Maddison is a Master of Marine Biology student at James Cook University with a keen interest in evolution and genetics. Having always loved learning about organisms’ evolutionary histories she is really excited about the next stage of her studies bringing in more genetics and getting the opportunity to apply this to Antarctic research. Maddison is currently working on a genome sequencing project of an Antarctic sea urchin specimen (Sterechinus antarcticus) and hopes her work will contribute to research being done on Antarctic biodiversity status and evolutionary trends.