Jane College resident Ella Rann is taking an uncommon path at the University of Tasmania.
She is studying a Bachelor of Science majoring in Ecology alongside a Bachelor of Marine and Antarctic Science majoring in Marine Science, a rare degree pairing that allows her to explore both land and marine ecosystems.
For Ella, the combination reflects a lifelong curiosity about how the natural world works.
“I’ve always loved science and learning how things work,” she says.
“When I was younger, I never realised you could actually do a degree in something like that.”
Ella always knew she wanted to go to university, but did not know there was a pathway to study the things she loved most. Now, she says she has found the “sweet spot”.
“It’s really cool that I can actually be studying what I’m passionate about.”
A lifelong connection to nature
Ella grew up in Port Sorell, near Devonport, and spent much of her time outdoors.
“We grew up bushwalking and camping all the time. Being engaged with nature has always been a really big part of my life,” she says.
That connection continues today. During university holidays, Ella heads straight back into Tasmania’s wilderness.
“When I go on holidays I do things like the Overland Track, and recently I did Walls of Jerusalem. I love being out hiking in the middle of nowhere.”
One day she hopes to combine that love of the outdoors with scientific research.
“I think it would be fascinating to be researching those places, being out in the field testing and sampling, then coming back to the lab and analysing it.”
Studying in Hobart has helped make that dream feel possible.
Although Ella received offers from universities on the mainland, she decided to stay in Tasmania.
“I didn’t really want to go to a big city. I wanted to stay close to my family, and there’s no better place in the world to study this degree.”
Hobart, she says, offers the best of both worlds.
“It feels like a big town rather than a stressful city. You can go to the mountain or the beach really easily, so you can still be connected to nature while you’re studying.”
Living with Jane
Life at Jane has been another highlight of Ella’s university experience. Her mother and brother both lived at Jane, and she grew up hearing stories about the friendships formed there.
“My mum always talked about meeting her best friends at Jane. Our families grew up together, so I always wanted that college experience.”
Arriving at Jane, Ella only knew one person. It did not take long for that to change.
“I’ve made so many beautiful friends here. It’s been really lovely.”
She says one of the biggest advantages of living at Jane is the chance to meet people studying a wide range of subjects.
“My favourite thing about Jane is meeting people outside my degree.
“Whenever we go places there is a big group of us, and there’s always someone looking out for you, which is really good.”
At the same time, having students studying similar subjects nearby is incredibly helpful.
“A lot of people here are doing similar degrees, so we help each other with assignments or carpool to classes. If you don’t understand something you can just go knock on someone’s door.”
Academic achievements
In 2025, Ella’s academic efforts were recognised when she was jointly awarded the Ralston Trust Prize for the greatest proficiency in Biology of Animals.
“I was really surprised when I got the email,” she says. “It was a tough class and I worked really hard for it, so I was really proud.”
This year Ella has been appointed as an Academic Mentor at Jane, supporting other students in their studies.
“It’s a really good program. People can come if they have questions, but they can also just come and study in a safe and supportive environment.”
Ella hopes her studies will lead to a career researching and protecting the natural environment, possibly in some of the most remote places on Earth.
“I’d love to go to Antarctica. It would be an amazing opportunity to do an expedition down there.”
With so many possibilities ahead, Ella says she is excited to see where her studies might take her.
“There are so many opportunities and options in science. You could do anything really.”
For now, she feels grateful to be studying in a place that combines community, opportunity and access to nature.
“Our area is so beautiful, it’s the perfect place to study.”