Rucha is currently doing a PhD in BioSciences at the University of Melbourne after completing a Master of Science (BioSciences) and graduating from the BSc (Blended) program.
What inspired you to choose to study in Melbourne and what will you be studying here?
“My BSc (Blended) degree introduced me to the vast opportunities that the University of Melbourne provides to students. I visited the University in the final year of my degree for the BSc (Blended) Research Camp and was given an insight into how the academics at the University passionately share their vast knowledge and experience with novices in the field like myself. I concluded that the Master of Science (BioSciences) would give me the interdisciplinary knowledge and exposure required to prepare myself for a rich academic career as well industry relevant opportunities, and so applied and was accepted into the degree."
Out of all the subjects taught in school, Biology has always interested me the most. The mysteries of turning milk into curd overnight, bread dough rising after few hours of kneading, left me in awe. After studying Biology in the BSc (Blended) course, I realized fermentation sciences is where my interest lies. I struck gold when academics from the University of Melbourne, A/Prof. Alex Johnson, an expert in plant nutrition and Dr. Kate Howell, an expert in food sciences, agreed to supervise me for my MSc thesis.”
What are your career ambitions?
“Since childhood, I have always desired to be someone who is instrumental in improving the living conditions of common humans and the less privileged in society. Increasing global population and decreasing cultivable agricultural land area, indicates a continual increase in demand of nutritional food at affordable cost. The BSc (Blended) provided me with a foundation of studies that I believe will allow me to me to contribute through research, to developing solutions to sustain food sources, and meet the growth in demand for more nutritional, affordable food produce. My aim after completing the MSc at the University of Melbourne is to eventually formulate ways to achieve high nutritive value in food items naturally (organic) via completing a working PhD. I would like to use the acquired knowledge and experience for the advancement of my country, India and contribute to its development.”
What was your experience like as BSc (Blended) student? Would you recommend the course to other students?
“The BSc (Blended) has the perfect course structure for every aspiring scientist like me. The aim of the programme to create fundamentally skilled graduates was clearly highlighted with the array of core subjects that are required to be undertaken by the student. Being a student from the first batch of a unique course such as BSc (Blended) the path wasn't a smooth road given the risk associated with choosing a course that was still in development rather than a more established course, but I am so happy that I chose to complete the blended degree!
I have recommended this course to many students in Pune who are choosing their Bachelor of Science degree and responded to their many questions about the experience and quality of the degree. I am happy to confirm that several have since joined the course.”
You are talented young woman undertaking a career in science, and received the Helen Freeman scholarship for the purpose of helping to support your career aspirations. Does this make you feel confident about UoM as a university supportive of women in science?
“I feel honoured and blessed to have received the Helen Freeman scholarship which has equipped me to pursue my dreams. The granting of the scholarship was fundamental as it meant that I could afford to take up the opportunity to study at the University of Melbourne as I come from a middle-class background in India. I give special thanks to Helen for giving me the opportunity to come to the University. The scholarship and other fee remission support granted to me by the University of Melbourne has given me real confidence that my progress towards succeeding in building a career in science, a very challenging field for women to succeed in, will be supported during my studies and beyond."
"I would like to thank the University of Melbourne, SPPU and Modern College for helping me to develop my interest in science research and nurturing my ambitions, and am so glad to be beginning my studies on this beautiful campus at the University of Melbourne. Special thanks also to Andrew Drinnan and Alex Johnson for guiding me through this process.”