Josh Klingberg

What motivated you to study this degree/major?
I always enjoyed science at high school and it was something that I was generally pretty good at. I did the Forensic Chemistry elective in my Year 12 chemistry class and found it quite interesting. My sister did a year of Advanced Science with a major in Forensics at UWS and I always found the stuff that she talked about to be quite interesting as well. My interest in TV shows didn't hurt either.

What do you enjoy most about your degree?
I love the practical, hands-on nature of the degree. You get to do some experiments in high school but they are generally few and far between. In my degree at UTS I'm doing at least three practicals a week and it’s a great chance to get into the lab and put the stuff that you learn in the lectures to use. With the forensic subjects especially, I find that you get a good background in the lectures, but it’s when you get to the practicals that you really familiarise yourself with the concepts.

Why did you choose to study at UTS?
While other university's offered a science degree where you could major in forensics, UTS was the only uni that was offering a dedicated forensic chemistry degree and that really appealed to me. I also liked the fact that it was in a fairly central location. While it takes me approximately an hour on the train to get to UTS, the walk from the station is really short and easy so I don’t have to worry about transport.

What is it like to study at UTS Science?
It’s a really good atmosphere. The practicals are really enjoyable and the lab facilities are quite amazing. Going from a high school environment where you feel high tech when you’re using a Bunsen burner to the equipment we have in the labs here is a massive leap. My experience is that the teaching staff here are amazing. From the lab demonstrators who are always on hand to explain the best way to do things and how/why stuff is happening, to the lecturers who are more than happy to answer any questions you may have. It’s great to know that there’s an extensive support structure available for if you’re feeling lost or confused.

Is there any advice you would give to students studying this degree?
Don’t expect everything to be like it is in the TV shows. This is probably something you will hear over and over but it really is true. Mind you, that doesn't make the degree any less interesting. I actually found it quite enjoyable to learn how they actually do things in the real world.

My second piece of advice would be this: ask questions. The learning environment at university is much different to that of high school. The responsibility for learning is placed on you. If you don’t ask questions your lecturers are going to assume that you understand everything that they are talking about. Having said that, they are more than willing to help if you only go up and ask them some questions.

What would you like to do once you complete by your degree?
Ideally I would like to join the Australian Federal Police to work in drug intelligence. I've also thought about going to the Forensic & Analytical Science Service in NSW or interstate working with drug analysis.

What other activities do you participate/do at uni?
I am a member of the UTS Soccer Club. I've also participated as a mentor in the UTS Science Principles of Scientific Practice Mentoring Program and I am a member of SPROUTS.

Tell us something interesting about yourself
I am currently a staff member with the Australian Air Force Cadets where I act as the Training Officer for my squadron.