From Cheetah Plains to Koala Country: A Scientist's Outback Odyssey

Today, we highlight the impactful work of Adel Sepehr , a dedicated Natural Resource Management Officer who has made significant strides within our Vegetation Management team. Adel tells us the story of his move from Iran to his new home in rural Queensland, he reflects on his career with the Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Manufacturing and Regional and Rural Development over the past year and a half and gives insights into the study of geomorphology. Adel's unique perspective as a geoscientist and ecosystem management specialist adds depth to his contributions, bridging the realms of vegetation management and geomorphology to ensure sustainable practices in land use and conservation.

What led you to pursue a career at the Department of Resources? What did you find was the biggest difference from Iran?

What led me to pursue a career at the Department of Resources was a combination of factors that aligned with my professional aspirations and personal interests. Relocating from Iran to Queensland about a year and a half ago marked a significant transition from the mountainous landscapes of Iran to the sunshine-drenched shores of Queensland. The decision to come to Australia wasn’t based on a whim; it was fuelled by a thirst for adventure and the chance to contribute my skills and knowledge under the Global Talent visa program.

The most striking difference I encountered between Iran and Queensland was their environmental diversity and landform structures. Iran, a land in constant transformation, has experienced instability throughout its history due to both geological forces and human activity. Its restless nature is reflected in its dynamic landscapes, shaped over time by the Earth's powerful forces. For someone fascinated by shifting landscapes, the concept of an ecological regime shift – a move from a state of bistability to stability – is particularly intriguing. My own journey reflects this concept perfectly. Leaving my homeland's dynamic yet unstable environment to start a new equilibrium level in Queensland allowed me to embrace a constructive change.

This move also brought me face-to-face with a new landscape – Australia, renowned for its diverse geological forms, ecological processes, and evolutionary history.

In Iran, my experience was defined by rugged mountains and a wide range of climates. Queensland, on the other hand, offers a unique combination of stunning coastlines and rich ecological diversity. This transition allowed me to appreciate and confront a new set of environmental challenges and opportunities, ultimately shaping my perspective and approach as a Natural Resource Management Officer.

While there are significant differences, intriguing similarities also exist between the two countries. Iran, situated in the arid belt of the northern hemisphere with more than 80% desert and arid land, is highly susceptible to drought and the effects of climate change. Australia, located in the southern hemisphere's desert and arid belt with 70% arid environments, is also vulnerable to climate change and geomorphological hazards. Both countries possess a rich geological heritage, as evidenced by Iran's vast sand dunes and Australia's Great Barrier Reef. They have also played significant roles in human history – Iran, the cradle of civilisation, and Australia, with its unique distribution of Homo sapiens. Notably, both rank among the top ten in the world for natural resources, with a significant portion of critical minerals.

This diversity in form, process, evolution, and change is precisely what fuels the passion of a scientist studying landscape change.

What have been some highlights so far?

One of the most fulfilling highlights of my journey with the Department of Resources has been my participation in a Regional Ecosystems workshop. This workshop significantly enhanced my skills and knowledge regarding land zones, landforms, and regional ecosystems in Queensland. It was a practical course that underscored how geomorphology influences land cover and even determines regional ecosystems in Australia.

Another fulfilling experience was an engagement program with graduate students, specifically designed to inspire and encourage young talents at The University of Queensland to pursue their passions in natural resource management and related fields through graduate programs. Being part of this initiative and witnessing the enthusiasm and drive of aspiring students was truly rewarding. It strengthened my commitment to contributing to the development and education of future professionals in this crucial industry.

What is it like working in the Vegetation Management team?

Working in Vegetation Management at the Department of Resources has been an enriching experience filled with learning and growth. The vegetation management team itself is a motley crew – seasoned veterans with sun-baked faces and a twinkle in their eyes, who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, making each day a valuable learning opportunity.

I have gained insights into the intricate relationship between humans and the environment, understanding how to navigate and implement vegetation-clearing policies and regulations to conserve remnant, regrowth, and native ecosystems.

This knowledge is fundamental in our efforts to maintain the delicate balance of nature, contributing to a sustainable and resilient Queensland.

On the other hand, I collaborate with Australian scientists and have a close relationship with Aussie researchers to develop new ideas specific to Queensland. We achieve this by focusing on ecosystem changes within the heart of Queensland and by publishing new data and findings in prestigious journals.

