By JOLENE OGLE
UNIVERSITY student and Noosa local, Marion Brown, currently has a one-eyed turtle and two lorikeets in her care, but she didn’t let that distract her from gaining a near perfect grade point average.
Marion, who graduated from the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) last week, completed her studies with a GPA of 6.96 out of a possible 7, and the top honour of Chancellor’s Medal.
The Chancellor’s Medal is presented to graduating students who have made outstanding contributions to the University and the wider community and who have achieved a high academic level.
Marion, who is a veterinary surgeon, can now add a Bachelor of Environmental Science to her list of qualifications.
“I love to study and am fascinated by the natural world,” she said.
“I find it frustrating in the veterinary world as some things remain unanswered and I always want to know more. I grew up on the Sunshine Coast and I love this area and want to know more about our Biosphere and how to conserve it in the face of rapid human development.”
Marion will now begin her honours thesis, which will focus on food webs on our local beaches, and said returning to study has “rekindled” her passion for working with animals.
“I love to work outside and having the opportunity to do my research on some of the world’s finest beaches makes me feel very privileged,” she said.
“I like to feel that my work is important and can directly benefit biodiversity conservation.”
