Liam Burt has always known what he wanted to do with his life: study science, and communicate science.
Liam is near the end of his Bachelor of Science with Honours, supported by the Marshall Hughes Honours Scholarship in Chemistry.
“Rather than using continuous light on chemical reactions, I’m looking at pulsing them on and off at some sort of frequency to investigate if that improves efficiency in synthesis,” he said.
“The financial benefit of scholarships is always lovely, however the biggest thing for me is someone investing not just in you, but in the vision that you have.”
Liam said he’d really like to do a PhD, but he’s also very big on the communication of not just science, but of tertiary education as well.
Growing up on the North West, accessibility to science and diversity in science is one of the biggest things that I’m about.
Liam said his path to University began with a science teacher in high school who mentored him.
“At the end of year 10 I promised him I’d go and learn from the best in the world, and that I’d always return home to report what I’d found.”
And Liam has kept his word, returning back to his old high school at least every six months.
“I have a younger brother there. I always go back there to talk a bit about science and what I’m up to now, so that people can see someone progressing that they’ve known since they were born,” he said.
It’s all about completing the cycle of science. It’s kind of like a trade. It’s still an apprenticeship, it just doesn't have that name.
Liam said it’s important to him to help every student understand the opportunities that education offers.
“There’s always the one kid who will never get picked to volunteer for anything, but the moment they get picked to come and do some science with me, they put on a lab coat and they see the UTAS logo.
I’ve always wanted to come to the University of Tasmania and that first time I pulled on the lab coat and saw that logo, I’ll never forget it.
“And to see someone else that is over 10 years younger than you do that as well, it is very special.”
Keen on science too? Apply now to study for 2019: http://www.utas.edu.au/admissions