What degree are you studying?
Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours in Physics)

What year of study are you in?
Honours (4th) year

Where is your hometown?
Melbourne, Victoria

Why did you choose to study at ANU over any other institution?
ANU offered me a degree like no other in Australia, and a scholarship gave me a lot of financial support. Moving out of home was a big step, yet an important one. In addition the world class reputation, the beautiful campus, and the small community environment was very attractive. At the time I heard, and now I can testify, that there are so many opportunities offered at the ANU to students which are unique in the country.

Why did you choose to study a science, medicine or health degree?
I enjoyed physics and maths at school, so to pursue my interests studying science was the next logical step. My vision is to add my own contribution to the accumulating web of scientific knowledge, to be able to apply these through technology for improving people's lives, and also to communicate science to the general public and inspire young minds to explore the unknown.

What is your favourite science, medicine or health class so far and why?
Quantum Mechanics in 2nd year was great. After a brief discussion on the philosophical implications of the theory, we got stuck into the calculations employing a whole series of new mathematical techniques we had just learnt. As the course unfolded it became clear why it was such a fundamental aspect of modern theoretical physics, and how it underlied almost every piece of technology we are familiar with today.

What has the highlight of being at university been for you so far?
All the opportunities I've had throughout my undergraduate years - I've somehow found the time to go overseas to the US for an internship, course exchange to the UK, worked in ANU Security, ANUgreen, Department of Engineering, actively involved with Engineers Without Borders, started up the Black Hole Student Society, researched at a university in Sydney, being a Science Ambassador, participated in a student Leadership Program, being involved in a peer mentoring program, and was a Senior Resident at my Hall of Residence

What surprised you most about classes at university?
It took a bit of getting used to, the large lecture halls filled with students in first year, the long hours spent in the lab designing experiments and taking measurements, the increasing expectation for higher level synthesis of knowledge with each advanced year. On the other hand, I've also discovered the willingness of the teaching staff to explain unfamiliar concepts, the dedication of fellow students when working in teams, and the passion and dedication academics have with the excitement of their research.

What do you want to do when you finish your degree?
Take a break from study! My interest is in sustainable development, so I would really like to go off on an overseas placement to do some volunteer work. I've been very actively involved with Engineers Without Borders, and hope to play a role in making a difference with their philosophy of implementing positive and meaningful technological change to disadvantaged communities. My wish to travel will hopefully take me around the world to some amazing places and meeting some interesting people, and eventually a PhD in Europe on solar energy is on the agenda.

Describe a typical day for you at ANU.
I cycle into uni and sit down just as the the lecturer starts filling the board with equations. After that I pop into the Newsagency to grab the Canberra Times to find out what's going on in the world. Then I'm off to find a computer where I respond to the accumulated emails and print out an assignment to hand in, before meeting a friend for lunch at one of the cafes on campus. Next I head off to a tute where we ask for more clues to the perplexing problem on the page. A few more hours spent writing up a report for the lab the other day, and then attending a public lecture on Black Holes, before the ride home.