Why did you decide to study science? 
From a young age, science, and specifically how the human body operates, has intrigued me. Our ability to heal, the impact of diseases and why our brain is such a complex organ compared to other species have been my areas of interest. It is the reason why I chose to focus my tertiary education in the scientific disciplines of Physiology and Pharmacology. I chose to study the Bachelor of Science Advanced - Global Challenges (Honours) degree as it is a one-of-a-kind program offered in Victoria, embodying more of a multidisciplinary approach to scientific studies and future careers. I thought that this framework would be more valuable moving into a society where a more diverse skillset is appreciated, thus learning about how intertwined scientific knowledge, social enterprise building and leadership would be insightful!

What made you choose Monash Uni in particular?
Monash University has a world-renowned reputation in education, especially when it came to science-focused programs. Being able to study at a university which provides a variety of units or subject topics to explore has added layers to my educational expertise. Additionally, the feel of the campus itself was much more welcoming and wholesome than other institutions I had visited. Gratefully, the student and Faculty body also share the same warm nature.

What has been the highlight of your science degree so far?
During my time at Monash, I've thankfully been able to partake in a number of study abroad programs, including the Global Immersion Guarantee (GIG), and completion of an internship unit overseas. Both these experiences not only contributed greatly to my professional development, but also accelerated personal growth. I learnt many valuable skills invaluable to application in a workplace setting and also made some amazing friendships and connections to other students and staff that I otherwise may not have met! For these reasons, the ATS2992 and SCI3501 units, alongside these programs, have definitely been highlights!

What's the biggest misconception you had about studying science before you started your course?
The biggest misconception I've come across is that a science degree is quite difficult, since it involves heavy memorisation and is extremely theory based. In saying that, this is misconception. I'm not saying the degree is easy, however by choosing units you're truly interested in or aligned with and tailoring your studies personally, there is lots of flexibility in what outcome you'd like to achieve. To do this, I highly recommend spending some time during unit selection doing research about the unit content and the types of assessments you'll be completing during the semester. I've found myself managing my workload much easier when I'm passionate about a particular topic and when the style of assessments is more application-based rather than exam focused, thus I choose to sign up for these types of units accordingly. If you're struggling to access the information, talk to older students who may have taken these units before, or read about student experiences online to gain deeper insights!

If you were to give some advice to someone who's thinking about studying at Monash Science, what would you say?
The beauty of a science degree is that there's so many directions available for you to embark on. That aspect of the degree may be intimidating, but use it to your advantage! Spend the first year getting a taste of different areas in science to then settle down with the subjects that interest you the most! The flexibility of the degree accommodates to you changing your mind about a major or minor later down the line, so don't worry if you're three years into a degree and still trying to discover which area suits you best. Talk to other students and the Faculty, and allow your own experiences to guide you towards the right direction!

Give us a life hack or piece of advice you live by?
Make an effort to become comfortable with the uncomfortable. Honestly speaking, this is quite confronting to achieve. Throwing yourself in the deep end might involve putting yourself in a vulnerable position, where you're subject to imposter syndrome and to a lot of self-doubt of your own worth. However, having the courage to try something new or have faith in your expertise when it comes to joining a specific committee or signing up to a new job might open you up to a range of new opportunities that otherwise would've never come your way, leaving you more fulfilled and happier than ever before.