Ethan Krumins

I grew up in the Snowy Mountains and moved to Sydney in 2012. So, yes, I am technically both a country kid and a city kid (although the city is where I spent all my teenage years). I have a younger sister who is 14 months younger than me. I grew up in a very close-knit family with amazing parents who both support me. They also continuously encouraged me to strive for my best.

Since I was moving around a fair bit, I went to three primary schools. Luckily though, once I settled down in the city, Ashfield Boys' High School was the high school that I attended and graduated from in 2021. I love to socialise and spend time with family and friends. I enjoy learning languages in my spare time, and I love to listen to music (although my music taste is a beautiful hot mess).

What inspired you to study this degree? 

When I first started high school and even before primary school, I wanted to study something in the medical field. Although around Year 9 or 10, I nearly failed one of my Science tests. Nearly failing this test made me make the erratic decision to pursue the humanities as my electives for Years 11 and 12 (pretty silly, I know).

I had a lot of differing career aspirations during that time. Still, during a business school activity or 'running your own business for a week', I 'strongly disliked' the potential stress of being in a corporate environment. So, again, I made a complete U-turn to choose the science electives for Years 11 and 12 and went full circle to wanting to work in the medical field again (a rollercoaster ride indeed).

The most logical decision was to apply for a Medical Science-related degree during Year 12. Then, I found the Bachelor of Medical Science degree, which would help me as a stepping stone into postgraduate medical studies.

Why did you choose UTS?

Interestingly, the Science Faculty at our high school organised an excursion around when I was in Year 9 to experience the UTS Science Faculty, which I vaguely remember enjoying. Participating in other universities' Science Faculties solidified the choice of UTS. These experiences confirmed to me that UTS was the best option, in my opinion, to study Science. Interestingly, my mum also studied at UTS in 1988, the first year that UTS became a university. So, my parents also led me to choose UTS.

What are you passionate about?

I am very passionate about using Science for the good of humanity and not for just profit or personal gain. I believe that using Science transparently, ethically, and without any conflicts of interest is crucial to the field. Since without these four keystones, Science's essential purpose and power for the benefit of humanity is lost. Using Science for the sole benefit of humanity, I believe, is the difference between a society that is united with a society that is divided.

What is one highlight or experience that has stood out during your studies?

What stood out to me during my studies so far is that all the staff, lecturers, teaching associates, and mentors at the university treat us with respect, dignity, and seriousness. It has had such a profound impact on me as that casual but professional environment through those values that the staff have instilled continuously has empowered me. I know I am valued at UTS, I am learning for my future, and I know I can achieve great things through the university if I put my mind to it.

Has studying this degree changed you in any way? If so, how?

If I listed all the changes this degree has made me undergo, I could confidently say that I could write an entire novel by now. The most significant change that I have undertaken from the degree was that it cultivated a heightened sense of independence within my life. Through this independence, the degree has allowed me to feel I have more control over my studies and life. Another significant change that I have made from this degree was that it has allowed me to think and view the world through a new critical lens that I have never had before. The degree has taught me continually to consider both sides of the argument, whether it relates to Science or not.

What are your goals, aspirations, and plans for the future?

One of my main aspirations for the future is to get into postgraduate medical school. Even though the journey will be long and arduous, I have accepted that this journey will be worth it in the long run. Some other goals I have in life are to try to develop better habits to avoid procrastination and get more involved in the social aspect of university.

How would you describe this degree to future students?

This degree will teach you things that are not just related to Medical Science. This degree will also teach science-related practices, such as writing reports, referencing, and upholding academic integrity. Some subjects focus on writing reports or teaching you how to reference correctly and uphold academic integrity. This degree will allow you to use many valuable resources that will come in handy during any of your careers (they make your life so much easier!).

What advice would you give to new students starting at UTS?

First thing. Don't be stressed out about starting at UTS! The lecturers and teaching associates for your first-year subjects know that you are beginning at UTS. So, they will ease you into university studies and give you lots of advice, support, and resources on how to be successful in your degree.

Another crucial tip, stay organised! I cannot stress this enough. Suppose you are not organised, especially when you get into assessment season mid-year. In that case, it is easy to get overwhelmed with what is happening with all your subjects. So please get organised as soon as you start university at UTS. A diary or a planner (either online or physical) are excellent tools to get on top of your studies (I use Notion, it is terrific!).

Another piece of advice is to get involved in as many things as possible, especially the clubs provided at UTS. They are a great way to make new friends quickly, as many have weekly events. It is so important to do this for both your mental health and overall experience at UTS.

One final piece of advice. If a particular bit of software has a 'Premium Version', USE YOUR UTS LOGIN. UTS may have paid for all its students to have the premium version of those certain bits of software for free through their UTS login. I'm pretty sure (but don't quote me on this) that you can download specific software for free using your UTS login that you would have to pay for otherwise. I cannot stress this enough because it will save you so much money in the long run (your wallet will thank you for this).

Why should future students consider studying science at UTS?

UTS, in my opinion, is one of the best universities to study Science. Not every university has world-class facilities you can access from your first year! The fantastic university facilities give you some of the best experiences working in a science environment. These facilities are the Superlab, the Hive Superlab, and Forensic Facilities.

The university also has probably one of the best libraries for you to study. UTS is very supportive every step of your degree, and they care about you as a person and not only what you are learning and the grades you get during your degree.