Stars light the path to Uni

Benjamin Pope is preparing to start a PhD at the University of Sydney in 2013 after an amazing 2012 that saw him work with a Nobel Laureate, observe the work of world leaders in astrophysics and travel to an observatory in Hawaii. Having completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Sydney, Ben spent 2012 finalising his honours thesis, for which he received a University medal, and spent part of the year on exchange to the University of California, Berkeley. "My exchange at Berkeley solidified my intention to pursue astronomy as a career," says Ben. "I had the opportunity to work for the Infrared Spatial Interferometer group, headed by Nobel Laureate Charles H Townes: it was a rare privilege to gain laboratory experience in laser applications under the technology's inventor." At high school Ben was more interested in classics and languages, and his interest in stargazing wasn't piqued until discovering he was shortsighted. However, once he wore glasses for the first time and saw the breathtaking night sky, his perception changed forever. Ben's high-school science teacher then combined his interests in science and history, convincing him to enrol in Science and Arts at the University of Sydney. "The example of those who've taught me has cemented the importance of nurturing the individual interests of students and helping them find the right field to kindle their excitement", says Ben, even though he didn't start out with a career in astrophysics in mind.