Kevin Erickson will soon arrive at CQUniversity Gladstone as a PhD researcher, focusing on Australia's efforts to ensure imported marine ornamental animals, algae and seagrasses do not establish a permanent wild foothold.

While itself impressive, the fact he's coming as the recipient of a 2012 Endeavour Postgraduate Award is not necessarily the most interesting aspect of his life.

Kevin Erickson - an experienced researcher on his way to CQUni Gladstone

Kevin made a name for himself a few years ago when he got the chance to put into practice some of his experience as an Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts of America. He helped save the life of a man who fell off a cliff onto the rocks below and earned a Letter of Commendation from the Los Angeles County Fire Chief.

As a younger man in 2003, he was awarded the Presidential Freedom Scholarship from the White House for outstanding leadership and service to his community.

Kevin recently graduated with his Master of Science in Aquatic Pathobiology from the University of Stirling in Scotland and is due to start his new role in Gladstone in January under the supervision of Professor Marnie Campbell.

His research will require the analysis and monitoring of the entire value chain of ornamental fish, invertebrates, algae, and seagrasses within Australia, including a specific focus on Queensland.

Kevin in his natural habitat

"Simultaneously, consideration and monitoring of these imported animals, algae, and seagrasses as pathways of foreign disease transmitters will be carried out," Kevin says.

The itinerant researcher's home town is St. Paul, Minnesota "but nowadays home is where ever I am at the moment".

"I've lived all over North America and Europe studying and working as an aquarist, marine biologist and marine science director.  I have taken care of people's private home aquariums, been a hover craft pilot, a director of a marine science centre and much more."

"I am now working towards learning as much as I can in regards to aquatic biosecurity and have developed my PhD research to assist me in my journey."

Kevin is looking forward to moving to Australia and is glad to be joining the CQUni team.

You can find out more information about Kevin at his website: www.KevinPErickson.com