there and the reputation speaks for itself.
What are your strongest memories of life in Melbourne while you were studying at University of Melbourne?
Bands, the Sports Union, scuba diving, Murray Littlejohn’s 3rd year Evolution lectures, being inspired, annoyed and frustrated all at once by some lecturers, Naughtons, the fleapit, sandstone buildings, Papa Ginos, and great coffee – in no particular order.
What do you like to do in your spare time – hobbies etc?
I have two beautiful boys who run my life. I play with toy trains, read about Lola and Charlie, tap dance and so much more. I love film. I read. I grow vegies. I also co-host a long-running radio show on Sunday mornings on 3RRR-FM. Radio Marinara is an award-winning marine and coastal news and views show. It’s an hour of chatter about all things marine. Aside from my partner, it helps keep me sane.
Do you have any advice about life/career after study to pass on to current students?
Probably 3 things:
- Be creative. However, innovate when you should, not for the sake of
it.
- Read those lecture and tute notes – it will surprise you later
when it will help.
- Do other things than study/work. Get a balance.
