[Inspiring music playing]
[Shots of waves crashing against rocks in slow motion, Rebecca walking on shore, Rebecca looking out to sea, close-up Rebecca’s face]
It’s important to me to take an active role in helping the environment. Working in the environmental industry is really interesting because I get exposure to a lot of different people and help them to work in a way that is more sustainable or that helps them to reduce their impact on the environment.
[Shot of Rebecca talking to camera in lab, banner reads: Environmental Management Assistant, UBS]
My name is Rebecca Pagnucco and I am a student in the Master of Science at UTS.
[Close up of laboratory work, pouring liquids, Rebecca talking to camera]
Typically to clean up oil spills you would be using synthetic products, things that are made from plastic fibres and recently there’s been a big push towards using natural materials instead.
[Rebecca walking towards sacks, handling hair, putting on gloves and lab glasses]
As part of my Masters degree I’m working with Sustainable Salons Australia, looking at how hair can be used as a crude oil absorbent. It’s exciting because we’re taking something that is normally waste and giving it a beneficial second life.
[Rebecca carrying, connecting and using hose, puts sacks of hair in container of water]
UTS has played a major role in shaping who I am today by giving me the practical experience, the exposure to industry and tools I needed to succeed in my chosen field.
[Rebecca speaking to camera]
My advice to students who are looking to get involved in the environmental industry is to look out for where there’s innovation and investment because those are the projects that are going to shape our future.
