Dr Joshua Soderholm completed a PhD student in Geographical Sciences.
He began his time at UQ in the School of Mathematics and Physics but with a keen interest in meteorology it soon became clear that the School of Geography, Planning and Environmental Management was the perfect place for him.
“I met Hamish (McGowan) at a UQ Open Day and he thrilled me when he mentioned a third-year subject which had a focus on severe weather. I also saw an inspiring photo story about the School’s meteorological research in Antarctica- combined with UQ’s world-class reputation in maths studies - I was sold.
"Mathematics is essential in understanding any physical environmental system at the research level but the School of Geography, Planning and Environmental Management is the home of practical meteorology at UQ. Through my contact with UQ and work experience at the Bureau of Meteorology I have completed several exciting and ground-breaking research projects, such as analysis of multiple vortices in the eye-wall of TC Larry to thunderstorm climatology for South East Queensland.
"I have been able to access state of the art resources, funding for my own research at UQ and most importantly, a wide range of contacts within the weather community.
"I chose to do Honours and a PhD to continue my research into thunderstorms in South East Queensland. There is only so much you can learn from books about storms, the rest comes from experience behind the forecasting desk or in the field! Studying Honours also offers me an opportunity to undertake larger, more costly projects through higher level research because more funding is available.
"My advice for any student is if you have a passion for something while studying, get involved in research- we have some spectacular thunderstorms here in Brisbane which makes for great research material!”
