Alumni Magazine Edition 2, 2010

02

ALUMNI MAGAZINE

EDITION 2

2010

INSIDE THIS EDITION

Setting an International Standard

In the Spotlight at World Expo

Faculty Focus – Faculty of Science and IT

Australia – A Global Classroom

Colombo Plan Scholars Reunion

Alumni profiles and class notes

ALUMNI | 02

Global movement towards community engagement Development and Community Partnerships at the University of Newcastle and the current President of the Australian Universities Community Engagement Alliance.

“Our students are our future and we must continue to support and facilitate their increased engagement within the global community. Being part of a global civic engagement network such as Talloires provides opportunities for the University in such matters as student programming and international student exchange” said Associate Professor Fitzgerald.

A GLOBAL APPROACH Our world is one of international connections through business and trade, politics and economics, health and well-being, personal relationships and far-flung families, and the daily news and events to which we are exposed. The strategies and activities of the University of Newcastle both reflect and create these international connections, for staff, students and alumni.

These strategies and activities can be seen in internationalising the curriculum across degree programs, recruiting staff from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds, and increasing the cultural awareness and competencies of staff and students. They can be seen also in ongoing development of strong relationships with international institutions for both research and teaching. For instance, our relationship with East China University of Science and Technology in Shanghai, reflects strong research relationships in the areas of science and engineering and also provides for students from that university to undertake their first year of study in China and then to come to the University of Newcastle to study in areas of business, information technology, and engineering.

The University has worked with the help of alumni, to build reputation and brand recognition across a range of countries in recent years, including China, India, Africa, and Singapore. This assists in our recruitment and support of international students from those and other countries around the world to study at the University of Newcastle in Australia and in Singapore. Our iLEAD program gives University of Newcastle students the chance to develop international leadership skills through participation in activities that range from exchanges and conferences to internships and community work.

The benefits of a global approach are clear and tangible. It provides opportunities for staff and students, it ensures our students will have the perspective, knowledge, and skills to live and work around the world, and it helps the University and its alumni to have a presence in the world.

Professor Kevin McConkey Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Global Relations)

In March 2010, the international Talloires Network comprising over 100 universities from 38 countries across 5 continents, held its inaugural convention in Bellagio, Italy. The network represents a global movement towards civic engagement in higher education and offers worldwide mentoring, knowledge exchange, professional development and international partnership opportunities.

One of two leaders representing Australia and sharing his engagement expertise was Associate Professor Martin Fitzgerald, who is both Pro Vice-Chancellor of Corporate

‘There is increasing evidence that our young people seek to become more involved as active and conscientious participants in society and it is for the higher education institutions to help develop the skills of our young people to become effective global citizens.

It is good to see the University of Newcastle taking its place as a leader in this arena.’ he said.

Associate Professor Martin Fitzgerald Pro Vice-Chancellor Corporate Development and Community Partnerships

From My Desk to Yours other regions, our graduates sojourn into the employment marketplace with genuinely portable skills which are making a difference in Australia and around the globe.

The University of Newcastle Alumni Network is now, more than ever, a global network.

A network made up of international graduates who may return to their country of origin, and many domestic and international graduates who work around the world and make their homes in other nations. Furthermore, many of the honorary doctorate recipients in our alumni network are located in far ranging parts of the world.

We continue to attract students who are more likely to become citizens of the world than ever before. As a result of the University’s approach to internationalised curricula, global linkages in research and the delivery of education in Asia and

In today’s world where the concept of global citizenship is encouraged, the University and its Alumni Network are well positioned as key contributors. I recently spent time in Asia and connected with many of our graduates to find that they are not only fulfilling roles supporting and building the infrastructure of the countries in which they reside, but many are leading research, innovation and major projects. It is indeed a proud moment for this University when its graduates win international Alumni Awards in competition against graduates of all Australian universities in the relevant country.

Some of these stories are within this edition.

As well, there are domestic graduates who are having international influence in a range of ways – our feature article on page 3 is an example of this.

I trust you will enjoy this August edition of the Alumni Magazine which celebrates the new and expanding horizons of both the University and its Alumni.

Rosemary Thomson Associate Director Corporate Development and Community Partnerships (Leading University Alumni)

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SETTING AN INTERNATIONAL STANDARD

Mr Brandon Gien went to his first job at Standards Australia in 1997 as a new graduate armed with a Bachelor of Industrial Design from the University of Newcastle.

Grateful to gain work experience with that organisation, he had no idea he would forge his career with them in a variety of roles over the past 13 years.

Those early days are a long way from his current role as General Manager Design Strategy for Standards Australia. Recognised by the Government as Australia’s peak standards body, it coordinates standardisation activities and develops internationally aligned Australian standards to benefit Australia and its people. Through the Australian International Design Awards, it promotes excellence in design, creativity and innovation.

Brandon is a passionate advocate of the industry.

“Industrial design is one of the most interesting and fascinating professions around today. You just need to look at the broad range of new products and services consumers are bombarded with every day.

Good design plays a crucial role in bringing those products to market and helps ensure they are safe, functional, offer value for money, and have minimal impact on the environment,” he said.

But he has not forgotten where it all began.

Industrial Design was a favourite core subject when he studied at the University and he recalls the influence of a very talented and dedicated lecturer, Graham Paver.

“He was able to explain how just about anything was designed, what material it was manufactured with and how it was manufactured – from toasters, VCRs, DVD players to air conditioners and fridges! As design students, he expanded our thirst for wanting to find out how things worked and how they could be improved through good design. It certainly changed the way I look at the world we live in,” Brandon said.

Brandon is also the Executive Director of the Australian International Design Awards, Australia’s longest standing design awards program. He has been responsible for restructuring the Design Awards over the last decade to transform it into one of the most highly regarded design award programs in the world.

Among other roles, Brandon represents Australia as an Executive Board Member and Treasurer of the International Council of Societies of Industrial Design (ICSID), created in 1957 by a group of international organisations committed to promoting the benefits of design around the world. ICSID now has over 150 members associations in more than 50 countries, representing an estimated 150,000 designers. It has a particular focus on design policy, design for developing countries, and design for sustainability – only some of its key activities.

