"Until I got to university, I didn’t know what area of science I wanted to specialise in, I just knew that I loved science," explains Nerilie Abram. "Earth science was my extra subject - but I quickly found out that it was exactly what I wanted to do. Discovering how the earth works is fascinating!"

One of the benefits of being a scientist is that sometimes you get to discover new things and if you’re lucky enough, you may even be able to get them named after you.

After my undergraduate degree in geology in Sydney I worked in the minerals industry for 3 years as an exploration geologist.

Paul Stenhouse, of The Australian National University, is looking for links between the twists and turns in the fractures and the amount of economic minerals deposited there by water.

During my PhD I am trying to get some insights into early life on Earth.

Australian National University scientist Mallory Young, of the Research School of Earth Sciences, is investigating the use of these vibrations as a way to probe the Earth’s outer layer.

The experience of doing a PhD at RSES has been fully immersive.  I have completed every aspect of my research project in-house using RSES resources.  Sample collection, analysis, and data modeling have all been done using state-of-the-art equipment, and the technical support I received while learning the ropes was fantastic.