Health Science Reviews

By Erin Layne Fischer

Honours has been an eye-opening year. As someone who left her undergraduate years lookin forward to beginning work that veers away from rote learning and testing, I am excited by the prospects of research and contributing to the field of science. I feel that, especially with beginning the research project aspect of the year in the coming months, the work on meaningful projects with real-life impact will be incredibly rewarding. Having left behind the comfort and predictability of scheduled lectures, tests and exams another period of adjustment and finding my footing is ahead as I navigate the second half of the Honours programme.

From a social perspective, my group of women in my Honours stream have been a source of inspiration, comfort and friendship. They are truly beautiful souls with so much to offer as the future of science and research and I am honoured to study alongside them and see what they will do in years to come. One of the most inspiring parts of Honours and pursuing a postgraduate degree has been the people I’ve met. As a volunteer for STEM MentHER, it has been incredibly rewarding to help the next generation of women in STEM as they navigate the transition from completing high school to navigating future university prospects.

Having a supportive learning atmosphere and people-oriented space has been a triumph of the Honours programme. I have felt cared for, listened to and respected as a young aspiring researcher in a space that prioritises the people behind the science.

With half the year to go, and a much deeper dive into research ahead of me, I am excited, optimistic and curious to see what is next.