"I think I've always been attracted to learning. I think that's one thing I have learned about myself is that I just enjoy learning and I think, if you stop learning, that is the end of growth. Even if you are stationary because of what you know, you are going backwards because the world is progressing. You have got to at least learn enough to keep up. And so, I think I would always be learning. I don’t know what that would be. I don’t know if science necessarily would attract me back to it, that was my only thing. But I certainly feel like science or music? Those were the two things. So, if I didn't do science, I reckon I'd be a happy but struggling musician...."

In this Career Session, Dr Andy Stapleton talks to us about why he decided to undertake his PhD in Australia (hint, it was much easier than applying for any other visas); why it took so long for him to quit academia and set up as his own boss; and the importance of science communicating, and how universities can do better at promoting the research going on in their institutions.  

What is the title of your PhD: Nanoparticle Based Organic Photovoltaic Devices

Where did you complete your PhD: Newcastle University, NSW

What year did you graduate: 2011

What undergraduate degree/s have you completed: MChem

What is your job title, today: Founder of verbalize.science 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-j-stapleton/

TedXFlinders: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXj8qHxS0A0