Exploring the wild side of science

For Teanu Barter, studying science isn’t just about lectures, it’s about getting out into the world and discovering it for herself.

Teanu is currently studying a Bachelor of Science (Advanced), majoring in Biodiversity and Conservation at the Callaghan campus. She enjoys a mix of in-person classes and online lectures, finding a rhythm that supports her learning and wellbeing.

Outside of study, her creativity shines through makeup art, sometimes inspired by blue bees or centipedes, and hobbies like recurve archery with her dad.

Her love of nature extends into everyday life. From caring for pet beetle grubs, rats, and a shingleback skink to exploring the outdoors, Teanu’s connection to the environment is always present.

That passion continues across campus, where she finds inspiration in both her study spaces and the natural surroundings.

“I absolutely love the library, being surrounded by other students who are studying helps keep me focused when I really need to get some work done, and the prayer room is so quiet and calming,” she shares.

“I also love going for my ‘bug walk’ every time I need a break. Being able to connect with nature on campus helps me to feel refreshed when I need it. The biodiversity we have is truly incredible if you know where to look.”

The University’s facilities also play a role in supporting her wellbeing.

“I love going to the gym with my best friend, especially during the hotter months having access to the University’s pool is invaluable,” she shares.

Teanu has embraced the flexibility of her degree, shaping her studies around what excites her most.

“I have been lucky to experience so many amazing things so far! I enjoy the many opportunities I have to choose my own topics for assignments. The amount of freedom so many classes have really helps people tailor their university experience to what they’re interested in,” she says.

This flexibility has led to some standout experiences. From researching the hunting patterns of jumping spiders in Animal Behaviour to exploring ant farming behaviour in Interdisciplinary Challenges, Teanu has been able to dive deep into her interests.

One of her biggest highlights has been fieldwork in the Ecology and Management of Wildlife course. “The fieldwork allowed me to spend a whole semester learning absolutely everything about one species and their environment,” she says.

Field trips to the Watagans gave her the chance to catch and study bats, frogs, lizards, and small marsupials, along with celebrating rare finds like the elusive red triangle slug. These moments brought learning to life while building friendships and lasting memories.

Through a career-ready placement at the Chau Chak Wing Museum in Sydney, Teanu gained valuable real-world experience.

“I helped digitise auction sales catalogues from the 1800s. The Chau Chak Wing Museum has Australia’s oldest insect collection, and I had the chance to visit the collection and see many type specimens and even a flea collected by Charles Darwin! My supervisor Tony Gill taught me so much about what a taxonomist’s career can look like, and I have multiple projects I will continue with in partnership with him and other staff at the museum even after my placement has ended,” she explains.

These experiences have helped shape her future direction, with a clear goal of working in insect taxonomy and contributing to environmental conservation through both fieldwork and collection-based research.

Teanu is equally passionate about the supportive learning environment around her.

“I’m so thankful that every single staff member and student I have met at the University of Newcastle has been kind and passionate about learning. Every class I have taken has surprised me with new things I didn’t even know, which is so much fun! The courses I have taken have had the perfect balance of field and classroom work which allows students to picture what sort of work they’d be interested in for a career.”

Support has also played an important role in helping her navigate challenges.

“I have something called functional neurological disorder, but I have an amazing FND therapist that I see for free at the University. The disability support team, and all my lecturers, have been incredible at supporting me and making accommodations where needed,” she shares.

For anyone considering a degree in science, Teanu offers this advice:

“Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty! Make the most of field work experiences, get out of your comfort zone, put on those waders and get into the water, when possible, it’s those moments you’re going to remember forever. Find what interests you and chase that path where it leads. There are so many opportunities within the assignments to choose what niche you’re passionate about but also keep an open mind to skills and concepts you haven’t even considered!”

Teanu’s story shows how curiosity can grow into something bigger, with the right support, flexibility, and hands-on experience. It’s a journey shaped by passion, connection, and a university experience that helps turn interests into meaningful career pathways.

Teanu Barter

From campus bug walks to museum discoveries, Teanu explores biodiversity and makes science hands-on and exciting.

Find what interests you and chase that path where it leads. There are so many opportunities within the assignments to choose what niche you’re passionate about!