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"Caltex Australia frequently
employs QUT graduates including a yearly intake of students in the QUT Industrial
Internship Program. We find that QUT graduates bring to the organisation a
good blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills. This allows them
to be industry ready from day one."
MICHAEL JENNINGS
Acting Chief Chemist, Caltex Refineries (Qld) Ltd
 Claire
Runge
BAppSc (Honours)
Claire is a Forensic Chemist for Queensland Health Forensic
Services. She regularly analyses forensic exhibits that often consist
of items the Queensland Police Force seize from raids. This is extremely
varied work, and involves testing for illicit drugs, matching fibre or
paint samples taken from the scene of a crime, testing oil samples in
cases of environmental pollution from ships in the Great Barrier Reef,
or investigating clandestine labs where illicit drugs are suspected of
being produced. She says, "Every day brings a new case, and every
case is different". Claire finds her work very challenging and interesting.
She enjoys "continually improving techniques and looking into new
and better ways of getting information from the samples" that she
receives.
Claire applied for the Dean's Scholars Accelerated program
at QUT and was accepted. In fact, she chose QUT "because it offered
this accelerated program".
Claire says that, "Lecturers were very approachable,
had real-world experience and ties to industry. Class sizes were small
allowing interaction and individual attention. All of my lecturers undertake
research, and so are at the coal-face of science, and include new developments
in the science world into the material they teach. The research component
of the course allowed me to learn skills such as problem-solving and adaptation
which are desired by employers and helped me to easily fit into my work
environment. Also, a vacation employment at BHP Cannington (a silver,
lead and zinc mine near Cloncurry) and as a research assistant at QUT,
gave me the opportunity to apply my skills and also gave me an idea of
employment opportunities." |
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 Peimaneh
Ashnaei
BAppSc
Peimaneh is an Analytical Chemist with the Bureau of
Sugar Experiment Stations. She analyses soil, plants, and water relating
to the sugar industry. She has always enjoyed chemistry and now works
in a great environment where new technologies are continually being applied
in her chosen field. She finds it exciting that she can see the result
of her work and how it affects the industry. Peimaneh majored in Chemistry
when she completed QUT's Bachelor of Applied Science. |
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 Gary
Rasmussen
BAppSc
Gary is the Acting Chief Forensic Scientist for the Scientific
Section of the Queensland Police Service (QPS). He says, "The challenge
for the forensic scientist is to always perform your job professionally,
be able to produce results which are both accurate and credible, and provide
unbiased and impartial expert opinions in a court of law. If you have
an interest in Forensic Science then be clear about which aspect of forensic
science you are interested in, for example, Chemistry (trace evidence,
toxicology) or Biology (DNA). Study and work hard at these areas and gain
any experience you can, when you can. All experience gained is good experience
and will make you more employable person in the future." |
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 Larisa
Skyring
BAppSc
Larisa is a Research and Development Chemist at Alphapharm,
one of Australia's leading pharmaceutical companies. She writes the methods
used to test prescription tablets produced by Alphapharm such as antibiotics
and antidepressants, and tablets for people with heart conditions, diabetes,
and morning sickness. Existing methods are publicly available, but it
is part of her job to improve on them. |
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 Helen
Panayiotou
BAppSc
Helen is employed as a Forensic Scientist within the
Scientific Section of the Queensland Police Service. "I am responsible
for the analysis of various types of trace physical evidence. The majority
of our casework is fire debris analysis and is related to arson investigation.
One of the main indicators of arson is the presence of an accelerant,
which can be used to fuel a fire. Chemical analysis of fire debris from
the point of origin of a fire scene can confirm and identify traces of
accelerants. I am also responsible for the analysis of glass, which relates
to offences such as homicide, break and enter, as well as hit and run
accidents." Helen is currently completing a PhD in Forensic Science
at QUT. |
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QUT Industry Partners in Chemistry include
SIMTARS, Alphapharm Pty Ltd, Astra Panels Pty Ltd, Australian Laboratory Services
Pty Ltd, Bayer CropScience, Bundaberg Sugar Ltd, CSIRO Minerals, Dulux Australia,
Food and Agricultural Laboratories of Australia Pty Ltd, Herron Pharmaceuticals
Pty Ltd, Cement Australia, Southern Pacific Petroleum N.L., Central Pacific
Mineral N.L., Castlemaine XXXX.
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