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Physics Careers |
DAVID PILEPhD Researcher 'For my postgraduate studies I chose QUT because of the unique expertise in the Applied Optics Program, School of Physical Sciences. Fundamental and stimulating subjects were offered, and the lecturers provided mental challenges and motivation that helped guide and prepare me for my current position.' David works as a postdoctoral research fellow in the Department of Optical Science and Technology at the University of Tokushima, Japan. The research David is involved in is in close collaboration with the Applied Optics Program at QUT. In particular they use QUT's high performance super computer to solve otherwise unmanageable theoretical problems. David is also an associate supervisor of two PhD students at QUT. David finds working in science rewarding. 'Research in science is very exciting and self-motivating, you are always thinking about or doing something that nobody else ever has.' 
DREW WATSONBachelor of Applied Science - Honours (Physics) Physicist, Queensland Health Scientific Services Drew conducts radiological investigations of contaminated sites where he and his team carry out field surveys and collect samples for analysis at the laboratory. He then provides recommendations on management or decontamination for clients. 'I was keen to get this job because I was confident I could do the work because of what I learnt at QUT, and the job is not routine. Instead, it contains lab work, field work, consulting, emergency response and conference trips.' Drew enjoyed his time at QUT. 'The courses were very good, and did have practical learning components which definitely contributed towards the "real-world" learning mentality.' Drew believes that science is important for people to study as it is pertinent to everyday life. 
JESSE WYLIEBachelor of Applied Science (Physics) Air Traffic Controller, Air Services Australia Jesse is an Air Traffic Controller for Air Services Australia. He applied for this position immediately after completely his degree at QUT. He says, 'the selection process was quite difficult but my background in physics and maths helped a lot. I was eventually one of 20 people selected out of 2,000 people Australia wide.' Jesse controls the air space between Coolangatta and Coffs Harbour. His job also includes separating aircraft (ensuring they stay a certain number of kilometres apart - even vertically), sequencing jet aircraft into Brisbane by telling pilots which runways to land on, and controlling the flow of landings at Coolangatta Airport and both Brisbane Domestic and Brisbane International airports. Jesse has to think quickly and act calmly in everyday emergencies. He has already faced a number of challenges in his position. He remembers the day that an airline employee informed him that there was a diabetic, who was in need of urgent medical attention, on board a plane flying into Brisbane. Besides doing his usual tasks, Jesse made special arrangements for medical assistance to be present at the time of the patient's arrival. Jesse completed QUT's Bachelor of Applied Science (Physics) and says, 'The science degree was very good. I chose to major in physics as it was the most interesting subject at school and, after doing some research, I found that it could lead to many different jobs. The staff at QUT were more than helpful, helping me pick subjects that would allow me to gain a worthwhile degree but still include my interests. Physics is constantly used in my profession, from simple motion equations and closing speeds, to the more complicated understand of how a jet engine works.' 
KRISTY VERNONCurrent PhD student - Applied Optics Group, School of Physical & Chemical Sciences, QUT 'I like challenges, and I have always found physics to be a challenge. So, my entire project is challenging, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Working in and studying science is rewarding as there is never a dull moment. Every day you learn more about how the world works, and it's a wonderful feeling when you understand how something works. The applications of science research can have such a positive effect on the world and the people in it.' Kristy is off to San Diego in the USA shortly to present at a conference and to discuss possible opportunities to undertake further research at the University of California Berkeley. 
PHILLIP GREENUPPhD - Development of Novel Daylighting Technologies for Improved Natural Illumination of High Rise Office Buildings Specialist Engineer 'I chose QUT due to its Applied Science course, rather than pure Science courses taught at other universities.' Phillip believes completing his PhD in a specialised area, where little attention has been focused, has increased his employment opportunities. In his role he enjoys applying physical principles to real building designs and working on interesting projects in an innovative and exciting industry. 'I enjoyed the delivery of the applied science course at QUT. There were plenty of opportunities to gain hands-on experimental experience, and there were many examples of real applications. The courses prepared me well for my current employment. My PhD research was particularly helpful in gaining the necessary knowledge and experience to gain my current employment.' 
TIM HOPPERPhD Field Engineer Tim is an accomplished young man to say the least! He graduated with a Bachelor of Applied Science with Honours in physics at QUT. During his studies he won many awards at QUT, including the Dean's Award for Excellence, Dean's Merit Award, Australian Students' prize, Staff prize for Physics, Dean's Scholarship, QUT Honours Scholarship, Trevor Lewis Memorial Bursary, Australian Postgraduate Award, Chancellor's PhD Top-up Award. He was also awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to study at the University of Pennsylvania for a year, which was credited towards his PhD at QUT. During his studies at QUT he also found time to work in the Army Reserve and gained his private pilot's licence for light aircraft! Tim is currently working in the field for a year to gain experience before he is transferred to the company's research base in Boston. His field work entails acquisition of geophysical log data and visiting the oil rigs on and offshore. His training was conducted in Egypt, and already he has travelled to UAE and Australia for work, with future regular overseas travel part of the job! Tim advises to gain plenty of life experience during your studies and continue to work towards your goals; he feels this has assisted him to gain employment. Tim says that science is an important field to study as 'science provides an excellent foundation for problem-solving... which opens up a world of opportunities for you to excel in and makes you very competitive when applying for jobs.' |
