The QUT Centre for Data Science is celebrating its graduates. Meet Paula Sobenko Hatum who just celebrated her graduation with a PhD!
What was your PhD in?
I completed my PhD in Mathematics at QUT, where I specialised in using Dynamic Bayesian Networks to model ecosystem resilience, with a particular focus on seagrass ecosystems and their responses to extreme climate events. Seagrass ecosystems might not be as well-known as coral reefs or rainforests, but they are incredibly important. These underwater meadows play a crucial role in maintaining the health of our oceans. They provide essential ecosystem services, such as supporting marine biodiversity, protecting coastlines from erosion, and storing significant amounts of carbon, which helps mitigate climate change. My work aims to shed light on these often-overlooked ecosystems and emphasise why we need to care about them. By understanding how seagrasses respond to climate stressors, we can better protect these habitats and the services they provide, ensuring they continue to benefit both marine life and human communities.
How did you come to do a PhD on this? Did things change along the way?
My journey to a PhD was quite an adventure, starting in 2005 when I decided to pursue a career as a scientist. I began with a degree in Oceanography, followed by a Master’s studying humpback whales in Brazil. After a five-year break in Portugal, where I gained new experiences, I moved to Australia in 2019 to improve my English and explore new research opportunities. At QUT, I found a supervisor who believed in me despite my English not being strong and zero programming experience. My passion for marine ecosystems led me to focus on Dynamic Bayesian Networks for understanding seagrass resilience. Along the way, I learned to code, embraced the challenges of a new field, and discovered that a PhD journey is anything but linear. It’s about resilience, passion, and the unexpected paths that make research so rewarding. Things shifted along the way, which makes research exciting; you start with one idea, and the journey takes you somewhere you never expected.
How was your PhD journey? Any surprises?
Oh, the PhD journey – where do I even begin? It was like a roller coaster ride with plenty of unexpected loops and turns. The biggest surprise was how much I ended up enjoying the coding aspect. I started with a marine biology background, but before long, I found myself deep into Python and R, building models and even creating Shiny apps! Another surprise was how interdisciplinary the work became. There were certainly tough moments – anyone who’s done a PhD knows that feeling – but the thrill of discovery kept me going. And really, who wouldn’t enjoy saying, “I’m predicting seagrass resilience to marine heatwaves” at parties?

Did you do anything else at QUT besides your PhD?
I like to think I kept myself pretty busy! Besides the PhD, I dabbled in data analysis for the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, where I got to work on some cool projects related to traffic systems. I also took up the co-chair position at the Bayesian Research and Application Group (BRAG) – and was actively involved in the QUT Centre for Data Science. And, of course, I had some fun with my internship at the Environmental Protection Authority in Victoria, developing tools to track environmental health risks. Let’s just say I made sure there was never a dull moment!
How was your experience with the Data Science Centre?
My time at the Data Science Centre was nothing short of inspiring. It felt like being part of a think tank where everyone was not only incredibly smart but also genuinely kind and supportive. I learned so much just by being around such a brilliant group, gradually picking up data science techniques and refining my research skills. What really stood out, though, was how everyone, despite their hectic schedules, was always willing to lend a hand or share their expertise. I also made some great friends along the way – the kind you can brainstorm with one minute and laugh with the next. Looking back, I can see how much I’ve grown, both professionally and personally. The support I received from the Centre played a huge role in my achievements over the past few years, and I’m incredibly grateful for that. It’s safe to say that I wouldn’t be the researcher I am today without the guidance and camaraderie of this amazing group of people.
What’s next – or what are you doing now?
At the moment, I’m working as a Research Fellow at the University of South Australia, where I’m developing a Bayesian Network to track the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) across various environments and assess the associated health risks. This project will keep me busy until September. But come September, a new adventure awaits! I’ll be heading to France to join Ifremer, where I’ll be working on the project I proposed titled, “Dynamic Seas, Resilient Futures: Harnessing Bayesian Networks for Sustainable Coral Reef Ecosystem Management”. My focus will be on using Bayesian Networks to gain a better understanding of coral reef ecosystems around Reunion Island and to help design strategies for their protection and restoration. This opportunity came about thanks to the wonderful connections I made at the Centre for Data Science at QUT, and I’m beyond excited to contribute to Ifremer’s mission of safeguarding our oceans.