The Seahorse alumni magazine Edition 1, 2013

The SEAHORSE

A magazine for alumni and friends of the University

EDITION 1

2013

Malcolm Turnbull’s Barton Lecture Graduation 2013

Campus news Health and wellbeing

Faculty news Alumni in print

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EDITORIAL TEAM EDITOR

COntents

Rosemary Thomson

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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Katie Porritt Gina Cranson Tess Campbell PRODUCTION Katie Porritt The Seahorse is published twice a year for alumni and friends of the University of Newcastle.

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SUBSCRIPTIONS If you wish to be added to the subscription list, please contact alumni@newcastle.edu.au WRITE TO US Send your comments or contributions to alumni@newcastle.edu.au ON THE COVER Photo by Conor Ashleigh

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The Hon Malcolm Turnbull MP

Graduation

The Barton Lecture 2013

Stories and pictures from the Port Macquarie and Callaghan graduation ceremonies

04 Professor Barry Marshall AC

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Laureate Professor and Nobel Prize winner awarded Honorary Doctorate

Read about what’s happening in your faculty

Faculty news

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Campus news

Network news

Keep up to date with what’s happening around the University

Updates from our international network

10 Health and wellbeing Our professors and staff write for us

32 Community talk Engage Newcastle has a blog!

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FROM THE VICE-CHANCELLOR

From my desk to yours

2013 has certainly started well for UoN. We have welcomed more than 9,000 new students to our campuses, and farewelled hundreds more who successfully completed their studies and joined the growing ranks of our Newcastle alumni in Australia and across the world.

Earlier this year I was reminded once again of the reach of our alumni community, when the University held graduation ceremonies at our Port Macquarie and Callaghan campuses (pages 18 and 19). As thousands of graduates received their testamurs, they all became a part of the University’s 115,000-strong alumni network that now stretches across the world.

In April, we celebrated a major milestone when the Australian Government announced its support of $30 million through the Education Investment Fund Regional Priorities Round for a Newcastle city campus. With the NSW Government’s commitment of $25 million, and the University’s contribution of $40 million, NeW Space represents a $95 million investment.

Through NeW Space we will harness the latest in technology and innovation in teaching and learning to deliver a world-class student experience. Our business and law programs; digital library services and information commons; collaborative learning and research spaces; facilities for industry, professional and community engagement; and social spaces will feature in the precinct.

To find out more about this exciting development please visit www.newcastle.edu.au/newspace In recent months, we have welcomed outstanding new academic leaders to UoN including Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Andrew Parfitt; Pro Vice-Chancellor (Learning and Teaching) Professor Liz Burd; and Pro Vice-Chancellor (International and Advancement) Ms Winnie Eley. Three remarkable Heads of School have also been appointed – Head of School and Dean of Law, Professor Sandeep Gopalan; Professor Darryl Knight (Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy); and Professor Simon Dennis (Psychology). You can read more about our new leaders in this magazine.

Sadly, this is also a time of farewell. Professor Mike Calford has led the University’s research portfolio as our Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) for the past three years and has consistently delivered remarkable results. In July he will join the Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute as the Executive Director. Mike’s vision, strategy and unswerving loyalty to UoN over the past 13 years will be greatly missed.

In April, Professor John Carter retired from his role of Pro ViceChancellor of the Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment.

John built the Faculty’s national and international performance, and its reputation for delivering world-class research and education. I am very pleased that he will continue to maintain a strong connection with the Faculty and the University, working with PhD students and continuing his research through ongoing research grants and supervision commitments.

Our thriving alumni network, which grows across the world every year, is absolutely central to the University achieving its aspirations and realising the 2025 vision – to be a global leader in each of our spheres of achievement. You provide the essential link to our communities locally, nationally and internationally, and it is through you and your tremendous achievements that the University will continue to make a lasting contribution to regions across the globe.

Caroline McMillen Vice-Chancellor and President

Our network grows every day. Students leave, staff arrive, and each of them contribute to the fabric of our communities. Lately I’ve had the pleasure of meeting some new University staff, particularly in the field of health and wellbeing, and our interactions inspired me to think about the importance of our physical and mental health as we travel on our various journeys.

In our NeW Directions Strategic Plan, the University outlines plans for a ‘Healthy University Scheme’ – an innovative and contemporary ‘whole-of-university’ approach to the important area of supporting individual and institutional health. In this edition of The Seahorse, you will hear from some of our new and established health professors and scientists about research in asthma and lung tissue disease, ideas for leading a healthy and active lifestyle, and some tips from leading clinical psychologist – and our former Chancellor – Conjoint Professor Trevor Waring, on how to obtain the elusive work-life balance we all strive for.

Health and intellect are the two blessings of life Menander (342-291 BC) Also in this edition, I’m delighted to share with you a conversation with our Singapore Alumni Chapter President Mr Kaushik Bhanushali. Kaushik is one of the many dedicated stewards of our global alumni network, and talked to us about his thoughts on the importance of keeping in touch with the University after graduating.

You can catch up with the latest news from our faculties on pages 20 through to 29, and on page 32 you can read more about our exciting new Engage Newcastle Blog. It’s a platform we’ve developed to celebrate the people of the Newcastle and Hunter region, and to have a conversation with you, our friends and colleagues.

I look forward to catching up with you soon online or in person.

Rosemary Thomson Acting Director, Advancement

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For love of country “The answer lies in a spirit of compromise”

The Barton Lecture, first presented by the University of Newcastle in 2008, was established to explore Australian politics and constitutional issues and was this year delivered by the Honourable Malcolm Turnbull MP. A self-professed “notorious republican”, Mr Turnbull described Sir Edmund Barton as a founding father of the Australian Constitution – a document Mr Turnbull said he found “more frustrating than inspiring”. He refuted the idea that the Constitution was the “birth certificate of an independent nation” as Australia in Barton’s day was not an independent country, but part of a greater British entity.

Mr Turnbull said Barton left in the Constitution an amendment provision “that has made the Constitution almost impossible to change”, and drew on his own experiences as part of the republican movement and the 1999 Australian republic referendum as examples.

Here is an edited extract of his speech.

“The challenge that republicans and republican reformers face now is the prospect of changing the Constitution. Do we need to? Do we want to? I believe that we should as Australians, as patriots, love this country and its people so much that we should insist that only one of us – an Australian – can be our Head of State. I believe it is important that the next referendum [on a republic], if there is to be one, is one that can be won.

“In terms of timing, I believe the next occasion when a republic can be effectively considered is after the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. I’ve always felt there are many more Elizabethans in Australia than there are monarchists and [after Elizabeth’s reign] Australians will reconsider what it means to have a Head of State that is a foreign monarch. The next question is ‘how do you deal with the direct election issue?’ and this is a very difficult question indeed.

“If you’re going to have a President who is effectively a non-executive Head of State, a largely ceremonial figure, and you have different means of electing them, how do you go about it? Even if you drafted the constitutional amendments so that the President had absolutely no powers – could not declare himself or herself in charge of the army or take over the running of the country or anything like that – what does that say about the viability of [a President chosen by Parliament in a bipartisan fashion or a President chosen by a popular vote]. Even if you’ve drafted the constitutional provisions carefully enough to eliminate any risk of abuse of powers, a directly-elected President would be the only directly-elected federal official in the country, the only person whose name had been on a ballot paper in the hands of every Australian voter. And regardless of what powers you allow that figure to have, that is enormous credibility, enormous standing, enormous ability to influence by every speech, by every public utterance, if the President concerned desired that.

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President of Alumni, Mr Brian Kennaugh, with Malcolm Turnbull at the Hunter Alumni Chapter drinks prior to the lecture

“This is the reason why I’ve advocated in the past that the President should be chosen by a two-thirds majority of Parliament, a bipartisan majority. That would ensure that the successful candidate was a nonpolitical bipartisan figure, along the lines of the type of people who have generally been made Governor-General.

“The difficulty is what we found in ‘99 – a lot of people said no, unless we can elect the President we don’t want a republic. The risk with direct election is that you start off with popular support, which plummets very quickly. If you go back to ’99, [people from both sides of politics] supported the bipartisan model we took to the people and said it was safe. [With a direct election model] all of that bipartisanship would be at risk because constitutional conservatives from both the left and right of the political spectrum would say no, this would put a tension, a risk, a competitiveness needlessly into our political structure and it’s not the way to go. And the one thing that I’m absolutely convinced of is that if you have strong or concerted opposition to a constitutional change, it cannot possibly be carried.

“The answer must lie in compromise. We need a plebiscite that asks Australians the sort of Head of State they would like if we are to make a change, and how that Head of State should be chosen. That could be done as a secure online survey, which allows explanation [of the choices] with appropriately balanced materials, so that the choice is more informed. If we are to take the direct election route we have to make sure that the Australian people feel that they have decided it is the right model and they have done so understanding the implications and consequences.

