Brodie O'Breza: A Summer of Exploration

Meet Brodie, a Curtin University student and College resident pursuing a Coastal and Marine Science and Environmental Management degree. This past summer, Brodie headed to Nepal for a STEM Sustainability Study tour, explored the enchanting landscapes of Monkey Mia and undertook a six-week vacation student placement at Woodside. Read on to learn more about her summer adventures.

Revelling in the Beauty of Monkey Mia

Brodie kicked off her summer with a peaceful getaway to Monkey Mia, renowned for its stunning coastal scenery and rich marine biodiversity. Amidst the serene surroundings, she had the pleasure of encountering turtles and dolphins, and even indulged in a memorable dugong cruise, immersing herself fully in the beauty of the natural environment.

Nurturing Futures

Venturing beyond familiar shores, Brodie embarked on a transformative journey to Nepal, where she participated in a STEM Sustainability Study Tour facilitated by Curtin University. During this tour, Brodie worked in local schools and spearheaded practical, hands-on STEM workshops, challenging traditional rote learning methods prevalent in Nepalese education.

Brodie reflected on her international immersion, “Nepal was a remarkable experience, especially since it was my first time overseas. Being able to collaborate with fellow university students in an unfamiliar environment broadened my horizons and propelled me out of my comfort zone, fostering personal and professional growth.”

Navigating Industry Frontiers

For the remainder of her summer, Brodie embarked on a six-week vacation student placement at Woodside, a leading company in the energy sector. With a keen interest in coastal and marine science, Brodie did marine fauna observations, aligning her project with her academic pursuits and career aspirations.

Venturing to Karratha’s gas plant as part of her project, Brodie gained invaluable insights into the practical application of her research, further enhancing her understanding and contextualising her findings for presentation to industry experts.

Reflecting on her experience, Brodie remarked, “ Vacation programs offer a unique avenue for professional development, allowing students to immerse themselves in industry settings, expand their knowledge base and forge connections with peers who share similar interests.”