At Beca I've been exposed to a lot of different aspects of the transport industry. Whether that’s counting cars to identify the impact of taking out parking for a cycleway, completing transport assessments on construction sites to understand the various risks and mitigations required to keep the transport network operating and users safe, or understanding transport models to predict future VKT (vehicle kilometres travelled) to plan what steps are required to reach the Government’s goal of a 20% reduction (we want to reduce this to reduce transport emissions).
What excites you the most about this role?
I really enjoy when I get to work on projects that make communities better places to live in – where amenities, places of employment and recreational facilities are accessible. Projects that reduce our impact on climate change are also great!
Have you always had a passion for active transport?
In high school, I hated the bus. So… no haha! I did GEOG222 at UC and it sparked my passion for active modes of transport. It made me understand that not only do active modes reduce our carbon emissions, but they also improve our physical and mental health, sense of community and belonging, and our safety as they are slower modes compared to vehicles. All of the solutions to reducing our impact on climate change and making a better world for future generations in terms of transport, already exist. What I find really interesting is the public perception and behaviour change creating barriers for enacting change.
What made you choose to come to UC?
I loved the campus feel of UC. You wouldn’t go a day without seeing someone you knew, so it felt like a little community.
What are your fondest memories of your time here?
My first-year hall, Bishop Julius Hall (now Arcady). It made the transition of moving away from home and into uni easier because you still got fed, everyone was there to make new friends and meet new people, and the hall was there to facilitate all that as well. I have some really fond memories from my hall and made some amazing long-lasting friendships through it as well.
What advise would you give to a new student thinking of studying at UC?
You do not need to know what job you will have at the end of your degree. I chose to study Geography and Japanese because they were two subjects I enjoyed at high school, and a Bachelor of Arts enabled me to be very flexible and try other subjects. I got exposed to so many different disciplines and it opened my eyes to new career paths. You learn on the way what field you want to work in, but even at the end, nothings truly certain! So just follow your passion at the time and see where it leads you, but always keep an open mind!
