Making an impact through science
Bachelor of Science student Hannah Clark is focused on making a difference, and excited to use her time at university to learn a variety of skills to benefit Aotearoa—and the world.
Hannah’s interest in science and nature attracted her towards the Bachelor of Science. While she wasn’t sure on her exact path when starting out, the breadth of options offered by the University allowed her to explore a variety of combinations before she decided on majors allowing her to explore courses in Geology and Physical Geography.
"Flexibility is so important in my studies—it’s meant that as I’ve gained a better understanding of what I’m interested in, I’ve been able to shift my focus—allowing me to do the things I really enjoy, which means I work harder and am more engaged in my courses," she explains.
Although she had many options, Hannah chose to stay in her home city after finishing her schooling at Wellington East Girls College.
“I think Wellington is an awesome place to study and live—Kelburn Campus is close to the CBD which is really handy. Plus, it’s true that you can’t beat Welly on a good day! The beaches and cafes are awesome, and there’s great walks within easy reach of the city.”
Hannah quickly discovered that her science classes gave her the opportunity to get out of the classroom and conduct fieldwork—something she loved and wanted to explore further.
“The practical experience in my classes has been so valuable, it’s made a significant positive difference to my university experience, both socially and academically.”
She’s also become involved with the Geology Society, a student group who run frequent trips, expeditions, and events.
“The Geology Society is the University’s longest running club, and is such an integral part of my student experience. It links students from different year levels and has been facilitating long lasting friendships for 76 years!”
The University’s collaborative and supportive environment confirmed that she made the right choice, and the teaching staff have greatly exceeding Hannah’s expectations.
“It’s been great communicating and working with different members of staff. The team in the School [of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences] are hugely supportive and enthusiastic about their teaching, which makes everyone in the programme want to push themselves and learn lots.
“The content of the courses is so engaging and relevant, and super applicable to climate and earth science research that is happening now. Plus, the University being close to so many scientific organisations and Crown Research Institutes means that we have really top level, experienced staff and guest lecturers.”
Alongside the opportunities for learning in the field, she also notes that the content and delivery of her lectures and tutorials have greatly improved her communication and critical thinking skills.
“The staff have done an excellent job of facilitating a programme that teaches not only the technical basis of our field, but also essential transferable skills, like critical 3D thinking, that will be applicable to any research or job that we move into. It’s really empowering to know that we’re gaining a diverse skill set that all employers are looking for.”
One of the main impacts of her studies is helping her see the bigger picture. She believes that a better understanding of earth system processes, such as climate and tectonics, can help our society work towards a more informed and resilient future.
“The study of earth sciences is absolutely key in a country like New Zealand. Our country is tectonically and volcanically active, and most of our populations live near coastal areas. Increasing understanding of these areas is how we’ll both further scientific research, and make informed decisions about land and climate hazard management.”