Global alumni, local impact, shared future
Celebrating the powerful ways our Charles Sturt graduates are shaping lives and communities around the world
Harnessing our collective power
Charles Sturt University is Australia’s leading regional university, and our global alumni are proof that regional knowledge drives international change.
Every day, we harness the strength, ingenuity and tenacity of our regions as we rise to meet local and global challenges, transforming regional understanding into real solutions. We create opportunities for young people from all backgrounds, build the skilled workforce vital to thriving communities, and drive meaningful change through innovative research. We engage regionally and globally to drive sustainable prosperity for all.
Every Charles Sturt graduate is a part of this remarkable legacy.
We are proud of our alumni and the impact they have globally. Our alumni community spans more than 158 countries across every continent. Collectively, you apply the knowledge, skills and thirst for positive impact honed during your studies to create a brighter future in your communities, nations and the world.
You extend the boundaries of what we can collectively achieve, providing critical support to help us empower more students, deliver worldchanging research and develop cutting-edge facilities and programs. Together, we can do and be more.
I invite you to explore the many ways our international alumni continue to change individual lives and our shared futures through engagement and giving. With your support, we can continue to make a genuine difference to the next generation and build the better tomorrow we all aspire to.
Sarah Ansell Director, Advancement CEO, Charles Sturt University
Foundation Trust
+61 2 6933 2226
sansell@csu.edu.au
Though regional at heart, Charles Sturt’s graduate footprint is truly global. Each year, we welcome over 3,000 new international students to our campus-based and online degree programs.
Celebrating our international alumni
Our diverse and geographically mobile alumni community lives and works in over 158 countries, inspiring us every day with stories of astonishing achievement and impact. Here are just a few of the countless Charles Sturt graduates using their knowledge, skills and networks for a better world.
Redesigning borders: driving global customs reform
Syed Moinuddin (Master of Customs Administration, 2024) is shaping the future of international customs cooperation. His work in building global partnerships, negotiating cooperation agreements, and supporting customs reforms in developing nations earned him a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE), recognising his collaborative leadership and substantial impact in his field.
Transforming lives through literacy in Uganda
In a system where success in every subject, not just English, but mathematics, science, and social sciences, depends on being able to read and write, early literacy is a powerful tool to lift communities from intergenerational poverty.
Through her not-for-profit READ for Life, Jody Unterrheiner (Bachelor of Teaching (Primary), 2014) has trained thousands of teachers to deliver life-changing literacy education for children in Northern Uganda, helping break the cycle. Every teacher trained through the program passes the knowledge on to their peers, ensuring the model scales and remains sustainable indefinitely.
“Since we started in 2016, oral reading fluency has improved from almost zero words per minute in P3 (Year 2 equivalent) to an average of 49 correct words, as many as 100 words in some cases. It’s amazing.”
- Jody Unterrheiner, Founder
Tech innovation for good
After a 27-year corporate career, Edwin Song (Bachelor of Business (Marketing), 1995) returned to Singapore to pursue his lifelong dream: using data for human good. At 50, he launched Moodie.ai, an award-winning AI-powered platform that revolutionises communication training by offering real-time, multilingual feedback on verbal and non-verbal cues.
From public speaking to job interviews, it’s helping students and professionals worldwide grow in confidence. Edwin’s resilience and vision have won him multiple industry awards and fuelled expansion into China and Indonesia, proving it’s never too late to step outside your comfort zone and transform a dream into real-world change.
“I learned to embrace failure as a learning opportunity. Each rejection and setback provided valuable lessons that contributed to growth and improvement.”
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Edwin Song, Founder
Tackling food-borne disease in vulnerable populations
Iranian-born Professor Shokoofeh Shamsi (Grad Cert University Learning and Teaching, 2011; Grad Cert University Leadership and Management, 2017) is a world-leading veterinary parasitologist and food safety expert at Charles Sturt.
