"Maths taught me how to think logically and systematically."

After one year of chemical engineering at Sydney University, Phil switched to a science degree focussing on biology. He continued to study maths because it was challenging and it gave him skills that other biology students lacked. His Honours project involved modelling the interactions between parasitic wasps and their hosts.

Phil is now a data analyst for the Queensland Department of Primary Industries in Cairns. He uses satellite technology and mathematics to model the population of Papaya Fruit Fly and to monitor eradication measures.