Student Highlights
Homegrown talent in emerging industries

As a homegrown, Newcastle local, Jasmine had no doubt that she wanted to study at the University of Newcastle.

“I’ve lived in Newcastle my whole life and I love it here. For me, it is the perfect mix of city and a quieter lifestyle.

With a passion for the environment as well as an interest in science and maths throughout high school, Jasmine was looking for the right degree to combine these and create her ideal career.

“The University of Newcastle has a wide range of STEM degrees, and the Bachelor of Renewable Energy Engineering is one of only a few of its kind in Australia.

“I chose renewable energy because I wanted to be part of creating solutions.

“Some other degrees focus on fixing our existing messes, which is also incredibly important, but renewable energy engineering stood out to me as being future focused and innovative,” she said.

As part of her studies, Jasmine was fortunate to receive a Ma and Morley Scholarship which allowed her to meet other students from a diverse range of backgrounds who share similar social and environmental justice values.

“Through the scholarship, I've gained skills in leadership and facilitation, and it has given me so much confidence through the amazing experiences available to us.

“Apart from the friends I have made through the scholarship, one of the highlights for me was learning and experiencing Aboriginal culture at an Indigenous immersion camp in Wollombi,” Jasmine said.

Jasmine has also been able to experience further opportunities throughout her studies including practical projects during her first year of study and spending time at the Centre for Organic Electronics where she learned about research into organic solar cells and sensors.

“I am also completing a summer research scholarship working alongside a lecturer which has exposed me to some of the different career options available after I graduate,” Jasmine said.

Outside of university, Jasmine works two days a week at an energy consultancy called Energy and Management Services. She was offered a role after completing work integrated learning with the business and it has given her a chance to test her skills in the real world.

“Everyone has been incredibly supportive, and the work has provided a whole new perspective to my degree by exposing me to how the market works and the interactions between energy consumers, energy providers and policy makers,” she said.

Expecting to graduate in 2023, Jasmine will be part of one of the first cohorts of Renewable Energy Engineering graduates in the country.

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Jasmine Stuart

As a homegrown, Newcastle local, Jasmine had no doubt that she wanted to study at the University of Newcastle.

Renewable Energy Engineering stood out to me as being future focused and innovative