Through his work on the Board of ICSID, Brandon helped develop the framework for the World Design Prize, a new initiative aimed at rewarding projects that use design thinking to make a positive impact on the world.

This exciting initiative will be officially launched at the World Design Congress in Taipei in 2011 and will help promote the role of design in making our world a better place.

On a more humorous note, Brandon says one of his best memories was the University Bar where he worked for four years behind the bar while studying.

“Being behind the bar, you get to see and hear some pretty funny things” Brandon said.

Some things about the University experience are never forgotten!

Note: Brandon is featured on the cover of this edition.

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AUSTRALIA – A GLOBAL CLASSROOM An article by alumnus Mr Arvin Yana

Mr Arvin Yana Bachelor of Arts (Communications Studies) 1999 Arvin is a Manila-based multimedia communication specialist, IT systems trainer and social development researcher.

He was the founding president of the Filipino International student organization at the University of Newcastle during his time there.

He is a Committee Member of University of Newcastle Alumni – Philippines (see page 14) and also serves as the press relations officer of the Philippine-Australian Alumni Association in Manila.

I must admit that in deciding to study “down under” at the age of 20, thanks to an Australian government scholarship, the focus of my excitement was to see the country. It turned out to be an experience far beyond Australia itself!

The physical setting might be Australia, but you learn about every culture represented in your class, in your dormitory or flat, and they can learn about yours. In this process you learn about the world and your understanding about your own identity takes a broader and more mature turn.

I realised that in living in another culture one can appreciate the distinctiveness of one’s own. Yes, in Australia, I was made to admire the uniqueness of my own cultural heritage; my language for one thing and some genuine Filipino values. I also learned to confront many ironies in myself and my society.

Some little things I experienced modified my perspective on politics. I came home enlightened that it is possible to associate politics with public service and genuine modesty, instead of power and corruption.

I was enlightened that the egalitarian society I had observed in Australia is possible as a social condition. I learned during my journalism cadetship that a senator would actually make a return call to an unknown journalist. That it is normal for a company CEO to enter his building and greet his janitors. That a Senator would queue at a bar after work along with everyone else – I couldn’t imagine a Filipino congressman doing any of this! I came home convinced that to be addressed by our first names is sweeter music than the alienating formality of ‘Sir’ and ‘Ma’am’.

I came home enlightened that the best tool for success is still what one knows and what one does with what he knows, no matter how limited. I came home with much less bias against other ways of life, and disappointed that while some Filipinos keep complaining against racism overseas, we do not find it wrong to be discriminating (often more

explicitly than some Westerners) against our own indigenous peoples.

I returned home with much self-realization but also left Australia celebrating common attributes among Filipinos and Australians.

There was a similar brand of hospitality. If Filipinos have bayanihan then Australians have mateship. There was a shared understanding that foreign films, television, music and other cultural products have increasingly threatened the foundation of our respective cultural specificities. There was a shared feeling of resistance against the domination of the socalled colonial powers or stronger states.

Surprisingly, one thing that Australians could learn from the Philippines is to redefine its concept of cultural independence, at least in terms of deciding to elect an Australian head of state. Working on the referendum for a republic during my internship meant the winning ‘No’ vote disappointed me as much as it did many modern Australians. I took the opportunity to touch on this when I was invited to give the graduation speech on behalf of some 300 foreign graduates.

“Coming from a republic that has fought many colonial battles over centuries, I cannot understand why a nation as great as Australia would still refuse to elect its own citizen as head of state,” I recall saying, before an audience of graduates, parents and academics.

The discussion regarding Australia as a republic still continues.

The IT-oriented mass communication curriculum at the University of Newcastle made me a well-rounded communicator and encouraged my creative potential. I came home not just a writer but a web designer, a layout and graphics artist, and a multimedia person I enjoyed a global classroom of reciprocal and multicultural learning, available to every incoming foreign student and the Australians who sit with them.

Australia – I love it!

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT AT WORLD EXPO Commissioner General Lyndall Sachs opened a wonderful evening at the unique Australian Pavilion at the World Expo in Shanghai on 25 May to celebrate Sino-Australian education and announce the finalists of the Australia China Alumni Awards. The pavilion, a design tribute to Uluru stood out majestically at the expo site.

The awards are an initiative of the Australia China Alumni Association (ACAA), a notfor-profit organisation that reconnects China-based alumni of Australian universities.

Australia’s Ambassador to China, His Excellency Mr Geoff Raby is the Patron of ACAA and the University of Newcastle was their foundation partner when the organisation formed in 2008.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nicholas Saunders who was present at the event, said he was proud of the University of Newcastle graduates who live and work in China. “They contribute to China’s development in key areas while maintaining ongoing professional and friendship links back to the University

as members of our Alumni and we can all be proud of the four graduates who were announced as finalists on the world stage this evening,” he said.

People-to-people links play a vital role in the Australia-China relationship. With around 3.5% of Australia’s population having Chinese ancestry, many Australians also have deep personal ties and associations with China.

With more than 140,000 enrolments in 2009, Chinese students make up almost one quarter of all Australia’s international student enrolments, and Australia is one of the most popular destinations for Chinese students wishing to study overseas.

Australian Pavillion

Australia and China have more than 75 sister city/sister state relationships, which help encourage tourism and business, and foster cultural ties between the countries. After English, Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese) is now the most commonly spoken language in Australia.

Professor Kevin McConkey, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Global Relations) leads guests to the event

Newcastle Graduates Shine At a gala dinner in Shanghai on 12 July, two of the University’s four finalists emerged victorious as winners of their categories.

Dr Beibei Zhang receiving the 2010 Australia Education International Young Alumni of the Year award.

