Coolest location to study
USQ student learns in Antarctica
A UNIVERSITY of Southern Queensland student has been able to study online with a view of icebergs out his study-room window.
Zach Lockhard recently graduated from USQ with an Associate Degree of Engineering (Electrical and Electronic) while working at Casey Station in Antarctica.
He has studied externally since 2014 - sitting exams in Thursday Island, Solomon Islands, Christmas Island, Alice Springs, and just recently, the most southerly point of the world, where he has been based for the last 12 months.
“A typical day of the semester would begin with a 4am coffee followed by an hour of studying and then a quick walk to the gym in -30 degrees often with a bright green Aurora dancing on the horizon,” Mr Lockhard said.
“Then it’s a big day of work applying engineering knowledge to problem solving in my daily job requirements and then settling down for an hour or two of readings and assignments.”
The engineering graduate said he had always enjoyed working in remote and challenging locations.
“So for me, Antarctica was the pinnacle of everything I had dreamed of. I was very fortunate to land an opportunity to spend an entire year working down here at Casey Research Station,” he said.
“My role as an instrument electrician enhanced my ability to develop valuable skills both on and off the job.
“It has been an amazing experience - from power stations and high voltage reticulation to sea-ice travel, helicopter flights over glaciers and daily sightings of seals and penguins by the tens of thousands.”
Mr Lockhard’s passion to work remotely made USQ the clear choice when it came to further study.
“I wanted to study after completing my electrical apprenticeship to increase my knowledge,” he said.
“After much research I selected USQ because they offer the most flexibility and support for external students.”
Mr Lockhard said he had received a lot of support from USQ while studying in Antarctica.