Connor McLeod
There’s plenty of real research going on at UTS which is inspiring to be around.
What degree you are currently studying?
I'm in my 4th year of a Bachelor of Biotechnology and Bachelor of Business (started in 2014)
What is your major?
Management
What did you do before you started your course?
High school
What motivated you to study this degree/major?
Sad story with an uplifting ending.
My Biology teacher in High School cared for his adult son with muscular dystrophy. Despite the level of care that was required of my teacher he was still one of the most friendly and supportive people I have met. His son passed away while I was doing my HSC. The news of his passing was upsetting, but the thing that stuck with me was that as well as MD, he was blind. This was not due to a damaged eye or faulty retina, but due to the absence of activity in the optic nerve.
This got me interested in Biotechnology and Biomedical Engineering, and sparked my passion to create implants that augment sensory function, in order to help patients like my teacher’s son in the future. This specific dream expanded into a passion for the field, but I recognised the integral role of business in the success of biotech products, so I decided to do a business degree as well.
What do you enjoy most about your degree?
Some subjects were particularly interesting but one of the main takeaways has been the people, both staff and students, that I have met and formed relationships with. Some friends I made such as lab partners are still in my life and I intend to work with them in the future.
For example, I am currently working with one of my lab partners on a competition aimed at driving the Australian meat industry carbon neutral.
Why did you choose to study at UTS?
UTS has great facilities for the science side of my studies and a reputable business school for the other. UTS was also the only university to offer a Biotechnology course at the time.
What is it like to study at UTS Science?
I found the University to be well equipped in terms if labs and staff. There’s also plenty of real research going on at UTS which is inspiring to be around.
What advice you would give to students studying this degree?
- Work on focused learning
- Avoid leaving assignments/study for the night before
What would you like to do once you complete your degree?
I am currently working for CSIRO on a cadetship but I would like to continue with the company and gain experience and participate in side projects along the way.
I will eventually start my own venture producing implants that augment sensory function.