WINNER 2010 Australia Education International Young Alumni of the Year Dr Beibei ZHANG Doctor of Business Administration 2006 Assistant General Manager, China Merchants Property Development

WINNER 2010 Business Events Sydney Australia China Alumni Award for Research and Innovation Professor Fengming ZHANG Doctor of Philosophy in Physics 1997 Department of Physics, Nanjing University and; Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, Tainwei New Energy Holdings Co Ltd.

FINALIST 2010 AusAid Scholarships Alumni Award Associate Professor Zhou YUN Master of Environmental Studies 2003 Director of International Cooperation Chinese Research Academy of Social Science

Full details regarding the work and achievements of our finalists and winners can be seen on the alumni website. www.newcastle.edu.au/alumni/alumni-awards/aus-china-alumni-awards.html

FINALIST 2010 Business Events Sydney Australia China Alumni Award for Research and Innovation Dr Shuguang WANG Doctor of Philosophy – Psychology 1998 Director of Research, Institute of Sociology, Sichuan Academy of Social Sciences and; Associate Professor, School of Psychology, University of Newcastle, Australia

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Advancing the University in Singapore

“The market for international students is hugely competitive, higher than it has ever been, not only in getting them to study here in Singapore but also at the University’s Australian campuses,” said Cochrane who is two years into his post.

“More than ever, it is imperative that the University demonstrates its leadership and capabilities in the field and for the Singapore operation to show the way forward,” he said.

Operating in private partnership with PSB Academy, UON Singapore has been growing rapidly since moving to PSB Academy’s 19,000 square metre campus in May 2007. Today, there

are 11 general and 11 full-time academic staff, as well as about 80 sessional staff, tending to some 2,000 students.

Cochrane’s appointment to head the University’s thriving Singapore operation is the culmination of more than two decades leading significant education development projects in Asia for some of Australia’s top universities. “It is enormously rewarding to be able to contribute to improving the quality of teaching and learning in developing Asian countries’ education systems,” Cochrane said.

Since taking up the Singapore position in August 2008, Cochrane is looking to build on the University’s strong reputation in engineering, environmental health, communications and business and, if the right opportunities arise, expand into areas such as allied health, nursing and the sciences.

At the moment, Cochrane is working on developing the UON Singapore’s postgraduate programs and aims to generate

research opportunities for the University, through institutional partnerships in Singapore and Indonesia. In particular, he is keen to see the University’s Masters programs in environmental business management, occupational health and safety, and leadership and management in education introduced.

“This is a major imperative for the campus,” Cochrane said.

With exciting times ahead, Cochrane is very optimistic about the future. “Strategically, Singapore has an important role to play in cementing our presence in the Asian region as well as enhancing our place in Australia,” he said.

Equally important is the need to raise the profile of the University in Singapore, to help it recruit more international students to study at its Australian campuses.

“I would like to see more student exchange, and see more of our Singapore students going to Newcastle to study,” Cochrane said. “What we are doing here to build our reputation will assist us.”

Cochrane knows it is also crucial for the University to play to its strengths. “It is vital we promote the significant range of courses we offer, the substantial number of graduates we have put through the University and our leadership in fields such as engineering and health.”

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Right now, Melbourne-born Bob Cochrane’s beloved Collingwood Football Club must take a back seat. Although he confesses he misses his AFL, the Pro ViceChancellor and Chief Executive Officer of the University of Newcastle Singapore (UON Singapore) has his eyes set on a very different competition – the international education market.

It is enormously rewarding to be able to contribute to improving the quality of teaching and learning in developing Asian countries’ education systems Article and image has been drawn from the University’s Teaching and Learning 2009 publication.

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SCHOLARS REUNITE IN SINGAPORE On a tropical evening in May as the sun was setting over the beautiful greens of the Jurong Country Club in Singapore, a growing buzz escalated from a room overlooking the golf course. The 2010 Colombo Plan Scholars Reunion dinner was underway!

The Colombo Plan for Cooperative Economic and Social Development in Asia and the Pacific was launched on 1 July 1951 to help further the economic and social advancement of the peoples of South and South East Asia. It has grown from a group of seven Commonwealth nations (including Australia, Britain, Canada, Ceylon now Sri-Lanka, India, New Zealand and Pakistan) into an international organisation of 26, including non-Commonwealth countries. It is based on the partnership concept for self-help and mutual benefit, exchanging resources, technology, and knowledge between developing countries.

A number of Colombo Plan Scholars who attended the University of Newcastle from 1966 through to 1981 reminisced together. This was made possible by a major project headed by Alumnus Mr Peter Tay,

who with his committee, worked to locate as many of these scholars as possible and bring them together for a dinner with the Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor and other senior staff.

Mr Tay speaking on behalf of the Scholars gave a moving reflection on how the program provided them an education and career opportunities that they would never have had access to otherwise, and how the Scholars will always have a great affection for Australia and the University of Newcastle in particular. The Scholars presented a gift to the Australian High Commissioner to Singapore, His Excellency Mr Doug Chester, as a token of their appreciation to the Australian government for the program and what it had meant to their lives.

Reunion Committee: Peter Tay (1968 group) CHAIR; GOH Song How, Tony, (1971 group); Bill Chua (1972 group); KWAN Tuck On (1972 group); NG Ek Cheong (1973 group); CHONG Chung Nee (1974-81 groups); HOW Ah Meng (1975 group); LOI Hwee Yong (1976 group and MC) Lee Kwong Weng (1976 group)

31 of the Colombo Plan Scholars assemble for a photo.

Alumni leaders catch up – L to R; Mr Bill Chua, Colombo Scholar and a Patron of the Singapore Alumni Chapter; Mr CHUN Loong Chu, Colombo Scholar and the Foundation President of the Hong Kong Alumni Chapter; Mr Mohammed Hussein graduate and a Patron of the Malaysia Alumni Chapter.

Mr Peter Tay, Chair of the organising committee presents a gift of appreciation on behalf of the Scholars to Australia’s High Commissioner to Singapore, His Excellency Mr Doug Chester.

Guests entranced with a slide show of their student days from the 1960’s onward.

Any Colombo Plan Scholars who were not aware of this event please contact alumni@newcastle.edu.au to be included on the list for future events.

