When USC student Davide Di Mauro finishes his Environmental Science studies next month, he will step straight into the research laboratories of the CSIRO.

Davide, from Italy, has been offered a paid three-month internship at the CSIRO’s Canberra headquarters, where he will conduct hydroclimate research for a major project to boost water security for people living in the Himalayas.

The internship will see Davide, 33, investigate climate, rainfall and snow data to help CSIRO scientists gain a better understanding of the water balance in areas of Nepal and Pakistan.

Davide said he was thrilled by the offer to work with Australia’s peak science agency immediately after finishing his studies at USC.

“I never imagined that I’d have an opportunity like this so early in my career,” he said. “The work begins in December and I can’t wait to travel down to Canberra and get started.

“The internship will allow me to use world-class environmental instruments to contribute to a really interesting project that aims to make a practical difference in people’s lives.

“I’m applying the knowledge that I’ve gathered at USC over the past three years and putting it into a situation where it have make a real impact.”

The former hotel receptionist from Terracina, Italy, moved to the Sunshine Coast four years ago, and has balanced his study with part-time work as a carer for people with disabilities.

The Maroochydore resident said the personal, hands-on learning style at USC had helped foster his passion for science and the natural world.

“I enjoyed learning how to use Geographic Information Systems, or GIS,” he said. “It’s an approach that lets us depict and assess real-world problems, and I think it will be pivotal to solving some environmental issues.”

USC Lecturer in Physical Geography Dr Javier Leon said Davide’s success in gaining an internship at the CSIRO was indicative of his hard work and dedication both inside and outside the classroom.

“Our Environmental Science students are using cutting-edge technology to conduct hands-on research from their first semester,” he said. “It’s those cutting-edge skills that are making our graduates so competitive in this field.”

— Gen Kennedy