Where robotics and city beaches collide
Laser-focussed: The unlikely blend between Biomechatronics and competitive gymnastics.
Jean-Daniel Rossè (JD) has had a lifelong curiosity about everything tech-related, setting him up to go after a Bachelor of Engineering Honours, specialising in mechatronics.
“I was always tinkering with things around the house with my hands, dismantling things, putting things together without reading the instructions, as you do.”
With a masters degree on his mind, he’s gunning to major in project or engineering management, backing his dream of one day launching a consultancy firm.
JD brings a humanitarian vibe to his work, digging through the content of his courses to figure out how to extend a helping hand.
“I want to be at the forefront of developing technology to help people's lives. Auckland let me be a part of that development in a way that I can contribute to the future.”
He continues, “I decided on engineering because it also gave me the chance to see if I could combine robotics and medicine in a way that’ll aid people's lives.”
Auckland allowed me to rekindle my competitive gymnastics career. Something I'd previously lost. The University of Auckland provides a great atmosphere for anyone wishing to pursue life outside of their studies.
When it comes to JD, there’s more than meets the eye. Shortly after moving to Auckland from Whakatāne, he took a stroll around the Mission Bay beachfront, stumbling upon a callisthenics park where a dormant passion got a serious revival.
“Auckland allowed me to rekindle my competitive gymnastics career. Something I'd previously lost. The University of Auckland provides a great atmosphere for anyone wishing to pursue life outside of their studies.”
With the unlikely pairing of both biomechatronics and competitive gymnastics in his back pocket, JD realised how important it is to squeeze in some self-care during the study grind.
“I think taking breaks and making sure you’re resting up will keep you going. Taking part in sport or being involved in things outside of academic work really helps with mental health.”
JD has some parting words of advice for those looking to study in the future.“It's okay to be nervous coming to university, even if you don't quite know what you want to do, where you want to end up, that's okay. I still don't know what the future holds for me, and I think that's part of the excitement."