Student Highlights
Peter’s pathway to becoming a scientist

Peter always dreamed of becoming a scientist but after becoming sick during his schooling, he was unable to complete Year 12 and receive an ATAR.

He wasn’t going to let this setback get in the way of his dream so studied an enabling pathway program at the University of Newcastle to gain entry into his chosen undergraduate degree. Peter successfully completed the program before moving on to complete a double degree in Mathematics and Science and a Master of Medical Statistics. He is now living his dream – working as a Data Scientist at the CSIRO Energy Centre in Newcastle.

“From a young age I wanted to be a scientist. Becoming a scientist was only possible through tertiary studies so despite the setbacks, I was determined that I wanted to attend University. I like solving problems and I always wanted to study advanced science and mathematics to learn how to solve more complex problems,” said Peter.

Peter’s path to University was not easy as he had to overcome obstacles to achieve his dream. “Like other stories, my path to University had its own challenges. I was unwell during high school which caused me to miss school from Year 5 through to Year 12.

“Because I was unwell during my high school years and I didn’t complete my HSC, I would not be receiving an ATAR. I had the choice to either complete my high school certificate over five years or undertake one year in an enabling pathway program. It was an easy decision.”

Peter says that completing an enabling pathway program at the University of Newcastle was one of the best decisions he has made; helping him prepare for University study in a supported environment. “The year that I did enabling pathway program was the most pivotal year of my life. I was around students who had come from relatable backgrounds, and I was supported by the caring teaching staff. It was a clean slate. There was no cost for the year which highlighted the program’s true nature to help.

He explains, “It set up a foundation for my future studies and prepared me for the first year of my undergraduate program. It was an easy transition to my first year of University. I was already familiar with using the University systems and I was reviewing content that my classmates hadn’t yet seen. For the first time I felt ahead of my peers which was a big confidence boost”.

Peter has now achieved his dream of becoming a scientist, one that he attributes to his time in a pathway program. “Today I work as a Data Scientist at CSIRO’s Energy Centre in Newcastle. The whole goal of the Centre is to solve problems to improve the lives of everyday Australians. It’s been an interesting road to get where I am, and I’m always reminded that I wouldn’t be in this position without my studies and work experience, which were built by my time in a pathway program at the University of Newcastle”.