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Caroline McMillen, with Malcolm Turnbull at the Hunter Alumni Chapter drinks prior to the lecture

“Whether that can be achieved, time will tell. Timing will be absolutely critical. But when we do make that step – if we do make that step – it will in many respects be the last step in our constitutional journey.

Putting the full stop, if you like, on a declaration of independence that began in 1901, and will end thoroughly and emphatically, symbolically as well as practically, in the 21st Century.”

Watch the lecture online at www.youtube.com/universitynewcastle

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Nobel Prize winner inspires graduates Professor Barry Marshall AC is a Clinical Professor and Co-Director of the Marshall Centre for Infectious Diseases Research and Training, at the University of Western Australia in Perth. He is famous for drinking bacteria to prove his research theory and subsequently revolutionise the management of peptic ulcer disease. The University of Newcastle presented Professor Marshall with an Honorary Doctorate of Medicine at the Faculty of Health graduation ceremony on Friday 5 April 2013.

Image courtesy of Frances Andrijich Photographer

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Professor Barry Marshall and his colleague, Professor Robin Warren, accept their Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine

Professor Barry Marshall AC receives his Honorary Doctor of Medicine from the University of Newcastle’s Chancellor, the Hon. John Price AM and the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Caroline McMillen

“I won’t be a moment, I’m just making a sandwich,” said the voice on the other end of the phone, and on the other side of the country.

Making a sandwich? You’re a Nobel Prize winner. Don’t you, you know, have people who ‘get lunch’ for you?

It may have taken a decade and earned him a reputation as an obscure, scientific rebel, but Professor Marshall started a medical revolution with his breakthrough and it helped stimulate new research that has more than proven the link between bacteria and ulcers.

West Australian clinical professor, gastroenterologist and Nobel Laureate, Professor Barry Marshall, is a delight to speak to as he takes me on a brief journey through what has been labelled the most significant medical discovery in the history of gastroenterology.

He is as famous for drinking a potentially fatal potion laden with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori as he is for all the suffering he prevented through his discoveries.

In 1984, the World Health Organisation recognised Helicobacter pylori as the main cause of stomach cancer and it is the distinguished gastroenterologists’ discovery that has changed the way peptic ulcers are treated globally. In 2005, Professor Marshall and Warren’s work was rewarded with the crowning honour of the Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine, recognising their discovery of the role of Helicobacter pylori in gastritis and peptic ulcer disease.

In 1983, Professor Marshall and fellow scientist, pathologist Professor Robin Warren, sent the medical world into a spin by contending the cause of one of the world’s most common diseases – peptic ulcers – was not stress, but a spiral-shaped bacterium called Helicobacter pylori.

That’s a big honour to bestow on one’s shoulders and the question for Professor Marshall following his Nobel Prize was, ‘what now’?

The answer: reinvest in education. He has made it his mission to incite young minds into science.

By 1984 and after several journal rejections, Professor Marshall was so desperate to prove his point that he acted as his own guinea pig, swallowing the potentially deadly concoction that would give him the beginnings of a stomach ulcer. The rather radical ‘Frankenstein’ approach earned him worldwide criticism and delivered much controversy to his door.

Professor Marshall has made a career on never giving up and it is that notion he passes onto young students at his guest lectures and appearances throughout high schools and universities across Australia and the United States. Encouraging young minds to put their passions in science, he tells them simply: “Follow your heart, because if you are interested in something it is you who can be the expert”.

When asked if he would do it again, Professor Marshall said, after much consideration, “absolutely, yes. I went with my gut and I was right.

He said there was much to be learned through his repeated failures at making the academic world stand up and listen to him about his initial theory of Helicobacter pylori.

“There have definitely been times when I questioned that moment in hindsight, but I always come back to the notion that people were suffering unnecessarily. How many more had to suffer while I waited for lengthy clinical trial results? I could do something about it then and there.”

“There are more than 1,000 failures and rejections behind every great success,” Professor Marshall said. “I keep my rejection letters as a reminder of that.”

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campus news New Appointments This year the University of Newcastle has welcomed three new senior leaders in key areas of responsibility, as we reshape major portfolio areas to support our activities and the delivery of key priorities in the NeW Directions Strategic Plan.

Professor Andrew Parfitt Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic)

Professor Liz Burd Pro Vice-Chancellor (Learning and Teaching)

MRS Winnie Eley Pro Vice-Chancellor (International and Advancement)

The desire for a new role and a new challenge motivated Professor Andrew Parfitt to join us from the University of South Australia, where he was Pro Vice-Chancellor and Vice President of the Faculty of IT, Engineering and Built Environment for five years.

Professor Liz Burd was working at Durham University in the UK when she heard of an exciting opportunity that she thought was at the Newcastle University a 30 minute drive away. When she discovered it was based on the other side of the world she was intrigued and applied. Visiting Australia for the interview, Liz loved the ‘other’ Newcastle and thought, “if broadening my experience was my goal, this is exactly the place to come”.

As both an educator and professional administrator in education, Mrs Winnie Eley’s international advancement experience is impressive. Winnie joins us from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) where she was the founding Director of International Affairs, leading an ambitious internationalisation strategy for the University that significantly raised its local, regional and global profile.

At Durham, Liz was Dean of Undergraduate Education and also responsible for technology-enhanced learning. A goal in her new role is to ensure that technology is introduced into the student learning experience when beneficial, and that those using it are effectively supported.

Now, she is charged with leading the newlycreated International and Advancement portfolio at Newcastle, and delivering its responsibilities under the NeW Directions Strategic Plan.

“The University of Newcastle appealed to me for its commitment to high standards of academic excellence and equitable access for a diverse range of students from many backgrounds,” Andrew said.

An experienced academic leader with a PhD in electrical and electronic engineering, Andrew has an international reputation as a specialist in antenna and radio systems, with a focus on space science and technology.

In 2003 he led the Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) for Satellite Systems – the national research group responsible for launching FedSat, Australia’s first satellite in 30 years.

“I’ve been pleasantly surprised at how the University has held in balance a world-class research profile with an open and engaged approach to working with its stakeholder communities here in Newcastle and more widely,” Andrew said.

Andrew has also held positions with the Defence Science and Technology Organisation, the University of Adelaide and the CSIRO; and adjunct academic positions with UniSA, Adelaide, Sydney and Macquarie universities.

“I’m also interested in learning space design and think there is much that can be done in Newcastle to create new and innovative spaces that will help support both formal and informal learning situations,” she said.

Is Newcastle what Liz expected? “It’s amazing how similar it is to Newcastle in the UK. Many of the suburb names are the same and it’s easy to forget where I am. Mind you, the weather should be a big hint.”

“I am impressed with the thoughts behind the design of the role. An opportunity to unlock the potential and harness the synergy of this diverse but coherent portfolio is exciting because responsibilities that come with the portfolio tend to be kept separate conventionally,” Winnie said.

“This position is also a unique chance to work with a visionary Vice-Chancellor, a supportive and strong Council and a University full of hidden talent and is true to the cause of education by ensuring access to all and excellence.”

Prior to her time at PolyU, Winnie worked with the British Council for eight years as Director of Education Services in Hong Kong and Deputy Country Director in Nigeria.

Winnie has led and managed diverse portfolios incorporating scholarships, alumni relations, stakeholder engagement and information and customer services.

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Fond farewells Retirement beckons Seven years is a long time to lead a university faculty and maintain its reputation as one of the world’s finest in its field. Just ask Professor John Carter AM, our recently retired Pro Vice-Chancellor of the Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment.

Under John’s leadership, the 2012 Excellence in Research Australia (ERA) exercise by the Australian Government placed the Faculty in the top five in the country and arguably in the top three for engineering. Also in 2012, 85 per cent of the University’s Australian Research Council Discovery Project grants were awarded to projects in the Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment.

Unswerving loyalty “Vision, foresight and strategy has made Mike an outstanding Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) [and] a talent that we will greatly miss.”

With these words, Vice-Chancellor Professor Caroline McMillen announced in March that Professor Mike Calford was heading south to lead the Illawarra Institute for Health and Medical Research after 13 years with the University of Newcastle, the last four as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research).

As DVC, Mike played a central role in securing $35 million towards the construction of the new Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) building. Prior to becoming DVC, Mike was Pro ViceChancellor in the Faculty of Health for three years. He was the driving force behind the establishment of the Australian-first Joint Medical Program. He also led the establishment of the country’s inaugural Masters in Pharmacy degree and greatly expanded our Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health at the University’s Orange campus.

“As both a researcher and a leader, Newcastle has given me enormous opportunity to deliver a great deal,” Mike reflected.

“I am especially proud to have established one of our flagship research centres, the Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources (NIER), and to have secured $30 million from the Australian Government to redevelop the site.

“I have been supported by great teams over the years and am constantly inspired by Newcastle’s talented researchers. As well as a place of opportunity for research and academic leadership, Newcastle is a place of teamwork and friendship.”

Professor McMillen said Mike would be sorely missed.

