The University of Western Australia (UWA) Courses

Marine Science has no geographical limits. When I was in Year 12 living in Albany, a town spoilt with incredible coastal environments, I dreamt of travelling, snorkelling, and living by the sea for the rest of my life. This major opens that possibility, with the added aspect of environmental consideration. Everything biological and atmospheric can be linked to the vast oceans. Marine Science can be applied globally, from the open ocean to local rivers and the atmospheric influences of winds and climate.

Throughout my course, my perspective of the world has been broadened. The students in my class share my passion for protecting our environment and their belief in a better future is contagious; it's easy to feel optimistic and determined when you're surrounded by kind-hearted people.

Everyone's aware of UWA's prestigious reputation, but really it was the relocation services and pleasant atmosphere that allowed me to picture myself living as a student here.

Read more about Ashley's story.

Marine biologist, ocean educator and pioneering blue whale researcher

My passion is changing the way the world sees and interacts with the ocean and helping people be the best version of themselves. We are incredibly privileged to be alive and to live on this planet - but we only inherit it, we never own it. I am well aware of this and my work is about leaving the planet a better place than I found it with a focus on saving our oceans. I choose to do this by nurturing and training the next generation of diverse ocean heroes, students from typically under-represented nations, and other unlikely heroes like fishermen. I also like to engage people in stories about the magic of our oceans because the more people know about the ocean, the more likely they are to care and become part of the army that we need to drive change. They will become part of the solution and not just part of the problem.

Read more about Asha's story here.

I got involved with uni life from the day I started university. I joined as many clubs as I could during orientation week. I started uni with a mindset that I wanted to do more than just study from 9-5 and contribute to our campus life and the wider community. In my final year, I was the Guild's Environment Officer and the President for UWA French Club. As the Environment Officer, I ran events and initiatives to promote sustainability on campus - from running EnviroFest to make your own keepcup events. My time at UWA was amazing as I had the opportunity to give back to students through something that I love.

My passion is to mainstream sustainable practices and technologies into our everyday lives to avoid creating a future defined by climate chaos.

Read more about Basundhara's story here.

Executive Director and Founder, Plastic Free July Foundation

My journey since studying at UWA certainly didn't evolve as I had planned. Due to a death in my immediate family, plans for overseas work and further study were put on hold. I've worked in government and as a consultant on projects ranging from catchment mapping to community consultation to underwater surveys of abalone populations.

An interest in sustainable living led to working as a waste educator in Perth's western suburbs and starting Plastic Free July. I have since had the opportunity to explore the plastic pollution problem and participate in research expeditions in the Pacific, Indian and Atlantic oceans. Though I've never worked as a scientist, the ability to evaluate information and read research papers has been critical to developing my understanding of the plastic pollution issue and ability to develop big picture solutions.

Read more about Rebecca's story here.