What do you study and what year are you in?
Bachelor of Computer Science (Machine Learning), second year.
Who or what made you choose to study this?
My passion for Computer Science with a machine learning focus stems from a lifetime of venturing beyond the confines of age-imposed boundaries. From a young age, I delved into 3D rendering, coding, and the evolving world of XR, constantly pushing the boundaries of what's possible. I choose to study this field because it's the ultimate canvas where I can unleash my boundless curiosity and create groundbreaking solutions that transcend limitations, shaping a limitless future powered by innovation.
Why did you choose to study at UQ?
In high school, I was profoundly drawn to UQ. I'd frequently visit the UQ campus to study, captivated by the vibrant atmosphere and the opportunities it bestowed upon its students, especially in the EECS faculty. Witnessing the wealth of resources and the supportive community, I yearned to be part of this ecosystem and expand upon the incredible potential it offered, still witholding and working on this dream today. My deep desire to not just excel but to lead a society fervently passionate about the future of technology was a driving force, making UQ the natural choice for my educational journey.
What do you love most about your degree?
What I love most about my computer science degree is the electrifying sense that we, as computer scientists, are the architects of the future. It's a field where innovation knows no bounds, and there's always a higher peak to climb. In computer science, there's no such thing as a "professional programmer" because the challenges the world presents us with have an infinite range of difficulty. This infinite horizon of possibilities fuels my passion, continually pushing me to accomplish the extraordinary. I understand the power of technology to change the world, and it's this boundless potential that leaves people in awe, reminding them that in the world of computer science, the only limit is the sky, and even that may just be a stepping stone.
What’s been your favourite course so far and why?
My preferred course so far, though still in progress this semester, is undoubtedly CSSE2010. What sets it apart is the captivating content, effective teaching methods, and the intellectual challenge it offers. I found the Digital Logic section accessible and even had the privilege of assisting peers during practical sessions. As we transitioned to AVR Programming, the sense of "real programming" and the structured learning environment truly enriched the experience.
What makes CSSE2010 exceptional is the robust support provided by UQ, including well-equipped facilities, fostering critical thinking, and effective time management skills. This course plays a vital role in computer science, providing a strong foundation and assisting students in shaping their future careers, even if it doesn't delve into my specific machine learning focus. It has significantly influenced my university journey, emphasizing the profound intellectual growth and humbling experiences that academic pursuits can offer.
If you could give one piece of advice to someone considering studying at UQ, what would that be?
My advice to someone considering studying at UQ would be this: You don't need to be the best at anything when you arrive; UQ is a place where you can work your way up and find your niche. The UQ community is vast and diverse, providing numerous opportunities to connect, especially through the various Clubs & Societies. With its wide array of courses and the global recognition it holds, UQ opens doors to endless possibilities that can shape your future.
For me, UQ has been a place where I've not only learned but also grown as a leader and a person. I've forged incredible friendships with peers from my degree, past degrees, and various societies. UQ empowers you to be the change you wish to see, and it's a journey that's both inspiring and transformative.
Have you participated in any internships / work? If so tell us a bit about it, what did you enjoy most about the experience?
Right now, I'm interning at Atlassian, delving into the role of an Android Mobile Developer focused on Jira Software for S23/S24. This role has proven to be an absolute thrill. Atlassian's ethos revolves around transparency and a people-centric work culture, making it an immensely appealing workplace for me. Their emphasis on "work from anywhere" aligns with my current Hybrid work arrangement, predominantly stationed in Brisbane (now leveraging their pilot office!), with recent participation at Agile Fest in Sydney—an invigorating Atlassian week. The company's concerted efforts to build connections among employees and foster unity among interns are truly commendable. Experiencing this as my inaugural "true internship" feels immensely rewarding. Everything and everyone at Atlassian resonates deeply with me. It's surprising that their unique work culture isn't more widespread, but I'm grateful for the opportunity to be a part of it.
In addition to my internship at Atlassian, I'm simultaneously doing something unconventional—holding a position at JB Hi-Fi as a salesperson. Interestingly, JB Hi-Fi's culture reminds me of Atlassian's in the sense of a connected community. While it's a different style of job, I find myself drawn to work purely for the thrill of what each shift may bring, rather than worrying about what it might entail, a sentiment that contrasts with my past job experiences.
In the past, I've had the privilege of participating in various internships and work experiences, including positions at Deloitte, Bupa Optical, and Startmate. However, one of the most transformative experiences was my internship in China as part of the New Colombo Plan, representing UQ. During the winter of 2023, I spent a month in Dalian at Neusoft University of Information, alongside 21 other students from the EECS department.
What made this experience truly remarkable was the collaborative spirit that emerged as UQ and DNUI students worked together. In my team, which consisted of 4 UQ students and 3 DNUI students, we put all hands on deck to create something extraordinary. Our efforts paid off when our group was awarded both the Best Overall and Best International Team Prize. This internship was not all work; it was also incredibly fun, as we developed our project idea based on our unique experiences in China. This fusion of cultures and innovative thinking is what made the internship a memorable and enriching experience. All in all, my skills and qualities on this trip led to me becoming the token 2024 NCP Alumni Ambassador for UQ.