As a member of a United Nations expert panel, she is now using this knowledge to improve global food systems. This collaboration will inform the internationally recognised food standards framework and offer evidence-based strategies for parasite control, particularly in low and middle-income countries.
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Our international alumni
From classroom to clinical excellence
Dr Euclid Seeram (PhD, 2012) has helped shape the way thousands of medical imaging professionals learn and practise around the world. Among the world’s most respected voices in radiologic science education, his textbooks on medical imaging and CT are relied on in classrooms and hospitals in more than 25 countries.
Through his commitment to continuing education and his ongoing research into radiation dose optimisation in CT and digital radiography imaging systems, he is equipping students and practitioners with the tools to deliver better, safer care.
Humanising data
After completing his Master of Information Studies (2024) online from Hong Kong, Darius brought his learning to life by teaching a newly launched data literacy course to over 200 undergraduates at the University of Hong Kong. His innovative approach guides future leaders to apply a humanistic lens to data visualisation and interpretation, equipping them to communicate with clarity and purpose.
Small acts, global impact
As founder of UK-based charity 52 Lives, Bachelor of Communications (2000) graduate Jaime Thurston set out to change the life of one person in need every week. Using the power of storytelling to bring a human face to their struggles, she has sparked a global kindness movement, inspiring people around the world to come together to help those less fortunate. She has since written two books, won multiple awards including a British Empire Medal, and developed a school-based program to embed a culture of kindness and empower children to realise how their everyday choices can change lives, communities and the world.
Lifting Cambodian women to brighter futures
Through the Women Bright Program, an inspiring collective of Master of Business graduates is empowering young Cambodian women to pursue study and careers, providing them with the tools to become key players in the nation’s socio-economic growth.
Led by the Charles Sturt Alumni Cambodia Association, the volunteer-run initiative helps young women overcome cultural and economic barriers by building leadership skills, confidence and access to opportunity.
“Empowering young women through the expertise of our Cambodian Alumni is not just about celebrating their past academic achievements, it’s about investing in future potential, giving back to the community and mentoring a new generation of change-makers.”
Leng Somaly, Program Director (MBA 2008)
If you’re interested in giving back, there are many opportunities and we would love to hear from you. Check out our Alumni Give program at alumni.csu.edu.au/ alumni-give
Celebrating alumni excellence
Held annually, the Charles Sturt University Alumni Awards celebrate outstanding alumni making their mark. Here are some of our recent international award recipients working for positive change.
Professor Pornsak Sriamornsak
A world-leading expert in pharmacy innovation and education, Pornsak (PhD, 2002) has dedicated his entire career to pushing the boundaries of pharmaceutical research in pursuit of better outcomes for all. His groundbreaking research solves longstanding challenges in administering medicine, particularly among children and the elderly.
Inspector Veronica Fox
An outstanding public safety professional with over two decades in the Canadian Justice System, Veronica (PhD, 2018) rose rapidly through the ranks of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to serve as Inspector and Executive Officer. She is also a seasoned academic and experienced post-secondary lecturer and instructor.
Dr Bin Liang
A visionary data scientist at the forefront of data analytics, machine learning, and computer vision research, Bin (PhD, 2016) is solving complex business challenges in Australia and across the globe. He is determined to deliver translational research with real-world impact through deep engagement with industry.
Devika Fernando Devika (MBA, 2009; Grad Cert Org Change, 2018) has helped thousands of breast cancer patients in Australia and Sri Lanka through her community charity work. She also brought Australian breast cancer nurses to Sri Lanka to provide free education for local nurses from all provinces, training them to deliver enhanced patient care.
Sena Semsak
A high-achieving public servant, Sena (Master of Commerce (Finance), 2018) became the youngest ever Advisor to the Royal Government of Cambodia - equivalent to Secretary of State - at age 28. He now leads national education reform and policy development, while supporting grassroots community initiatives through CSU Alumni Cambodia Association.
