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You graduated in 2014, what have the last 5 years held for you?

After I graduated I studied a Bachelor of Advanced Science at the University of Sydney, majoring in chemistry and physics. I spent 18 months working at the National Measurement Institute, where I developed screening protocols for performance-enhancing drugs in preparation for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games. I studied for a period at Nanjing University in China, as well as at Monash University and the Australian Synchrotron in Melbourne.

After spending time in rural New South Wales, I began focusing on developing renewable energy, sustainable processing, and ways to transition Australia to a carbon-neutral economy. To continue this work, I am currently a PhD candidate at the University of Sydney, working in the School of Chemistry’s Functional Energy Materials division. My research concerns engineering different types of battery materials and solar panels, making them more efficient, more recyclable, and more widely accessible for Australia’s rural farming communities.

I am also the current Student Secretary for the Sydney University Chemical Society.
 
What’s involved in being the Student Secretary of the Sydney University Chemical Society?

The Sydney University Chemical Society is a network of university researchers and alumni. The society meets regularly to discuss ideas, share and collaborate our work, and present to the public. It helps the School of Chemistry communicate with other faculties around the university and work with people outside of their usual field of expertise.

This year we’re starting a program focused on bringing high school students through the various laboratories to show them what a scientist does each day. I’ve enjoyed being given the opportunity to contribute, and it’s been rewarding to work with the broader scientific community. 
 
Whilst at CCGS in addition to being an excellent student in mathematics, the sciences and music, you were involved in cocurricular Music, Debating and Public Speaking, the humanitarian tour to Cambodia and were a Head Prefect in 2014. How did those experiences and achievements prepare you for where you are today?

I was very privileged with the opportunities CCGS offered me, and I wanted to try everything I could. A lot of those experiences sculpted what I now do every day.

I participated in the humanitarian tour to Cambodia, now I volunteer in remote communities doing farm work. I first started Debating and Public Speaking for Acacia in the house competition, now I present my research work to large international audiences of experts at conferences. I first learned the importance of teamwork playing Rugby Union and Cricket for CCGS, now I lead my own research projects and collaborations with other academics all around the world.

Although I never realised it at the time, the opportunities offered at CCGS gave me the chance to develop the skills and values I would rely on later in life. 
 
Where do you see yourself after University?

Luckily, I’m only three months into my three-year PhD candidature, so I still have a few years to decide that.

I’ve been lucky enough to travel, collaborate and present my work at different places very early in my career. This year alone I was meant to have brief research periods in South Korea, China, Taiwan, Austria and the Czech Republic, so I plan to continue working overseas in the near future.

I hope to continue researching into functional energy materials and ensure my work makes its way into the remote farming communities of Australia. The links between academic research like mine and real-life applications are often weak, so one of my big-picture goals is to strengthen the translation from academia to industry. 

What is one piece of advice you would give to your high school self?

Take every opportunity that comes your way to get out of your comfort zone. That way, you’re giving yourself every opportunity to invest in your own skills and attributes. Having unique skills will help in pursuing the work you’re passionate about. 
 
How have you been spending your time during COVID shutdown?

I have been classified as an essential worker by the University of Sydney, so it’s been mostly business as usual for me. Research work has been proceeding, and we’ve still been in regular contact with our research teams around the world. I’ve been doing university teaching and giving presentations over Zoom, which has been quite a learning curve! Apart from that, I’ve been trying to keep busy by staying active, learning a new musical instrument and keeping in touch with friends and family as often as I can.