Polly Cocks – United Kingdom
Murdoch University Research Officer - World Organisation for Animal Health
Veterinary Science Graduate
“My experience at Murdoch was a very, very happy one. One of the most notable features of Murdoch University was the friendly and supportive nature of staff and students alike.”
Murdoch veterinary alumnus Polly Cocks always wanted to see the world so following her 2005 graduation, the recipient of the University Medal for outstanding academic achievement couldn’t wait to hit the road.
“After graduating, I was keen to gain life experience and work in private practice, so I returned to the UK, my birthplace, to spend a year in mixed practice. This provided me with a valuable professional foundation for my current job.”
“During my time living and studying in Perth and making short visits to Asia, I developed a desire to pursue a career involving international work. I am now employed as a research officer by the University in the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), Southeast Asia Foot and Mouth Disease Campaign Office in Bangkok.”
“I facilitate an AusAID project into the control of the foot and mouth disease in Malaysia, Thailand and Myanmar. Foot and mouth disease is a highly contagious viral infection of cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, goats, sheep and pigs.”
“The other element of my job is to build linkages between Murdoch and other organisations and educational institutions in Thailand, as well as acting as a contact for Murdoch staff and students if they are in the area.”
“I feel one of my major achievements has been becoming established in the animal health sphere in Southeast Asia. This has been, and continues to be a thoroughly enjoyable and fulfilling area of work and has provided an opportunity to meet and work with a wonderful group of dedicated and supportive individuals from throughout the region.
“I look forward to maintaining these links and developing academically over the next year here in Bangkok and subsequently from a base in Perth. I will soon begin a PhD with Murdoch on the topic of foot and mouth disease control in Malaysia, Thailand and Myanmar.”
Choosing where to study
Polly chose to study in Australia because she was not able to gain a place at a Veterinary School in the United Kingdom. Having decided to continue to pursue a career in Veterinary Science, she applied to all the vet schools in Australia at the time as an international student.
She received offers from Murdoch and one other school. Eventually, the attitude, warmth and support she was receiving from staff at Murdoch, together with her understanding that the location in Perth would suit her well, persuaded Polly that Murdoch was the place to go.
Life at Murdoch
“One of the most notable features of Murdoch University was the friendly and supportive nature of staff and students alike. I had not visited Australia prior to commencing my study at Murdoch and I received nothing but positive experience on arrival and during the early part of the course when I was still settling in to life in Australia.”
“My experience at Murdoch was a very, very happy one. The most important aspect of this for me was my colleagues in the vet school.”
“The community spirit in the Murdoch School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences is very strong and, in remaining with a group of students for the entire five year period and sharing many, many good times and also times of stress and hard work strong friendship bonds were formed.”
“The many wonderful friends that I have made during my years at Murdoch are therefore certainly one aspect which I will continue to cherish.”
Why Murdoch
“The course itself was very challenging but also, my interest and drive for the subject was such that the work remained, for the most part, very enjoyable and satisfying.”
“I can certainly look back at my time at Murdoch and, though it is easy to forget the many hours spent studying, I can say that it was a fantastic course and prepared me for entering life in practice.”
