What’s one thing you really enjoy about your studies?
I did a special topic where I got to do some work for ESR, a Crown Research Institute next to UC. That was really cool. But in particular I love the microbiology labs where you get hands-on experience. They’ve got really good equipment like centrifuges and microscopes. It really facilitates you moving into research.
And what’s the UC student life like?
I love the large student culture, especially clubs. It's a really good way to meet a whole bunch of people that you wouldn't have otherwise met, whether that's postgrads while you're an undergrad, or just people in different degrees. And all these people have something in common, which is always fun.
Speaking of clubs, you’re really involved with BioSoc and the postgrad biology committee. What do they do?
BioSoc holds things like tutorials and workshops for first years, and also social events. We used to do David Attenborough Day where we'd rent out a lecture theatre and play his documentaries. We also held a ball every year. And for the postgrad committee, we organise things like fun social events and thesis writing support. Being on the committee meant I could meet people in different years, but also different disciplines within biology.
You also work as a lab demonstrator – what does that entail?
I make sure students know the equipment and monitor their health and safety while they're using it. I’m there to answer all their questions and help guide their learning with the theory. A lot of them also ask questions about what it's like to be a postgrad, what my plans are, or what courses I did, so it's good to tell them about the pathway I've taken.
What three words sum up your time at UC?
Collaborative. Nature. State-of-the-art.
