Stephanie Town

What degree you are currently studying?

Bachelor of Advanced Science in Infection and Immunity

What motivated you to study this degree/major?

I realised I needed to work as an independent in an innovative, collaborative society that embraces problem solving as a way of life. A biomedical career fit the criteria. The next frontier of biomedical research is centred on immunology (the study of infection and immunity interactions) because of our technological capabilities and battle with antimicrobial resistance. The degree is structured to provide work experience during undergraduate study which will put me ahead of the curve.

What do you enjoy most about your degree?

The tactile teaching methods (e.g. exploring the whole body with cadavers for Human Anatomy and Physiology), and the research opportunities available right from the start via Research Methods 1 & 2 and Advanced Research Projects 1-4 (2nd and 3rd year). These provide motivation to the student and a context to the theoretical coursework per subject.

Why did you choose to study at UTS?

UTS specialises in making students "future-ready" using subjects structured to mimic the relevant workplace. From 2016, they focus on independent study over lectures and are pushing academics to teach and assess content in a variety of ways based on a modern understanding of learning. Further, the Advanced Science degree enrols the best of the best and provides a huge amount of support along the way - all of this is just what students need.

What is it like to study at UTS Science?

Invigorating. UTS sports fully equipped labs, top technology, a well-respected and supportive teaching staff, and a paper and electronic library stocked with the latest publications.

Is there any advice you would give to students studying this degree?

Keep good notes, and start early in the semester (I recommend flashcards). Be an effective group worker. Read a few articles from the American journal "Infection and Immunity" to see what's coming. Remain engaged, speak up, and get excited. Lastly, know yourself and work on your weaknesses - that's just as important.

What would you like to do once you complete by your degree

It mostly depends on the climate of the given field at that time. James D. Watson wrote in "Avoid Boring People" (his autobiography), "Specialise in something original", meaning try to pick something that the majority are not doing so that there are more discoveries to make and you can learn from their fields as well.

But essentially... I'll keep learning! Ideally, I'd either complete an Honours year then a PhD or head into more training in a medical specialisation (e.g. Immunology)... but ultimately, I'd like to work with other people for three days of the week, then research my latest project the other 4. I'm happy to compromise the intricacies of my career to have a work-life balance for my family as needed, because, of course, life happens.

What other activities do you participate/do at uni?

In July, I co-founded an organisation called "Students for LAM Australia" or SLAM with UTS Science academic, Dr Brian Oliver. We conducted fundraising for research into the rare lung disease, lymphangiomyomatosis, over the semester via two BBQs and chocolate boxes. We're mostly away over the summer session and will jump back in in Autumn.

I'm quite a workaholic, so the work and collaboration I do on academic and home tasks has always been the main occupant of my time. I'm spending the holidays working temporary jobs (after Christmas), doing large puzzles, going camping and reading long novels (currently "War and Peace" by Tolstoy).

If no, please state your qualification prior to entering UTS and where did you obtain it from?

I actually did go into uni right out of high school.... at the University of Wollongong into a BA Psychology / Philosophy major. I couldn't do postgrad science because it's an Arts degree, not a Science degree. I'm 24 now. This degree allowed me to get into the B Adv Sci program.

Psychology doesn't provide the level of independent work I wanted, and it's very difficult to get a job in the field specifically. Philosophy fuels my introspection and political discourse.

Tell us something interesting about yourself

I'm hearing impaired. UTS was excellent with reasonable adjustments so kudos to them and my stenographers.