LA Trobe University’s only Doctor of Philosophy graduate yesterday had followed her fath- er’s interest in science, that led him to be her lecturer.
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But Stephanie Suter, 28, who received a PhD in environmental management and ecology, admitted she didn’t receive any special treatment in the classroom.
Her father Phil Suter has a PhD in science and is now an associate professor at La Trobe.
“It was a bit embarrassing because every now and then he would use a family anecdote while I was in the room,” she said.
Ms Suter had another hero in documentary legend David Attenborough.
“My interest in the environment really started from when I was a little kid, excited about how this connected,” she said.
It did not take long for the former Catholic College Wodonga student to land a job in her chosen field.
Ms Suter was in the final stages of her PhD when she accepted a job with Corangamite Catchment Management Authority in Geelong.
Her role as a water watch facilitator involves school and community education work.
“It’s about getting community members, volunteers and school students interested in science, especially fresh water science,” Ms Suter said.
“It’s also about getting them to connect with the local waterway, teaching them about issues we currently have and really getting people excited about being outdoors again.”
Ms Suter said in a world where technologies such as electronic toys were taking over, it was refreshing to see children wanting to be outside and engaging with nature.
