Deshaun Martin-Clarke
Doctor of Philosophy candidate
What is the connection between invertebrate species and the ecosystem? That’s the interesting topic Deshaun Martin-Clarke is exploring for her PhD in environmental sciences.
“My PhD is focused on soil invertebrates – in particular on tardigrades, earthworms and nematodes – and their use as environmental indicators using environmental DNA. My research is part of the Living Laboratories Project; a larger, more permanent AUT research project that focuses on the reforestation of native forests using different planting techniques. A part of that project wants to answer questions about how the soil ecosystem affects and is affected by climate, land use types and other factors, and this is where my study comes in.
“The impacts that this study will have include refining a methodology to assess species diversity of invertebrates using molecular techniques quickly and accurately, assessing the species diversity of targeted groups of invertebrates in various ecosystem types in northern New Zealand, and assessing how invertebrate diversity is affected by different land treatments. All of this is to assess ecosystem function through the presence or absence of certain invertebrate species.”
Deshaun’s PhD research is supervised by Dr Syrie Hermans, Professor Hannah Buckley and Associate Professor Bradley Case from AUT’s School of Science.
Finding her way to AUT
Having always been curious about environmental sciences, Deshaun was working as a lecturer in her home country Jamaica before she decided to take on doctoral study and move to Auckland to study at AUT.
“My PhD gives me the opportunity to explore nature, and have a healthy balance between working outdoors, in the office and in the lab. I decided to apply for a Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship, with the aim to change my life and my circumstances. I ended up being a preferred candidate and had chosen two universities that offered a PhD in environmental sciences, in particular environmental sustainability. Google brought me to the AUT website and the applied ecology department. They responded to my query and the rest as they say is history.
“My biggest achievement to date was completing my PGR9 proposal within six months of arriving in New Zealand. Thanks go to my academic advisors who provided stellar support and feedback, which enabled me to meet the deadlines and present with confidence.”
While she is still in the early stages of her PhD, Deshaun already has a good idea how she sees her future.
“As per my scholarship contract, I’ll spend the two years after the completion of my degree in my home country where I’ll continue to lecture and write projects related to environmental sustainability and development. After that, I’d like to become an environmental consultant for the Caribbean region.”
Supported to thrive
Deshaun says she would highly recommend AUT to other international students.
“From my perspective as an international student, AUT provides a new and unique environment to learn and develop as a person. There is ample support for students’ physical, mental and spiritual needs in a non-intrusive manner that provides balance in the pursuit of a higher education.
“The most enjoyable thing for me has been the level of support I get as a Manaaki scholar from the scholarships team and my academic supervisors. The assistance and the effort put into getting what I need to do done is both admirable and appreciated.”
While she didn’t get the expected culture shock when she moved to New Zealand, she admits that she had a period of acclimatisation where she was getting used to the cultural nuances that accompany relocation. She says she appreciates how AUT supported her throughout this period.
“In my interaction with various AUT departments and individuals, there was an unspoken understanding that there are cultural differences and gaps in communication that can hinder the transition of international students into the New Zealand landscape. There is evidence that serious thought and preparation has gone into supporting students from various walks of life to offer them the quality education all New Zealand students are privy to.”
