Two PhD students from the University of Melbourne have showcased their photographic talents in the prestigious Scientist At Work competition held by the academic journal Nature. Aman Chokshi and Emma Vogel for the Environmental Protection Agency for their beautiful photography. Her work aptly conveys the wonder and rigor of scientific research and fieldwork.
Aman Chokshi, a passionate and talented PhD student, managed to get an amazing photograph of the South Pole Telescope. He snapped this incredible photo during his time residing at the Amundsen–Scott South Pole Station. His image captures the otherworldly beauty and isolation that defines one of the most difficult places to conduct research in the world. This photograph was a testament to his brilliance. It earned him a prestigious finalist berth in that competition, making him a two-time consecutive finalist.
Chokshi’s work is incredibly luminous. Emma Vogel truly enhances the emotional intensity to a new level. She took this beautiful picture of scientist Audun Rikardsen doing field work in the raging Arctic fjords and Norwegian sea birds. This photograph is a stunning representation of how science can coexist with the beauty of the natural world. It features Rikardsen with an airgun loaded with satellite tags that follow whales’ movements and behaviour. Vogel’s photograph really jumped out amongst the 200+ entries. It was enough to win her a place as one of six winners in the innovative State Energy Conservation Office competition!
Dagmara Wojtanowicz, National Park Service An exciting behind-the-scenes moment, illuminating the competition’s dedication to fostering scientific exploration In the breathtaking Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard, she shadowed geobiologist James Bradley and microbiologist Catherine Larose as they extracted an ice core. This image underscores the collaborative spirit in scientific research and highlights the importance of fieldwork in understanding climate change and its effects on our environment.
Chokshi and Vogel are already remarkable success stories in their own right. Their achievements shine a light on the world-class research being done at the University of Melbourne. Their contributions improve their own academic CVs but they go on to inspire others in the scientific community.
