27/10/2026
Maggie Reinke has always loved wildlife and spending time outdoors, so when deciding a career path, she knew studying a Bachelor of Science with Honours at UNE was a chance to build skills while putting her passions into practice.
“I’m very inspired by the natural world, so found myself drawn to the idea of exploring, studying, working with, conserving and managing the biological environment,” says Maggie.
Maggie’s research project focuses on the ecology of the rakali (the Australian water rat) living in the cold-climate country of the Northern Tablelands.
The project is investigating their movement, density and behaviour using camera trapping, cage trapping and glue-on radio tag telemetry (VHF radio tracking).
“I’m currently analysing hundreds of rakali camera trap photos collected over several months to identify individuals, their movement between cameras, activity patterns, attraction to bait, diet and density," she says.
"Along with VHF tracking results, these estimations will be compared to environment variables that can reveal more about the habitat conditions that the species prefers in this unique area."
This practical element of her Honours degree is one of Maggie’s highlights.
“My favourite part of the experience is the opportunity to work with animals,” she says.
“I’ve been supported by supervisors to explore my ideas and work with a range of people to complete practical field work, collect and analyse my own data, research and write it all up. I see it as a chance to test my scientific capabilities.”
As for what’s next, Maggie is keeping her options open.
“Honours has shown me that I can work as an applied environmental scientist and will help me stand out when applying for jobs in the industry," she says.
“I feel the wildlife and natural resource management sector is an extremely important and relevant area in today’s changing anthropogenic world, managing ecological services and working towards curbing climate change.”
Read Maggie's full story via the link in the comments 🔗
