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Academic support
ACADEMIC SUPPORT Academic support – beyond the books
Our residential tutors provide a wide range of expertise, each with a story to share. The academic support teamwork with Hilda’s students to enable everyone to reach their full potential. “I’ve really enjoyed being an on-campus tutor and getting to know the students and other staff members. It has been so rewarding to see the genetics and biology students’ progress through the semesters too! Hilda’s has also been a fabulous place to live while completing a PhD, being surrounded by others focused on academia makes the college environment ideal for others pursuing their studies.”
Natalia Benetti – Genetics and Epigenetics
Alex Cain (2016)
Alex Cain moved from Perth to Hilda’s in 2016, to study a Bachelor of Science. From the outset, Alex was struck by the way Hilda’s embraced him wholeheartedly. “I knew pretty early on that I wanted to stay for the full three years to get the most out of my experience here,” he said. During his undergraduate degree, he took on a number of leadership roles, including O Week Leader and Social Director. After completing his undergraduate degree, Alex commenced a Master of Engineering (Mechatronics) and moved out into a share house. “This was a lot of fun, and the lessons I learnt at Hilda’s greatly facilitated this transition,” he said. With a Master of Engineering under his belt, Alex is now undertaking a Graduate Diploma in Computer Science. In 2021 Alex was appointed as an SRA, as well as the Hilda’s Maths and Engineering tutor.
“It has been a great opportunity to work with students directly and to use my experience to ensure students have the most enjoyable and rewarding experience possible,” he said.
Alex moved to Sydney in January 2022 to commence a role as Software Developer at Optiver. Luke Foley (2015)
Luke Foley began his time at Hilda’s as a first year in 2015, studying a Bachelor of Biomedicine. Moving from a family farm in rural New South Wales, Luke said that Hilda’s community provided the support and friendships to help him transition to university life. Following his undergraduate degree, Luke began a Doctor of Medicine at the University of Melbourne and commenced his role as a residential tutor at St Hilda’s.
“I love this role, as it allows me to support students in transitioning from high school to university learning” he said.
Luke was the SCR president in both 2019 and 2020. Additionally, he took on numerous roles within University of Melbourne Medical Students Society, including the position of Vice President External in 2021. Recently, Luke completed his MD and commenced as a junior doctor at St Vincent’s Hospital in January 2022. While he is still figuring out a specific career pathway, he is looking forward to starting his career and finding his feet as a junior doctor.
Sarah Fusinato (2015)
Sarah Fusinato, from Neerim South, Victoria, came to St Hilda’s in 2015 to study a Bachelor of Agriculture. Sarah endeavoured to make the most out of her college experience: trying out for every sporting team, attending every event, and always supporting her peers from the sidelines. “College is such a unique experience and should definitely be cherished...The friends I made at college are now the closest people to me today” Sarah said. In 2017 Sarah was appointed as the Student Club Vice President. “I really valued my experiences as Vice President, and the opportunity to lead and give back to the College that I have benefited so much from,” Sarah explained. In particular, part of her role was working in a small pastoral care team.
After completing her Bachelor of Agriculture, Sarah spent some time working on a family dairy farm, as well as travelling. She was awarded the St Hilda’s Global Development Travel Scholarship, and took this opportunity to volunteer in Fiji, visit Vietnam and the United States. In 2019, Sarah returned to Hilda’s as a non-residential Agriculture tutor and was appointed as an SRA in 2020. Sarah finds this role immensely rewarding, and allows her to develop and support young people in a time of significant change in their lives. In addition, Sarah works full-time in the agriculture industry with BASF as a reconciliation analyst. “It is such a diverse industry. The development opportunities are endless, and there is always something new to learn,” she said. Adrian Oats (2016)
Adrian Oats, from Rutherglen, Victoria came to St Hilda’s in 2016 with the intention of staying for just one year and was appointed GC President two years later in 2018. Almost six years later, he is still involved and has a real passion for working with and developing young people.
At Hilda’s, Adrian got involved in almost everything, from sporting teams to being a lead in the college production. After completing his undergraduate degree, Adrian had a year out of St Hilda’s in 2019. He commenced his Master of Teaching (Secondary) in the fields of Biology and Science. Additionally, he was appointed as the Victorian State Representative for the National Association of Australian Colleges (NAAUC) and helped organise a national conference for over 150 student leaders in 2019. It was at this conference that he was elected to the position of President of NAAUC.
Adrian has been a first-year psychology tutor and mentor and senior residential advisor (SRA). In 2022, he commenced a new role as Associate Dean. Currently, Adrian is juggling several other roles outside of St Hilda’s. He is a part-time teacher at Simonds Catholic College, where he teaches Year 12 Psychology, Year 11 Ethics, and Year 10 Mathematics. He has also decided to continue his studies, beginning a Master of Youth Mental Health in 2021.
