Philosophy and History scholars receive RSSS Directors Award

Scholars Ruby Ekkel from History and Paul-George Arnaud from Philosophy have been awarded the Research School of Social Sciences Director’s Award for Higher Degree Research.

The annual award worth $20,000 a year is presented to students studying a PhD in the Research School of Social Sciences and augments the Australian Government Research Training Program Stipend Scholarship (AGRTP) previously known as the Australian Postgraduate Award.

Ruby Ekkel is completing her studies in Australian History, looking at women’s changing attitudes to and interactions with native species?

“I was thrilled and honoured to receive the RSSS Director's Award,” says Ruby. “It is so affirming and encouraging to have the support of the university behind me, and the generous scholarship allows me to move to Canberra and pursue my research goals with confidence.”

Ruby is interested in the ways women have experienced and influenced changes in the perspectives on native species like the kangaroo, koala and black swan. In particular, she is exploring the contrast between the early emergence of conservationism and the initial aversion people had to these unfamiliar and even ‘freakish’ marsupials.

Ruby’s research is still in its preliminary stages, and over the course of her research she intends to bring together a variety of materials including diaries, artworks and bushwalking guides to help convey these experiences from Australia’s past. Another thing she will draw on is objects, like the koala skin gloves sold in London that were demonstrative of the proclivity to take flora and fauna from the natural environment.

“I can't wait to see what the next three years will bring,” says Ruby.

Paul-George Arnaud is completing a PhD in Philosophy, looking primarily at the philosophy or biology and language.

“My research is on the cultural evolution of language and argument,” says Paul-George. “Since arriving at ANU, I’ve enjoyed meeting other philosophers with similar temperaments and been inspired by the breadth of their knowledge!”

For Paul-George the award came as a great surprise, but he is excited that it will allow him to dedicate more energy to his early research and set up a strong foundation for his studies ahead.