Doing a PhD - Jan Zika, ask him why! Why…. …. Oceanography? I had always been interested in the Earth, the weather and the climate. As a boy, I chose to do school projects on subjects like tsunamis, cyclones and volcanoes. When it came to choosing University courses, the advice I was given was to develop skills in mathematics and physics first. I took this advice and ended up doing research in astrophysics in my honours year, specifically on fluids in space. I was still overcome with a fascination for fluids on the Earth and oceanography was the natural choice. …. A PhD? My PhD project has been a grand adventure. Some of the highlights include: -An amazing cruise to Antarctica where I had hands on observational experience and worked with a team of inspirational scientists in a practical environment. - A three month long summer school at the home of oceanography: Woods Hole, Massachusetts. There, I learnt from the theoretical masters, past, present and future, in an international hub of research. I have also travelled to Europe to present at international conferences. -Being able to set my own agenda and direct my own research while having the tireless support and guidance of my supervisors and the many scientists and support staff at CSIRO. … CSIRO in Hobart? In the field of oceanography, CSIRO, UTas and UNSW are well regarded around the world. Research in Hobart is relevant and innovative. Graduates are known to be of high calibre and are often sought after for research positions overseas. I think my affiliation with these institutions has made big difference to my career prospects. … QMS? I think the QMS program is a very good one. I think introducing some coursework (through lectures and tutorials) into Australian PhD programs is a good idea. My impression is that the main problem with QMS was that the topics were too broad and not very rigorously taught. However, now that QMS is established, courses are being modified and improved. … Trevor McDougall and Bernadette Sloyan? I could not have had a better environment in which to do my PhD. Trevor and Bernadette have contrasting, yet complimentary approaches. The three of us managed to craft research, which we think will have a great and lasting benefit for the scientific community. One of the great things about CSIRO and UTas is the wealth of knowledge amongst the many researchers and willingness to impart that knowledge to the next generation. In both small and large ways I feel every oceanographer at CSIRO has influenced my understanding of the field and the quality of my project. Anaïs van Ditzhuyzen
Jan Zika in his office at CSIRO, Hobart
Jan Zika
Position: will start a post-doc in Grenoble (France) in November
Background:
- B.Sci., University of Tasmania (UTas), Hobart, Australia
- PhD at CSIRO, Hobart  (supervised by Dr. Trevor McDougall) and UNSW, Sydney
 
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