Hannah Conroy
Hannah Conroy
- Student type: Domestic
- Degree type: Double Degree
- Year commenced: 2017
- Degree(s): Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts
- Major(s): Environmental science
Why did you decide to study science?
I decided to study science because I loved learning about the way things work understanding ‘why’. In particular – I wanted to study environmental science so I could learn about our natural systems and the way they operate, and the many complexities and connections in our ecosystems. Given the huge challenges we face with climate change – I am glad to be studying a degree that gives me the tools to understand and hopefully tackle these large-scale problems. I also think it’s important that we have scientists who have an understanding of socio-cultural context, which is why I’m also studying Human Geography alongside my degree.
What made you choose Monash Uni in particular?
I chose Monash because of the flexibility of choice – the freedom I have to choose the units I’m interested in and study Science alongside Arts. It means I could combine two disciplines and didn’t have to be locked into a set path when beginning my degree. I also loved the ‘feel’ of Monash, I found it very welcoming, I moved here from a small town so that was important to me.
What's your favourite aspect of studying science?
My favourite aspect would have to be the friends I have made – such interesting, clever people who have similar interests to myself and who I learn from every day. It makes Uni a fun place to be and I look forward to coming in.
What do you plan to do when you graduate?
I hope to work in sustainable management of ecosystems, and in building future resilience. I’m particularly interested in the ways we manage water for our own uses and for the environment. These are big questions that don’t have any simple answers and I think it’s a very important field.
What has been the highlight of your science degree so far?
The highlight would be studying overseas in Peru – I did a unit over the summer, and spent days hiking through the mountains, out in the field with our Professor, canoeing on lakes in Amazonia. It was incredible and I learned so much, it gave me perspective on many global issues and solidified a lot of the theoretical work I’d done. I met some really interesting people and it was so much fun to spend a month living abroad and experiencing a new place.
What's the biggest misconception you had about studying science before you started your course?
I thought it would be more like secondary school. There’s so much independence, you need to be self-motivated and willing to think on your own. That took a little bit of adjusting but I really enjoy it now. I appreciate how a lot of the staff treat you as though you’re an equal and are always open to hearing your ideas.
If you were to give some advice to someone who's thinking about studying at Monash Science, what would you say?
It’s a great course for someone who wants to be flexible in their learning, you have the freedom to follow what interests you which is really exciting. You aren’t set into a defined path when you begin and that’s important when you’re not exactly sure where it is you want to end up. The facilities on campus are fantastic, and all of the opportunities are just awesome – the chance to spend my summer in South America studying sustainability was just incredible.
Give us a life hack or piece of advice you live by
I think it’s important to follow what you feel passionate about, what you care about, and not what you ‘should’ do. It’s important to be doing something you feel strongly about, otherwise you’ll lack the motivation and purpose to continue with it. I think this guided my decision to study the course I have, and I feel it’s important to remember when you’re going through the pressures of year twelve study.