Photos can be viewed online at www.newcastle.edu.au/alumni/alumni-chapters/singapore.html

ALUMNI | 08

ALUMNI PROFILES DR AGUSTINUS BANDUR Gus to his friends, returned to St Paul’s College of Education in Flores, Indonesia in 2008 armed with his PhD and is now the Director of the Research Centre and Community Development.

Dr Bandur is passionate about all aspects of research in education, and even with the local challenges like fluctuating electricity provisions and poor resources, he has worked tirelessly to improve research capacity in the region.

His work was recognised this year when he was announced the winner for the 2010 Indonesia Australia Alumni Award for Excellence in Education.

The award was offered through the Australian government in recognition of his contribution to the improved understanding of successful school-based management practices in Indonesia, and for influencing implementation of such for the benefit of school children in Eastern Indonesia.

Dr Bandur jokingly refers to the University of Newcastle as a “wild jungled corridor” but enjoyed his time at Newcastle. He highly valued the research skills and academic writing workshops, the study of leadership and management in education and the support of his supervisor Dr David Gamage during his time at the University of Newcastle.

He says his degree assisted him in the daily application of his duties when he returned to Flores.

MS ELIZABETH TOWLER From marketing hosiery in Australia to driving client marketing for a global banking business from London, Ms Elizabeth Towler’s career is a trail of innovation.

Graduating with a Bachelor of Business in 1999 after a marketing lecturer suggested she change her major from accounting to marketing and communications, she is very grateful she listened to the advice! She worked in Sydney in various marketing roles including the Securities Institute.

Moving overseas five years later, she landed the all-important first London-based role as a communications executive with Reuters for their Global Change and Communications Program.

Today she heads up the client marketing function globally for the corporate client segment at Citigroup’s Global Transaction Services, a $9.8 billion business serving the cash management, working capital and securities services needs of corporations, financial institutions and public sector entities in 140 countries worldwide.

Elizabeth counts among her most satisfying successes, the management of the business’ senior client advisory board which convenes twice a year to provide insight and to influence the strategic course of the business, and embracing the adoption of social media tools to help Citi become more agile, responsive

and collaborative as a global business. A distinct highlight was staging Citi’s first ever JAM, an intense, online brainstorming session involving over 4,000 employees from some 88 countries across the globe over 55-hours to contribute ideas on how to improve the business!

“My study at Newcastle gave me invaluable skills in research, analysis, the ability to work independently, apply knowledge and formulate my thinking,” she said.

“Think outside the box and have fun with innovative thinking – as an approach to communication it has resulted in some of my proudest achievements to date.”

MR ABDULAZIZ BINGHATHITH Here is a graduate passionate about both the “Great University of Newcastle” (as he affectionately refers to his alma mater) and about language. He considers teaching English a wonderful adventure.

Mr Abdulaziz Binghathith has been teaching English as a foreign language since 2000.

He graduated with a Master of Applied Linguistics in 2007 from the University of Newcastle which he believes prepared him to go and make a difference to his students and to society in an

evolving and developing country like Saudi Arabia.

He is now a Supervisor of English language at Abha College of Technology and has developed evaluation systems for all English language programs at the College, and he belongs to a broad range of professional language associations.

He was recently certified as a professional translator with the Arab Translators Network and the Arab Professional Translators Society, and is currently assisting

with specialised references for students of Technical Colleges in Saudi Arabia.

Abdulaziz believes the University equipped him with confidence and motivation to manage challenges and to do effective research which is still a focus of his own professional activity.

09 | ALUMNI

DR ELHAM DOROODCHI Winner of the 2009 Rising Star Award recognising the University’s best and brightest early career researchers who have developed strong commercials links, Dr Elham Doroodchi continues to make her mark.

She is the co-inventor of Granex Technology – an effective means of recovering low grade heat in various processing plants which will lead to economic and environmental benefits. The invention won the ABC’s New Inventors Judges’ Choice Award and People’s Choice Award earlier this year.

Graduating from the University of Newcastle with a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering (1st class Honours and University Medal) in 2001 and a PhD in Multiphase Flows (Fluidisation) in 2005, she is currently a Research Fellow at the Priority Research Centre for Advance Particle Processing at the University of Newcastle.

interaction between the different phases (i.e. solid, liquid and gas) in a given multiphase flow under conditions pertinent to industrial scale systems. The unique feature of this approach is that the knowledge gained through the research can be directly applied to the engineering design of such systems.

Her research goal is to develop technology platforms that are energy efficient and environmentally friendly.

“I learned nothing in life is impossible as long as it is not against the first and second laws of thermodynamics! I also learned first hand that strong curiosity, imagination and determination are fundamental to innovation and success,” she said.

Her research encompasses a wide range of experimental and modelling techniques tailored to gain fundamental insight into the

MR TRENTON OLDFIELD Mr Trenton Oldfield is an urbanist.

‘What is that?’ you ask. Prepare to be intrigued.

Trenton graduated with a Bachelor of Social Science (Recreation and Tourism) in 2000. As a student he had combined his study with the need to be involved in the city. He says it was a very interesting time in Newcastle as the process of globalisation sped up the closure of the steelworks and the Council was attempting to rebrand the city.

Relocating to London he cofounded This Is Not A Gateway (TINAG) in 2007 with Deepa Naik, an artist and curator.

TINAG encourages people to step outside of professional and academic silos to discuss and shape the future of our cities, and seeks out perspectives from non-professionals who have first-hand experience of issues that affect urban citizens, such as migration and discrimination.

TINAG holds regular ‘salons’ where participants from a range of disciplines and backgrounds discuss pressing urban questions.

essays, transcripts of recorded conversations and actions by emerging urbanists.

He is the co-editor of the recently published book Critical Cities, which offers an intriguing collection of critical papers, visual

If you are interested in Trenton’s work or the book referred to, you can view his website at www.thisisnotagateway.net

Lumpur. On her return to Mauritius when her husband’s contract was completed, she chose not to return to full time work in broadcasting as she had enjoyed her education so much.

launching her own travel company on the exotic isle she calls home.

