JESSICA STRICKLAND
REFEREES
Dr. Caryl BosmanCurrent Supervisor, PAB Member, Academic Advisor
School of Environment, Griffith University, Gold Coast P: (+617) 5552 7721 E: [email protected] |
Mr. JOHN & Mrs. Jenny EDMONDSONMarine Biologists, Owners, Former Employers
Wavelength Reef Cruises, Port Douglas P: (07) 4099 5031 M: (+61) 417 208 864 E: [email protected] |
Dr. Tim StevensMentor, Lecturer
School of Environment, Griffith University, Gold Coast P: (+617) 5552 8492 E: [email protected] |
Mrs.Merrill BowersChair of Urban Management and Planning
School of Environment, Griffith University, Gold Coast P: (+617) 5552 7722 E: [email protected] |
Dr. Jason ByrneHead Lecturer, PAB Member
School of Environment, Griffith University, Gold Coast P: (+617) 5552 7723 E: [email protected] |
Mr. Kevin TraversTown Planner, Supervisor
Development Assessment, Gold Coast City Council, Gold Coast P: (+617) 5582 8919 E: [email protected] |
Mr. Yuvens Nampung
Dive Instructor
Komodo Dive Center,
Komodo National Park,
Indonesia
P: (+62) 8214 5437 391
E: [email protected]
Komodo Dive Center,
Komodo National Park,
Indonesia
P: (+62) 8214 5437 391
E: [email protected]
"Let me say at the outset that Jess is one of the most outstanding students I have taught, in over a decade as a teacher and academic in higher education. Her excellent academic record (including the Applied Science Medal for the highest achieving graduate in the Bachelor of Science) speaks for itself, but it does not tell the whole story. It’s a big claim to label her as the most passionate student of Marine Biology I have taught, but she is that, and more. True passion goes beyond enthusiasm; it translates into action, both within and outside the sphere of her studies. Jess’ years of study, both in the Marine Science and Planning disciplines (simultaneously!) have (literally) immersed her in the complex world of the science/policy interface. This is the “so what?” end of science – not just performing good quantitative research, but translating that into tangible changes to the way that we interact with our environment, and each other.
The tool that Jess uses so well is her skill as a communicator. For a 2nd year course, she scripted, directed, filmed and edited the short documentary Galaeophobia, which explored and challenged human attitudes and responses to sharks. Outside her studies, the University commissioned her to write, film and edit a 3-minute “student’s view” of one of our 3rd year field courses, which is now one of our major promotional pieces. Jess is an accomplished, animated and articulate public speaker. Her written work is exemplary, showing both maturity and perspective, without dimming that characteristic fire.
Beyond that Jess displays leadership skills, in many contexts, whether it be in a group- work setting, as a mentor for other students, or as a teacher in the planning discipline. And here I mean real leadership – which demands sensitivity, tact and subtle communication. She instinctively knows how to lead by example, but to do so in a collaborative way. She is able to encourage and work with her peers so they produce, to very high standard, a product that is more than the sum of its parts. In working independently she displays great initiative and problem solving skills, only coming to me for advice when she has researched and formulated a set of options to resolve a particular issue.
At the technical level, Jess ticks all the boxes. She is highly competent in a wide range of field and analytical techniques, statistical tools, and research design. In the field, she is a highly competent and experienced diver and snorkeler, and is at home in boats – no doubt as a consequence of her upbringing in PNG.
If that wasn’t enough, she’s great company – just what you need stuck in the field for an extended time! "
- Dr. Tim Stevens, 2016
Senior Lecturer and Academic at Griffith University
"Jessica is one of those rare students who has the ability and capacity to succeed in whatever she puts her heart and mind to. She excels in both the environmental sciences as well as the social sciences and she has a remarkable talent and skill in creative problem solving and design work. Jessica's creative flair is evidenced in her graphic skills as well as her thinking skills. She also has a natural talent/ability to present material to her peers and staff, in the form of both formal and informal presentations. In group work exercises Jessica has always taken the lead and comments from her team members demonstrate their appreciation of her skills and they have acknowledge the benefits of her input to their learning processes. I have been watching Jessica carefully for the last 3 months as she has been both tutor for me as well as student. During this time she has showed a remarkable ability to balance a very full (50CP) study load with 2 jobs (tutoring and Librarian on the GU GC campus) and her social life. Whenever I come across Jessica in the corridor she is smiling, enthusiastic and full of energy. As a tutor Jessica has shown that she is conscientious and patient and her first year students have expressed their gratitude for her guidance and support in their learning. In short I cannot recommend Jessica highly enough. She is a model student and she is already demonstrating her commitment to the university as an ambassador, though her involvement with open day and as a first year mentor. Jessica will go far and as a graduate she will certainly be a leader in her field."
- Dr. Caryl Bosman, 2012
Head of the Planning Discipline at Griffith University