Thomas Pearson's dedication to sustainable design was instrumental in earning him a semester at Milan's Politecnico di Milano.
Thomas Pearson is studying the Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Design with Honours at RMIT. His hard work and dedication to sustainable design and renewable energy earned him a semester studying at Milan’s Politecnico di Milano (Polimi) in 2024.
The RMIT Milan-Melbourne Exchange Program was established in 2014 by Milan-born Arturo Gandioli-Fumagalli and his late wife, Melbourne-born Annemarie as part of their philanthropic efforts through the Annemarie and Arturo Gandioli-Fumagalli Foundation. The program pays homage to their respective hometowns and combines the couple’s passion for philanthropy and design, giving Milanese design a home at RMIT. It consists of providing an annual scholarship and an additional masterclass program.
The opportunity to study at Polimi, renowned for its design programs, was a pivotal moment for him. The Milan-Melbourne scholarship, which he was awarded based on his academic performance, was key to making this experience possible. He said:
Without it, I wouldn't have been able to go to Milan and live there as well as travel as much as I did.
Before starting his degree, Thomas completed an Advanced Diploma in Mechanical Engineering at RMIT, which provided him with two years of credit towards his current studies. This background has not only given him a solid foundation in mechanical engineering but also allowed him to start working as a junior mechanical engineer.
During his time at Polimi, Thomas participated in a product design studio where he and his team redesigned a massage gun, working through the entire design process from disassembly to creating a 3D-printed prototype. Another project involved collaborating with Italian engineering firm, Rold, to develop a sensor device for food containers. This industry-integrated class allowed Thomas to apply his engineering skills in a real-world context, further fuelling his interest in sustainable design.
Thomas Pearson - Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Design with Honours student at RMIT
Thomas's exchange experience was not limited to academic study. He made the most of being in Europe and travelled to countries including Iceland, Portugal, Switzerland, France and Norway. These travels were facilitated by the friendships he formed with other exchange students, broadening his global perspective and enriching his personal growth. "It just opens up opportunities all over the place," he said.
A highlight of Thomas's time in Milan was a class on design for sustainability. The charismatic lecturer and the diverse mix of students created a learning environment where Thomas loved working with like-minded individuals passionate about the subject. "I was surrounded by a room of 30 or so people that were as excited about it as I am," he said.
Thomas's semester in Milan was a defining chapter in his life, providing him with invaluable academic knowledge, cultural exposure, and personal connections. The experience has not only enhanced his understanding of global sustainability challenges but also opened new possibilities for his future career. He is considering further studies and potentially moving to the Netherlands to work.
There's so much happening that's exciting, especially when you hear diverse experiences from people worldwide – Middle Eastern, Eastern European, American, Asian. Each country has unique needs and solutions, and understanding these challenges gives you a fascinating global perspective.
Thomas’s journey is proof of the importance of global experiences. His semester in Milan was a catalyst for personal and professional growth, equipping him with the skills and insights needed to make a meaningful impact in the field of sustainable engineering.
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