Phoebe Ashe

Bachelor of Science in Environmental Forensics

Bachelor of Science in Environmental Forensics graduate, Phoebe Ashe says she plans to use the environmental and chemistry knowledge she gained from her undergraduate degree as a platform for exploring other disciplines, such as eco-toxicology and law.

"I'm planning to begin a law degree next year and hope to become an environmental lawyer, with a specific focus on contaminated site management. I love the raw science, but I really want to use the theory and practicals which is really emphasised by UTS and to apply it to environmental prosecution or defence, and eventually policy formation to contribute to real change in the environmental sector."

Ashe says that being taught the theory of specialist subjects and later possible applications within her course provided an essential foundation and understanding, whilst other subjects that explored a different point of view helped to form a better understanding within specific areas of science.

"There were certain subjects that looked at different angles - for example, 'Experimental Design and Analysis' which offer no theory, but the details needed to apply the science of planning out a design, which would yield the most information and unique outcomes. We also studied 'Principles of Forensic Science', which addressed crime scene investigation techniques and furthered our knowledge of the steps taken to identify and resolve a problem."

Having thoroughly enjoyed most of the subjects, such as 'Biodiversity', 'Ecosystem Protection', 'Contemporary Environmental Issues' and 'Environmental Chemistry', Ashe says that her love of science is a combination of curiosity and appreciation of the many phenomena of the different subjects.

"I enjoy knowing exactly how things work and with science you can find out how something operates, or try to find a method to it. It is fun using chemicals in the lab, but when you understand the background of how these chemicals are formed, how it reacts and with what and why it is actually happening, you will see how important science really is!"

"I don't take for granted the smallest inventions or reactions which make my life the comfortable way it is, because I understand how complex every little thing is and how it works. Problem solving is one of the biggest satisfactions of studying science and in the environmental arena; there are numerous solutions to be found at this point in time."