James Rule
What is your current area of research?
I am currently located at Monash University and Museums Victoria, studying the evolution and palaeobiology of seals. Specifically, I am researching their evolutionary history, biogeography, and the evolution of extreme underwater adaptations. Seal fossils are rare, especially in Australasia, so any new discoveries have the potential to rewrite what we thought we knew about how they evolved. As such, I spend a lot of time describing new fossil discoveries. My research does extend beyond seals, as I am also studying marsupials (especially dasyurids), cetaceans, and even turtles!
Tell us about your background; what made you interested in research?
Dinosaurs! I have been fascinated with them since I was 4 years old, and I have always known that I wanted to study palaeontology. They were my gateway into the natural world, and my fascination quickly expanded animals both living and extinct. During high school, my teachers encouraged me to pursue science, and made me realise that being interested in the natural world could be more than a dream! Studying science at Monash renewed my interest in evolution and palaeobiology, as I got to do everything from going on fossil expeditions, to fieldtrips to places such as Heron Island. Volunteering at Museums Victoria got me interested in mammals (especially marine mammals) and opened up research opportunities for me. My PhD has really solidified research as a career for me, and getting to visit museums around the world has been a real treat!
What are some of the highlights from following this career path?
There are so many, I cannot list them all! The ability to fulfill my dream of being a palaeontologist stands out, and getting to work in museums with fossils almost every day is something that will never get old. I have helped to discover fossils all over Victoria and New Zealand. The opportunity to name a new species of seal was something truly special! I have also been able to travel all over the world to visit sites and museums, including in places such as New Zealand, Europe, and America. Lastly, I had the opportunity in 2018 to see a Leopard seal at Beaumaris, literally a few meters from where the oldest seal fossils in Australia had been discovered! If that wasn’t a sign of things to come, I don’t know what is.
What do you consider are some of your best achievements?
I would have to say my paper describing the first southern monk seal (Eomonachus belegaerensis) in Proceedings B is the one that stands out. I spent most of my PhD researching this seal; discovering what type of seal it was and how it fit into the evolution of true seals took a lot of work. The moment it ‘clicked’ that the New Zealand fossils were monk seals is probably one of the most exciting moments of my life!
My PhD research also allowed me to improve my abilities as a science communicator. During my PhD I went from struggling to communicate scientific concepts, to being able to translate my work into a form the general public can understand. As someone who used to be terrified presenting to my fellow classmates in undergrad, the ability to clearly and confidently communicate my research to complete strangers is something I am especially proud of!
What is your favourite activity in mammal research?
My favourite activity is studying mammal bones and fossils, especially when using 3D scan data. Bones and fossils contain so much information, the possibilities are endless with them. I especially love studying the bony ear (temporal) region, as this complicated area contains can inform us about hearing, locomotion, and even diving. And playing with 3D scan data on high-end computers is a lot of fun! 
Do you have an interesting mammal anecdote?
One time, whilst moving some whale skeletal specimens, I had a Blue whale mandibleolled onto my ring finger! As it is the largest bone in the animal kingdom it hurt, but surprisingly my finger was fine. We like to joke that I am one of the few people that has been “bitten” by a blue whale.
Do you have any advice for other students interested in mammalogy?
Do not take science communication for granted! It is a valuable skill no matter what career you move into. My SciComm skills have helped me with conference presentations, with media interviews, as well as with writing and talking about my science to the general public. It also helps you realise what is the most exciting aspect of your research, and so will help with writing papers. Improving your SciComm skills will help hone your elevator pitch, and with selling your science to funders. But most importantly, being confident in your communication skills can help with stage fright and turns presentations from something terrifying into something fun!
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