Profiles

Ms Bianca Sfiligoj
Bachelor of Environmental Science (Marine and Freshwater Science)

University life can’t get much better than being able to pursue a fascination for marine and freshwater science while also absorbing the benefits of a coastal lifestyle, according to Bianca Sfiligoj.

Bianca said Deakin’s Warrnambool campus was ideally situated for the degree course in Environmental Science (Marine and Freshwater Science) because of the diverse range of environments right at the university’s doorstep.

“It is so exciting to be able to take the knowledge gleaned from the course and put it into perspective by applying it in the field,” said Bianca.

Bianca, 24, is a relative latecomer to the four-year course, but believes the time between finishing secondary school and enrolling at Deakin was invaluable.

“Following the natural progression from graduating high school to attend university, I began a Bachelor of Science degree. However, after six months I realised I wasn’t ready to undertake self-directed learning required for tertiary studies so became part of the nine-to-five workforce,” Bianca said.

“The space away from the pressures of study gave me the opportunity to assess what I really wanted to do.”

By rediscovering her initial passion for the environment and conservation, Bianca investigated degree opportunities that would lead her to a suitable career path.

Deakin’s Environmental Science (Marine and Freshwater Science) course was exactly what Bianca wanted because it was so tailored to a specific field.

Bianca’s motivation has been reflected in her academic achievements. She has been invited to join the Golden Key International Honour Society and was presented with the School of Ecology and Environment’s Edmond Gill Award for being the top first year student.

Now in her second year, Bianca is already looking ahead in the hope of undertaking her honours degree and doctorate to add greater depth to her knowledge base and further enhance and broaden her employment prospects.

Bianca’s main interests are in biology, chemistry and physics. However, she is particularly enjoying exploring the interactions of these fields in the ecological context of the course material. Understanding people’s attitudes towards the environment based on their cultural, social and political backgrounds is another fascinating area of study.

“The course is inspiring because I can see a purpose in everything we learn and how the knowledge base will enhance future employment prospects,” said Bianca who has a leaning towards deep sea science.

“Our knowledge of the ocean is limited to about one percent of its entirety and I believe there will be a growing need to inform and advise communities that the ocean is a vital natural resource and one that has to be conserved and protected.”

Bianca noted that Deakin’s Warrnambool campus was extremely conducive to learning because of its physical size and location and because of the availability of lecturers. She said it was important for students to take responsibility for their own learning and to that end, to ask questions and engage in their subject.

Bianca concluded: “Above all, it is really important to choose and pursue what you are most passionate about, not what others think you should do. If you are passionate about something you generally do well and your natural motivation will help open doors of opportunity.”

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