Award winning student prepares for final year

Mark at the Chancellors Scholarship reception

If USQ student Mark Murphy isn’t sailing Australian waters on surveillance for illegal boats, then he is tap-dancing, winning science awards or scuba diving.

Mark may only be 19, but he is preparing to commence his third and final year of Biomedical Science at USQ this year. The ambitious teenager was the recipient of last years Chancellor Scholarship Award and said after completing this degree he will continue to study.

'This year I’m going to complete my Bachelor of Biomedical Science, and then I’m going on to do honours. I am not sure what area I would like to specialise in after I have completed this degree but I am interested in neuroscience. I would also be interested in studying in the maths/statistics area,' Mark said.

But outside of the classroom Mark is an avid cadet, and was recently given an opportunity to sail with the Royal Australian Navy on HMAS Tobruk.

'As a member of the ANC (Australian Navy Cadets) I have had the opportunity to tour many of the ships within the Royal Australian Navy. I was selected to travel to Darwin and board HMAS Tobruk for a sea ride to Cairns. It was during this sea ride of HMAS Tobruk that the ship was on orders to look for illegal boats in Australian waters. The Captain on his radar located several illegal boats but all were just within International Water.'

Presented to one student at each campus annually, the Chancellor’s Scholarship is a prestigious award only given to a USQ student who has a proven academic ability together with leadership skills.

'Early in 2010 I was also promoted to Warrant Officer in the Australian Navy CADETS. I am the first Warrant Officer that this Unit has had.

'As part of the Cadet activities we perform Community Service tasks including attending ANZAC Memorial Services, National Servicemen’s Day and Remembrance Day Services.

'Whilst being a member of the ANC I have obtained both my Bronze and Silver Duke of Edinburgh awards and I have recently completed all tasks for the Gold Duke of Edinburgh award and I have been informed that I have successfully completed my Gold.'

And despite been given the opportunity to study anywhere Mark said he chose to study at USQ because he believed it would help him achieve his goals.

'I have chosen USQ to start my tertiary studies at as I believe that the courses offered are very suitable to my needs and also enable me to begin my academic path in achieving my goals.'

Contact Details:
Connie-Louise Rego, USQ Media, +61 7 4631 2977, 0406 937 795