Tara Graves
Tara Graves
- Student type: Domestic
- Degree type: Honours
- Year commenced: 2018
- Degree(s): Bachelor of Science Advanced - Global Challenges (Honours)
- Major(s): Chemistry
- Minor(s): Earth and environmental sciences
Why did you decide to study science?
During high school, I was very unsure about what I wanted to do with my future. I had some amazing science teachers that encouraged me to participate in a science camp called NYSF. From there I fell in love with the variety and discovery of environmental science and chemistry. I decided to study science because I wanted to help communicate the importance of everyone understanding scientific theory.
What made you choose Monash Uni in particular?
I remember coming to Monash open day and feeling so at home. Everyone was so friendly and willing to help. The campus was HUGE, but the buildings were so intricate and cool-looking. Monash was also the only university that ran the science global challengers’ course that allowed me to focus on science communication and science diplomacy.
What's your favourite aspect of studying science?
I love the mix of hands on work and theory work. In science, there is always an opportunity to get your hands dirty, whether its during lab work, field trips, live demonstrations in lectures or literally rubbing dirt in your hands. I think it creates a much deeper understanding of the world around us and gives insight into possible careers.
What do you plan to do when you graduate?
I have a few different plans that I may follow through with after graduating, but there’s a lot of ambiguity. I quite like learning, so I am looking at possibly doing a science communication masters. I’d like to travel a bit and look at doing some international internships.
What has been the highlight of your science degree so far?
I have met so many phenomenal people through doing my science degree. There is a lot of group work in science and through this I have had the opportunity to work with really passionate students and lecturers. It’s nice to find a bunch of people who have similar aspirations to you, a lot of those people I now call friends.
What's the biggest misconception you had about studying science before you started your course?
My biggest misconception was that science leads to working in a laboratory for the rest of your life, wearing a white lab coat every day. Science gives you so many skills that are adaptable for such a large variety of jobs. Science is much more than a lab coat.
If you were to give some advice to someone who's thinking about studying at Monash Science, what would you say?
Science at Monash is such an amazing degree that allows you to learn and experience so much of the quote on quote ‘real world’. Make sure you go to open days, talk to current students and ask heaps of questions. Definitely find your passions and pursue them!
Give us a life hack or piece of advice you live by:
Be kind whenever you can. Kindness is everything.