Why did you choose to study at the University of Melbourne?
After completing my high school education in Sri Lanka, I was looking into undergraduate courses in Ecology and Environmental Science in the UK and Australia. I developed a love for Australia's unique biodiversity since I was a child and so I decided that Australia would be a perfect place to follow my passion. The University of Melbourne was highly ranked as a university and therefore I chose to do my undergraduate degree here.
I have always been a curious person and I wanted to develop my research and investigative skills further, so an honours year was a great way to get a taste of what academic research looked like. My honours project was conducted in collaboration with the Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC), and I conducted my fieldwork at AWC's Scotia Sanctuary. Not only was I able to develop my research skills through this course, I was also able to see how research could be used on the ground to assist in the conservation of Australia's unique wildlife.
Through my project, I was investigating the effectiveness of thermal cameras to detect some of Australia's threatened mammals. I really enjoyed this research and hope it can contribute to the conservation of Australia's unique biodiversity.
What inspires you to study and work in the environmental sector?
We are living during a defining stage in the history of humanity. Our actions today can ensure that the human species, as well as all the other biodiversity we share our home with can continue to exist well into the future. Studying and working in the environmental sector, it is inspiring to see so many people doing their part to try and make the world a better place for humans, other animals and the environment. It is a great source of strength to know there are so many others who care about the future of our shared planet and shows that we are not alone in wanting to make the world a better place.
It is difficult to try and find a single highlight from my degree, but as a whole I am really grateful to have met and become friends with so many like-minded and passionate individuals who care about creating positive change. I am really grateful for all the opportunities that I have had throughout my journey at the University of Melbourne which have helped to define me as a scientist and person.
Do you have any advice for fellow students?
Try and take a broad range of subjects during your undergraduate years. Not only will you learn a lot of different things, but later on if you are looking to specialise, it will help you identify what you’re really passionate about.
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