Trenton says, “By 2030, around 60% of the global population will live in urban areas requiring new forms of urban citizenship and it is important that we look outside of conventional academic and policy circuits to do this. It’s a lot more complex than is currently understood.”

BHARTEE DWARKA RAMJUTIN (CHANDNI) Born on the exotic island of Mauritius, Bhartee Dwarka Ramjutin, who is called Chandni, has had an exotic career to match!

After a successful career in radio and TV on Mauritius during the 1990s, Chandni gave up her life as a local celebrity to follow her husband to Malaysia.

There her life changed direction and she completed a Master of Marketing in 2004 with the University of Newcastle through one of the University’s educational partners in Kuala

Now days, Chandni can be found lecturing at the Charles Telfair Institute on Mauritius. She provides consultancy services to a private radio channel on the island, and hosts a live radio show once a week that has a wide following.

Not satisfied with all this activity, Chandni is in the process of

“I owe my success to the University of Newcastle – my education has now opened a range of doors. The University name itself spells success and is well respected. The kind of University where character is forged, personality is carved and futures are founded,” she said.

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ALUMNI PROFILES (continued) NEWCASTLE GRADUATES HARVARD BOUND! We are proud to announce that two of the four 2010-2011 Menzies scholarships awarded to Australian graduates to study a Masters of Public Health at the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston, USA, were awarded to University of Newcastle graduates. The scholarships are nationally competitive and open to candidates from all walks of life.

They have the good fortune of being able to get advice from another recently returned recipient, Newcastle alumnus, Dr Stephanie Ward.

DR LAKSHMI VOOTAKURU Twenty five years old and taking on the world, Lakshmi Vootakuru is a Senior Resident in the Anaesthetics Department of Concord Hospital in New South Wales. She graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine in 2006, completed her internship at Westmead Hospital and her residency at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.

She has had the opportunity to work in remote and Indigenous

communities around Australia. In 2008, she was selected to work as a policy and diplomatic officer for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, working on policy formation in the areas of aid, trade, humanitarian assistance and international relations.

A keen advocate for the interests of junior doctors, Lakshmi continues to lobby for safer work practices in hospitals and raise

awareness of developing world health issues. Interestingly, when reflecting on the most valuable thing she learned at University, she thinks it is best summarised by the quote of John Wooden (American, b1910); “Success is never final, failure is never fatal. It’s courage that counts.”

DR GREG KEANE homeless people and IV drug using clients.

In the eight years since leaving medical school, Greg Keane says he has had nothing less than a fantastic adventure!

indigenous communities was an adventure, a challenge, an honour and ultimately an inspiration,” he says.

He completed his internship at Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane and then moved to the United Kingdom where he discovered a love for psychiatry.

Returning to Queensland to complete his training, he spent time working in Cape York and the Torres Strait.

Greg is currently a consultant at Headspace in Victoria. Headspace provides mental and health wellbeing support, information and services to young people and their families across Australia.

“As well as having a well deserved reputation for nurturing a focus in its students on social justice and equality, Newcastle medical school offers fantastic opportunities to its students, opportunities I learned to create and seek for myself once I had graduated,” Greg says.

He is also a psychiatrist in a mother-baby unit looking after mothers with mental illnesses and focussing on improving crucial early attachment relationships.

He continues to work with marginalised communities, the

“I feel incredibly lucky to have been given the chance to study at Newcastle, it has opened doors for me everywhere, and when they weren’t open, given me the confidence to keep knocking until they were.”

and moved to Melbourne where she undertook physicians training through the Royal Australian College of Physicians. She was awarded a fellowship in Geriatric Medicine in 2008.

held me in very good stead as a doctor and also in my recent time at Harvard where case based learning was also championed,” she said.

“Crossing flooded creeks, seeing the country from light aircraft and meeting amazing Australians: in short, working with remote

DR STEPHANIE WARD Dr Stephanie Ward has recently returned to Australia from the Harvard School of Public Health where she completed a Masters of Public Health. She is currently working in a large teaching hospital in Melbourne as a Geriatrician, caring for older people and their complex needs both in hospital and the community.

Stephanie graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine in 2000

“My five years at the School of Medicine in Newcastle really taught me the value of critical thinking and problem solving. All of that problem-based learning, starting with the beloved ‘fishing trip’ during orientation, really has

“I am really grateful as practising medicine well, especially in the care of older people, really requires a lot of creativity and lateral thinking, and I think my degree at the University of Newcastle helped me prepare for that.”

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CLASS NOTES

Ruhil Amal Azmuddin Master of Educational Studies 2006 Lecturer at the University of Malaysia, Pahang What is your fondest memory of your University experience?

Cultural Awakening week, where I met people from a diverse range of cultures and made a lot of friends. Australian BBQs, hotdogs and salads! As a research student – the service and systems were great, and the amount of subscribed journals available to me was amazing.

What was your favourite subject at University?

Difficult to pick one as my study experience was exceptional. Professor Doug Absalom taught me English for Special Purposes not just content, but how to express myself in class and Research Methods where I was taught to think outside the box as a researcher and learned in-depth about researching.

Tanja Blickfeldt Jorgensen Master of Business Administration 2002 Human Resource Consultant and Assistant Manager, Crewing and Training (for crew members within Training) My proudest achievements are...

Being valedictorian at the 2002 graduation ceremony, and establishing a social club at Newcastle Graduate School of Business while I was studying in order to integrate foreign students and help them get to know Australian students. I am still friends with Indian, Chinese, Australian, French and Norwegian students, friends and staff from that time.

At work, it is locating and successfully matching candidates in top management positions.

Muhammed Usman Kemal Master of Business Administration 2008 Senior Lecturer at Fatima Jinnah Women’s University, Pakistan What is your fondest memory of your University experience?

There are many, but I can’t forget ‘Multicultural night’ where I represented my country.

In the future I’d like to....

