Student showcase

Nicole Tung

Nicole complete her Bachelor of Pharmacy degree form the University of Auckland at the end of 2003 with Second Class Honours.  She felt becoming a practicing pharmacist wasn’t for her as she has always had a passion for research and laboratory work.  So, after deliberating for some time she applied for the Master of Science Degree in Forensic Science at the University of Auckland and was accepted (they only accept 20 students every two years as it is a two year course.

Nicole completed her Master of Science degree in Forensic Science, handing in her thesis at the end of February 2006. She is currently waiting for her overall grade, and should graduate this year from the University of Auckland in September with this postgraduate degree.

In December 2005 she applied for a job at the Institute of Environmental Science and Research Ltd (ESR) - the place she was currently conducting her Master's research at, and was successful in getting the job of Senior Forensic Technician in the Clandestine Laboratory group. She has been working full time there since the end of January 2006 (whilst also completing her thesis!) and she is really loving the job! Nicole says that her job is very exciting and constantly provides her with different working environments. She primarily provides technical assistance to forensic scientists at lab scenes and helps in scene searches along with the Police.. Back in the lab, she analyses case samples that have been collected.

Outside of work Nicole is still competitively involved in indoor volleyball and this year played an integral role in forming the new club 'Waitakere Volleyball Club Inc.' They currently have over 30 men's and women's players and both of their men's and women's teams are currently one of the top Auckland teams. This year again, they will be aiming for a Top 3 placings at the 39th New Zealand Volleyball National Club Championships in August. At the end of this year, she hopes to also get back into Beach Volleyball and take part in the NZ Pro Tour which travels all around the North Island, concluding in Auckland at Stanley Street.