From discovering soft-coral gardens to uncovering her own potential as a first-generation PhD student, Emmeline Louise Broad explores new depths, both in the ocean and in herself.

Where are you from?

I live in St. Johns, I moved here in 2021 from London, UK. I really like how quiet St. John’s is compared to the city life I left. I really love the area around Quidi Vidi, it’s nice to walk around in summer and winter, plus the brewery is great fun.

What do you enjoy doing for fun?

I have been on a trivia team for a few years now, and I love to get out onto the trails if the weather is decent! There are some great yoga studios and dance classes here, plus cheap cinema tickets on a Tuesday! Not to mention all the marine wildlife watching in the summer months.

Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?

I am naturally curious, but I only started my academic journey recently as a mature student. In short, I want to work as a research scientist. The PhD has given me the freedom to learn a topic deeply and (hopefully!) contribute research that has value in understanding how climate change may influence the marine environment.

Why did you choose Memorial University for your graduate studies?

I was led to Memorial University because I was interested in working with my current supervisor. My decision was finalized to apply and secure funding after I saw the wealth of research on Arctic/deep water marine habitats undertaken at Memorial University and the Marine Institute.

What is your research/thesis about? How do you describe your research to a general audience with no background in the field?

I use machine learning models to predict the distribution of habitat for marine species that are both of commercial and conservation importance. I estimate how that habitat may change from the present day to the future under different climate change scenarios. Recently, I was part of a team that discovered a soft-coral garden in deep waters off the coast of Newfoundland. Finding this hidden oasis of marine biodiversity has been a career highlight for me so far.

How would you describe your experience as a graduate student at Memorial?

This past year has been pretty crazy, and I have been very grateful for the support, inspiration and the genuine curiosity in my research from the community at the Marine Institute and Memorial University. Though my PhD was supposed to be desk-based, I have had numerous opportunities to conduct research at sea (including in the Galapagos!), gaining experience in leading ship-based field work, attending international conferences, and even making a low-cost underwater camera platform that we use in our lab!

What scholarships or awards have you received?

In 2023, I received the TD graduate award in Environmental Sciences. In 2024, I received the Canadian Beverage Association scholarship in Graduate Sciences.

Have you faced any challenges in life that you’ve overcome to pursue graduate studies?

I am a first-generation academic, so my whole journey from undergrad to PhD has been an intense learning curve. It's worth acknowledging this PhD took me away from my family and support network, however, I am lucky that I have made some very good friends that make my local community here in Newfoundland.

What career path are you interested in pursuing after graduation?

I wish to remain in academia and intend to pursue postdoctoral positions after I defend my PhD thesis. 

What advice would you give to current or future graduate students?

I think, more importantly for prospective PhD students, your supervisor will either make or break your experience. You should be prepared that your research focus may need to shift slightly, so have an adaptable mindset. Say yes to projects and field work to experience new things. Also, burnout is a real problem, so maintaining a good work-life balance is as important as your research!

Anything else you would like to share?

I would encourage grad students to talk to other students and researchers outside of their departments at Memorial. This helped not only widen my research network but also improve my way of linking research ideas outside of my immediate field. Memorial University facilitates environments to help make those connections, e.g. the SEA conference run by the Faculty of Science and the blue box seminars run by Geography.

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