![Todd Whittaker presents recent research. Photo: Supplied Todd Whittaker presents recent research. Photo: Supplied](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/DaHt57RjVSvtvCBUgFzTWj/eff84cfe-d107-4da4-90bf-caf15e269bbf.JPG/r158_97_1251_889_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Proving there is more than one path to success, Goulburn local Todd Whittaker has received international commendation while studying in the United States.
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As a child he would spend hours sketching inventions and ray guns, little did he know the skills learnt in play would become building blocks for his future career in science.
Mr Whittaker was awarded the Graduate and Professional Student Government Outstanding Research Assistant Award and the Northrop Grumman Scholarship through the American Australian Association for his dedication to research and science at the University of Colorado.
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Science wasn't always a passion for the young academic. While attending Trinity Catholic College in Goulburn he was obsessed with becoming a professional athlete.
Mr Whittaker admits he "put very little effort or value into education and skated by with the bare minimum".
"A pair of stays in the UK significantly diminished my dream of becoming a professional soccer player, and my underwhelming HSC results made studying in Australia difficult," he said.
Fortunately, a former coach suggested a move to the US. Less than a year later Mr Whittaker was enrolled at Trinity University in America.
Although, "at this point education was merely a vehicle to continue playing soccer at an elite level," he said.
"I had absolutely no idea how dramatic the shift in attitude and goals would be once I arrived."
![Todd Whittaker was obsessed with becoming a professional athlete before he discovered science. Photo: Supplied Todd Whittaker was obsessed with becoming a professional athlete before he discovered science. Photo: Supplied](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/DaHt57RjVSvtvCBUgFzTWj/38fa727c-6636-4bd2-a513-13878c4ffae2_rotated_270.JPG/r0_490_2448_2234_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
He credits the newfound passion for science to his first year chemistry professor Bert Chandler. The two soon became trusted friends and Mr Whittaker accepted a full-time position as a research associate.
After a few years he moved to the University of Colorado to complete his PHD.
The budding scientist has his sights set on building a sustainable future. His research involves solving key challenges in the electrochemical device market, such as batteries, fuel cells and electrolyzers.
One particular research project aims to produce a more sustainable plastic using renewable electricity and carbon from waste.
"If we discover a useful technology, this could replace single-use plastics with renewable, environmentally friendly alternatives," he said.
Mr Whittaker said the awards were a "massive honour", but credited the "tremendous amount of help from my advisors, colleagues, friends and family in achieving this success".
"My story is as unconventional as they come, and it proves that there isn't just one pathway to your goals," he said.
"Many people consider science to be a non-creative subject, and those people miss the essence of what makes science beautiful.
"While it is true that a strong math background, ability to use logic and reason, and a sharp analytical mind are all key skills in science, nothing would ever be discovered if it weren't for scientists brave enough to propose something never considered before."
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