"Microbiology and Immunology is one of the most diverse fields you can come across. You're never limited to what you can learn."
Chris Tomlinson enjoys the challenges and discoveries of microbiology and immunology. “I’m fascinated by the immune system,” he explains, ‘it’s the body’s way of fighting disease but it’s not fully understood. However, the field is constantly changing and new discoveries are constantly being made, giving us more knowledge.”
Chris made his decision to major in Microbiology and Immunology during Health Sciences First Year. After the microbiology module in the HUBS191 and CELS191 papers, Chris was hooked. “The lecturers made the subject fascinating’, he comments and he has not looked back since.
For Chris, the highlight of his degree was the interaction he had with the Department itself. “Microbiology and Immunology provide a really welcoming, friendly environment,” he says, “the staff encourage a great learning culture and are very supportive and easy to approach.”
A degree in Microbiology and Immunology gave Chris an excellent grounding in science and made him develop a technical approach to critical evaluation. He also found the final year’s emphasis on teamwork and communication skills invaluable – especially when it came to moving from academia into the workforce.
Chris has an interest in industrial microbiology and he enjoys seeing how we use different products to manipulate the environment we live in. This interest led him to his current job at the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). His knowledge of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) food safety regulations has helped Chris considerably in his new role, and a diverse science background gained through his course has made adapting to working life a breeze.
His current position at MPI involves the registration of export licences under the Animal Products Act, and the categorisation of Agricultural Compounds under the ACVM Act for importation into the country.
For the future, Chris would like to go back to university and study for a postgraduate qualification, ideally a Masters in Immunology. However, for the moment, he is keeping his options open.
When asked what he enjoys most about his field, Chris responds: “The best thing about being a microbiologist or immunologist is that it’s constantly changing. You’re always having to challenge yourself.”
