Country roots to medical dreams: Meet Charlotte Crellin

From the quiet country streets of Millmerran to the anatomy labs of the University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ), Charlotte Crellin is turning her passion for science and helping others into a future in medicine.

Currently studying a Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences (Medicine Pathway), Charlotte is working toward her goal of becoming a doctor while also embracing the opportunities university life offers.

Her dedication was recently recognised at the 2026 UniSQ Residential Colleges Awards, where she received a Chancellor’s Academic Excellence Award in recognition of her academic success.

We caught up with Charlotte to chat about her study journey, life at UniSQ, and what her latest accolade means to her.

Tell us a bit about your journey. What inspired you to study at UniSQ?

I’ve spent most of my life in the small town of Millmerran, where I completed Year 10 before moving to Toowoomba to finish my senior schooling at St Ursula’s College. I always knew I wanted to work in a field where I could help people, but it wasn’t until halfway through Year 12 that I really discovered that medicine was the direction I wanted to take.

UniSQ stood out to me because it offered the perfect balance – close to home, supportive, and with smaller cohorts that allow for a more personalised and connected learning experience. It felt like the right environment to grow academically while still staying grounded in the community I know and love.

What have you enjoyed most about your study experience so far?

One of the things I’ve enjoyed most is simply being able to study something I’m passionate about. I love learning new things, especially when it comes to understanding how the human body works. It’s incredibly complex and fascinating.

A standout highlight has definitely been the anatomy labs. The dissections were unforgettable! Seeing the structure of different organs made everything learned in class feel real. It helped me understand how the body functions on a deeper level, and honestly, it was just very cool to see up close.

What does it mean to you to be honoured with a Chancellor’s Academic Excellence Award?

Receiving the Chancellor’s Academic Excellence Award at the 2026 UniSQ Residential Colleges Awards was incredibly special. It represents the hard work, late nights, and persistence that went into my studies. More importantly, it’s a reminder that dedication pays off and that I’m capable of achieving more than I sometimes think. It’s both an honour and a motivator.

How has your time living at Residential Colleges been so far?

Living at UniSQ’s Residential Colleges has been a wonderful experience. There are so many new people to meet and connect with, and the sense of community makes it feel like a home away from home. I’ve especially enjoyed the variety of sporting activities as they’re great for taking a break, staying active, and getting to know others.

Being part of such a close-knit environment has also helped me grow personally, especially this year as one of the Residential Assistants. It’s given me the chance to develop my leadership skills and contribute to the supportive community that has made my time here so memorable.

What advice would you give to students wanting to get the most out of their university experience?

My biggest advice is to get involved. Do the things you enjoy, but also be willing to try the new and scary things. Take every opportunity that comes your way, even if it pushes you outside your comfort zone. Those moments often become the experiences you learn the most from and the memories you remember most.

What do you hope to do after finishing university? Do you have specific career goals and/or ambitions?

While I’m still exploring the exact path within medicine I want to take, I know that my future will focus on my original goal centred around helping others. I’m open to where that journey might lead, and the uncertainty is actually something I find really exciting. It means there are endless possibilities ahead, and I’m looking forward to discovering the impacts and where life takes me after finishing university.

Is there anything else you'd like to add?

I’m grateful for the opportunities UniSQ has given me and for the people who have supported me along the way. I hope my journey encourages others to aim high and make the most of their time here.