Andrea Varsavsky - PhD Student

When I finished my undergraduate in Computer Engineer/Computer Science at the University of Melbourne I worked in industry for a while and took time to travel the world. I came back to this university to begin my PhD in biomedical/electrical engineering. I have now been working on the problem of epileptic seizure prediction for 1 year. I chose a different stream to that of my undergraduate course because whilst I still enjoy telecommunications and computer engineering, I find that the motivation behind biomedical applications suits my personal and career goals better.

This past year has been important for me because it exposed me to a collaborative environment and a way of thinking of which I was not entirely aware before. I have since decided that academia and education is what I want to be involved in long term. After I finish my PhD I do hope to work in Europe for a while, but I believe Australia is where I will end up eventually.

Claire Harb - Combined degree Engineering / Commerce

I am completing my final year of Engineering/ Commerce. My desire to make a contribution to the Biomedical field motivated me to study Electrical Engineering. I am specialising in Telecommunications, Digital Systems and Economics. Commerce and Engineering may seem to be worlds apart, but the skills and problem solving techniques, acquired through my Engineering studies, have assisted me to readily grasp Economic theory and, more importantly, gain a deeper understanding of the underlying mathematical concepts.

Participating as a Student Representative and assisting with the organisation of student activities for the Melbourne University IEEE Student Branch has provided me with the opportunity to meet a diverse range of people in the department, including undergraduates, postgraduates and staff members. I look forward to seeing the culmination of my studies at the end of this year with the presentation of my final year project at the Endeavour Exhibition.

Avik Chakrabarti - Combined Degree in Electrical Engineering and Science (Computer Science)

I decided to pursue a career in the field of Engineering and Science because I wanted to make a difference in the world. With an ever increasing decline in the environmental conditions of the world, I felt engineers (especially Electrical Engineers had a very important job to do). I was wrong.

At university, I am actively involved in lots of events and member of several clubs, including the Engineering Students Club. Outside of University, I am a mad sports fan, with my major interests being in Soccer, Tennis, AFL and Cricket. I am currently leading an indoor soccer team at Box Hill Action Sports, I try to watch as much soccer as possible during my spare time (unfortunately not enough in fourth year) and when I can't follow my team on TV, I turn to the Internet for all the latest information. By the way, did I mention I like soccer!!!

Aliza Ali - Degree in Electrical & Electronic Engineering

I've always been interested in maths and picking apart things when I was younger. So, being an engineer was something I aspired to even as a kid growing up in Malaysia. My favourite subjects so far has been Control and Signal Processing, which is what I am majoring in. Applications for these two fields are so diverse, that it has made me appreciate more; the comforts engineers have allowed all of us to have.

This course is a very challenging one, and continually challenges my abilities. On my off-days, which are almost non-existent, I enjoy reading and occasionally paint. I am also an active member of the Islamic Society here as well as clubs off-campus. I hope that as an Electrical Engineer I can improve the quality of living and help close technology gaps between rural and urban areas.

Arjuna Jayaweera - Degree in Electrical Engineering

In my 22 years, university life has been the best thus far. The amount of diversity I see at Melbourne University has truly made it a door way into the world we live in.

Although I initially chose Electrical engineering because I was not really sure what sort of career I wanted to pursue, following through has truly been an enjoyable and rewarding challenge. It is a field which is essential for every facet of life and industry.

All the Lecturers have been very approachable and helpful, not only for academic purposes but also for my career aspects. They have always made time to give me the necessary advice.

If I am not in lectures you will find me in the soccer field or cricket nets.

Kerry Kotanikis - Degree in Electrical & Electronic Engineering

I chose to study Electrical Engineering as I am interested in physics and electronics. I have enjoyed gaining an understanding of how various theoretical concepts can be imlemented to achieve practical tasks. Third year subjects such as Control and Design Lab are particularly interesting as they give an insight into the problems electrical engineers have to solve to achieve practical goals. I plan to study in the area of communicatons and signal processing and look forward to entering industry.

My pastimes include playing and watching sports, in particular cricket and football. I also like the close proximity of the campus to Lygon Street, where I often stroll down for a coffee.