“In my first year in the University, Mike’s great insight, advice, and understated but wicked sense of humour were lifesavers at key moments. I know that people in all different parts of the University who have worked with and engaged with Mike will miss him immensely.”

John – a world-leading researcher in civil, geotechnical and offshore engineering who was named one of Australia’s 100 most influential engineers in 2010 – remains with the University, researching with the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Geotechnical Science and Engineering.

“When I first arrived at the University, I said that putting academics together with industry would be a major push in my role as Pro ViceChancellor,” John said.

“I’m proud to say we’ve done that. The Faculty’s researchers have increasingly collaborated with industry bodies such as the Australian Coal Association Research Program; EnergyAustralia has contributed significant funding to the Faculty to establish a Centre of Excellence Chair for smart grid development; and the University’s relationship with Ampcontrol has continued.

“The establishment of the Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources (NIER) has really pushed our connection to industry. This is how the big achievements are made – teams working together in multidisciplinary ways.”

John is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science and a Fellow of the Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering and in 2006 was appointed a Member in the Order of Australia, ‘for contributions to civil engineering through research into soil and rock mechanics and as an adviser’.

“I am so pleased that John is still working with us as a lead researcher and would like to thank him most sincerely for his significant contribution and for taking the Faculty from strength to strength,” Vice-Chancellor, Professor Caroline McMillen, said.

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campus news Alumni shine in the 2013 Australia Day Honours Graduates

staff

Dr Christopher Mitchell AM Bachelor of Medicine 1986

Professor Roger Smith AM Professor of Endocrinology, Faculty of Health

Member of the Order of Australia in the General Division

Member of the Order of Australia in the General Division

For significant service to medicine as a general practitioner through leadership roles in clinical practice, education and professional organisations.

For significant service to medical research and development in the Hunter region and in the field of maternal health.

Professor Peter Silburn AM Bachelor of Science 1980

Emeritus Professor Phil Foreman AM Faculty of Education and Arts

Member of the Order of Australia in the General Division

Member of the Order of Australia in the General Division

For significant service to medicine as a neurologist, particularly in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

For significant service to tertiary education, particularly in the area of special education, and to people with a disability.

Dr Allan Beavis OAM Diploma in Education 1967 Medal of the Order of Australia in the General Division

Conjoint Professor Sally Redman AO Faculty of Health and CEO, the Sax Institute

For service to music, and to education.

Professor Bradley Frankum OAM Bachelor of Medicine 1989

Officer of the Order of Australia in the General Division

Medal of the Order of Australia in the General Division

For distinguished service to public health through leadership in the care of women with breast cancer, contributions to research and higher education and the promotion of relationships between researchers, policy makers and practitioners.

For service to medicine as an educator and administrator.

Mr Richard Burns OAM Bachelor of Science 1962 Medal of the Order of Australia in the General Division

STUDENTS

For service to botany, as an author and conservationist.

Declan Clausen Bachelor of Engineering (Environmental)/Bachelor of Science Declan, 21, was named Newcastle’s ‘Young Citizen of the Year’ for his outstanding contribution to environmental sustainability.

Andreena Kardamis Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Laws Andreena, 19, was named Lake Macquarie’s ‘Young Citizen of the Year’ for her work in youth development and mentoring.

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Highest Hunter honour for leading prostate cancer researcher The University’s pioneering prostate cancer researcher Professor Jim Denham has been recognised for his untiring work in early intervention campaigns and groundbreaking research into better treatments for those threatened by locally advanced cancers.

In March, the NSW Member for Charlestown Andrew Cornwell MP presented Jim with a NSW Government Community Service Award.

Jim, Director of the Prostate Cancer Trials Group and a radiation oncologist based at the Calvary Mater Newcastle, said most of the 3,000 men who die from prostate cancer each year in Australia were diagnosed at a locally advanced stage.

“Treatment is much more effective when cancers are diagnosed earlier,” Jim said. “We need to diagnose prostate cancer before it reaches the locally advanced stage, and we need to develop more effective treatments for cancers that do reach this stage.”

With prevention in mind, Jim worked with leading community members in the Hunter to develop the ‘Little Prick’ campaign in 2007. Within 18 months of inception, the ‘Little Prick’ campaign had increased the prostate cancer detection rate in the Hunter from the lowest in NSW to the highest by doubling the number of Hunter men having PSA blood tests.

The NSW Government Community Service Award recognises people throughout NSW who have substantially contributed to the improvement of the quality of life of members of their community, beyond that expected in their usual occupation.

“Jim is a passionate medical professional who has dedicated his working life to cancer treatment through radiotherapy, clinical cancer trials, awareness campaigns and the improvement of information and counselling services,” Mr Cornwell said. “His tireless determination, combined with creativity and hard work, has undoubtedly changed the lives of many here in our community.”

Jim said the award was a “massive honour”.

“To be acknowledged in this way is fabulous recognition not just for me, but for the many dedicated people I have worked with.”

Professor Denham received seed funding for his research from Gallerie Fine Jewellery. He researches in collaboration with the Hunter Medical Research Institute’s Cancer Research Program.

Save the date

Alumni Awards 2013 A sellout event for the past three years – don’t miss this great night!

Mark it in your diary – Tuesday 22 October 2013

We’ll be recognising and celebrating our outstanding graduates at a gala dinner at Newcastle City Hall.

The Alumni Awards are across eight categories and recognise professional excellence, innovation, creativity, exceptional leadership and those who inspire others in a range of fields through local, national or international service.

Tickets on sale in August. Email alumni@newcastle.edu.au to register your interest.

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HEALTH AND WELLBEING Nutrition for healthy hearts and minds

By Professor Peter Howe

Certain food ingredients such as omega-3 fatty acids in fish and fish oil, and polyphenols from plant sources, offer health benefits beyond simple sustenance.

Recognising the importance of diet and lifestyle for maintaining the health of our ageing population, a new multi-institutional collaborative initiative based at the University of Newcastle, the Clinical Nutrition Research Centre (CNRC), is evaluating strategies to deliver these nutritional benefits most effectively in ‘functional’ foods and beverages or in ‘nutraceutical’ supplements.

The rapid growth of this health food sector is dependent on the quality of evidence available to substantiate the health claims made by manufacturers to promote their products, which are subject to increasing regulatory scrutiny.

CNRC researchers have made important contributions to understanding the diverse health benefits of omega-3, cocoa flavanols, soy isoflavones, resveratrol and other nutrients we term ‘vasoactive’ because of their important actions on blood vessels.

These include the capacity to restore or even enhance the functions of the endothelial cells that line blood vessels, such as relaxation (vasodilatation) of arteries and suppression of inflammation and platelet aggregation.

These actions can help to maintain the integrity of blood vessels and prevent pathological changes that lead to the development of high blood pressure and coronary heart disease. However, regulatory authorities have been reluctant to recognise these effects as evidence for health claims.

Fortunately this is now changing. The vasodilator and elastic properties of arteries

are gaining wider acceptance as sensitive biomarkers of cardiovascular health, which may better reflect the subtle effects of nutrients on mechanisms responsible for maintaining circulatory health and preventing cardiovascular disease than traditional risk factors such as cholesterol or high blood pressure.

An example is the recent acceptance by the European Food Safety Authority of a health claim for foods enriched in cocoa flavanols, stating that their regular consumption can contribute to normal blood flow. This claim drew on recent evidence from clinical trials

by CNRC researchers showing that cocoa flavanols can improve the function of the endothelium (the inner lining of the blood vessels). The CNRC has obtained similar evidence for other vasoactive nutrients – those that can increase or decrease heart rate and/or blood pressure.

Importantly, by optimising blood flow, appropriate intakes of these nutrients may also deliver a wide range of benefits beyond heart health. Indeed, increasing evidence implicates deficits of circulatory function in mental disorders associated with obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

I have hypothesised that the benefits of vasoactive nutrients may thus extend beyond cardiovascular health to deliver a wider range of metabolic and mental health benefits.

CNRC researchers have been exploring the potential benefits of vasoactive nutrients on mood, memory and cognitive function. While numerous nutrients including caffeine and other stimulants can elicit acute effects, there is less evidence that any benefits are sustained with regular consumption.

Professor Peter Howe Professor Peter Howe is the Director of the Clinical Nutrition Research Centre, a new cross-institutional research collaboration based at the University of Newcastle. He also holds the position of Professor of Nutrition Research in the School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, is Editor-in-Chief of the online journal Nutrients, and a fellow of the Nutrition Society of Australia.

Peter has an extensive track record of research in nutrition, cardiovascular physiology, neuroscience and more recently mental health and is considered an international authority on cardiovascular and metabolic health benefits of bioactive nutrients.

Cocoa flavanols and omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to improve both circulatory function and cognitive performance in chronic intervention trials. Such promising associations appear to exist for other vasoactive nutrients, including polyphenols in tea and a wide range of berries.

