Exploring science, finding direction

When Jessica Blissenden finished high school, she knew she was interested in science. What she didn't know was exactly where that interest would take her. 

Inspired by her biology teachers and fascinated by the prospect of contributing to scientific research, she chose the Bachelor of Science at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), where a flexible first year gave her the opportunity to explore different scientific disciplines before finding the path that was right for her. 

“I was a little bit hesitant about where it would take me, but I'm really glad things have worked out the way they have,” she says. 

Now in her third and final year, Jessica is majoring in biotechnology, gaining hands-on experience through a cardiovascular research internship and planning to continue into Honours as she works towards a career in medical research.

Discovering the right direction

Starting in the Bachelor of Science flexible major gave Jessica the opportunity to build a broad foundation in science before deciding where she wanted to specialise. Rather than feeling pressured to choose a pathway straight away, she could explore different areas, discover what interested her most and make a more informed decision about her future. 

Through first-year foundation subjects, she studied biology, chemistry and medical science while adjusting to university life. 

“I feel like the first year gave me the chance to take a step back and look at where I actually wanted to go with my degree,” she says. 

By the beginning of her second year, Jessica had found that direction, choosing to major in biotechnology. 

Jessica says changing majors was a straightforward process, with support from the UTS Student Centre helping her make the transition smoothly.

Learning from the people around her

One of the biggest surprises about university has been the level of support available. 

From approachable lecturers and subject coordinators to academic support programs such as U:PASS, she says there has always been someone willing to help. 

“I've been really lucky to have lecturers who are always reachable,” she says. 

“They're there to answer questions, give advice and even help you think about your career.” 

That guidance continued throughout her degree, helping Jessica navigate decisions about majors, internships and postgraduate study. 

“I expected university to be much more difficult, but as long as you stay on top of your work and make use of the support that's available, it's really manageable.”

Connecting study with industry

Alongside her studies, guest speakers from across biotechnology and medical science offered insights into different career pathways and how the concepts students learn in class are applied in industry. 

One presentation about clinical trials proved to be a turning point. 

“It was one of those career-defining moments for me because it showed what a day in the life of someone working in the industry actually looks like,” she says. 

For the first time, Jessica could picture herself working in the field, reinforcing her interest in health and medical research. 

Hands-on experiences have also played an important role in preparing her for what's next. One of the highlights has been working in the Hive Super Lab, where students gain practical experience working with microbes and pathogens using industry-standard equipment in a specialist teaching and research environment. 

“The Hive gives you opportunities to work in environments you wouldn't normally have access to,” she says. 

“It's one of my favourite places to study because the facilities are so well established.” 

Those experiences have helped prepare Jessica for her current internship with Associate Professor Kristine McGrath and the Cardiovascular and Endocrine Research Team (CERT), where she is investigating the relationship between microplastic exposure and cardiovascular health. The internship is giving her valuable exposure to the research environment she hopes to pursue after graduation. 

Inspired by the potential to change lives

Jessica's interest in medical research is driven not only by scientific curiosity, but also by personal experience. Having close friends living with genetic diseases has strengthened her desire to contribute to research that could one day improve people's lives. 

“Research and development is constantly needed,” she says. 

“I'm particularly interested in areas like gene therapy that focus on developing new ways to prevent and treat disease.” 

With that goal in mind, Jessica plans to continue into Honours after graduation, seeing it as an opportunity to immerse herself in research and build on the skills she's developed during her degree. 

“I feel like Honours is a really good next step because it's a whole year dedicated to research,” she says. 

While she knows research is the path she wants to pursue, Jessica is keeping an open mind about where it might take her.

Growing through university 

Looking back on her time at UTS, Jessica says she's grown not only as a science student but also as a person. The experiences she's had and the people she's met have given her the confidence to pursue a career she's genuinely excited about. 

As she progresses through her internship and looks ahead to graduation, she feels ready for what's next. 

“I feel a lot more prepared to go out into the world after I graduate,” she says. 

“It's all the different experiences put together that make you grow and give you a new perspective on where your career is heading.” 

For future students, her advice is to keep an open mind and embrace every opportunity. 

“I've really enjoyed my time at uni because of the teachers, the classes, the people and all the opportunities I've had along the way,” she says. 

“It's been a rewarding and unexpected journey, and I'm really grateful for where it's taken me.”