Alumni Spotlight: Jake Maughan – Class of 2018
- Mercy Stories
- Jun 18
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 24
Since graduating from the College in 2018, Jake Maughan has pursued a passion for science that has taken him from high school physics classes to the cutting edge of lunar research. Now a PhD student at Curtin University, Jake shares his reflections on school life and his advice for current students.
What are you doing now? Tell us about your job or studies and your journey since graduating.
I graduated from Curtin University last year with a Bachelor of Advanced Science, majoring in Physics. As part of my degree, I also completed an Honours, in which I achieved First Class. In January, I began my PhD at Curtin within the Space Science and Technology Centre in the School of Earth and Planetary Sciences. My PhD focuses on furthering our understanding of the composition of the Moon's soil at its South Pole, with a particular focus on water ice. I conduct numerical simulations of impact craters to reveal secrets that are currently hidden in permanent darkness. Outside of study, I have kept my love for soccer and play whenever I can.
How did your time at Our Lady of Mercy College shape your career or studies? Were there any teachers, subjects, or programs that inspired you?
I have gone down a traditional academic route, so the substantial efforts that I applied during high school helped lay very important foundations. I can easily say that it was taking ATAR Physics in Years 11 and 12 with Mr Dunn that shaped my degree choice. His passion and enthusiasm for teaching this subject made it the most enjoyable experience for me.
What is a memorable moment from your time at Our Lady of Mercy College?
My favourite memories from school are all centred around laughter with friends. To this day, I can still reminisce with friends about all of the hilarious things that happened while kicking a soccer ball during recess and lunch.
What lessons or values from your time at the College do you still carry with you?
I am in a unique position where the academic skills I learnt in high school were fundamental to my success at university. However, more broadly, I think resilience, hard work, and determination are important values that I carry with me today.
If you could give advice to a student at Our Lady of Mercy College about preparing for life after high school, what would it be?
Life after high school is non-linear: you will see peers take all sorts of career paths different to your own. My advice would be to remember that each and every person lives and has different experiences, and because of this, you must do what you feel is true to yourself. Your entire life is ahead of you, so use the time. There is very little you can do wrong.
What has been the biggest challenge since leaving school, and how have you handled it?
The biggest challenge for me was completing my degree itself. On one hand, I was definitely pushed academically, but I think for me, it was learning how to manage the many other facets of life. On several occasions, I would get lost in the books, neglecting these other areas. It was only through time, experience, and the support from friends and loved ones that I learnt (and am still learning) how to have a more balanced lifestyle.
Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
After the completion of my PhD, I see myself using my expertise and skills to continue contributing knowledge to planetary science and the early evolution of our Solar System.
We wish Jake all the best as he continues his studies and follows his passion for space and science.
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To celebrate, we’re marking 10 years of the Mercy Campus with a special Anniversary Celebration and Reunion.
When: Saturday, 9 August 2025
Time: 4.00-7.00pm
Where: Xavier Read Gymnasium
Who’s invited:
- Graduating students (2015–2024) and their families- Ex and current staff
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