Non-invasive techniques including transcranial Doppler ultrasound are now being applied in new clinical trials at the Hunter Medical Research Institute to explore the link between cognitive effects of nutrients and endothelial function in cerebral arteries. This new approach will help to identify nutrients with the potential to boost mood and cognitive performance under demanding conditions, such as extreme duress or prolonged fatigue, and to counteract declines in mood and cognition that accompany the increasing prevalence of diabetes and other chronic diseases afflicting our rapidly ageing population.

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Becoming more active: lessons learnt from research with men

By Professor Phil Morgan and PhD candidate Myles Young Being physically active is one of the best things you can do for your physical and psychological health. Research describing the benefits is broad-reaching and compelling.

Physical activity can help you manage your weight; reduce your risk of heart disease, type II diabetes and cancer; lower your blood pressure; reduce your cholesterol; and help you sleep. Regular activity also reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety, improves self-esteem, reduces fatigue, and improves your quality of life. Indeed, Dr Robert Sallis of the American College of Sports Medicine said “if the benefits of physical activity could be captured in pill form, it would be the most widely prescribed medicine in the world”.

Despite this wide range of health benefits, most Australians still don’t meet the physical activity guidelines of at least 30 minutes a day. In today’s world, leading a physically active life is no longer the path of least resistance. With all of the advances in technology we have successfully engineered physical activity out of most parts of life.

A lack of time is the most commonly cited reason for not being active enough. However, for many this is just a perceived barrier, which can be overcome. With the right information and attitude it’s possible to increase your physical activity level in a sustainable way.

For example, in two of our recent male-only studies – “SHED-IT” and “Healthy Dads, Healthy Kids” – we helped many busy men and fathers increase their physical activity levels, without needing to buy any expensive equipment, join any gyms or give up all of their free time.

Dr Phil’s top three strategies for leading an active lifestyle: 1. Use a diary Whether it’s a hard copy diary or one on your phone, sit down once a week and block out 150 minutes of time for exercise through the week. Be as specific as you can. For example, where are you going to be exercising? How long will you be exercising for? What type of exercise will you be doing (walking, jogging, swimming, cycling) and who will you be exercising with?

2. Engage family and friends Involve your friends or a family member in at least one exercise session a week. Sit down and plan together or send them a text/email or call them to lock in a time. If someone is expecting you to show up, you will be much more likely to get out of bed or to leave work on time. It’s also a lot harder to convince yourself out of exercising.

3. Use active transport Any time you are in a car, consider whether you could walk or ride instead (even for part of the distance). If you can’t find time to walk or ride the whole way, try parking your car a short distance from your destination and walk for 10-15 minutes. This is because the benefits of physical activity can be built up in small bouts and this is a great way to help you reach your target. Also, when you go to drive home you’ve got no choice but to walk back to your car. This is a great way to take the strain away from your willpower.

Australian physical activity guidelines for adults (Australian Government, Department of Health and Ageing) • Think of movement as an opportunity, not an inconvenience • Be active in as many ways as you can • Put together at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity on most, preferably all, days • If you can, also enjoy some regular, vigorous activity for extra health and fitness

Professor Phil Morgan Professor Phil Morgan is a co-director of the University of Newcastle’s Priority Research Centre in Physical Activity and Nutrition and a lecturer in the School of Education. He graduated from the University of Newcastle with a Bachelor of Education (Health and Physical Education) in 1997 and completed his PhD in 2003. His research is focused on the impact of schooland community- based interventions to prevent or treat obesity in child, adolescent and adult populations. Phil’s work has been recognised with national and international awards including 10 university teaching excellence awards (four national) and five national/international research awards that highlight his career focus on the teaching/research nexus.

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HEALTH AND WELLBEING The physiology of triathlon training

By Dr Ben Dascombe and PhD candidate Chris Stevens

Triathlons are highly demanding endurance events consisting of swimming, cycling and running legs, which vary from sprint-distance events (60 minutes – 750m swim, 20km cycle and 5km run) to ironman events (10+ hours – 3.8km swim, 180km cycle and 42km run).

Successful triathlon performance requires a balance of training across these three different legs to suit the demands of the selected format. The physiological basis to prescribing and monitoring triathlon training is vital to ensure the adequate training dose is capable of improving performance over time. Hence, triathletes should use a variety of tools such as heart rate monitors, cycle computers and monitoring questionnaires, in conjunction with sports scientists and coaches, to monitor their training load to prevent excessive fatigue and injuries.

A common problem with unmonitored triathlon training is the temptation to complete too much training, given that all three legs require continued training across the week. As such, triathletes must be time efficient and vary the intensity and duration of their training to allow sufficient adaptation to improve performance and recovery across the week.

Each leg of a triathlon is typically completed at the highest intensity that can be sustained for the required time, with periods of high-intensity being required for changes to inclines or competitive finishes. This high-intensity nature of triathlon relies upon a continued supply of carbohydrates for providing energy during exercise, and a highquality supply of protein following training to stimulate recovery between sessions.

DR Ben Dascombe Dr Ben Dascombe is a Senior Lecturer in applied sports science at the University of Newcastle’s Central Coast campus. His research interests include muscle oxygenation and regional blood flow responses to exercise, and he teaches across the fields of applied sports science, exercise and ageing, and fundamental exercise science.

Overall, the capacity to handle the high training loads needed to participate in triathlons requires consistent and challenging training. For those in Newcastle wanting to get on the triathlon bandwagon, there are many qualified coaches available within the local area that can provide you with safe and structured training, aimed at your level of performance.

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Professor Joerg Mattes Professor Joerg Mattes works at John Hunter Children’s Hospital and is Chair of Paediatrics and Child Health at the University of Newcastle’s School of Medicine and Public Health. He researches as a member of the Hunter Medical Research Institute’s (HMRI) VIVA program. His work has been supported by the Hunter Children’s Research Foundation, the Ramaciotti Foundation and the National Health and Medical Research Council. In January 2013, the ‘Midline-1’ research was published in Nature Medicine, the world’s leading journal for biomedical research.

Asthma virus and allergy breakthrough

By Professor Joerg Mattes Asthma affects more than one in 10 Australians at some stage in their life.

Acute attacks result in more than 30,000 hospitalisations per year in Australia alone.

They are the single most common reason for hospital admissions to the John Hunter Children’s Hospital in Newcastle. Future challenges therefore include identifying potential preventative strategies for asthma and discovering better treatments for those asthma patients who insufficiently respond to current medications.

My colleagues and I have contributed to some significant progress in this important field of research. In a collaboration with Professor Peter Gibson and Dr Vanessa Murphy, I have followed-up infants born to mothers who suffered from asthma during pregnancy and participated in a randomised clinical trial. This groundbreaking trial conducted in Newcastle demonstrated the number of asthma attacks during pregnancy almost halved if asthma treatment was adjusted according to the inflammation present in the lungs measured noninvasively in exhaled breath. We also found that newborn hospital admissions were less frequent and episodes of bronchiolitis (a very common lung infection in the first year of life) were dramatically reduced in babies born to the group of mothers who had fewer asthma

attacks during pregnancy. Thus adverse effects of asthma attacks during pregnancy on the early origins of respiratory disease in infants may potentially be preventable by better asthma management.

We currently investigate the biological mechanisms of these intriguing observations made at ‘the bedside’ by employing innovative experimental disease models at ‘the bench’. We also follow-up our large infant cohort into preschool age and beyond to characterise their lung growth through the recently established NSW Infant and child lung function CEntre (NICE), as well as monitor the children for the development of asthma.

The common cold virus – so-called rhinovirus – causes most asthma attacks worldwide. In collaboration with Laureate Professor Paul Foster and researchers from around the globe, my laboratory conducted a comprehensive gene expression analysis over several years. We discovered rhinovirus-induced signals in infected lungs of ‘asthmatic’ mice and cells of asthmatic patients – proteins otherwise known as Midline-1 and protein phosphatase 2A. These proteins were found in the innermost layer of the airways, where the body has first contact with viruses, and once activated they appeared to modulate important disease

factors. Our pre-clinical disease models showed that we can inhibit the pathway with specific drugs and protect against the development of virus-induced asthma.

Realistically, only a few drug targets find their way to the patient and become effective asthma treatments. However it is encouraging that drug developer Proteologics Ltd and Newcastle Innovation Limited, the technology transfer company of the University of Newcastle, have entered into an exclusive license agreement to develop and commercialise therapeutics for respiratory and other diseases based on our research. Translation of basic science discoveries into better treatments therefore remains our highest priority with the vision to promote better health outcomes for all asthma sufferers from beach to bush.

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HEALTH AND WELLBEING Keys to work-life balance

By Conjoint Professor Trevor Waring AM

Google ‘work-life balance’ and 114 million headings emerge, all with sound advice! So, after 40 years of practice in clinical psychology here’s one more as my two cents worth. I have long since lost count of the number of times I’ve heard people complain that they really ought to “feel more content” than they do and that despite all their material possessions, loving friends and family they “just seem tired all the time” and cannot recall when they “last felt on top of things”. Medical checks bring up nothing and they are certainly not clinically depressed. A simple request to describe their average week often found me exhausted just listening! It was a miracle they were functioning at all.

