Meet our students
Our students have a passion to challenge the way we think.
Danushi Peiris
Bachelor of Science- Advanced – Global Challenges (Honours)
(Chemistry Major)
“Global Challenges goes much further than teaching the foundations of science. I am surrounded by an engaged, passionate and intelligent group of individuals and this has definitely been a highlight of the degree for me. The opportunity to meet industry leaders, create a start-up and gain exposure to areas such as science communication and policy are invaluable. Global Challenges encourages me to proactively seek out problems and design solutions for them. I chose this degree to help foster my own creativity and develop the STEM skills required to create innovative solutions to some of the world’s most pressing issues.”
Brady Cronin
Bachelor of Science Advanced - Global Challenges (Honours)
(Ecology and Conservation Biology Major)
“My drive to reshape the world drew me to the course. Global Challenges has shown me that anything is possible, but it has to start with you. Throughout the course I have discovered my true abilities. Global Challenges has helped me to see that everyone has a place in solving some of the world’s most complex issues. It takes a diverse range of people to form a powerful, sustaining impact. I’m excited to see the results of such a forward-thinking course empowering the next generation to change the world.”
Hien Vu
Bachelor of Science Advanced - Global Challenges (Honours)
(Computational Science Major)
“Global Challenges combines the skills you learn in a regular university degree, with an incredible range of skills in leadership, communication, and entrepreneurship. This broadens your perspective on the world and teaches you so much about yourself. It’s this powerful combination that empowers young scientists to get out there and make an impact with their work. From a young age I've been a high achiever, but I always wanted to prove that I was more than the marks on my report card. My hunger to prove myself combined with a desire to make a positive impact for social and environmental issues drove me to take up Global Challenges.”
Jake Port
Bachelor of Science Advanced - Global Challenges (Honours)
(Immunology Major)
“Before I started university, I knew that I wanted to use science to address some of the major challenges we face as a society today. I could only do this if I had the right skill set, which this degree specifically teaches. This course is unique in that it gives you the opportunity to study entrepreneurship, leadership and communication skills while at the same time developing a strong scientific framework. It encourages excellence and a mindset that looks across borders.”
Tanaya Joshi
Bachelor of Science Advanced - Global Challenges (Honours)
(Genetics Major)
“The Global Challenges course is a dive in the deep end from the get go – the degree catalyses change through moving us into the direction we want to go instead of theorising about the potential future we might have one day. The course has a ‘do it’ mentality. I love working with people, and learning about what grassroots change really looks like. I admire people for their courage to change things and I want to be that kind of person. I want the pillars of Global Challenges course reflected in every facet of my life, to embrace the here and now head on.”
Joshua Zail
Bachelor of Science Advanced - Global Challenges (Honours)
(Mathematics Major)
“Global Challenges pushes you to do things you never thought were possible, from starting a business, to publishing a blog, to creating a policy brief, plus finding mentors and internships. Everything you do extends your personal and professional growth and development. I chose Global Challenges because it will enable me to channel my passion for science and discovery towards real-world impact. This course has shown me that the solution to uncertainty isn’t certainty, but learning to flourish in uncertainty. I am learning the skills and the mindset to face any situation and make the most of every opportunity.”
Saxbee Affleck
Bachelor of Science Advanced - Global Challenges (Honours)
(Ecology and Conservation Major)
“I started this degree with the idea that impossible things can happen and that tomorrow can be better than it is today. It’s that mindset coupled with vulnerability and an open mind which led me to the Global Challenges course. The course takes a traditional science degree and exposes it to a new era of discovery that goes beyond research. I hope that the Global Challenges program will lead me to a purpose-driven career, which will allow me to pursue opportunities that can make a meaningful change in the world.”