ECU Science student Madison Martin at work with a peer on a field trip.
Madison Martin is one busy student.
Apart from studying for a science degree, she's also a student ambassador for her university's School of Science.
This means she gets to educate and inspire high school students who are interested in STEM subjects (that's Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths).
But there's more.
Madison is also a member of the Vice-Chancellors Student Advisory Forum.
In this role, she represents the general student body and communicates with the university about making improvements for students.
Early environmental empathy
So how did all this start?
Madison grew up in Perth and was often outdoors with her family, going camping and hiking down south.
That's in the South West of WA, a beautiful piece of planet earth.
As she got older, Madison started rock climbing outdoors as well.
She grew a deep appreciation for the environment around her and became mindful about how humans impacted it.
And she knew that the only job she wanted was one where she helped to preserve it.
Ideally with some travel involved.
Madison chose Conservation Biology as her major subject in an ECU Bachelor of Science degree.
Grabbing opportunities at uni
Madison was passionate about biology in high school and knew that it was the only topic she wanted to explore further.
Following a successful university preparation program, she enrolled in a Bachelor of Science course at Edith Cowan University.
Naturally she chose to major in Conservation Biology.
The course has surprised her with the opportunities she can take up and how hands-on it is.
Like being able to assist a PhD student in their fieldwork during her first year.
Plus, there are practicum units, study tours, work placements, Science Portfolios and Science Projects.
The Gascoyne Study Tour, for example, is held during the winter semester break and not only counts as academic credit, but also allows students to experience another beautiful region of WA.
What's next for Madison?
In Madison's course, students can explore many units within environmental science, providing them with a diverse skillset to enter industry.
She says her lecturers are passionate about their fields of specialty and love sharing their experiences on research projects.
They've also provided motivation for what she could achieve in the field of Environmental Science.
"This course has prepared me for a graduate position when I finish my degree, and it has also inspired me to pursue future studies such as a Master's or PhD."
If you've read this far, why not start your own adventure in science?
