New Zealand student feasts on science opportunities at UQ

The first international student has taken part in The University of Queensland's FEAST program to discover career pathways in science and experience University life.

Among year 11 and 12 students involved in this year's program held earlier this month at UQ's Gatton campus was New Zealand student Hannah Martin.

The five day residential FEAST (Future Experiences in Agriculture, Science and Technology) was established at The University of Queensland in 1999.

Ms Martin and other FEAST students participated in a range of activities over the five days covering equine science, animal anatomy, soil science, agribusiness, plant photosynthesis and pathology, grain science, animal welfare, biosecurity and food sensory analysis.

“I chose to apply to FEAST at The University of Queensland to look into the Veterinary Science program," Ms Martin said.

"I wanted the opportunity to learn more about the program and facilities at UQ, living away from home and entry options."

A year 12 student from Hillcrest High school in New Zealand, Ms Martin discovered FEAST last year when she was in Australia visiting family and was eager to travel back to attend during her school holidays.

“FEAST helped me grow in so many ways. It was a lot of fun and I have made heaps of friends that I hope to see in the future as fellow classmates,” Ms Martin said.

“This experience has opened my eyes to Vet Science which I am passionate about, but also Australian wildlife and many other science area’s I did not know about,” she said.

Guest speaker, Professor Robert Henry, Director of QAAFI (Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation) kicked off the program with an education talk on the global opportunities and innovation in the agricultural science industry.

Learning about available opportunities and what´s involved with different roles is important before students can make an informed decision of a possible career.

For students considering a career in Agriculture, Animals, Veterinary Science, Food or the Environment, FEAST is especially valuable.

FEAST is run each year over the June/July school holidays.

For more information visit www.uq.edu.au/agricultureandfood/feast or contact Karli Kollegger on (07) 5460 1279.