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Science whiz scores perfect GPA
University of the Sunshine Coast graduand Nicole Ertl, 29, of Doonan is certainly not afraid of hard work.
Prior to starting a Science degree at USC in 2007, German-born Nicole had worked with people with disabilities, managed projects for a Bavarian waste management facility, and even enjoyed a working holiday around Australia.
On Friday (9 April), Nicole’s attention to detail and perseverance in her studies will be rewarded when she receives the 2010 University Medal at the USC Graduation ceremony at Sippy Downs.
The medal is presented annually to the highest-achieving undergraduate student across all faculties. Nicole, who majored in Microbiology and Biotechnology, achieved a perfect grade point average of 7.
Nicole said her mother, Elisabeth, had flown from Germany this week to join the 3,000 people at the Graduation ceremony.
“This is really massive for me because so much has happened in the three years of my degree and I’m very proud to share it with my mum,” Nicole said.
“I’ve pretty much had no social life while studying, especially because English is not my mother tongue, so it was hard to read all the specific texts.
“But what made it fun was my professors, who linked learning to real-life experiences. They have so much knowledge, it made me passionate about study.”
Nicole is keeping up the pace this year. In addition to doing Honours in Aquaculture, she is working part-time at USC as a laboratory assistant and helping biochemistry students. Her Honours research will examine technological advances in Aquaculture genetics.
And after university? “I like the research side but I’m not sure which area. Medicine, environment, aquaculture, there’s so much out there,” she said.
– Julie Gatehouse