Joining the Vegetation Management team at the Department of Resources was a fortuitous opportunity that aligned perfectly with my background as a geoscientist and ecosystem management specialist. Working with plants and ecosystems feels like stepping into a whole new world filled with hidden wonders and discoveries. This fascination drives my commitment to contribute meaningfully to the conservation and sustainable management of natural resources, ensuring a harmonious balance between human activities and the environment.

Preserving the beautiful face of Queensland for future generations and maintaining its beauty with a smile on its morphology through the sustainability of its ecosystems will put a smile on the face of a geomorphologist as a natural resources management officer.

What sparked your interest in pursuing a career as a Natural Resource Management Officer?

A geomorphologist and a natural resources management officer both seek change, though in different ways. The geomorphologist focuses on changes in non-living features, while the natural resources management officer is concerned with changes in living forms like vegetation species. Geomorphology focuses on understanding changes. Understanding the morph and behaviours of the earth can be abstracted into forms and processes, which contribute to landscape change and ecosystem responses. My interest in pursuing a career as a Natural Resource Management Officer was sparked by my passion for everything linked to the earth's morphology, from soil and plants to the ecosystem. All these elements together make up the appearance of our changing land. Sometimes, a forest enhances its beauty, and sometimes, a fault creates wrinkles on the face of the land.

The most rewarding aspect of my role as a Natural Resource Management Officer is the sense of responsibility and guardianship it brings. Every inquiry presents a puzzle to solve, and every piece of advice I offer feels like a victory for the environment.

I take pride in being a protector of this extraordinary land and its unique ecosystems, ensuring that we preserve this ecological heritage for the benefit of present and future generations.

What does the day in the life look like?

As a Natural Resource Management Officer (NRMO), my days are a captivating blend of scientific enquiry and practical problem-solving. It's a dance between understanding ecosystems and ensuring their protection through policies and regulations.

Mornings are usually a flurry of activity. Emails buzz with updates from clients and colleagues, and maps sprawled across the Queensland Globe system reveal the intricate network of vegetation arteries coursing through the Queensland landscape. My mission often involves assessing sites nestled amidst remnant or endangered regional ecosystems, sometimes uncovering hidden activities that might threaten them, and giving required advice to local communities and landowners.

For a geomorphologist like me, detecting changes in landforms, vegetation cover and analysing satellite imagery are crucial parts of change studies. This knowledge helps me develop compliance and audit plans linked to these assessments, ensuring adherence to regulations.

Fieldwork is a significant part of the job.  It's not just about data collection; it's an amazing experience. The feel of the sun-baked earth beneath my boots, the earthy fragrance of decomposing leaves, or the glistening quartz in wet sediments – it's like stepping into a living museum. Each geological formation and thriving ecosystem is a testament to the Earth's enduring resilience.

Like a geomorphologist deciphering the Earth's history, I too play a role in shaping its future. 

Every day brings a new challenge, a different landscape to explore, a new story about vegetation clearing and ecosystem change. It's an adventure, safeguarding our precious Queensland environment.

What advice do you have for someone looking to start a career as a Geomorphologists?

My response to them would be: be ready to embrace change and find happiness in the process. Yes, Change: The Essence of Life and Landscapes.

Change is an integral part of all intelligent and self-organising systems, from our bodies and ecosystems to landscapes, Earth, galaxies, and all spaces influenced by time. Just as Darwin's theory of evolution suggests, adaptation is key to survival.

To thrive, we must be willing to change and adapt. If we remain stagnant, nature will compel change upon us.

What are you looking forward to most in the future as you progress your career? What do you hope to achieve or contribute to the industry over your career?

As I progress in my career, I’m looking forward to delving deeper into the intricacies of natural resource management. My goal is to contribute significantly to the industry and research sectors by implementing innovative strategies for sustainable ecosystem preservation and management. I am excited about the prospect of discovering new methods that can better protect our environment while also fostering growth and development in the community. Each day presents an opportunity for exploration and learning, and I am committed to making meaningful contributions that will positively impact our environment and future generations.

Sure, I miss the familiar sights and sounds of Iran's deserts. But here, in the land of the largest coral reef, I've found a new home, a new purpose, and a whole new world of wonder waiting to be explored. This is only the start of my next chapter, a brand-new adventure for a geomorphologist! I can't wait to see what the future holds – one eucalyptus leaf, one critical mineral, one soil microbial, and one exciting discovery at a time!