Beyond the COVID-19 crisis

The student perspective

An illustration representing a man thinking about global issues.

Image: metamorworks/Getty Images

Image: metamorworks/Getty Images

The Andrew N. Liveris Academy for Innovation and Leadership attracts, supports and develops some of the finest young minds in engineering and science. As the world looks for fresh ideas to navigate the COVID-19 crisis, Contact spoke to three Liveris Academy scholars about the role of universities during global challenges, and how they're adjusting to new ways of learning.


Amber Spurway

Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) student

An image of Liveris Academy Scholar Amber Spurway.

How have you adjusted to life as an online student and what challenges have you faced?

For the most part, making the transition to life as an online student has been relatively smooth, thanks to the hard work of my course coordinators to upload all of the resources I need. However, there have been personal challenges around remaining motivated and up to date now that my schedule is more fluid and I’m tempted to spend too much time watching Netflix. Unfortunately, many of my courses had a large practical component to them, which are no longer viable. These have been replaced with virtual substitutes, which don't have the same level of engagement as the original courses. Despite these challenges, the transition has been positive and surprisingly easy to adapt to.

What role can universities and academies, like the Liveris Academy, play in finding solutions to overcoming the COVID-19 crisis?

The COVID-19 crisis poses more challenges than just the obvious health impacts and will have far-reaching effects on the economy and society in general. For us to overcome these challenges, we must foster a collaborative environment in which we can nurture and cultivate effective leaders who are focused on developing these solutions. Universities and academies, like the Liveris Academy, are uniquely positioned to do this by supporting students to grow as leaders and innovators by providing them with the resources to further their education. Furthermore, in order to create solutions that are long-lasting and will drive us forward into the future, we must focus on innovating sustainably to ensure the longevity of our society. For this reason, sustainability is a key focus of the Liveris Academy and a necessary consideration in any potential solutions. 

In what ways will the world be different, or better, after the COVID-19 crisis is over?

Throughout this crisis, we have seen allowances made by workplaces and universities all around the world to help people adapt to working online, and from home, to accommodate the differences in individual circumstances. I hope that this flexibility continues and ultimately leads to a more inclusive environment that’s open to adapting to the individual challenges people might face, such as disability, illness or financial strife. Additionally, I think we have seen some excellent examples of communities working together to protect their most vulnerable. I hope this compassion and kindness remains as life returns to normal so that we continue our focus on social welfare, while also prioritising the economy. The way we choose to learn and grow from the challenges we faced during this time is what will ultimately define us.

An image of Liveris Academy Scholar Amber Spurway.
An image of Liveris Academy Scholar Victoria Barnes.

Victoria Barnes

Master of Engineering student

An image of Liveris Academy Scholar Victoria Barnes.

How have you adjusted to life as an online student and what challenges have you faced?

The biggest challenge I have faced in changing to online studies is finding the motivation to focus and get the work done. Thankfully, I was home-schooled for several years and already had some good techniques that I could implement to make the transition easier.

I have found that having a dedicated study space helps, and I only use it for study. If I want to do anything else, I always move to a different location. This tricks my brain into knowing that the study space is only for concentrating and I find this helps shift my thinking whenever I sit down there.

Additionally, taking breaks is good. I especially like to break up my lectures into 30-minute sections, and get up and move in between. Doing a bit of cleaning or chores in your break can also help you feel like you are getting something done, even if you’re on a break!

What role can universities and academies, like the Liveris Academy, play in finding solutions to overcoming the COVID-19 crisis?

Universities and academies, like the Liveris Academy, house some of the brightest and most innovative minds in the country, as well as numerous young people who really want to make a difference. I think that it would be a shame if they did not get the chance to put their ideas to work, and I believe that universities and academies can help by providing opportunities and materials for them to get involved.

On this topic, UQ is actually already well advanced in finding solutions. One such example is a team of engineering undergraduate students who have been working on a ventilator that can be mass-produced for minimal cost. Another group, and probably more well known, are the UQ researchers working hard towards creating a vaccine for the virus.

In what ways will the world be different, or better, after the COVID-19 crisis is over?

I am a bit of an optimist, but I don’t think we will take everyday luxuries for granted as often. I am going to give all my friends very long hugs and I look forward to being able to catch up with others face-to-face, rather than over the phone. 

However, there is no doubt that the world will be different. Sadly, I think that we are going to see a lot of people struggling with mental health issues due to isolation and the other challenges of the pandemic. I encourage you to check on your friends during this time, but don’t forget to check on them once it’s over as well. Life is better when we do it together.

Flynn Pearman

Bachelor of Engineering and Mathematics student

An image of Liveris Academy Scholar Flynn Pearman.

How have you adjusted to life as an online student and what challenges have you faced?

The transition to studying 100 per cent online has been very challenging for me, and I think this is the consensus among students. Much like the shift from high-school learning to traditional university learning required a leap in independence, this change has required a similar jump in self-discipline. Staying at home all day has been a huge change to my normal routine, and it has been difficult to find the motivation to stay on top of my studies. I have tried to stay efficient by scheduling blocks of time for study and breaks. To avoid slipping into a situation in which it feels like Groundhog Day – wake up, study, scroll through social media, watch TV, sleep and repeat – I have found it enjoyable to pursue some new hobbies and exercise a lot more than I normally do.

What role can universities and academies, like the Liveris Academy, play in finding solutions to overcoming the COVID-19 crisis?

I think universities have key role to play in overcoming the COVID-19 crisis. Universities conduct a lot of research and it’s great that UQ, and many other universities, have been able to continue to research treatments and vaccines for the coronavirus. These efforts will determine how quickly societies around the world can truly return to normal. Many universities, like UQ, are similar to a decent-sized town, in terms of population and facilities. So, these communities can set the example for the rest of society by staying home as much as possible. Finally, it is vital that universities continue teaching so that students can come out with the skills necessary to help revitalise the economy once the pandemic is over. As engineering students in the Liveris Academy, we must continue developing skills to solve new problems that will emerge in the post-COVID-19 world. 

In what ways will the world be different, or better, after the COVID-19 crisis is over?

Once the coronavirus crisis is over, it’s possible that we will never totally return to whatever ‘normal’ was. International travel will likely remain difficult for a long time, but that might incentivise Australians to discover more of our own backyard, boosting our regional communities in the process. This crisis has given all companies the opportunity to conduct the ultimate working-from-home experiment. So, in the future, companies might offer greater flexibility around working from home. COVID-19 has also given us the opportunity to reflect on what we truly enjoy, and I believe this will result in a society-wide shift in appreciation of the little things. I never realised how significant watching, playing and following sport was in my life, and I can’t wait to get back into it. Ultimately, I believe the impacts of this pandemic will likely define the 2020s both economically and culturally.


Visit the Andrew N. Liveris Academy for Innovation and Leadership website for more information.

An image of Liveris Academy Scholar Flynn Pearman.

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