Anthony Lewis
Anthony Lewis
- Student type: Domestic
- Degree type: Honours
- Degree(s): Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
- Major(s): Mechatronics engineering
Why did you choose Monash?
I chose Monash because they have an excellent track record and a great reputation for having fantastic graduates, and also my brother started at Monash 2 years ahead of me, and he thoroughly enjoyed his engineering degree there as well.
What attracted you to engineering?
I have been interested in electronics, mechanics and computers my entire life. I started learning to solder with my dad when I was really young, loved making electronic gadgets and the idea of going into a profession where I get paid to do what I love was always exciting.
What made you choose the specialisation/major you studied?
Mechatronics felt like the obvious choice for me. It combined everything that I loved about electronics with the childhood fantasies I had of building robots at home. Additionally, I've always been interested in the field of robotics in medicine, and even in year 11 and 12 I could see those things booming throughout the world, and that really excited me.
Tell us about what you studied – What was it? What did it involve? What did you actually do?
The beauty of mechatronics is that there is no singular topic that you study. In my time at Monash I've studied everything from chemistry, physics, electronics, computer science, business practice, project management, power systems, mechanical systems, and materials. The breadth of topics is really amazing, and I think learning about so many different and widely varying things has taught me a lot, not just in terms of engineering but the world around me.
What was the favourite thing about the field you studied?
Definitely sensor systems. It's one thing to use sensors, and to know what they are in, but another thing altogether to learn how to build sensor systems from scratch, with just basic components, all the way from choosing specific components, to writing code to utilize our sensors. Designing and building a heart rate monitor was really great, and I learned a lot.
Apart from study, what else were you involved in both at Monash and off campus? (Paid work, sport, clubs, hobbies etc)?
I have been really heavily involved in the Monash Makerspace - it's a great space for like-minded creators, inventors and enthusiasts to talk to others about ideas, discuss technical topics, and make friends. They do everything from electronics to car maintenance and even crafts.
What was the best thing about being a student at Monash?
The diversity of people that I got to meet and interact with. I have friends who are entrepreneurs, friends who are hikers, bikers, skaters, inventors, anthropologists, artists, designers, scientists and musicians. It really is fabulous, having so many great people around.
What do you hope to do after graduating?
I really hope to move into medical mechatronics, but any job where i get to work with robotics is a dream for me.