An informal Q&A‑style event designed to give students an authentic and accessible look into the Summer and Winter Research Program.
Through a relaxed conversational format, attendees hear directly from recent student participants who share what their research experiences were really like — how they found their projects, worked with supervisors, navigated challenges, and built research capabilities along the way. Their stories provide honest, relatable insight for students who may be curious about research but unsure where to begin. The event also features a guest research supervisor who offers a complementary perspective, including what supervisors look for in applications, how they support students throughout a short‑term project, and the qualities that help students succeed.
This blend of student and supervisor voices gives attendees a balanced, inside view of the research experience that goes far beyond program descriptions or information sessions. This session will be held in an approachable, presentation‑free format that encourages open discussion and genuine questions. Students can engage directly with the panel, gain practical advice, and build confidence in exploring research opportunities.
Whether attendees are considering applying for an upcoming research round or simply wanting to understand what research actually involves, this session offers a friendly and informative starting point.
Meet the panellists
Amanda Resmana
I had been eyeing this research program since I arrived at UQ, so when I finally applied and saw a microplastics project, it felt like returning to a familiar place, I had researched microplastics during my bachelor’s degree four years ago. My project started with investigating the quantity and types of microplastics in baby wipes, but as I learned the lab techniques, I began wondering: what about products I use myself, like makeup wipes? As a woman, I wanted to know whether plastic particles could repeatedly encounter with our skin, so we did! Along the way, I learned to use lab instruments I had previously only read about in research papers. My biggest tip: trust what you bring, stay curious, and start conversations with your supervisor early. You might find you both care about the same thing: researching questions that genuinely matter to you
Anoushka Sanjeev Sawant
Who knew food science could feel this creative? My research program had me elbow-deep in beverage prototypes; mixing, tasting, and tweaking ingredients to chase the perfect product. I've always been creative but never expected that in a science lab. From learning the ropes to running my own trials by the final week, this journey offered new skills, new connections and new confidence.
Before applying, I wish I'd known not to doubt myself, just give it your best shot!
Tanya Barua
What if your first research experience ends up changing what you want to do next? My research journey taught me that you don’t need to have everything figured out before applying. From learning new techniques to troubleshooting experiments and getting comfortable in a real research environment, I discovered how much there is to learn beyond the classroom. If you’re unsure about applying, come chat with me. I’m happy to share what I wish I knew before taking the leap!
Corey Kai
I came to UQ at a crossroads, moving from studying the human past to returning to nursing, a career that began years ago. Through my Master of Nursing and the Winter Research Program, I’ve brought these experiences together, using skills from my previous studies to explore the future of nursing education. That project has led me to explore higher research with my supervisor and other UQ academics. My advice? Bring your previous experiences with you; you never know where they might lead.
Renata Nino de Guzman
I'm proof that curiosity matters more than your background. My Sustainable Energy master's led me somewhere I didn't quite expect: a winter research program based in the Business School. I joined a project on women-operated hospitality SMEs and their just transition journey, exploring how gender, tourism, and sustainability intersect. It showed me sustainability can be approached from engineering, business, and sociological lenses all at once - and that these intersections are where the richest debate happens. My tip: winter research programs aren't just for your matching degree, if a project sparks your curiosity, apply. You might surprise yourself.
