Graduation 2022: Christopher Wise

UNSW Canberra graduand Christopher Wise is on the rise after three years of balancing military training, sports, university studies, and socialising.  

Chris will graduate with a Bachelor of Computing and Cyber Security this month and is looking forward to pursuing Honours next year as part of an internship in Japan.  

“My honours project will focus on applying artificial intelligence to quantum computers,” Chris said. 

“I will be conducting part of the honours research in Japan. While in Japan, I am undertaking a research internship at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology while conducting remote learning for UNSW courses. After April, I will return to Australia and continue my studies and research at UNSW Canberra," he said.   

Chris’ keen interest in computing and cyber security was a precursor to his interest in cryptography, problem-solving, mathematics, and computer science.   

“I liked understanding how things worked by breaking and pulling them apart. I pursued cyber security as I knew I could combine all these passions in the degree. Cyber security requires extensive computer science but creative thinking to break and secure networks.”  

Chris said his UNSW Canberra study experience was done in an environment where the lecturers showed genuine interest in seeing students succeed. The skills Chris gained during his time at UNSW Canberra here will support him in his future work endeavours. 

“The Bachelor of Computing and Cyber Security degree has taught me to think outside the box and find creative solutions, which helps in any future career,” Chris said.  

“I have also learnt how to communicate technical topics and ideas succinctly and effectively. In any career, communicating technical issues and ideas to those above and below you is critical. 

“Undertaking this study has taught me how to learn and research independently. Any future career will involve independent research; hence learning to work independently I see as a valuable experience.”  

Chris' advice to current students is to identify and pursue academic disciplines that interest them, get comfortable discovering information and learning independently, and pursue interests outside of their majors.  

“Being broad in knowledge and drawing connections between ideas is arguably a more important skill than being an expert in one narrow area,” he said.   

Chris's advice to current students is not to be hesitant in using the best resource of all: your peers. Whether it is support in or outside the classroom or keeping in touch with peers beyond your studies through alumni events, a support network is available.  

Congratulations to Chris and his fellow graduates!