Ramon Donald

Postgraduate Diploma in Science student
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science & Marine Science

As someone who has always been impressed by Aotearoa New Zealand’s natural environment, Ramon Donald says deciding to study environmental science was easy for him.

“The natural beauty is my favourite thing about our country, and knowing that I could make a career out of looking after it was really exciting to me. I want to learn more, so I can care more, so I can share more, so that future generations have all the beauty we have now in the New Zealand wildlife.”

This passion soon saw him enrolling in AUT’s Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and Marine Science.

“I decided to come to AUT for my studies because I had read that it has a good school for science. I had heard AUT is more practical than most universities, and I’ve found this to be right so far.”

Connections and experiences
Joining AUT is a decision he certainly hasn’t regretted.

“The relationship-building with my peers and the lecturers has been a highlight for me. I’ve learnt so much from them. Listening to the work that the lecturers are a part of gets me interested, makes me look into it and gives me real-life examples of how someone operates in the field of work I want to be in some day. This to me is most valuable. And I’ll remember the people, faces and shared experiences much longer than I will the lectures and classes themselves.

“Going on week-long trips in distant places like Matapouri for seaweed identification, Tauranga to practise our environmental monitoring skills or the Hauraki Gulf for boat trips has been awesome too. That has been a really good experience for me as it felt like I was doing a real research study. I’ve especially enjoyed interacting with the local iwi – this has given me a sense of purpose for the work I’ve been doing.”

While there have been a number of highpoints throughout his studies so far, there is one achievement he is especially proud of.

“In the final year of my Bachelor of Science I completed a project on regenerative agriculture, which had deliverables I can look back on and use to educate my peers and the wider public. This project felt like the most significant work I’ve completed, while also giving me a lot of creative freedom.”

Advice for other students
Now in his fourth year at AUT and currently studying a Postgraduate Diploma in Science, Ramon has some great advice for other students who are only at the start of their own university journey.

“Building connections is the most valuable part of uni; not as in going to parties and socialising all the time, but learning about people’s genuine interests and life story. These are the people who you will learn with, achieve with, work with and maybe one day collaborate with in the workplace.”

He wouldn’t hesitate to recommend AUT’s science programmes to other students.

“I’d 100% recommend these programmes. The theoretical side is interesting, but you’ll need to do independent study to get to the good stuff. That said, the practical side is beyond valuable and gives you great experience that goes towards your career. AUT’s School of Science also has a really friendly and hardworking atmosphere, which I appreciate.”