Conjoint Professor Trevor Waring AM Conjoint Professor Trevor Waring AM is a clinical psychologist with a long connection to the University of Newcastle, as a student, an academic fellow and, most notably, as Chancellor from 2004 until 2012.

So, what have I learnt from the research and years of experience? It seems to me that it can be reduced to a cluster of just four things that seem to make the difference between thriving and surviving, even for very busy people.

The first of these turns on taking regular breaks. A four-hour block at least once a week appears to be the minimum required. A time where you indulge yourself outside your various role obligations as partner, parent, employee etc. Charging up the batteries for the next week comes from receiving and often that means you must be the giver – to yourself! A good question to ask is “When did I last have a really good time?”

The second is to ensure you have plenty of family, friends and colleagues to support you and for you to support. When speaking publicly on this topic I challenge the audience to consider who would visit them if they were in hospital. Not send a card or flowers but actually visit them and also who would they visit if a friend was in hospital. The answers often suggest the depth of our many relationships. Remember, isolation is the enemy of good mental health.

The third observation is that people who give seem to get more in return. Our need for a sense of personal value is endorsed when others value us. And how do we get others to value us? Be of value to them – kind of makes the world go around.

And finally, people who seem to manage best regularly review their life avoiding the ruts that befall so many. A trusted friend, family member or counsellor may be of help with this exercise. In a nutshell, time for you, time for those who love you, time for service and regular life reviews. Oh, and a big dose of humour always oils the works.

ALUMNUS makes NRL debut University of Newcastle graduate Anthony Don made an impressive first grade National Rugby League debut for the Gold Coast Titans in April, scoring a try in the Titans’ round six win over Parramatta.

The Bachelor of Teaching/Bachelor of Health and Physical Education graduate of 2009 played rugby league for the Grafton Ghosts and Burleigh Bears before being signed by the Titans.

Anthony has rugby league in his blood – his grandfather Ron Willey was an international fullback and coached New South Wales in the 1980s. Anthony began playing the sport at the age of 14, despite wanting to be a jockey or pro surfer as a child.

Surfing still features prominently in his life – he says it’s his favourite sport outside rugby, and names world champion Australian surfer Joel Parkinson as his favourite sports person.

Anthony says if he wasn’t playing rugby he would be a PE teacher. Given the enthusiastic response in the rugby world to his first grade debut, it’s unlikely he’ll be teaching anytime soon.

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New tests and therapies for asthma

By Professor Darryl Knight I have a very strong interest in two seemingly very different diseases – asthma and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Asthma is a disease of the airways that generally starts in childhood while IPF is a disease of the peripheral lung tissue that is almost always seen in middle age. Both diseases are global problems since all of our current therapies are directed to suppressing, rather than preventing or switching off, the primary disease process. However, I believe that there are common mechanisms and cells that are responsible for the abnormal repair responses that characterise these diseases and importantly, impact on treatment.

Epithelial cells line the airways and act as the first cell of contact and a physical barrier to the external environment and as such, these cells are continuously exposed to, and injured by, pollutants, allergens and viruses as part of their normal function. There is increasing evidence that the epithelium – or at a least specific population of cells within the epithelium – is abnormal in asthmatics. We have begun to examine epithelial cells from normal, allergic and asthmatic children and have found striking differences in the behaviour of these cells, not only in their responses to inflammation but in their ability to heal properly.

We have also shown that asthmatic epithelial cells can reprogram themselves into other cell types that contribute to altering the architecture of the airways. This process, called airway remodelling, is a cardinal feature of asthma and has a major impact on the ability to breathe properly. This approach represents a fundamental shift in current thinking of how asthma develops and our focus on the epithelium has the potential to identify completely new opportunities in designing new diagnostic tests and/or therapies to treat this disease.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is characterised by relentless scarring of the lung interstitium – the tissue layer between the air sacs and the blood vessels. When the scar forms, the air sacs of the lungs become replaced by connective tissue, produced by cells called fibroblasts. What makes this disease so hard to treat successfully is that its cause and when it first appears is unknown. Typically, patients are in their 40s and 50s when diagnosed.

The disease has no cure, no effective treatment and has a mortality rate worse than heart failure and many cancers, with a median survival of only three to five years from diagnosis.

Quality of life is poor, as patients with IPF suffer with persistent shortness of breath that feels like they are drowning.

Our current state of knowledge suggests that the development of IPF follows a similar pathway to normal wound healing incited by damage to the lung epithelium. However, in IPF, there is chronic progression because the normal ‘braking’ mechanisms do not function properly. As a consequence, the fine control that occurs during wound healing is disturbed and too much connective tissue is produced.

My research focuses on the cells that produce the connective tissue, called myofibroblasts.

We have identified a protein that we think regulates how myofibroblasts appear in the lung and produce connective tissue but do not die. By reducing the activation of this protein, the hope is that we can make myofibroblasts function normally.

Professor Darryl Knight Professor Darryl Knight is Head of School (Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy) in the University’s Faculty of Health and Medicine. His research interests are centred on asthma and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Darryl recently joined the University from the University of British Columbia in Canada.

Read more about him on page 26.

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HEALTH AND WELLBEING 45 years on the road

By Professor Tim Roberts My journey in science has been a meandering travel both metaphorically and physically. It began in the hills south of Adelaide with a plan to develop an immune contraceptive that would assist the world to control its population; wandered through several years in Europe becoming an expert in proteins, particularly of sperm; and settled in Newcastle with a move into the field of molecular basis to chronic disease, in particular chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, dyslexia and autism in partnership with Professor Hugh Dunstan.

We take a homogeneous population of individuals exhibiting one disease or symptom set and analyse the metabolism of each individual by measuring a myriad of cellular metabolites using gas chromatography in the blood, urine and faeces. When we use statistics to compare the complex metabolic profile of affected individuals to controls, we are able to pinpoint the areas of metabolism that are changed.

We consistently find that there is a distinct profile obtained that correlates with a particular symptom set. The changes we see in apparently unrelated disorders are very similar and reflect the catabolic state seen when the body’s immune system is fighting chronic infection.

We have hypothesised that this chronic catabolic state is the body’s response to chronic infection, and our long-term goal is to find the organisms involved.

In all these years of laboratory work the excitement of research has never lessened so going to work each day is never ‘going to work’. One is buoyed by the hope of a breakthrough and one is surrounded by colleagues, both national and international, who are willing to share ideas and hypotheses and techniques. Most importantly there are cyclical crops of bright research students who pass through the lab on the way to gaining their research qualifications, and who contribute to new directions to explore.

And in 2013 comes another turn in the road and another international partner. From a chance encounter in Beijing in 2010, a new research partnership has been formed with Dr Wang of the Hunan Children’s Hospital, China. I had presented our research at the World Autism Congress Asia 2010 in Hong Kong and then travelled to Beijing for an international education conference. When my hosts heard of our research they organised for Dr Wang to travel some 1,000 kilometres from his hospital in Changsha, Hunan Province, to meet me. Dr Wang said autism was a rapidly growing condition in Chinese children and he was particularly interested in biochemical and molecular analytical techniques that might shed light on the underlying causes. I was subsequently invited to present a series of lectures at the hospital in Changsha and to discuss research collaborations with Dr Wang.

In March this year I presented our work on metabolic profiling in chronic disease to an audience of about 100 clinicians and scientists over two days. I am a Visiting Professor at the hospital and I’m organising for Dr Wang to spend some time in our laboratory.

After 45 years in the lab, science is still fun, there are still many problems to solve and one never can predict what new turn in the road or new destination tomorrow will bring.

Professor Tim Roberts Professor Tim Roberts is an acknowledged expert in the area of chronic pain, fatigue and autism. He is currently Director of the Tom Farrell Institute for the Environment at the University of Newcastle, a position he took up in 2010 following four years in Singapore as inaugural Dean of the University’s Singapore campus.

Tim continues to be active in research in the laboratory of his long-time collaborator, Professor Hugh Dunstan.

Tim during his visit to China

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Professor Michael Nilsson Professor Michael Nilsson is Director of the Hunter Medical Research Institute.

The esteemed Swedish neuroscientist, neurologist and rehabilitation medicine specialist was most recently Director of Research, Development and Education at northern Europe’s largest teaching hospital, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, in Gothenburg, Sweden.

Leading tomorrow’s leaders When it comes to appreciating the immeasurable impact that role modelling and mentoring can have on a young medical researcher’s career, Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) Director Michael Nilsson has first-hand experience.

As a student, Michael came under the wing of Swedish neurological researcher Professor Christian Blomstrand. They still collaborate and share an interest in stroke and brain plasticity.

“He was, and still is, a facilitator, a mentor and a fabulous person – his advice and guidance really helped shape my career,” Michael said.