I really miss the University of Newcastle so I would love to come back to UoN, give a few lectures if possible and meet my teachers and friends again.

Carmen Lardizabal Master of Human Resource Management 2009 Human Resource Officer with the Department of Public Works and Highways in the Philippines What was your favourite subject at University?

None in particular, but all of the subjects have been very relevant to my work.

What is your fondest memory of your University experience?

My fondest memory is working with other international students in work groups and the life-long friendships that develop from it.

In the future I would like to...

Do a Master’s degree.

ALUMNI | 12

FACULTY FOCUS – FACULTY OF SCIENCE AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Futureproofing the world’s food supply With the global population projected to double over the next 50 years, attention is turning to the pressure the world’s natural resources will face as a result. Adding to increased pollution and climate change, a major concern will be how to feed in excess of 12 billion people.

“It is essential that basic science and applied science work together so that research in our laboratories can be efficiently translated into field breeding. That is our main intention and the expertise of partners provides the skills to achieve that.”

In its infancy is a collaboration between leading Chinese and Australian plant science experts that is already achieving major advances in crop longevity, yield and quality.

Centre scientists have already achieved a major breakthrough by identifying a gene in tomatoes that can be ‘knocked out’ to create sweeter fruits with longer-lasting leaves. The work has been published in The Plant Cell, the world’s top – ranking plant science journal.

The Australia-China Research Centre for Crop Improvement, launched in October 2008, is being hosted by the University of Newcastle and the Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences in Hangzhou, China with partner groups from other top institutes including the Chinese Academy of Sciences. A major focus is to improve the productivity of key food crops and make them more adaptable to climate change.

Director of the Australian arm of the Centre is Associate Professor Yong-Ling Ruan. “The Centre is strategically important for various reasons. We are all aware of the problems of climate change and population increases and the impact on food supply. The world is facing the challenge of how to sustain and improve crop yield and quality.

They discovered that the gene INVINH1 played a major role in limiting the amount of sugar delivered to each part of the plant and if this gene was prevented from expressing itself, then more sugar could be delivered to seeds, fruit or leaves. When applied to other fruits and vegetables, the technology could increase crop seed yield, fruit quality and lengthen shelf life.

Ruan sees the breakthrough as an exciting development that has resulted from the collaborative focus of the Centre. Much of the research was done by the Centre’s PhD student Jin Ye under Ruan’s guidance with funding support from the University of Newcastle and the National Science Foundation of China.

Article has been drawn from the University’s Research 2009 publication. Picture by Martin Pieris.

It is this kind of cooperative research that scientists in China and Australia hope will lead to improved crops that could help feed and clothe millions of people in a time of climate crisis.

Beyond advancing crop quality and futureproofing food supply for generations to come, the Centre is also supporting the next generation of plant scientists and researchers.

The Centre plans to jointly supervise PhD students and the host institutions will exchange visiting scientists and experts, further strengthening the burgeoning research relationships between Australia and China.

“

It is essential that basic science and applied science work together so that research in our laboratories can be efficiently translated into field breeding

“

China, the world’s most populated nation, already has an increasing focus on how science can support massive population growth. A key interest lies in how to improve the productivity of major food crops to provide a defence against future food shortages.

13 | ALUMNI

A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS An entrepreneurial scientist, with warmth, energy and lively intent, Professor Tim Roberts focuses on inspiring all to build a sustainable future, writes Rosemary Thomson.

I recall being at a conference in Singapore in 2008 and choosing to support the session of the inaugural Dean of the University’s Singapore campus and CEO of UoN Singapore Pte Ltd, Professor Tim Roberts.

Why would he need support?

Well, this was an international alumni conference and he was there as a research Professor speaking on his study of freeranging dogs associated with an outback community in the Northern Territory, where his group discovered the first incidence of Ehrlichia infection (Anaplasma platys) in Australia. His laboratory had recently identified a new disease-causing intracellular bacterium Rickettsia marmioni, which causes spotted fever in humans and is transmitted by ticks.

And he was going to tell alumni from every corner of the planet all about it.

As someone with a background in communication, I didn’t expect to be too engaged with the topic. But, with a group of UoN Alumni we bounced in like a cheersquad ready to help one of our own – a Professor with (from a communications point of view) a session topic I thought would drive people away!

Sitting among a rather packed room of people (my first surprise), I felt perhaps many had stumbled into that particular lecture theatre by mistake – seriously, who else without a noble mission like our own would have chosen to spend an hour and a half on the isle of Singapore, contemplating Ehrlichia infection and how ticks can kindly share spotted fever with humans?

I learned something that day about the quintessential qualities that have made Tim Roberts the success he is. Bringing a warm dynamic and humorous passion to the podium, he began to deconstruct his science. He held the audience captive and inspired everyone to walk away thinking about optimal health, and a sustainable future.

Picture by Anita Jones, Newcastle Herald

This is what drives him – he wants to see us all working to build a sustainable environment and future, for our children and grandchildren, our regions and our planet.

Professor Roberts retired from his position in Singapore in 2008, but his passion has seen him walk into a new season with as many demands.

“The beauty of being an academic is whatever you do isn’t work, it is just love,” he says.

Now we understand the drive and the energy that surrounds him.

Professor Roberts is an acknowledged expert in the area of chronic pain, fatigue and autism.

In line with his appointment as Conjoint Professor in Biology he continues to be active in research in the laboratory of his longtime collaborator, Associate Professor Hugh Dunstan, at the University of Newcastle. He is the newly appointed Director of the Tom Farrell Institute for the Environment and the ideas for his work there bubble out of him.

He was elected to the Executive Committee of Alumni (Convocation) in 2009. President of Alumni, Mr Brian Kennaugh, says Tim brings a unique blend to the Committee.

“With his unusual mix of research, academic, marketing and business skills he is a man of ideas and contributes much to the plans for the future of the University of Newcastle Alumni Network,” he said.

“We are lucky to have him and the Hunter is lucky to have him, as he will do much for the region through his new leadership role at the Institute.”

