Rather than waiting until after graduation to start putting his science degree to good use, Nate Keysers is already using his interest in conservation to change people’s behaviours.
A resident at Jane College in Hobart, Nate has turned his passion into something of a sustainability movement across the college community.
“People are now actively making small changes daily, and those are habits they’ll continue even after they move out of college,” he said.
Nate originally enrolled in a Bachelor of Natural Environments and Conservation at the University of Tasmania, before realising he wanted something more science-focused, but which would still align with his love of plants and animals.
So, he switched to a Bachelor of Science, majoring in zoology and plant science, and found it was the perfect fit for his interests. The University’s close-knit community was also a positive factor.
“I knew the courses were very hands-on,” he said.
“Studying biological sciences, I wanted my studies to involve a lot of fieldwork and getting out into Tasmania’s beautiful landscapes.”
“UTAS seemed like a more intimate setting. Being able to get to know your lecturers and classmates more personally was really appealing.”
While Nate is keeping his career options open, he is particularly interested in conservation biology and plant genetics, two fields that would allow him to make a positive difference for the environment into the future.
In the meantime, though, Nate’s contributions to sustainability efforts at Jane are already making an improvement, something he is very proud of.
Vice-president of the Jane College Student Club, Nate also leads the college’s Gardening, Recycling, and Sustainability Society (GRaSS).
Through GRaSS, Nate and a team of passionate students have worked to make Jane College greener, both physically and through more sustainable behaviours. And what started as a shared passion has grown into a movement across the college community.
The group runs environmental documentary nights, clothing swap events that give unwanted fashion a second life, awareness campaigns that encourage residents to adopt more sustainable habits, and workshops on using beeswax wrap, to help reduce plastic waste.
One of the biggest highlights was a recent sustainability-themed formal dinner at the college, which featured a completely vegetarian menu – a first for the college – and decorations that were made from recycled bottles and painted by students.
Guests included respected conservation and environmental leaders such as environmentalist Bob Brown, Tasmanian Greens MP Vica Bayley, Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture Director Mike Rose, Tasmanian devil researcher Rodrigo Hamede, and plant ecologist Mark Hovenden, who joined students, staff and fellows for conversations about protecting the planet.
“The evening left myself and others inspired to continue making active changes to our behaviours,” Nate said.
The event also sparked broader conversations about reducing environmental impact at the college, including plans to introduce a regular vegetarian meal each week.
For Nate, the most meaningful part of the experience has been seeing those small initiatives create lasting change.
“It is awesome to see that my actions have created an influence on my peers,” he said.