“We pioneered some of the early research looking at the function of astrocytes in the brain and helped demonstrate that these astrocytes are essential for core brain functions. For example, they contribute to the control of the flow of information over the synapses and are integral in brain plasticity and regeneration.”

From the helm of HMRI, Michael now sees the importance of fostering tomorrow’s talent to make further discoveries with a translational focus.

“HMRI has an important role to play in supporting young researchers in all aspects of their lives, not just for the benefit of their careers but for the benefit of the institution. We need to provide an environment in which they are happy to develop their careers,” he said.

“I came to Newcastle for the first time five or six years ago and I was impressed with the research community, the opportunities and the pioneering spirit that was evident. The emphasis on translational research here also attracted me to the HMRI position.

“As a city with one university that has strong links to its teaching hospitals, Newcastle is ideally positioned to take a leading role internationally in patient-focused research.”

HMRI is currently celebrating its 15th anniversary, having evolved into NSW’s third-largest medical research institute. It began with 89 names on a researcher list, $100,000 in funding, and one fundraising staff member but today has almost 1,200 researchers working under the HMRI canopy.

“We are no longer simply a Hunter institute but an international institute based in the Hunter,” Michael said. “One of the defined goals for the next five years is to be a world-class centre for translational research, with rapid turnover of results flowing from the constant, productive dialogue between the University and health structures.”

Michael is maintaining a hands-on research role, assembling a team to work on brain recovery processes after stroke. He is equally focused on encouraging high-level international collaboration across HMRI’s other research programs.

“Collaboration is the new keyword because medical research is continuously in progress, which means we also continuously need resources. Team efforts are rewarded nowadays, rather than people working in silos or isolation,” Michael said.

“It is important that we take our work to the world and let the international research community know what a wonderful, innovative environment we have here.”

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GRADUATION 2013

A Nobel Prize winner, the NSW Chief Scientist and a Hollywood designer and art director were among the occasional speakers who inspired students when the University of Newcastle staged its April graduation ceremonies at Callaghan.

More than 4,300 students graduated in 12 ceremonies over two weeks in the Great Hall, including the first cohort of the University’s Joint Medical Program (JMP). The JMP is an expansion of the University of Newcastle’s Bachelor of Medicine program, in partnership with the University of New England, offering students the opportunity to practise in urban, regional, and remote Australia.

The University awarded an honorary degree to West Australian gastroenterologist and Nobel Laureate, Professor Barry Marshall AC, a pioneer researcher responsible for discovering that the bacterium Helicobacter pylori caused one of the world’s most common diseases – peptic ulcer disease. Read more about Professor Marshall on page four.

Port Macquarie graduation

Photos courtesy of www.graduationphotography.com.au

More than 60 students donned their gowns and caps to graduate at the University of Newcastle’s Port Macquarie campus in March. It was a proud moment for the nursing program at the campus, with the 150th nursing graduate crossing the stage.

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Katie and guide dog Ari prove support is the key to success Katie Butler is a shining example of how a second chance to pursue a tertiary education, and ongoing support, can achieve a dream.

“I simply could not have studied without this technology and the support.”

After leaving high school during Year 11, the vision-impaired student completed the University of Newcastle’s tertiary preparation program, Newstep. In April Katie, 21, crossed the Great Hall stage with her trusted guide dog companion Ari, to collect her Bachelor of Social Science with distinction. Ari received a certificate of recognition to acknowledge his support during Katie’s university study.

As for her mate Ari, theirs was a match made in heaven, and one that considered Katie’s needs as a student.

“I loved studying at Newcastle,” Katie said. “I had fantastic lecturers and tutors and I made lifelong friends. I completed Newstep in the year that would have been my HSC year and I think Newstep was a much better option for me because I was able to study in an environment that really encouraged success and further study. I am eternally grateful to my lecturers in that program.”

Katie credits technology and support services as the key to her study success. A Vision Australia Further Education Bursary helped her purchase vital equipment such as a computer program that interprets written information into synthesised voice output. Katie also used an electronic Braille computer.

“I received a lot of assistance from the Adaptive Technology Centre staff on campus, who made sure I had access to all readings and textbooks that I needed. The Disability Support service also assisted me, and my lecturers and tutors were always helpful and understanding.

“I began training with Ari one month before starting Newstep. Much of our training was carried out on the Ourimbah campus so he is well and truly a Uni dog and very special to me. Ari has given me a huge amount of independence and confidence to pursue my studies.”

Katie and Ari have left a lasting impression on lecturer, Professor Dennis Foley, who appreciated the feedback Ari provided on his teaching skills.

“I have been lecturing for near on 20 years and have had numerous guide dogs in my classes. Ari definitely has charm and a presence that has helped me in the delivery of my subjects,” Dennis said.

“When he is restless in tutorials it’s time to change subject matter; when he snores I am boring – a sign to lift my game; when he watches and the tail tap, tap, taps on the chair leg I am interesting and he likes the pace of discussion and delivery. It’s not easy teaching a Labrador but when you get it right, it is very satisfying.”

Katie currently works in community development, focusing on disability access and community inclusion. Her dream is to undertake research in the field of disability to assist in removing barriers to full social and economic inclusion of people with disabilities.

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Faculty of Business and Law Sun, surf and sage advice For the past 10 summers now, Hunter residents have been able to rock up to Newcastle Beach for a swim and a Chiko Roll and some wise counsel from University of Newcastle law students and staff.

Earlier this year, the University’s beachside legal service, Law on the Beach, notched up a decade of service, having provided free legal advice to around 1,000 clients since its inception in 2004.

Through the initiative, UoN law students, supervised by the University’s Legal Centre lawyers, provide advice on such matters as family law, discrimination, employment, criminal law, illegal rent increases and house evictions.

The midweek drop-in sessions take place at Newcastle Beach in January and February each year. In 2013, 35 professional program students, supervised and assisted by five University staff members and a Hunter Community Legal Centre representative, interviewed a total of 94 clients, averaging nearly 20 clients a session. Some 62 client matters were opened as a result of the initial consultations.

Legal Centre director Shaun McCarthy speaks of the service with pride. “Our students have taken on a variety of cases with particularly youth-focused issues such as rent increases and excessive or misleading mobile phone and internet charges. We have pursued some cases with the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman.”

Shaun said Law on the Beach had been successful in giving young people, who may be unfamiliar with the system, access to the law in a comfortable and approachable location. In addition, it provided “a unique opportunity for law students to apply their studies to actual legal practice with real clients”.

The University offers students a fully integrated law program enabling them to complete a clinical diploma in law while they are completing their law degrees. The clinical diploma includes 360 hours of practical work with real clients and their real cases.

“This means our graduates are eligible to be admitted as a lawyer without having to do any further courses or placement,” Shaun explained. “We were the first university in Australia to offer this program.”

The students need to complete at least 90 of their 360 hours dealing with real cases at the Legal Centre or at the Law on the Beach clinic.

“It’s quite nerve-wracking to be suddenly face-to-face with a client for the first time,” Shaun said. “So we do seminars and simulated training before they start the advice sessions.”

In addition to the beach project, the University of Newcastle Legal Centre offers advice on a drop-in basis at University House on the corner of King and Auckland streets, Newcastle, on Wednesday mornings, and evenings by appointment, throughout the semester. Legal Centre solicitors, volunteer lawyers including new graduates, and current law students conduct the sessions.

CASE STUDY When a nearly illiterate driver found himself hounded for compensation by an insurance company after a motor vehicle accident, he sought legal help at an unlikely venue: Newcastle Surf Life Saving Club.

Inside the club auditorium, a University of Newcastle law student interviewed the man, who was adamant he was not at fault. The student took the details, briefed a University of Newcastle Legal Centre (UNLC) lawyer and then observed as the driver was given legal advice.

The auditorium had been temporarily converted into the Law on the Beach clinic, a free public service provided by the UNLC and designed to extend the range of practical clinical work law students do as an integral part of their degrees.

In the case of the driver “who had an insurance company breathing down his neck”, the student obtained the police report, which indicated the man was not at fault.

Legal Centre director Shaun McCarthy notes: “We are now asking for the damages to our client’s vehicle to be reimbursed.

“The student was just so elated to help this client, who was unemployed and had no money to pursue this through a private lawyer.’’

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A world of possibilities The new Dean of the Newcastle Law School, Professor Sandeep Gopalan, says the time was right for him to relocate from Dublin, Ireland, to Newcastle.

“It’s apparent that this University is on an upward trajectory with a lot of exciting developments in the offing,” he enthused. “It’s a particularly propitious time to join the law school here because of our impending relocation to the city.

“Being close to the courts and law firms will allow our students and staff to engage more intensely with the legal community and develop innovative educational opportunities.”

Also among the drawcards were some “terrific academics – people who care deeply about educating students. I believe that the wider academic community needs to know more about the work they do,’’ he said.

Tom Dougherty

Bachelor of LAWS/DIPLOMA OF LEGAL PRACTICE 2011

Alumnus Tom Dougherty is testimony to the fact that Newcastle Law School produces graduates who, aside from being work ready, have a strong commitment to giving back to the community.

