Our 2018 Scholarship Recipient

Last year, I had the pleasure of meeting and interviewing Georgia Cattell, the third Biomedical Science student from the University of the Sunshine Coast to be awarded the annual Haggarty-Weir scholarship for Bachelor of Biomedical Science students (see this link for my interview with the first student, Leah MacDonald). This article originally appeared on MostlyScience.com where I am an editor, but thought it would be good to post on my business blog since funds from my clients have helped make my philanthropy continue. Below is the interview that Georgia kindly gave with me.

Georgia Cattell, 1st year B.Biomed.Sc student at USC.

Christopher Haggarty-Weir: So, tell us a little about yourself, your background and what got you interested in science?

Georgia Cattell: When I was younger my little brother was interested in space and he had received a telescope for his Christmas present. This is where I began my interest in science, looking at the background of how the universe was created, as well as being inspired by Brian Cox. I then began to look towards the human anatomy during high school biology classes, which then took me on various career paths throughout my three senior years.

CHW: And what made you choose biomedical science for your major?

GC: Originally when entering Biomedical Science in high school, I wanted to be a pathologist or a haematologist as Biomedical Science could give me in a wide range of choices.

CHW: Do you have more specific areas of interest within Biomedical science?

GC: I have only had one semester of university so far, however; cell biology is my favorite as I get to look at organisms in their molecular form and understanding how cell functions and structures work.

CHW: And what sort of career path are you currently considering and why?

GC: Currently, I would like to be an embryologist. I’ve always wanted to help people considering my brother and father in the past. I wanted to make people happy. I also love working in the laboratory by creating, researching and solving problems.

CHW: Who have been your biggest inspirations or role models in science and why?

GC: My family would have to be my biggest role models. My mum and dad were successful in their careers which always inspired me to achieve my best. They would always accept the pathway I would choose such as giving me many articles about cosmology and the human anatomy.

CHW: What are the current major challenges for new students at university in the sciences (or in general) today?

GC: Personally, getting used to the system at university would be the hardest thing for new students coming straight from school. I was very confused in the first four week of university trying to organise my schedule and understanding assessments thrown my way. As always making friends is another problem as I do come from up north of Australia and coming to a university where people are already in their friend groups from school.

CHW: What are some of the things you love the most about your university?

GC: The University of the Sunshine Coast is ecofriendly which I love. They have recycle bins all over the campus, they don’t sell water bottles and it’s a friendly environment for kangaroos and other animals to roam around in.  The university also offers lots of support opportunities for student mental well-being, study, and future pathway options.

The University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia. Where I completed my undergrad in biomedical science. And as you can see, kangaroos aplenty!

CHW: Any advice for high-school students considering going into an undergraduate in science?

GC: My advice would be to make sure you really want to pursue a career in a science degree. I know many people that started the course and have dropped out because it wasn’t something they wanted to do. Take every opportunity you are given such as student exchange to another country or volunteer groups. Make friends as they will help you through your university days, they will end up having your back if you don’t get the marks you hoped for.

CHW: Thanks heaps for your time and I wish you the best of luck with the rest of your studies!