Jack Quinlan: Alumni Profile
From campus to the cutting-edge
Jack's curiosity led him to study at the University of Sydney, where he immersed himself in both Software Engineering and Neuroscience. University life opened the door to new experiences, from hackathons and societies to start-up ventures exploring railway systems, humanitarian engineering and artificial intelligence. “I was always looking for ways to bring technology into new fields,” he explains.
That enthusiasm further fuelled his interest in neuroscience. “I read widely in psychology and brain science during my time at Grammar, and realised how much we still don’t understand. With advances in computing and AI, we now have new ways to explore the brain.”
Jack's dual passions converged in his work at Affectable Sleep, a start-up developing wearable sleep technology. “I’ve helped build AI algorithms that detect sleep depth using EEG headbands. It’s exciting to see software and biology come together in ways that can improve health for everyone.”
Shaping the future of AI in education
Jack has become a national voice in the conversation about generative AI in education. What began with curiosity about ChatGPT in early 2023 quickly turned into speaking opportunities across Australian universities, media interviews and contributions to global education resources. “My approach was to look beyond the fear of cheating and see how AI could be fully integrated. It’s been inspiring to watch students – from Year 5 right through to PhD – use these tools to learn and create with more confidence.”
Lessons in leadership from school
Reflecting on the roots of his leadership, Jack credits his time as Head Prefect at Grammar. “That role gave me the confidence to speak publicly, but also to build initiatives from the ground up. Many of the projects I’ve been part of since then relied on those same lessons, like setting clear goals, building the right team, and knowing when to delegate or step in.”
Advice for the next generation
Jack is quick to encourage experimentation. “The barrier to building things has never been lower. AI can help you code, design, edit and draft. That means you can spend more time refining ideas and actually finishing projects. Even if something doesn’t work out, you gain lessons that will carry into your next big idea.”
Looking ahead, he sees himself continuing to engineer, whether writing code or designing systems where AI takes on more of the workload. “Humans and AI will be inseparable in practice. That comes with responsibility. We need caution and critical assessment, but also optimism and the courage to explore.”
Jack's perspective resonates closely with the values of Grammar, curiosity, resilience and a drive to contribute positively to the world. "Just keep trying things until they click. Pick up books or watch videos in different areas, because you might stumble on something that sticks with you." His endeavours are a powerful reminder of how the foundations laid at school can forge paths of purpose and innovation for the future.