What do you hope to do when you graduate?
Upon graduation, my primary aspiration is to harness my computer science and machine learning expertise to expand the boundaries of technology, particularly in the realm of augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR). I aim to create immersive experiences that push the limits of what is possible, bridging the gap between the digital and physical worlds. My vision involves using AR/VR to revolutionize industries, from education to healthcare and beyond, while simultaneously making them more accessible to all. I want to contribute to research and development in AR/VR, unlocking new possibilities that can enhance human interaction and understanding. Ultimately, my goal is to be a catalyst for positive change, utilizing my skills to build a more inclusive and innovative future where AR/VR plays a pivotal role in shaping our digital landscape.
Are you a member of any student societies / participate in extracurricular activities? Tell us a bit about it.
I'm actively engaged in several student societies at UQ, each contributing to my personal and professional growth. Notably, I have been serving as the President of UQ Reality Labs, which is Australia's first AR/VR club. I've held this role since March 2023 and have been re-elected for 2024. When I took office, the society was founded in October 2022 but had made limited progress. Leading the club through the challenges of establishing sponsorships and setting up a bank account has been a gratifying yet demanding journey.
Our team conducts a workshop series to educate students about XR and VR technologies, offering valuable industry networking opportunities. Moreover, we recently had a successful exhibition night with our sister society, QUT Reality Labs, to showcase student work in the AR/VR field, featuring industry presentations and award incentives. All in all, the hard work and dedication of myself and my team led to Reality Labs being awarded 'Best Small Club' by the UQ Union, which I am extremely proud of.
Looking ahead to the next year, my plan for UQ Reality Labs is to use the upcoming summer to secure sponsorships and ensure a strong foundation for the future. I'm actively trying to collaborate with the EAIT faculty to maximise our reach and ensure we are present at every orientation and expo. Our goal is to make these incredible opportunities available to all students.
In addition, I'm a part of UQ Premedical Society for 2023, contributing to the general committee under the academic external (Postgraduate medicine path) portfolio and the design (social media, event design) portfolio. My involvement here is motivated by my desire to see the community of UQPMS grow, which it has done impressively during my time.
I'm also a member of UQ Computing Society, participating in their fun events and hackathons, which provide a platform for learning and innovation in the tech space.
Lastly, I'm a member of UQ Ladies in Technology (UQLIT), a society with an important message of promoting inclusivity for women in technology. While the focus is on women, it's not limited to them, and I've had the privilege of collaborating with UQ LIT in joint efforts with UQ Reality Labs. These societies collectively reflect my commitment to personal growth, community building, and fostering diversity in technology.
Did you achieve the initial ATAR you wanted to get into your chosen program? If not, tell us a bit about your journey as to how you got into the degree you are studying now.
My journey into university has been far from straightforward. In high school, I grappled with the weight of familial expectations, primarily in the medical and health fields, which led me to contemplate pursuing a Bachelor of Dental Science, even if it meant taking a longer, winding path to achieve it. My heart, however, was always drawn to technology, particularly software development and machine learning.
In my senior year (Year 12), I confronted both the pressure to conform to traditional career paths and the pervasive stereotypes that women face in the tech industry. Despite having a high enough ATAR for many other degrees, I discovered that it fell short for dental science. This realization led me to shift my university course preference from dentistry to an undergraduate degree in Biomedical Science, with the intention of ultimately pursuing medicine.
After a semester in Biomedical Science, doubts began to creep in about whether this path truly aligned with my passions. I embarked on an extensive self-discovery journey, meticulously documenting every career option I had even a remote interest in, along with its requirements. The conclusion pointed me toward a different direction, one that sparked a deeper sense of purpose.
My pivotal moment came when I switched to a Bachelor of Engineering (Software). However, a conversation with a friend on the first day of my SWE journey made me realize that I had a stronger interest in machine learning than in software engineering. Although I initially dismissed machine learning for its perceived focus, I had misjudged my own passions. The intricacies and potential of machine learning fascinated me. It was at this point that I heeded the family influence from the tech pioneers in my background. My uncle's Ph.D. in AI from the early '90s, combined with my father's constant encouragement to delve into AI, finally made sense. I had always been drawn to the power and possibilities of artificial intelligence but hadn't fully comprehended it until that coffee chat with my friend.
So, I made the decision to change my degree officially to a Bachelor of Computer Science. This change took my premedical friends by surprise, as I had always voiced a strong passion for medicine. They believed in my ability to chase my ambitions, recognizing my determination to achieve what I set my mind to.
However, my journey continued to evolve, and I started to have doubts about reverting to a doctor of medicine after completing a bachelor's in computer science. It wasn't until my enriching trip to Dalian, China, as part of the NCP (New Colombo Plan) for UQ's EECS Faculty, that my path became unequivocally clear. The exposure and experiences during this trip solidified my decision to pursue Computer Science with a specialization in Machine Learning, and I am now unwaveringly committed to this exciting field.
So, technically, I initially used my ATAR to gain admission to the Biomedical Science program, which was a stepping stone towards Copmuter Science. However, it was this entry into the Biomed program that eventually led me to understand what I truly was passionate about in life, which allowed me to switch into Computer Science.
