Aaron Turner
Biomedical Sciences
One day soon Aaron Turner plans to be hanging out of a helicopter as a member of a rescue team saving lives.
He's already a paramedic with St John, and has extensive experience with the Red Cross, which he gained alongside study that began when he attended Otago's Hands-on Science as a schoolboy.
After getting a taste of Health Sciences' Biology, Aaron enrolled for a degree in Biomedical Sciences, majoring in Infection and Immunity.
During his degree he volunteered with Dunedin Search and Rescue, where he saw paramedics in action and realised he didn't want to stay inside doing lab work.
“I'd been studying cancer vaccines and undertaking animal trials, which was extremely interesting. It was a great course with great lecturers and I had a great time, but I wanted something that fitted with my tramping, outdoor lifestyle.
“Fortunately the BBiomedSc was very broad spectrum. What drew me to the degree was the fact that it did not specialise in just one area but covered such a wide range of subjects.”
When Aaron graduated with honours he found it easy to go on to study emergency management and paramedicine.
“My Otago degree gave me a huge background. I was able to cross credit eight papers towards my paramedicine degree, and that made life a lot easier.”
Throughout his academic career, Aaron has volunteered with the Red Cross, and is now a member of the National Board, National Youth panel and Asia Pacific Youth Network, positions that have seen him travelling internationally.
He also never forgot the start that Hands-on Science gave him, and has returned there each year, initially as a student helper, and now as assistant manager.
“I really enjoy getting back to the University for a week. It goes to show how proud I am to have attended Otago University.”