He's only 27, but former Blaxland High School student Ellis Patrick is already developing into a leader in the academic and sporting fields.
Mr Patrick has played more than 85 first grade games for Blue Mountains Rugby Club, holds a degree in mathematics and statistics and last year was awarded a PhD in statistical bio-information by the University of Sydney where he now works as a research assistant.
Next week he will depart for Boston after accepting a two-year postdoctoral research position at America's oldest and one of its most prestigious academic and research institutions, Harvard University.
Mr Patrick said he applied for the role at Harvard Medical School as soon as he saw it advertised because it's in the area of statistical research he's become passionate about - medical science.
"It's kind of like an interim job between completing your PhD and landing your first permanent academic faculty position," he said.
"I'll be doing research in the area of neuro-regeneration, which can lead to advances in the treatment and management of diseases like Alzheimer's.
"I'm really excited about this opportunity at a university of the quality of Harvard - that's the lure of it I think, getting to work in a place with so many talented people.
"Hopefully a bit of that experience will rub off on me."
Mr Patrick credited Springwood's Graham Mann - professor in medicine at the University of Sydney and research director of the Melanoma Institute of Australia - for inspiring him into using his statistical expertise in the medical research field.
"Professor Mann supervised and mentored me at Sydney (university) and is a real character - he sings in the Spooky Men's Chorale in his spare time.
"He is passionate about melanoma research and while I've always been interested in playing with and analysing big data sets, doing so for clients like Graham got me excited about using my skills to make a difference in medical research.
"I find it very interesting to analyse numbers in this area, whether it be comparing or integrating data from multiple tests or looking into massive data sets involving tens of thousands of genomes.
"And if I can use that to contribute to developing further treatments of diseases, I feel it's an even more fulfilling career path."
Mr Patrick said he will probably continue to play rugby overseas once he is settled there.
"Definitely, I'll have a look if I'll be eligible to play for Harvard's rugby club and there's also a lot of rugby teams in the Boston area to possibly play for, so I hope to keep it up over there.
"As for what I'll do after, you never know what other opportunities will come your way but the plan is that me and my wife will come back here in two years, as we've recently bought a home in Blaxland."
Mr Patrick played more than 100 matches for the Blueys including many as first grade skipper. He featured strongly in the team's gutsy extra-time Clark Cup grand final triumph over Newtown in 2011 and was named the club's most consistent top grade forward in 2014.
Blueys president George Ftynogiannis said Mr Patrick would be a valuable asset to any rugby club in America.
"I think Ellis is pretty keen to play rugby over there," Mr Ftynogiannis said.
"He's been a great player for us for the last few years, so it will be a big loss."