Postcard from a Fellow: Sam Sillknetter
July 6, 2023
No drip coffee here! Sam enjoying a “long black” on Port Douglas’ Four Mile Beach in Australia.

IGC IGEP Fellow, Sam Silknetter, tells us about his trip to Brisbane, Australia to attend the Freshwater Sciences 2023 Conference in June.

In June I traveled to Brisbane, Australia to attend the Freshwater Sciences 2023 Conference. While there I presented my research on patterns of genetic structure in aquatic invertebrates to a large group of international scientists. One of my meeting highlights was listening to a keynote address on the role of traditional ecological knowledge (mātauranga Māori) in managing New Zealand’s native kōura (freshwater crayfish). I also enjoyed running a 5K along the scenic Brisbane River and spotting a laughing kookaburra while hiking Mount Coot-Tha.

After attending the conference, I extended my stay and had the chance to explore with my wife, Allison. First, we saw a croc show with Robert Irwin at the Australia Zoo, then feasted on local cuisine from the Scenic Rim region. After a quick flight north, we then toured the Atherton Tablelands and Daintree National Forest, and spent a day snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef. It was truly a trip of a lifetime!" -- Sam Silknetter