Jenna Mayhew
As Founder and Principal Psychologist at Hola Therapy in Mexico City, Jenna (Master of Clinical Psychology, 2022) leads a diverse team delivering inclusive, bilingual care to over 800 clients worldwide. Her innovative, advocacy-driven approach is expanding access to life-changing therapy and creating safer, more inclusive spaces for all.
Charles Sturt University Alumni
Our international alumni
Connecting our international alumni
Charles Sturt University
Alumni Cambodia Association members ride for health and the environment through beautiful Angkor territory
Cambodian Master’s graduates attend graduation ceremony in Bathurst, Australia
Alumni in China reconnect through a series of special events
2025 graduation celebrations in China
Alumni in Delhi, India share experiences over high tea
Hong Kong alumni event in 2025
Papua New Guinea alumni connect in Port Moresby
Alumni having a ‘blast’ in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Our alumni in Singapore connected at an event in 2024
Regional innovation, global impact our philanthropic priorities at work
Charles Sturt University is defined by the Wiradjuri ethos of yindyamarra winhanganha, the wisdom of respectfully knowing how to live well in a world worth living in. This philosophy guides us as we work to dismantle systemic challenges, dissolve barriers and build skills for a thriving future - for our regions, nation and world.
Here are some of the many ways we are advancing our strategic priorities on a global stage.
Opportunity for all Resilient communities
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Unlocking the transformative potential of higher education
We believe that education should be accessible to everyone, irrespective of the barriers they face. The provision of scholarships and other support is a huge part of what we do. Through the generous support of our alumni and donor community, we provide hundreds of life-changing scholarships to international and domestic students studying online and on our Australian campuses every year.
Scholarships provide critical financial support for students in need, covering essential expenses such as accommodation, textbooks and technology so they can focus fully on their studies. They are also a powerful avenue to recognise, reward and encourage academic excellence, research potential or community leadership.
Opening doors to a new life
Zandi Mlilo fled her small rural village in Zimbabwe for a new life in Australia, escaping persecution and violence. With the help of the Agnes Tansey - w Lifting the Barriers Refugee Scholarship, she was able to study nursing at Charles Sturt and build a new life in regional NSW.
“When I arrived in Wagga Wagga and realised: I’m actually at uni, I wanted to cry because it’s just a dream come true,” says Zandi. “This scholarship is life changing.”
Graduating in 2021, she’s now giving back to the community that welcomed her, working in Wagga Base Hospital and building a career in rural and remote critical care nursing.
“When you make a donation to a refugee student, you’re not only helping one individual. You’re helping their family and their children going forward… so the giving is endless.”
Tansi McInerney, daughter of scholarship donor Agnes Tansey
Student Food Pantry: supporting our international students to thrive
When Arjun arrived at Charles Sturt University from India, he was full of excitement and determination. But unexpected costs require tough choices: pay rent or buy groceries, skip meals, or miss class to take on another shift at work.
Without access to government support, many international students face serious challenges, risking not only their studies, but also their health and wellbeing. The Student Food Pantry was created to bridge that gap, providing free, essential
food items and hygiene products to students in need.
No student should have to choose between their education and their next meal. For international students like Arjun, that support can mean the difference between staying in study or giving up altogether. Demand is rising, and the support of our alumni community is vital in helping us keep pantry shelves stocked, expand reach across campuses, and ensure no student feels alone or ashamed in asking for help.
How you can help
Give the life-changing gift of a scholarship
Creating a scholarship in your name or to honour another is a powerful opportunity to create an enduring legacy. Whether you establish a new scholarship in an area you’re passionate about or support an existing scholarship, you’re changing lives and investing directly in a better tomorrow.
Support the Student Food Pantry
By giving to the Student Food Pantry, you are not just helping someone through a tough weekyou’re helping them stay on track to graduate, contribute and thrive. With support, we will grow the program to safeguard the wellbeing of more students across our campuses.
Contact our team (see page 19) to learn more.
