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Student stars of science

5 April 2006

Monash's Science faculty is continuing to attract high numbers of Victoria's top students, with the numbers growing each year.

VCE star performer Jo Ang is one of 77 Stars of Science recognised with a certificate presented by Science Dean Professor Rob Norris.

At a morning tea presentation at the Monash Staff Club last week, 77 first-year science students received Stars of Science certificates to recognise their achievement in obtaining an ENTER of 95 or above.

Speaking at the presentation, Science Dean Professor Rob Norris said in the three years the faculty had been awarding the certificates, the number of recipients had steadily grown.

He said the 77 students recognised this year represented more than one-third of the top 5 per cent of VCE graduates who chose to enrol in natural and physical science degree courses in Victoria.

Professor Norris said there were tremendous opportunities for science graduates in Australia, as many of those now working were approaching retirement.

He told the students they could expect careers that were not only rewarding but could also be lucrative, citing the example of two scientists he knew who were earning $120,000 per year just eight years after graduating.

"When people tell you to do accountancy because that's where the money is, don't believe it," he said.

One of this year's recipients, Ms Jo Ang, said she was delighted to have been recognised.

"It's both a privilege and an honour to receive this," she said. "And it does motivate you to do well."

At a separate function last week, the Science faculty applauded the efforts of those who have made it to the Dean's List.

The 101 students selected to be on the list achieved results of distinctions or high distinctions in their studies last year.