Sandra on Energy, Motherhood, and Memories of Murdoch

When Sandra first saw Murdoch University online, she was instantly drawn in. “I went online, checked the website, the environment using Google Earth. I just fell in love with it,” she says. Seeing it in person later was surreal — a moment that still feels vivid to her.

Having studied for a Master of Renewable and Sustainable Energy, Sandra describes her time at Murdoch as one of the most transformative periods of her life. “It’s been five years, but the memories are still very fresh. It was the most amazing time of my life.”

A Campus that Felt Like Home

From the moment she arrived, the sense of community stood out. “We were picked up from the airport by the student union,” she recalls. “It was so hot that day, but everyone was so welcoming. I still remember the ride to campus clearly.”

As a mother, Sandra found Murdoch’s facilities exceptionally supportive. “There was a parents’ room where I could take my kids to study. They loved it. It was filled with toys and books to make them feel at home.” Even simple things, like easy parking and beautiful outdoor spaces, made daily life comfortable. “Bush Court was always green and full of life. You could sit under the trees or just walk around taking pictures of the wildflowers and murals.”

Learning for a Greener Future

Sandra visited wind farms as part of her master’s in Renewable and Sustainable Energy.

Her coursework opened her eyes to the real impact of sustainability. “We worked on calculating carbon footprints of objects like shopping bags and paper,” Sandra says. “It changed the way I think about everything — what I buy, how I recycle, and how I live.”

She was equally inspired by the hands-on approach of her studies. “We didn’t just learn how to produce renewable energy, but also what it means for the environment,” she explains. “For example, if you build a solar farm, you have to think about the trees and wildlife. Sometimes they even let sheep graze under the panels to make use of the shade. It’s all connected.”

Support That Made a Difference

Coming from Nigeria, Sandra was nervous about studying in Australia. “I’d never been to the Western world before,” she admits. “But my professors made me feel at home right away.” She still remembers their kindness when her daughter back home was in an accident. “Everyone checked in on me until my family could join me. I’ll never forget that level of care.”

Looking Ahead

Now, Sandra hopes to use her knowledge to make a difference in developing countries. “About half of Nigeria’s population isn’t connected to the grid,” she explains. “Many people still use petrol generators or firewood for cooking. I want to research ways to make renewable energy accessible in rural areas.”

She’s already putting her passion into action through STEM volunteering, especially encouraging girls to explore science and engineering. “A lot of them think STEM is for boys, but it’s not. There’s so much potential waiting to be discovered.”

Watch Sandra’s story to hear how her journey from Nigeria to Murdoch University inspired her to create a more sustainable world.