Marnya Bilokur

PhD: Development and Analysis of Nanostructured Refractory Metals Coatings with Enhanced Optical Properties 

“I first came to Sydney to study English and I was just passing by UTS every day. At some point I decided it would be good to study at UTS and I actually ended up meeting my potential supervisor, so it was like destiny. 

For my PhD I am focusing on solar energy, in particular solar thermal power plants which generate electricity. I’m trying to improve the efficiency of the design of the thermal generation part. 

I like Sydney because it has a culture that is very different to Europe. I like the bar culture and that there are many dancing options. I also love the nature and national parks that Sydney has to offer. 

From UTS it takes me 20 minutes to walk to Darling Harbour, I love the location of the campus. 

At UTS I would say that you can have a smart combination of work and leisure time. I like that you can have a cup of tea with your supervisor and that you are not as stressed as in Europe.  

My supervisor (Associate Professor Matthew Arnold) is like a friend, we are on the same level. Once he told me, "You can say that you disagree with me, because it’s okay to say that in Australia"

As an international student I have felt very supported. From the moment I arrived, my supervisor was trying to help me in many ways through locating my desk and asking if I had friends here.  

I live in UTS housing, but in the smallest building in Darlington. It’s a quiet place which suits me as a PhD student, and we only have 50-60 people, so there is a higher chance that you can make a friend. 

I joined the debate club at UTS. It was good for confidence building because you have to stand in front of an audience. 

My advice for future PhD international students is that from the moment you arrive, make as many mistakes as you can. Your supervisors will forgive you in the first year because they understand that you are probably stressed or experiencing culture shock.”