So, next time you see a topic offered by a certain Professor Tim Roberts in any forum, put aside the time to attend and prepare to be inspired!

Anyone wishing to learn more about the Executive Committee of Alumni can email alumni-president@newcastle.edu.au or visit www.newcastle.edu.au/alumni/ about/executive-committee.html for more information.

Anyone wishing to donate to the Tom Farrell Institute for environmental research can contact the UON Foundation on (02) 4921 7454 or visit www.newcastle.edu.au/foundation for more information.

ALUMNI | 14

CHAPTER CONNECTIONS Enjoy feedback from a number of the Alumni Chapter Committees. In various stages of development they all have a unified trait – a great affection for the University of Newcastle!

Pagbati mula sa Manila!

Greetings from Manila!

The Committee in Manila have been busy this year.

They enjoyed a Graduation Recognition Ceremony in April followed by a dinner with the Manila Alumni hosted by Professor Kevin McConkey, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and Global Relations). The Committee is currently working to finalise a Constitution to register the Chapter in the Philippines.

Manila Alumni Chapter Committee Members (L to R) Alvaro Calara (Chair); Shenna Primero; Lotus Postrado; Ricky Estrera; Ruby Andrion (External Affairs and Publications); Arvin Yana (Secretary); Absent: Michael David Tan (Vice-Chair), Corona Rivera, Rommel Billena, and Diosdado San Antonio.

To join future activity, make sure you have updated your details on the University website www.newcastle.edu.au/alumni so that we know you are living in the Philippines.

You can contact the Philippines Alumni Chapter Co-ordinator, Alvaro Calara (Master of Social Change and Development 2000) directly by email: alvaro.calara@dlsu.edu.ph

Beijing Buzzes Grateful thanks go to Amy Jia who has coordinated the Beijing Alumni Chapter for the past few years. Amy has moved to Hong Kong as a doctoral candidate.

WANG Jun, has kindly taken responsibility to lead the Committee and they are already swinging into action. They held an Alumni activity last month, and have drafted a Statement of Purpose.

Beijing Alumni Chapter Committee (L to R) LI Zhidong (David); JIANG Mao Xue (James); WANG Jun – Chair; ZHANG Shuang (Serena); Du Yiran (Noah); CHI Shanshan (Iris) Absent: ZHENG Xiaolu (Nina); LI Yao (Rena); CAO Li (Lily)

Beijing Alumni are on the move!

To join activity, make sure you have updated your details on the University website www.newcastle.edu.au/alumni so that we know you are living in Beijing or nearby regions.

You can contact the Beijing Alumni Chapter Co-ordinator, WANG Jun (Master of Common Law 2000) directly by email: johnkinglawyer@gmail.com

TAIWAN IS KEEN! Josefine, Viola and Teresa are keen to get alumni activity going in Taiwan.

They are also excited about the links that could be made with their immediate neighbours – the Hong Kong and China alumni and ask the graduates living in Taiwan to contact them so they can investigate what type of activities are preferred.

To join activity, make sure you have updated your details on the University website www.newcastle.edu.au/alumni so that we know you are living in Taiwan.

Taiwan Alumni Committee (L to R): LEE Yueh-Huang (Teresa); WU Li-Min (Viola); CHANG Hsiang-Yu (Josefine)

You can also contact the Taiwan Alumni Co-ordinator, Josefine Chang (Bachelor of Human Resource Management 2006) directly by email: shyangyu@yahoo.com.tw

Singapore Sizzles!

The Singapore Alumni Chapter continues to gain momentum with a number of activities like the recent movie night, an event to welcome new graduates into the Singapore Alumni Community. A BBQ is planned for September.

Of course, the gala dinner where the Singapore alumni join new graduates and University staff after the graduation ceremonies in November, is an annual highlight of their program. Keep an eye on the website and don’t miss joining in the fun and the networking opportunities.

Singapore Alumni Chapter Committee: (L to R seated) Eeleen Tay; William Wong; Peter Tay (committee guest – Alumnus, Colombo Plan Scholar and UoN Singapore Director); Li Yi. (L to R standing) Nayan Patel; TK, Aazac Goh; William Anthony; Kaushik Bhanushali; Christopher Chim; Mark Chim.

To join activity, make sure you have updated your details on the University website www.newcastle.edu.au/alumni so that we know you are living in Singapore.

You can contact the President, Mr William Wong (Bachelor of Engineering 1988) by email through alumni@newcastle.edu.au

15 | ALUMNI

Shanghai superb as a world stage

Also available is membership to the Australia China Alumni Association – open to all graduates of all Australian Universities, they conduct a range of events across China. Details can be found at www.austchinaalumni.org

Our Shanghai Alumni tell us that they have suffered two years of road works and construction challenges as the city prepared to host the 2010 World Expo, but what a great job the government did. The city looks fantastic!

Pictured above are some of the Shanghai Alumni who gathered for a University of Newcastle Alumni dinner in Shanghai in May, hosted by Vice-Chancellor Professor Nick Saunders pictured in the front row.

James Shi (Master of Applied Finance 2000) and Wendy Shen (Master of Business 2004) have anchored the alumni activity happening in Shanghai over the past couple of years, and several other alumni have recently put up their hands to form a Committee for the benefit of the alumni in the region.

The Shanghai Alumni co-ordinators James Shi (front row, far right) and Wendy Shen (second from left in the back row), invite you to update your details on the University website www.newcastle. edu.au/alumni so that they know you are living in Shanghai or email alumni@newcastle.edu.au to indicate your interest.

Leaving a Legacy Each of us find different ways to make our mark on the world. One way to leave your mark is to make a bequest. A bequest is a gift left in a will.

A bequest to the University of Newcastle can help fund such things as research, student scholarships, equipment, additions to historical collections or a University project.

Alumnus Dr Geoffrey Leonard AM (Bachelor of Commerce 1965, PhD honoris causa 2002) has made a bequest to the University in his will. His bequest will fund scholarships to support students.

As a commerce graduate Dr Leonard decided to support students studying business.

