Student Highlights
Preparing for the wave of environmental change

From a very young age, Bachelor of Coastal and Marine Science student, Eliza, realised the need for social and environmental awareness.

Growing up with a tour guide for a mum, Eliza travelled the world “eight times over” and found Africa to be a particularly influential destination.

“I was fortunate enough to travel all over the African continent growing up and, in this way, I think I became very socially aware, noticing the different ways in which people lived.

“I think I got to see a side of Africa people only read about. I visited many communities and saw that too many people lacked access to water, were malnourished or had insufficient infrastructure.

“As I matured and studied human geography, I came to learn about the role climate change has in influencing these disproportionate effects on different people in different parts of the world, and I became very inspired to learn more,” Eliza said.

When deciding which degree and university was right for her, Eliza spent many hours with her high school career advisor and attended many open days.

Ultimately, it was her interaction with a University of Newcastle ambassador that sealed the deal for Eliza.

“The excitement the ambassador had when they spoke about their degree, lecturers, facilities and clubs was unmatched by any other university and I really saw the University of Newcastle as a place where I would thrive.

“Not to mention the amazing program plan offered, with extensive minor choices and flexible study options,” she said.

One of Eliza’s minors include Indigenous Environmental and Community Practice. Having seen firsthand the influence that climate change is having on Indigenous peoples globally, she knew she wanted to assist in an effort for change.

“Indigenous peoples hold such valuable knowledge about the land, climate and changes and I felt really inspired by this minor to become someone who could work with an otherwise oppressed minority.

“Broader audiences need to see these communities for what they really are: invaluable contributors to positive, sustainable and long-term change.

“Literature will tell you that an integration of Western and Indigenous knowledge is needed if we are to see effective change in the climate trajectory. This minor was the perfect way for me to understand alternative perspectives,” Eliza said.

Eliza notes that the Bachelor of Coastal and Marine Science is particularly flexible, with every student graduating with different qualifications depending on their interests.

“The number of minors there are to choose from means that students will leave the University of Newcastle with a specialised knowledge and a readiness to pursue their unique passions,” she said.

Now about to start her final year, Eliza is looking forward to field trips, especially a trip to Vanuatu as part of the Coral Reef Biology, Ecology and Sustainability course.

She has also signed up to be a PASS leader and a student ambassador to encourage other students to reach their full potential.

She is also looking ahead to her future career. “The final year of my degree is really about preparation for the workforce.

“Next semester, I will be completing some practical work in the form of placement and will also have the opportunity to obtain relevant licenses that will enhance my employability,” Eliza said.

While Eliza doesn’t have a specific job in mind just yet, her plan is clear: “I have visions of changing the world”.

“My idea of a career changes every week, and new scientific findings make it hard to know what the climate of the world will be like in a years’ time,” she said.

“Opportunities seem endless, and I am really excited to put some time into placements next year and narrow down on my passions.”

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Eliza Hoyland

From a very young age, Bachelor of Coastal and Marine Science student, Eliza, realised the need for social and environmental awareness.

“The number of minors there are to choose from means that students will leave the University of Newcastle with a specialised knowledge and a readiness to pursue their unique passions.”