And if that were not enough, Sandeep said he was also attracted to the possibilities offered by the University of Newcastle Legal Centre.

Tom is working in a graduate position with top tier Australian law firm Clayton Utz (CU), working across mergers and acquisitions, environment and planning and commercial litigation.

“It is unique and does work that law schools elsewhere would be envious of. How many law schools in the world can boast of a Law on the Beach program? Newcastle is a beautiful city, and the opportunity to work as an academic in a city with such spectacular beaches could not be resisted. I was also drawn by the fact that Sydney – which is surely one of the most exciting cities in the world, and a major legal centre – is less than two hours drive away.”

Aside from testing the knowledge and skills he gained at university, Tom has also been tackling the usual challenges associated with relocating to Sydney, establishing himself in a new working environment and meeting new friends and colleagues.

As Dean, Sandeep’s main focus is to develop the research and international profiles of the law school.

“The strong presence of Newcastle Law School alumni in Sydney has helped me settle into a new environment and maintain the close friendships established while studying at the University of Newcastle,” Tom said.

“This will require a number of enabling actions, including building a scholarly community with research at the centre of all activity, encouraging colleagues to publish in internationally ranked journals, recruiting leading academics from other law schools, recruiting postgraduate research students, and facilitating the success of our graduates in Australia and abroad.”

Sandeep’s area of research concerns commercial law and international law. When he’s not contemplating whether international law serves as a meaningful constraint on state behaviour, he just might be indulging in a game of cricket or tennis, writing pieces for newspapers on current affairs or losing himself in a delightful piece of classical music.

Tom is responsible for his own Pro Bono work at CU, which established a Pro Bono practice in 1997 to support community legal and other not-for-profit organisations as well as clients in regional communities.

Tom also takes pride in his role as a committee member on the CU Community Connect Program, which allows him to engage with charities including the Children’s Cancer Institute Australia, Beacon Foundation and The Wayside Chapel.

Newcastle Law School left a strong impression on Tom, particularly his experience with the University of Newcastle Legal Centre (UNLC), which Tom fostered within him a strong sense of community.

“Working closely with solicitors on case files and participating in proactive initiatives such as Law on the Beach enabled close contact with the community and provided valuable practical training,’’ he enthused.

“This community-based work ethic will remain with me, and I’m sure other Newcastle Law School graduates, throughout our careers.”

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Faculty of EDUCATION AND ARTS In the words of our graduates The Faculty farewelled hundreds of graduates across three ceremonies on 4 April.

Here are some words from our three graduate speakers.

Hannah Baum Bachelor of Teaching (Secondary)/Bachelor of Arts (Hons) “On behalf of our cohort, I would also like to acknowledge the academics, teachers and University staff who work incredibly hard to guide and inspire the next generation of educators.

Without your expertise, insight and passion, we would not be so well equipped to enter into such a challenging career with the confidence and skills we need to excel.”

Bethany Plummer Bachelor of Teaching/ Bachelor of Design and Technology (HONS)

Lucy Bryant Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Hons); University Medal

“When we first came to the University on our orientation, I doubt we could have imagined the challenges, experiences, friendships, memories and knowledge that we would gain throughout our time here. All of these things have in some form shaped who we have become and I’m sure we will use these in our career and lives as we continue the process of lifelong learning.”

“We are all connected by the shared experiences that this truly unique environment has provided. Not only have we been privileged with an outstanding academic education, we have learned many other important lessons that have shaped us into the people we are today. We have learned that the lows of extreme exam stress, and the highs of achievement forge lifelong friendships that can bring us through any struggle.

Katy Carlan in Kenya

“Though we have completed our degrees, our journey to become educated professionals is not over.

Whether this graduation is a stepping stone to another degree, whether we’ve already started working, or if we’re still searching for what comes next, this is only just the beginning. What happens next is entirely our own choice.”

Katy Carlan Bachelor of Arts (Hons) (Gender Studies and Historical Societies) 2007 Newcastle graduate Katy Carlan is committed to achieving equality for women in Kenya – not an easy task in a country where sexual and gender-based violence is culturally accepted.

Katy is in Kenya with Australian Volunteers for International Development (AVID), working for the Center for Rights Education and Awareness (CREAW). CREAW is a local Kenyan women’s rights non-government organisation working to transform Kenyan society through the promotion and expansion of women’s human rights, rule of law and social justice.

As a Gender Research and Communications Officer, Katy is focusing on providing women with access to justice, educating people about gender-based violence and working on governance and women’s leadership projects.

“When I studied my degree at Newcastle I focused on gender studies and ancient history, mostly working with an amazing academic, Marguerite Johnson, who inspired me in so many ways,” Katy said.

“Marguerite was such an inspiration to my career and my degree led me to this position here.

Before this I was working for the Australian Government in Canberra, in workplace relations policy for women.

“It’s been nice to work in the gender field so consistently and in different levels over the past few years. Kenya is an interesting place to live and work, especially in this field.”

Katy is currently studying a Masters of Peace and Conflict studies with a focus on women’s peacebuilding, and the role of the media.

She is also a board member of the Young Women’s Social Entrepreneurs – Kenya Chapter and is working with the University’s Alumni Relations team to establish a presence in Kenya.

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Graduate grabs Silver Logie Congratulations to our 2004 Bachelor of Arts (Communication Studies) graduate Stephen Peacocke, who won a Silver Logie at ‘television’s night of nights’ in April.

Stephen, who plays Darryl ‘Brax’ Braxton in the popular TV drama Home and Away, studied communications at the University of Newcastle before moving into acting.

Image courtesy of Channel Seven

Nat Heath Bachelor of Social Science (Aboriginal Studies) 2006 Young Indigenous man Nat Heath is committed to helping his community – even if it means running 42.2 kilometres to do it.

Nat carried the weight of more than his own hopes and goals as he pounded the bitumen on his long training runs in preparation for his first marathon.

The University of Newcastle graduate and Indigenous Student Support and Development Officer was selected to participate in the 2012 New York Marathon as part of the Indigenous Marathon Project (IMP), a scheme begun by Australian sporting great Robert de Castella to promote healthy lifestyles among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Nat, a keen sportsman, had approached the race as a personal challenge but also a great opportunity to promote good health in the Indigenous community, a cause close to his heart.

The experience was to prove a bigger test of character than he could have imagined, however, when the famous race was cancelled just days before the starting gun in the wake of the devastation wrought

by Hurricane Sandy.

Nat and his teammates, having already arrived in New York for the event for which they had trained most of the year, cast aside their immense disappointment and rolled up their sleeves to help, taking to the streets of Brooklyn to assist with the post-storm clean-up.

“To spend the day helping locals instead of running was a rewarding experience and it was something that brought the whole team together and showed us what was really important,” Nat reflected.

While he did not achieve his athletic goal on this occasion, Nat hopes to run another marathon with his IMP teammates in the near future, and remains equally committed to the cause behind the project: advocating good health and lifestyle choices to the Indigenous community.

“My partner lost three close family members, including her mother, to diabetes. I want to help get the message across that having diabetes and dying early of preventable diseases is not normal, and that those illnesses can be avoided if you eat well and exercise regularly,” he explained.

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Faculty of ENGINEERING AND BUILT ENVIRONMENT

Reconstructing Victorian Newcastle Exhibition – Unlocking Newcastle’s forgotten past When the mortar crumbles and the wrecking ball descends, what was once a city’s most impressive architectural display is lost forever, confined to photographs and history files.

But what if you could be given a window into the past and a realistic glimpse of Victorian era architecture at the very sites where these buildings once stood? University of Newcastle researchers have done just that, offering us the chance to be transported back to 19th Century Newcastle at the flick of a finger.

The lost relics of Newcastle’s architectural history have been given new life using cutting edge technology that offers a window into the past. What are now modern brick and glass buildings housing the 20th Century office workers of Newcastle’s professional set, were once large and imposing hotels with wide balconies and ornate entrances.

They come to life through the Reconstructing Victorian Newcastle project. Launched last year with a roaming exhibition operating out of the Newcastle Museum, the project uses smart technology not before seen in this type of application.

Developed by University of Newcastle School of Architecture researchers Dr Tessa Morrison, Nicholas Foulcher and Dr Helen Giggins, the exhibition uses an augmented reality application, called Layar Reality, which displays digital ‘layers’ of text and images on an interactive map, bringing to life the architecture of a forgotten era.

After downloading the free Layar Reality application on a smart phone or tablet device, visitors and history buffs simply hit the street at designated sites, scan the images, view pictures and read the site history on their mobile device.

The city’s energy, its growth, commerce and industry were comprehensively photographed

by Ralph Snowball and the project uses his images, kindly made available through the University of Newcastle Cultural Collections.

Many of Snowball’s photographs of the time feature typical scenes – like that of a Hunter Street butcher displaying his wares in 1904, which gives an alarming insight into the hygiene of the late Victorian period.

