OSCAR Santiago has always had an interest in how things work.

He describes himself as a very "hands on" kid who always loved science, building things and electronics.

And it's that love of science that will see him graduate with a PhD in applied science in engineering today from CQUniversity.

Oscar, who's originally from Columbia, has spent the last few years studying the reuse of coal seem gas for corporate water use and is a big believer in water's role in the future.

"Since I was a kid I always had an interest in engineering and my parents always encouraged me to have passion in what I did," he said.

"I love being in the field and actually applying what science is in the real world. My PhD is on how to actually reuse the water in those regions where coal seem gas activities are acquiring and how to reuse water for different agricultural purposes including water for livestock, irrigation and even drinking water is a very interesting topic.

"I really like the study of water, I think water is the future of this world so I'm really focused on how to improve the water quality and treatment techniques to provide a reliable and quality water supply to future generations.

"I actually moved here to Australia because I heard it's the driest continent in the world and I thought to myself you Australians have good water management."

Oscar, 28, said he was excited to graduate and start working in his specialised area after studying full time since completing his undergraduate degree.

"I'm really looking forward to graduating," he said.

"Hopefully after this I get into a job that allows me to continue to conduct research and also be hands on in the field."