Embracing Academic Diversity: A Journey Through Cross Disciplinary Studies

Caleb Adams grew up in Fremantle but has called St Catherine's home for the past two and a half years.

Currently studying for a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Mechanical Engineering), Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) (Mathematics and Statistics) and Diploma in Modern Languages (Italian) at the University of Western Australia, Caleb has found the solid academic and community-oriented culture incredibly supportive throughout his time at St Catherine’s.

“The tutoring service complements my studies very nicely, with support available if needed for any of my units,” said Caleb, “I have also been given the opportunity to assist with organising one of the College's Faculty and Industry Dinners. These events highlight how different fields of study are interconnected and are an invaluable networking for residents.”

Over the past two years, Caleb has received the St Catherine’s College Highest Academic Achiever Award, for high academic achievement within his cohort and was a finalist in the Jacobs Sustainability Top100 Future Leader Award.

Caleb is also the recipient of the Fogarty Foundation Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded to ten high school leavers annually across Western Australia for achievement across three of four categories: sport, leadership, community service and arts.

This scholarship is one of Australia’s most prestigious scholarship programs designed for the future leaders of Western Australia. Alongside the University of Western Australia, the Foundation aims to enrich the community by investing in exceptional young people who use their skills, abilities and commitment. "The Fogarty Foundation makes a significant impact through initiatives such as the scholarship, EDvance and CoderDojo WA programs," he said.

In preparing to apply for the scholarship, he advises students not to focus on activities aligned with the scholarship criteria but rather to do things that interest them. “Prioritise your happiness and success will follow,” he said.

Earlier this year, St Catherine’s offered its residents the opportunity to participate in an invite-only symposium titled ‘Re-Imagining the Global Nuclear Order.’ Caleb was one of the lucky students to receive an invitation. The event was a three-day affair hosted at Curtin University and organised by Prof. Joseph Siracusa, Dean of Global Futures at Curtin University.

At the event, interdisciplinary scholars debated the current state of nuclear policy in Australia and globally, delving into topics such as using nuclear weapons for deterrence, recent developments with AUKUS and the impacts of the Russia-Ukraine war.

“During the symposium, I learned a great deal about fields of study that I had limited prior experience in.” moreover, he noted, “It drove home the importance of continuing to expose myself to a wide range of disciplines to ensure I am not siloed into my comfortable way of thinking.”

“There are innumerable tangible and intangible benefits that can be had from taking on the challenge of engaging in cross-disciplinary study and looking for collaboration between disciplines,” Caleb said.

He said that exposing himself to a range of disciplines has taught him volumes about himself and revealed the importance of engaging with a range of topics. He feels grateful to St Catherine’s College for providing these opportunities and is looking forward to events promoted by St Catherine’s in the future.