Coding at high school, computer science at university, climate technology at work –Nathan Cavalli has written his own algorithm for career success.
The 23-year-old is now a software developer at Carbon Asset Solutions, a climate tech and data company empowering farmers and corporations to mitigate climate change while supporting food security.
“I’m working on a number of systems that help the team accurately measure amounts of carbon in soil for carbon offset projects in agriculture,” said Nathan, who graduated last month at the University of the Sunshine Coast’s Moreton Bay campus.
The projects enable farmers to capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it long-term in soil to earn carbon credits while mitigating climate change.
Based at the company’s office in Collider in UniSC’s Innovation precinct at Sippy Downs, Nathan has gained experience in MINS (Mobile Inelastic Neutron Scattering), a patented system that supports the goals of the projects.
“As a software developer, I’m either fixing bugs or implementing new features for clients,” he said.
“I really enjoy the problem-solving aspect of coding and the ability to work with people to bring their features and ideas to life.”
Nathan earned a Medal for Academic Excellence for his grade point average of 6.67 out of 7 when he graduated with a Bachelor of Computer Science, minoring in the growing areas of Cloud and Mobile technology.
“I was happy with my GPA,” he said. “There were some long nights, and I wasn't expecting to do as well as I did, but I enjoyed the courses so that helped a lot.”
Among those celebrating with Nathan at the campus at Petrie was his father Leon Cavalli, a former UniSC lecturer and graduate with two degrees – an Executive Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Information and Communications Technology.
“Dad was lecturing in ICT at UniSC when I enrolled and he’s been an amazing mentor to me, especially as I’ve started working in the industry.”
Nathan first honed his talent for coding as a teenager at Meridan State College and enrolled at UniSC through its early offer guarantee program.
“I intended to transfer to another uni after a year or so but stayed because I liked the degree options and the coordinator Dr Erica Mealy was really approachable,” he said.
He volunteered for two years on the University’s eVTOL (electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing) project, where students are working to build and fly their own electric aircraft.
And he gained both work experience and paid jobs through the degree, including last year’s internship at national engineering consultancy SMEC.
“Based at Kawana, I delivered several software extensions to assist the SMEC engineers in delivering civil infrastructure projects.
“I got my first part-time job in second year from an ad that came up on a student online chat app and a couple of other jobs since then, including for the University in data analytics.
“UniSC has been a great way to get a foothold in the tech industry, network and learn a tonne of new skills in the process.”
The Little Mountain resident also participated in the Future Diplomatic Leaders program with UniSC’s Centre for International Development, Social Entrepreneurship and Leadership (CIDSEL).
“There were a number of influential speakers from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the Australian Defence Force. It was an amazing opportunity to hear the perspectives of such interesting leaders.”
At Carbon Asset Solutions, he works with fellow UniSC graduates such as sustainability strategy manager Fien Van den Steen, who was awarded UniSC’s prestigious Chancellor’s Medal for 2024.
Nathan, his dad Leon and colleague Fien are now among 40,000 graduates of UniSC since its inception in 1996. The University reached the milestone last month.
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