Graduate profile: Thomas Larkin

Thomas Larkin has just graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering (Research & Development) majoring in Renewable Energy Systems/Bachelor of Arts majoring in Digital Humanities and minoring in Japanese Languages.

We asked Thomas a few questions about his time at ANU and his plans for the future.

What motivated you to study engineering?

I wanted to explore how I could use a skill and passion of mine to create positive social impact with tangible benefits. I wanted to explore the real needs and applicability of an engineering style of thinking, which considers everything from the subsystem interactions, lifecycle analysis and system optimisation in any particular context.

What’s your favourite ANU memory?

My favourite memory of my time at the ANU was participating in the orchestra for several ANU-wide musical productions, including Miss Saigon, Sweeney Todd, and Into the Woods. This was a great outlet from study. It gave me the chance to meet all different kinds of people from other areas of university and represented a massive effort of collaboration, creativity and hard work in order to deliver the performance.

How has your time at ANU changed you?

It’s definitely changed my view of the world. Surrounding yourself with many intelligent, motivated, talented people at the ANU provides a constant stream of motivation. Being able to engage in research at the ANU has also made me much more aware of the important role that universities play in society.

What’s next?

Next year, I plan on working on an early start-up concept involving the development of data-driven animations alongside a fellow graduate and great friend or mine (Declan O’Donovan). I am also hoping to stay connected with the ANU through engineering tutoring roles, and possibly some Research Assistant work.

Looking further ahead, I am considering either further studies abroad or (if an opportunity seems both interesting and enticing enough) a job in the humanitarian engineering or renewable energy sector.