Lara Gallagher
I remember having passionate lecturers and tutors who made learning so much fun.
What degree did you study?
Bachelor of Science (Applied Biology) similar to current Bachelor of Science in Environmental Biology.
What exactly does your work/job entail?
Assessing the environmental impacts of proposed developments submitted to Council, e.g. for new houses, subdivisions, restaurants, remediation of contaminated sites and determining if the impacts are acceptable. If not, then negotiating with the proponents to alter the development if possible. We need to ensure developments comply with the Council's and State Government's environmental policies and guidelines.
What part of your work inspires you the most?
Going to a different property almost every day of the working week in what is one of the most beautiful parts of Australia, and working with the Council's planning department to achieve better environmental outcomes.
Do you find the skills you learnt during your degree useful and versatile?
The most important things I learnt were that you should never pretend to know something when you don't! You will get caught out and always ask when you don't understand something.
What have been your ‘best’ professional achievements?
Working in some beautiful parts of NSW with some great people (who have also remained great friends) and doing good work that was used to make sound decisions.
What was it like to study at UTS Science?
I remember having passionate lecturers and tutors who made learning so much fun. There was a great sense of camaraderie. I chose that particular course as it had a large component on lab and field work, rather than just all lectures. The field trips were great although I recall we got rained out every time during our three years!
