Daniel Malkinson
Daniel Malkinson
- Student type: Domestic
- Degree type: Honours
- Year commenced: 2016
- Degree(s): Bachelor of Science Advanced - Global Challenges (Honours)
- Major(s): Chemistry
Why did you decide to study science?
I decided to study science, as I have always had the curiosity to learn about our world; to understand why and how things happen and apply logic and reasoning to solve complex problems. I was also curious to understand how I could apply scientific thinking to approach problems in society and business to drive innovation and impact.
What made you choose Monash Uni in particular?
I was part of the Monash Scholars program at high school and met a lot of amazing people from Monash. Also, I was excited by the prospect of studying the Science – Global Challenges degree which wasn’t offered anywhere else.
What's your favourite aspect of studying science?
For me it’s being able to work, engage and learn with students, researchers and academics from all different disciplines of science.
What do you plan to do when you graduate?
I want to work in a career that works on the commercialisation of science, translating research and ideas into tangible and applicable solutions. When I graduate, I plan to do some travelling and potentially move to a different city to work.
What has been the highlight of your science degree so far?
I think the highlight of my science degree so far, was working with a biotechnology company for my honour’s year on a commercialisation strategy for a novel wastewater treatment technology using algae. There are many other honourable mentions though, whether it be maths lectures by the Mathologer Burkard Polster, food chemistry, doing overseas internships or getting involved with a range of initiatives at Monash such as Let’s Torque, Monash Young Medtech Innovators, the GENERATOR and more! There have been so many amazing experiences and I’m grateful for my time completing a science degree at Monash.
What's the biggest misconception you had about studying science before you started your course?
I had this perception that science doesn’t really provide you a direct pathway into a career besides research. Attending Monash, I have had the opportunity to explore and discover so many interesting career paths ranging from sustainability to artificial intelligence to medical technology.
If you were to give some advice to someone who's thinking about studying at Monash Science, what would you say?
Your major doesn’t limit what you can and can’t do. Get involved with projects and engage with people at Monash that interest and challenge you. It is experiences as much as your grades and coursework which will lead you to exciting career prospects. By getting involved with different initiatives, projects and opportunities at Monash will provide you the transferable skills to apply for any profession of interest.