In the world of science, chemistry is often called the central science.
Just one year after graduating, Monika became a foundation member, co-owner and Quality Assurance Manager of a newly established analytical laboratory here in Perth, Western Australia.
Chemistry is often called the central science because it joins together physics and mathematics, biology and medicine, and the earth and environmental sciences.
As Monika says, "When you know about the nature of chemicals and chemical processes it deepens your understanding of the world around us."
Different beginnings
Monika grew up in Croatia.
And while she never had a single hero as a child, she was always inspired by groups of people who worked together to achieve a common goal.
She dreamed of being a nurse.
That dream came true when she had the honour of serving as an intensive care unit nurse.
This experience helped her develop invaluable skills such as time management, accountability, alertness, and attention to detail.
ECU Science graduate and analytical laboratory quality assurance manager, Monika Sostaric.
Curious about chemistry
After arriving in Australia, Monika found herself at an educational crossroads.
She had to decide between studying nursing or perhaps something else.
Monika says the choice she ultimately made changed her life for the better.
"I have always been passionate about human health, biology, and physiology. However, another part of me was secretly curious about chemistry, as it underpins everything around us."
Monika discovered a degree program offered by Edith Cowan University that would allow her to merge those two worlds by studying a double major – in Human Biology and Applied Chemistry.
It was an easy decision to enrol there.
And on joining ECU, Monika was super impressed by the advanced technology.
She also found that the science facilities, while serving as teaching spaces, were also simulators of what to expect once she graduated and moved into the workforce.
How do you begin a career in chemistry?
The good news is chemistry graduates are employed across a wide range of organisations, including education, defence, healthcare, energy, meteorology or mining.
And like Monika, you could start your career by exploring ECU's Bachelor of Science degree.