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Resourcing and empowering communities to thrive, be healthy, and be stronger in the face of threats including climate change
Strong communities are the foundation of a better future. At Charles Sturt, we’re helping regional and rural areas rise to today’s challenges with innovation, compassion and resilience and take that knowledge to the world. From advanced health training hubs to inclusive research centres shaped by children, we’re investing in people and places so they can thrive.
Through transformative projects like these, we can break down barriers, create opportunity, and empower every individual - irrespective of where they liveto live a rich and healthy life and contribute to something bigger. This is how we build communities that don’t just endure, but flourish.
Enabling world-class medical training in our regions
Simulation-based education is essential for medical students and industry professionals to build clinical competence while maintaining patient safety. But they are rarely found outside major cities, placing regions at a disadvantage.
Aided by a visionary gift from global mining company Newmont, we’ve established a leading-edge simulation centre in Orange, equipped with a simulation ward, resuscitation room, training ambulance, high-tech mannequins and more. It’s a critical step in creating a pipeline of medical, nursing and allied health professionals ready to bridge the workforce gap and deliver equitable access to quality care, across the regions and the world.
Following the success of this project, we are looking to address critical regional healthcare workforce shortages by creating a state-of-the-art interdisciplinary health precinct at our Bathurst campus, where we can equip more students with real-world, job-ready skills to build a future-proof healthcare workforce.
Giving voice to the future
Children’s perspectives often remain unheard in a world designed for adults. The Children’s Voices Centre blends technology, inclusivity and play, collaborating directly with children on research and empowering them to influence policies and practices shaping their futures.
Built on a deep belief in the rights, wisdom and perspectives of young people - especially those that have been marginalised or excluded - this bold, world-class initiative will be a global beacon for researchers and a powerful tool for creating a better world.
Revolutionising ransomware defence
Ransomware attacks are growing in scale and sophistication, escalating the risk of financial loss, data breaches and reputational damage for organisations and individuals. Charles Sturt researchers, led by Dr Arash Mahboubi, have developed the innovative REDWIRE solution in partnership with industry and government, delivering a critical last line of defence when traditional security systems fail.
Unlike conventional solutions, REDWIRE is designed to work even after an endpoint has been compromised, making it a vital, future-proof tool in today’s complex global threat landscape.
How you can help
Support projects advancing resilient communities
Bringing transformative projects like these to life is a collaborative effort, enabled by the generosity and vision of our alumni and donor community. With your support, we can build world-class facilities and technology, drive inclusive research initiatives, ensure better student learning outcomes and secure the regional workforce we need.
Naming rights are available for many of these projects. Every gift, large or small, brings us one step closer, empowering resilient communities with the tools, knowledge and workforce to shape the brightest of futures.
Contact our team (see page 19) to learn more.
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A sustainable planet
Standing proudly among the world’s top 2% of universities for our work on climate action, we engage deeply to develop real-world solutions
Our researchers are tackling complex regional, national and global challenges, harnessing regional innovation and knowledge to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Working collaboratively with industry, government and community - in Australia and around the world - we’re leading trailblazing research and putting it into practice.
Our researchers are innovative, collaborative and multidisciplinary. Whether developing breakthrough cropping technologies, advancing sustainable farming systems, or restoring river health and food security in Southeast Asia and Africa, we’re building a sustainable future for our planet and everything it sustains. Our alumni are crucial supporters and partners in this work.
Enhancing water security and conservation in Africa
Rivers are the lifeblood of ecosystems and agriculture - when they thrive, biodiversity flourishes and communities benefit. Through the Sustainable African Rivers Initiative (SARI), Charles Sturt’s Gulbali Institute is helping protect vulnerable waterways across Sub-Saharan Africa by applying decades of research expertise in Australian waterways.
The project focuses on restoring fish migration, managing invasive species, and studying environmental flows in key river systems including the Nile and Limpopo. The work is tackling urgent conservation and water security challenges, strengthening ecosystems, biodiversity and food security globally.
