Why did you choose the University of Melbourne?
After graduating from high-school, I knew that I loved science but was unsure about what career path I wanted to pursue. The Bachelor of Science allowed me to explore my broad interests in biology, chemistry and psychology before deciding on a specific major or pathway. I was also attracted to the location of the Parkville campus, which is in the Melbourne CBD, is accessible by public transport and has lots of great shops, cafes and restaurants nearby. The campus is also near the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct, where many hospitals and leading scientific research institutes are located.
Why science?
I studied a range of disciplines within biology in my first and second-year before eventually deciding to major in immunology, which is the study of our immune system. Immunology is a fascinating discipline and has wide applications in infectious and non-infectious disease. I love learning about how our immune cells and responses work together in such a complex way to protect us and maintain normal functioning. It is also very interesting to study how these processes can malfunction to result in allergy, autoimmunity or cancer. The COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted to me the importance of study in immunology, as scientists have had to draw on our understanding of the immune system to rapidly develop vaccines, treatments and protocols to combat the spread of the virus and improve patient outcomes.
What’s been your favourite experience at university so far?
My favourite part of being a science student at the University of Melbourne has been meeting so many enthusiastic and inspiring people. Through my classes and participating in volunteering, clubs and societies, I have met lots of like-minded students from diverse backgrounds. I have also been able to study alongside students pursuing a wide range of pathways, from mathematical physics to criminology, who all bring different knowledge and perspectives. I’ve really enjoyed learning from my lecturers and tutors and it's been inspiring to hear them share their passion and deep understanding of their disciplines.
What advice would you give students thinking about university?
My main advice for students starting at university would be to be open-minded and to get involved in as many experiences and opportunities as they can. Many of my favourite experiences at university have been through getting involved in volunteering, clubs and events. I would encourage all students to participate in these experiences outside of the classroom, as I believe this is a great way to make friends and to get the most out of university life. I would also suggest to new students that they remain open to studying subjects or topics that they may not have considered before, such as through their Breadth subjects.
Get involved in the University community
The Leaders in Communities Award program has encouraged me to be a more active member of the student community, through participating in volunteering, university activities and professional development activities alongside my academic study. I have gained many valuable skills from this experience, especially improving my communication skills. I have also met lots of people through this program, helping to expand my social and professional network.
I also volunteered with the University of Melbourne Student Union (UMSU) as a Group Leader at the VCE Summer School. I was a mentor for high school students and really enjoyed speaking about my university experience and answering their questions.
Scholarships and Research Projects
I also participated in the Metcalf Scholarship Program,, which I heard about through the Bachelor of Science newsletter. This scholarship has provided me with a paid placement at Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research. Specifically, I have been working in a laboratory in the Infectious Diseases and Immune Defence division at WEHI, contributing to work on the COVID Profile study. This has been an amazing experience, as I have been able to gain valuable laboratory experience and learn from leading researchers.
My roles include assisting with the processing of samples collected from participants who were previously infected with COVID-19 and the analysis of these samples. I have loved applying my knowledge of immunology and biology more broadly to a real-world application and have gained valuable laboratory skills.
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