Pandemic Doesn’t Put a Pause on PhD Internship
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PANDEMIC DOESN’T PUT A PAUSE ON PhD INTERNSHIP
A global pandemic – and the swift move to remote arrangements – didn’t slow down a PhD internship the Australian Academy of Science had underway with the University of Technology Sydney (UTS).
Looking to fast-track a new project, the Academy engaged APR.Intern to facilitate a short-term university research collaboration and was matched with UTS PhD student Daniel Bouzo. Daniels’ expertise in data analytics made him the ideal candidate to accelerate research on Australia’s big data capability.
When COVID-19 hit local shores just a month into the 3-month project, organisations nationally were forced to re-think their operations and Daniel witnessed the Academy’s agility first-hand.
“The team was quick to support remote arrangements and encouraged me to continue my research off-site. They provided all the necessary equipment and put new processes into place immediately,”
Daniel Bouzo, former PhD Intern at The Australian Academy of Science
“The transition actually helped me improve my written communication and time management skills. In-person interactions were invaluable, however, digital liaison meant increased email exchanges and added platforms to learn from. I’m grateful for the opportunity to have experienced both types of teamwork,” Daniel added.
Daniel’s supervisor at the Academy, Dr Jana Phan, explained the importance of big data studies.
“Big data is when large quantities of data are analysed for patterns – it is the future of research, and critical to optimise Australia’s data science capability. Daniel’s project results will be integrated into our report on big data, that aims to drive policy change in favour of scientific research,”
Dr Jana Phan, The Australian Academy of Science Policy Analyst
Throughout the internship, Daniel was also supported by his Academic Mentor, UTS’ Dr Nural Cokcetin, who provided guidance towards the project’s research goals.
With the support of Dr Cokcetin and Dr Phan, Daniel broadened his research experience and forged important industry networks. The valuable lesson in workplace flexibility was an added bonus.
This internship was supported by the Australian Government Department of Education, through the ‘Supporting more women in STEM careers: Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute (AMSI) – National Research Internship Program’.
