Backstory
My name is Eden Hurn (she/her/they/them) and I am an aspiring researcher. In my career journey, I have worked in retail for 3 years when I was in high-school till my second year of university (2017 – 2021). In my third year, I began working as a tutor and an animal attendant and began studying Honours at The University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ). I work at UniSQ in 2023 as an Associate Evaluation Officer and a Casual Academic. I also currently still work as a Casual Animal Attendant at the University of Queensland (UQ).
I completed my Bachelor of Wildlife Science at UQ in 2022 and had aspired to go into academia. I met with a supervisor and looked at starting honours in the Herpetology space (Reptiles and Amphibians). I started my Bachelor of Science, majoring in Enviornment & Sustainability (Honours) year in 2023 and work in the Ecological space of herpetofauna and work in surveying and monitoring using varying techniques.
Personality
I describe myself as a passionate, hardworker who is willing to take new opportunities and tasks on. I also believe I am well organised and good at managing my time. As a co-worker and friend, I make sure I am reliable and to feel comfortable with me. I want people to be open and honest with me and feel they can provide me feedback. I also make sure I am able to provide feedback calmly and in a constructive manner. I have been asked to assist with University Orientation Days due to my enthusiasm and approachable nature. While I am a projectionist, I tend to hold myself to very high standards but do not hold others to the same standards that I try to meet.
Friends and colleagues have said that I am detail orientated, good at listening, work well under pressure, assertive, good at communicating, passionate, determined, good work ethic, does well with others, takes on constructive criticism, creates a positive work environment and brings positivity into the workforce. I have also been described as a friendly person but also professional, strong willed and creative at finding solutions that can benefit everyone.
I enjoy having multiple hobbies. My hobbies include looking after my reptiles, volunteering, walking my dog, sports, travel and cooking.
I have owned reptiles since I was young and enjoy caring for them and finding new enrichment for them. I also have an English springer spaniel named Alfie. He enjoys running, fetch and walks which I like taking him on, accompanied with my older sister.
I volunteer with a wildlife educator and in the past, I used to volunteer regularly with a wildlife rehabilitator. This volunteering gave me a number of different contacts and job opportunities. Through this volunteering, I have also accompanied many different researchers in the field to gain field work experience and have managed to broaden my network.
To keep up with my extensive field work, I also enjoy remaining active through Muay Thai and gym work. I find this give me confidence and also allows me to do extensive work in the field without becoming tired or exhausted. I found this has kept me active and has allowed me to maintain physical fitness and mental fitness.
Travelling is also something that I have enjoyed doing. Unfortunately, due to the 2020 Pandemic, travelling has become something that I have been inhibited to do. Prior to 2020, my family and I have travelled to areas such as:
- Scotland
- Austria
- Rome (Italy)
- Venice (Italy)
- New Zealand
- Dubai (United Arab Emirates)
- South Korea
- England (We have family here)
- Thailand
- Day trip in Germany
In recent years, I have developed a love of cooking and I enjoy creating different dishes. I enjoy creating meals that are healthy yet enjoyable. I found this to be a great chore and I enjoy cooking new meals for my family and me. I especially enjoy creative Asian cuisine and creative delicious snacks and meals.
Goals and Aspirations
My main goals are to publish papers where I can, complete my honours and move into working for high education and complete a PhD program. I would also like to maintain a positive outlook and maintain my physical and mental health while going through my career.
