Is there
life on Mars?
WORDS: EMMA BELL
IMAGES: SHUTTERSTOCK &
USQ CAMPAIGN
Besides being lyrics to one of the greatest Bowie songs
of all time, this is a question that has fascinated humanity
for decades and is just one of the reasons Alex Rawlings
was drawn towards a career in astrophysics. Alex began
studying a Bachelor of Science (Physical Sciences), in
2016, straight after graduating from Toowoomba State
High School.
‘Understanding the big topics of our universe fascinates
me, and I have a desire to further explore the universe,
to form as complete a picture of it as we can. For me,
astrophysics is about looking upward, and university is
about looking forward. Together, I’m defining my own
place in the world.’
Driven by his desire to better understand the universe
and to be immersed in as many sources of information as
possible, Alex plans to study abroad at the University
of Zurich in Switzerland.
By expanding his academic horizons to this vibrant
European city, Alex will have the opportunity to learn
from university staff directly employed by the National
Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the
European Space Agency (ESA) and the European
Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN).
Alex expects his studies at the University of Zurich to be
challenging, yet rewarding. These studies will include
a computational astrophysics research project and an
astrobiology course, which focuses on determining
likely conditions, habitats and characteristics of extra-
terrestrial life.
‘Academically, I feel I am at a stage where I am able to
step into the instruction of another culture. As an aspiring
academic, a broad network of colleagues with such
access and experience with ground-breaking research
facilities is invaluable.’