Nicholas Rosser is a Griffith University Pharmacology and Toxicology alumnus and PhD candidate on his way to a career in medical research.
When he first started at university, he was worried his small-town roots would make it hard for him to make friends, but he quickly found his place within his pharmacy and pharmacology cohort, and he hasn’t looked back since.
“One thing I was really nervous about coming into Griffith was being from a small rural town and not knowing anyone, but I became part of what we call the “pharm-ily” pretty quickly”, he says.
“Leading up to my first day of study, I was nervous to say the least. In high school I had never done biology or health-related subjects, so I felt like I was going to be at a major disadvantage going into a health degree. But after my first lecture I realised that as long as I put the effort in, I could achieve great results regardless of my prior knowledge and academic history.”
Nick says it was easy to find his feet at Griffith as everyone was so welcoming. He particularly remembers the support provided by his lecturers and tutors and how that helped him develop his passion for drug research.
“When I first started studying, I had no idea how amazing the lecturers would be,” he says.
“I had always assumed they would be very strict and uncaring, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Many of the lectures I’ve had have been great to work with and they show a real interest in your studies as well as your life moving forward.
“My lecturers were a great source of advice and have helped me get to where I am today. They are always willing to help, and truly understand that life is more than just assignments and exams.”
Nick took a slightly different pathway through his studies, electing to forgo a major and instead using his electives to build a wider knowledge base and a specialty area he wanted to build a career in.
“I took a no major pathway, and that allowed me to choose from over 30 electives and tailor my degree to how I wanted it to be and get outcomes that worked for me,” he says.
“The Bachelor of Pharmacology and Toxicology really ignited a spark for research that I didn’t know I had.
Learning about cancer, one of the most prolific and deadly diseases and being able to use science and my love of chemistry to try and combat that has been amazing.”
Nick’s advice to anyone considering a Bachelor of Pharmacology and Toxicology is to explore the options you have available to you and take every opportunity that comes your way.
“Early in the degree, I remember thinking that there was really one pathway leading to one outcome, but I very quickly realised how wrong I was,” he says.
“Before I had finished my third year, I got to network with industry professionals from all walks of life, work in other sections of the university researching plant-derived medicines, and even travel to India to explore their healthcare and pharmaceutical industries.
“My advice is simply to explore everything you can, as the opportunities are definitely there!”
If like Nick you have a passion for chemistry and biology or an interest in a career in research, find out more about the Bachelor of Pharmacology and Toxicology Nick completed before progressing to his PhD. Alternatively, Griffith also offers a Master of Medical Research program as a pathway to your own career in research.
