Joel Bertinshaw
The critical thinking skills helped me work through problems logically
What degree did you study?
Applied Physics and Management
What exactly does your work/job entail?
My day is split between scientific research and project management, and the great thing about that is I get to work at the forefront of both.
Currently, I am part of a team managing a project to develop and licence a neutron instrument. I work with companies, internal and other groups to ensure the instrument is built to specification. At the same time I am completing a PhD in experimental condensed matter physics, which involves experimentation, data analysis, literature review, and interactions with collaborators.
While it can be hard going when there is a lot of work to be done and little time to complete it, when an experiment shows an interesting result, or I see the neutron instrument coming together, it is inspiring and keeps me interested.
Do you find the skills you learnt during your degree useful and versatile?
The critical thinking skills I developed through my degree have helped me work through problems logically. My honours year helped me even further as I had to develop practical and personal managerial skills to apply the science theory I learnt during my degree.
What did you personally gain from your studies?
I had a great time studying applied physics at UTS Science. I had a great group of friends and good relationships with the staff. My advice to students is to do the honours year. I was not sure if it was the right decision at that time, but a few years later I can look back and know that it has helped me immensely in my work.
