A group of CQU students have spent their summer holidays gaining valuable work experience at Central Queensland University’s Centre for Environmental Management.

The students were hired by the CEM to sort macrobenthic samples from the sea floor.

CEM Laboratory Manager, Kirsty Small said an increased workload had resulted in the hiring of the students.

“The CEM is currently working on a number of projects for both local and Townsville based clients.

“We decided to employ a group of undergraduate students to assist our regular staff in the sorting of samples.

“The majority of them are Bachelor of Science students, so this has been an excellent opportunity for them to gain some life experience to complement their studies,” said Mrs Small.

CQU Bachelor of Science student, Clayton Plummer said that the experience gained while working for the CEM had been invaluable.

“Working here has given me a taste of the different areas of science that I might choose to enter when I finish my degree.

The students will finish their work by the end of February in preparation for the start of the new academic year.

Above: (back row) Sarah Young, Luke Wotton, Chris Hackney, Laura Mears, Clayton Plummer(Front row) Pam Malyszek and Monique Case Left: Clayton Plummer and Pam Malyszek