16 April 2024
UniSA's 200,000th graduate, Emily Wilson
Fantastic teachers have played a key role in the career direction of Emily Wilson, who graduated with a Bachelor of Psychology (Cognitive Neuroscience), at a ceremony this morning at the University of South Australia’s City West Campus.
Emily’s achievement has also marked a special milestone for the broader UniSA community, as the University’s 200,000th graduate.
Emily’s decision to study psychology was strongly influenced by her year 12 psychology teacher, whose infectious passion for the subject resonated with their small, close-knit class.
“I was particularly interested in cognitive neuroscience, about brain function and cognition and how it has an effect on psychology,” Emily says.
Once at UniSA, Emily’s early experiences assured her it had been the right decision.
“The staff we had teaching us were amazing and really engaging,” she says.
“Dr Alex Chatburn taught the initial intro to neuroscience courses which were very interesting, he has obviously worked in the field for a long time and did a good job making very complex stuff understandable. It can be weird to dip your toe in this field as there are so many rabbit holes to go down, it could easily be overwhelming.
“I loved all of the cognitive neuroscience subjects, they were cool to learn, and the anatomy subjects in the early years were great also”.
UniSA’s anatomy teaching team is renowned for its innovative and engaging approach, which saw them take out a national award recently.
UniSA mascots Parchie and Koala joined the celebrations
With cognitive neuroscience and anatomy Emily’s favourite subjects, it’s not surprising that she’s keen to combine these in her future career, and is now studying a Master in Occupational Therapy at UniSA.
“I’d like to work in something related to neuroanatomy, such as helping people affected by strokes, or spinal injuries,” she says.
“Psychology and Occupational Therapy are both about working with clients all the time, which is really important to me.
“I’ve worked in hospitality throughout my tertiary studies and I have thoroughly enjoyed that, it fuels my love for interacting with people.”
Applications for UniSA’s Bachelor of Psychology (Cognitive Neuroscience), Bachelor of Psychology, Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) and Bachelor of Psychology (Counselling and Interpersonal Skills) are open now for mid-year entry.
Media contact: Megan Andrews [email protected] 0434 819 275