“In making a bequest I can make a direct difference to the lives of Alumnus Dr Geoff Leonard with scholarship winner Kieran Dixon in May 2010.

students and assist them to fulfil their dreams – dreams that might not have come true without the financial support of a scholarship.

“Making a donation to education is not just a gift – it’s an investment in the future.

“I wanted to give back to the University that put me on the road to my own personal success in business and life,” Dr Leonard said.

Leaving a gift in your will is one way to make a gift that you may not be able to make during your lifetime. Making a bequest to the University of Newcastle can benefit the entire community.

For more information on making a bequest contact the University of Newcastle (UON) Foundation on (02) 4921 7453 or visit www. newcastle.edu.au/foundation.

ALUMNI EVENT DIARY AUGUST – DECEMBER 2010 Make sure your contact details are up to date to receive your invitation to Alumni events.

AUGUST Newcastle Wednesday 18 August Midday – 1.00pm Seminar by visiting international alumnus Dr Wanbil Lee “Doing the right thing in cyberspace: an ethical analysis.”

ES305 Engineering Science Building Callaghan Campus RSVP to alumni@newcastle.edu.au Newcastle Wednesday 25 August 6.00pm – 7.30pm Convocation Lecture Speaker: Professor Nicholas Talley “Back to the future – Educating health professionals in the 21st Century”.

Inaugural lecture of the PVC for Faculty of Health Newcastle City Hall No cost. RSVP by 24 August partnerships@newcastle.edu.au Newcastle Friday 27 August 5.30pm – 8.00pm University of Newcastle Sports Awards Brennan Room, Callaghan Campus University of Newcastle Cost: $45 per person (incl refreshments) RSVP by 13 August www.stickytickets.com.au/3693

SEPTEMBER Newcastle Thursday 2 September 1.00pm – 2.30pm Human Rights and Social Justice Lecture Speaker: The Hon. Catherine Branson QC, President of the Australian Human Rights Commission RSVP required to Belinda Munn 02 4921 6552 or email belinda.munn@newcastle.edu.au LONDON!

Alumni got together in London recently with visiting Associate Professor Martin Fitzgerald.

The alumni plan to make it a more regular event. Invite all graduates you know who are living in London to update postal details on the University’s alumni website so they can be included. Email your interest to alumni@newcastle.edu.au

Office of Corporate Development and Community Partnerships

Newcastle Saturday 18 September 6.30pm – 9.00pm Architecture Foundation Dinner “Celebrate Architecture” Newcastle City Hall RSVP – Monday 23 August For more information email trustees@thearchitecturefoundation.org.au www.thearchitecturefoundation.org.au Newcastle Tuesday 21 September 7.30am – 8.45am Alumni Advantage Breakfast Program Hosted by Executive Committee of Alumni & Faculty of Science and Information Technology Open to all students, alumni and staff.

RSVP required for catering by 17 September.

Email alumni@newcastle.edu.au

OCTOBER Newcastle Thursday 7 – Friday 8 October Callaghan Graduation Ceremonies Great Hall Newcastle Friday 8 October 6.30pm – 11pm The Wollotuka Institute Graduation Dinner Birabhan Building RSVP required by 24 September to Renee Chambers 02 4921 2013 or Renee.Chambers@newcastle.edu.au

SAUDI ARABIA

Abdulaziz Binghathith (M of Applied Linguistics 2007) is keen to get an alumni group happening in Saudi Arabia. Please update your postal details online if you are living in Saudi Arabia and email your interest to alumni@newcastle.edu.au

Alumni Relations T +61 2 4921 6380 alumni@newcastle.edu.au www.newcastle.edu.au/alumni Business and Community T +61 2 4921 8762 partnerships@newcastle.edu.au www.newcastle.edu.au/unit/cdcp UON Foundation T +61 2 4921 7453 UONFoundation@newcastle.edu.au www.newcastle.edu.au/foundation

Newcastle Wednesday 13 October 7.00pm – 10.00pm 2010 Alumni Awards Gala Event Newcastle City Hall To register your interest email alumni@newcastle.edu.au

NOVEMBER Newcastle Tuesday 9 November 7.30am – 8.45am Alumni Advantage Breakfast Program Hosted by Executive Committee of Alumni & Faculty of Health Open to all students, alumni and staff.

RSVP required for catering by 5 November Email alumni@newcastle.edu.au Malaysia Saturday 20 November 3pm – 5pm Annual Alumni Reception Hosted by the Chancellor and Vice Chancellor Shangri-La Hotel, Kuala Lumpur Register early interest by email: alumni@newcastle.edu.au Singapore Monday 22 November 7.00pm drinks for 7.30pm dinner Alumni and New Graduates Dinner Hosted by the Chancellor and the Vice-Chancellor in partnership with the Singapore Alumni Chapter Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel Hong Kong Wednesday 24 November From 6.00pm till late Alumni and New Graduates combined Graduation ceremony/dinner Hosted by the Chancellor and the Vice-Chancellor in partnership with the Hong Kong Alumni Chapter Hotel Nikko, Hong Kong

MELBOURNE MOMENT...

An alumni dinner took place in Melbourne recently at the instigation of alumnus Brendan Swift (Bachelor of Arts [Communication Studies] 1989).

The group had a great night and are keen to include others. Please encourage graduates you know living in Melbourne to update their postal address online and alumni can indicate their interest by email to alumni@newcastle.edu.au

We welcome your views

Email us at alumni@newcastle.edu.au or call +61 2 4921 6380

The University’s Alumni Relations team welcomes your views on this magazine, and invites you to submit articles and/or profiles for consideration for publication in future editions.

Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/UONAlumni Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/UoNAlumni Find us on LinkedIn: University of Newcastle Alumni, Australia Pictures of events and chapter details are available on www.newcastle.edu.au/alumni

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Contact us

Canberra Friday 3 September 6.00pm – 9.00pm Canberra Alumni Reception Hotel Realm 18 National Circuit, Barton No cost. RSVP required for catering by 27 August. Please email alumni@newcastle.edu.au