Revolutionising crop protection
Amid growing global demand for sustainable and safe alternatives to chemical pesticides, advancements in double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-based biopesticides offer a targeted, environmentally friendly solution for the world’s agricultural industry.
Charles Sturt is leading the charge in RNA innovation, establishing Australia’s first Agriculture RNA Innovation and Manufacturing Hub (ARIM) to enhance global agricultural practices.
Restoring rivers and livelihoods in Laos
Charles Sturt University’s FishTech project in Laos is transforming lives by restoring vital fish migration pathways disrupted by irrigation. The newly completed Nam Pok fishway is expected to boost incomes for nearly 500 families and protect over 100 native fish species.
Co-designed with local communities, it offers a sustainable model for river restoration across Southeast Asia. With support, this work can expand its reach to improve food security, biodiversity and livelihoods for river-dependent communities.
How you can help
Support world-changing research projects By supporting transformative projects like these, you play a decisive role in creating practical, evidencebased solutions to some of the world’s most urgent environmental challenges. With your help, we can accelerate this work, scale up solutions, and create lasting change for our planet and the communities that depend on it.
Contact our team (see page 19) to learn more.
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Championing and learning from our First Nations peoples and investing in their success as students, graduates, researchers and staff
In a time of global uncertainty and deep division, Indigenous wisdom offers a powerful path forward. Our commitment to First Nations peoples is grounded in the Wiradjuri principle of yindyamarra winhanganha - living with respect in a world worth living in. This ethos guides our work to elevate Indigenous knowledge and leadership as essential to tackling today’s biggest challenges.
Indigenous knowledge, leadership and cultural strength are vital not only to Australia’s future, but to a more just, sustainable and inclusive world. By investing in First Nations success across education, research and public discourse, we’re co-creating meaningful pathways for Indigenous voices to lead locally and globally.
Rebuilding trust and truth telling
Yindyamarra Nguluway is a powerful catalyst for change with vision of “Tending to the Nation’s Soul”. It offers a globally applicable model for how First Nations wisdom can inspire new solutions that deliver healing for our contemporary world.
Under the leadership of renowned international journalist, media icon and First Nations leader Professor Stan Grant, it will be a hub for the thought leadership, truth telling, justice, equity and belonging required to unite Australia in the spirit of reconciliation.
How you can help
Yindyamarra will be a physical, virtual and intellectual space where people meet, engage and exchange ideas. With your support, we will assemble a formidable team of innovative, practical thinkers, create two physical centres, establish key academic and operational support roles, and deliver our core programs.
Contact our team (see page 19) to learn more.
Can you help us?
The generosity of our international alumni has enabled so much, empowering students from all walks of life right across the globe. But there is so much more we can achieve.
As we embark on the next stage of our vision, there are many ways in which you can make a difference and craft your legacy:
• Create a new scholarship in your name or to honour someone else, or support an existing scholarship
• Donate to high-impact research projects in an area that reflects your values and interests, from revolutionising agricultural practices to enhance food security or building a future-ready healthcare workforce
• Support capital infrastructure projects such as the Bathurst Interdisciplinary Health Precinct, with naming rights available for many projects
• Contribute to priority projects such as the Children’s Voices Centre or Student Food Pantry
• Leave a bequest to Charles Sturt University in your Will
• Volunteer your time and expertise
• Provide in-kind donations to support our needs.
It all begins with a conversation
Whether you choose to give financially or share your time, skills and networks, you can play a vital role in helping us build a more equitable, sustainable and inspiring future. Get in touch today to establish your legacy.
Contact
Sarah Ansell Director, Advancement CEO, Charles Sturt University Foundation Trust +61 2 6933 2226 sansell@csu.edu.au
Carly Evans Associate Director, Advancement +61 2 6933 4447 carlyevans@csu.edu.au
Justin Williams Manager, Development +61 2 6338 4680 juswilliams@csu.edu.au
Visit alumni.csu.edu.au www.csu.edu.au/office/advancement
