 Hey, everyone. My name is Louisa and I'm a recent graduate from the University of Adelaide and I'm also a science communicator today I'm actually on campus in one of the bar Smith library study rooms to have a catch-up with Ben who is a current science student in True 2020 style. We're going to be having a socially distant catch-up using technology. So on that note, let's say hello to Ben Hey Ben, thank you for being here today No worries So to start can you tell me what you currently study? Yeah, I'm studying a Bachelor of Science, Space Science and Astrophysics It sounds like a really interesting degree, but what actually is astrophysics? Astrophysics is the study of all things out in space and how they work So from looking at planetary systems all the way up to things like black holes Definitely is very interesting then So why did you choose to study at Adelaide University? I chose to study at Adelaide because I found that it was the only university in the Southern Hemisphere that offered a name degree in astrophysics That is very convenient and in your hometown So while you have been studying, what have been some of your highlights? Some of the highlights have definitely been learning some coding languages that I didn't even know existed before starting my study And really seeing how useful they've been in solving problems Yeah, I couldn't agree more. I really enjoy coding So have you had the opportunity to undertake any project work or placements with established scientists? Yeah, I have. I got an opportunity over summer last year to work in the physics department and a summer research scholarship and where I was developing a piece of software That's currently used for the Turing Cop telescope array and analyzing that which is a global collaboration Also really cool to see you got to bring your programming and coding skills into that placement So something else that is pretty cool is the Australian Space Agency opened some of its offices earlier this year right next door in Lot 14 What has this meant to you and your passion for space science and astrophysics? Yeah, it's been a really exciting thing seeing it all open up It's hopefully going to open up a lot of doors of opportunity for employment and once they graduate As they get it more established and start taking big a lot Yeah, well speaking of graduation. What do you hope to do once you have completed your degree? I'm hoping to get into research somewhere in astrophysics. Not really sure where yet There's a lot of opportunities and different paths I could take and but I'm excited to see where that goes Awesome. Well, thanks so much Ben If you'd like to learn more about Ben's degree head to the University of Adelaide's website And in degree finder search space science and astrophysics