Welcome to the fourth and final episode in a series highlighting the inspiring stories behind the finalists of the 2016 Victorian International Education Awards’ Alumnus of the Year category. Today we meet Polish-born Bart Kolodziejczyk. 

Before arriving in Australia, Bart was an experienced nomad and worldwide traveller. Having spent time in many countries, including Hungary, Spain and Iceland, it was curiosity that initially lead him to explore the idea of coming to Australia to study, in particular, his fascination with the unusual Australian wildlife.

Bart’s studies in Australia have seen him earn his PhD in Engineering and become heavily involved in cutting edge research at Monash University. As a result of his studies, Bart also ignited his entrepreneurial spirit and co-founded a not-for-profit organisation based in Melbourne, designed to foster and facilitate international student exchange.

Bart was honoured to receive the 2014 MIT Innovator Under 35 award, and is now working to develop a gluten-testing sensor for food. 

In this episode Bart shares the unforgettable experience of studying in Melbourne, the opportunities he was exposed to and some of the tips and advice that made his time in Australia so beneficial.  

Bart’s is one of many inspiring stories from the finalists of the 2016 Victorian International Education Awards. To learn more head over to http://www.studymelbourne.vic.gov.au/