Thomas Brothers Butchery used to sit somewhere near the present-day CBD Hotel in Newcastle West.

The pilot project has been funded by the University’s Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment. The team is also investigating a wider application that could have immense historical and tourism benefits for the city.

What is Layar?

Newcastle’s Victorian History

The Layar Reality Browser shows what is around you by displaying real time digital information on top of the real world as seen through the camera of your mobile phone. This technology is called Augmented Reality. We augment the real world as seen through your mobile phone, based on your location.

Newcastle was first settled in 1801 and with a population of 1,000, was declared a city in 1847. By the late 1870s, Newcastle was the industrial heart of New South Wales, a badge the city still wears with pride nearly 150 years later.

See the Reconstructing Victorian Newcastle project at youtube/nvfgnvZ3LZk

Newcastle’s epicentre and promenade, Hunter Street, was described in the Illustrated Sydney News as the ‘George Street of Newcastle’. On Saturday nights at its best and brightest, Hunter Street enjoyed throngs of shoppers and loungers who turned out after supper to socialise.

By the end of the 19th Century Newcastle was a bustling city with significant stone buildings, hotels with broad verandas and a thriving commercial centre.

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Perfect score 2012 Electrical Engineering graduate and former Merewether High student, Kumaran Nathan, has become the first Newcastle engineering student to receive 100 per cent for his final year project.

After achieving a perfect score for his final work titled Design and Construction of an Advanced STATCOM for Reactive Power Control and Harmonic Cancellation, Kumaran is pursuing a career in research and has commenced his PhD studies at Newcastle this year.

“Attaining 100 on my project was one of the proudest moments of my life. I put in countless hours over the year so I was expecting to do well, but to get a perfect score was completely unexpected,” he said.

“Throughout high school I always had a passion for maths and science. Studying at the University of Newcastle has given me the practical knowledge and skills I need to pursue a career in research to help solve real problems facing the world today.”

The exceptional engineer developed a device called the Advanced STATCOM, which increases the quality of the power flowing through the electrical network.

“While working as a cadet engineer at Ausgrid I saw the impacts of poor quality, and I developed an interest in using the latest technology to optimise the use of existing infrastructure,” he said of his project.

The former Merewether High School student is excited by the prospect of his concept one day being actualised.

“It has very strong industry application – I definitely see future work on this project that would allow it to be used in the real world.”

a dynamic award World-class electrical engineer, Laureate Professor Graham Goodwin, has received a prestigious award recognising his outstanding career.

A global leader in his field of dynamic systems and automation control, Professor Goodwin is the 2013 recipient of the Rufus Oldenburger Medal from the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), in recognition of his fundamental contributions to automatic control theory and practice.

Professor Goodwin is only the second Australian to receive the Medal and the first whose research is based in Australia (the Medal was previously won by Australian-born American engineer Gordon Brown in 1977).

The Rufus Oldenburger Medal was instituted in 1968, and Professor Goodwin said he felt “inspired” to join the prestigious list of previous recipients from institutions such as Harvard University, U.C. Berkeley, Stanford University and MIT. “I am honoured to receive this medal as a culmination of a lifetime of work,” Professor Goodwin said.

Professor Goodwin has been with the University of Newcastle for 37 years and his work has earned him worldwide recognition and enough distinguished appointment, awards and qualifications to fill two walls of his office. His current research includes developing an artificial pancreas to assist people suffering from Type 1 Diabetes; working on ambulance scheduling to improve the effectiveness of emergency services; and the control of systems to improve the upload capacity and operation of 3G and 4G mobile telecommunications.

At the peak of his career, Professor Goodwin said one of his greatest joys remained his students at the University of Newcastle.

“I am excited to be able to work with young people who continue to inspire and challenge me,” he said.

26 | THE SEAHORSE

Faculty of HEALTH AND MEDICINE Teamwork Husband and wife dietitians Trent and Jane Watson may espouse the principles of mealtime moderation, but the University of Newcastle graduates appear to have plenty on their plate.

Trent is the CEO of Ethos Health, a director of Hunter Medicare Local and a Conjoint Senior Lecturer at Newcastle. He is also on the Exercise is Medicine initiative’s National Advisory Committee and is a nutrition consultant on Channel 10 TV program The Biggest Loser.

Jane is a paediatric dietitian with Ethos and works with nutrition and dietetics Professor Clare Collins at the University of Newcastle.

She provides research supervision and support to Honours and PhD students. On the home front, Jane relishes her time with the couple’s three boys, helping them learn to play the piano, waterski, ride a horse and crack a stockwhip (a legacy of her country upbringing).

Ethos Health, formed in 2009 with the merger of the couple’s Clued on Food business and Physio at Work, employs physiotherapists, dietitians, exercise physiologists, occupational therapists and occupational health nurses. It offers a range of health (diet, exercise, injury prevention and treatment) and safety (manual handling, ergonomics and fatigue) solutions.

Occupying Trent’s ever industrious mind at present are ways to “integrate the knowledge, skills and resources of allied health professionals and smart technology into medical practice to improve access, efficiencies and equity in health care.”

Trent says his PhD, concerned with antioxidant nutrition in exercise, fostered within him critical thinking, a dogged sense of curiosity and a realisation that evidencebased practice is nothing without practicebased evidence.

As part of her PhD, Jane developed the Australian Child and Adolescent Eating Survey and her current work at the University has been focused on adapting this survey for all ages and, through the support of Newcastle Innovation, commercialising the survey and developing it for online use.

Trent and Jane had not crossed paths before both beginning undergrad studies at Newcastle in 1995.

Some 18 years down the track, the Doctors Watson have two PhDs and three goldenhaired boys to their reputable name as well as an innovative and ever evolving primary healthcare practice and a plethora of commitments and goals concerned with creating a healthier community.

The births of Nick in 2004, Will in 2006 and Fred in 2009 – just weeks before the final, bound version of Jane’s PhD thesis was submitted – has made life interesting.

“I look back and am not surprised there were many late nights and early mornings,’’ Jane said. “Trent and I were running Clued on Food when I was finishing my PhD. Our boys were dragged everywhere with me. They learnt to sleep on the run – in a sling, pram or just on the floor under my desk at work.

“My thesis was truly a team effort. I couldn’t have done it without my very generous and supportive family and friends, accommodating work colleagues and patient, understanding supervisors – who I’m sure wondered at times whether I would ever finish – and, of course, an extremely positive and supportive husband!

“When I submitted the final, bound version of my thesis to the Office of Graduate Studies, the ‘official’ photo was of me holding my thesis and carrying Fred in a sling.”

Dr Jane Watson Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics 1998 PhD 2010 Dr Trent Watson Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics 1999 PhD 2005

New head of school The University of Newcastle’s Head of School (Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy) has much to look forward to in his new role and new surrounds.

Professor Darryl Knight has taken up the position after a nine-year stint in Vancouver, Canada, where he was a Canada Research Chair and Professor of Pharmacology at the University of British Columbia.

“The position was one aspect, but an opportunity to return to Australia and the beautiful beaches certainly didn’t hurt,” the West Australian native says of the lure to return Down Under.

“I was excited by the opportunities within the School and University. A research-oriented university with a strong platform of research excellence and a very clear plan to build on this capacity is very motivating.

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Dr Vanessa McDonald Bachelor of Nursing 1998 Diploma of Health Science (Nursing) 1991 PhD (Medicine) 2011 The most valuable lesson Vanessa McDonald took from university was that learning never ends.

And indeed, it is her curious mind – and indefatigable work ethic – that have propelled this Newcastle graduate to the positions of senior lecturer in the University of Newcastle’s School of Nursing and Midwifery; a conjoint senior lecturer in the School of Medicine and Public Health; and respiratory clinical nurse consultant in the Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine at John Hunter Hospital.

Vanessa is a research leader in the Hunter Medical Research Institute’s VIVA program and the Priority Research Centre for Asthma and Respiratory Disease, under the ongoing mentorship of Professor Peter Gibson.

Her work concerns the management of obstructive airway diseases including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cystic fibrosis.

“I was fortunate enough to work with a team of clinical researchers who encouraged and supported me to incorporate research and research training into my clinical practice,’’ Vanessa says of her work as Respiratory Liaison Nurse in the Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine at John Hunter Hospital.

“The research profile of the School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy has grown exponentially over the last few years and has the potential for much further growth.’’

Darryl says as Head of School, his focus will be to build on these existing platforms to develop an “outstanding environment wherein education, stellar research and knowledge translation into action are inextricably linked”.

“This position allowed me to work with a dynamic and innovative multidisciplinary team who taught me the value of evidence-based practice. These opportunities ignited my appetite for research.’’

Vanessa’s interdisciplinary research program links biomedicine, clinical effectiveness and health policy development.

“The program focuses on clinical trials of treatment interventions that are individualised and targeted to biomarkers, clinical, functional and self-management needs,” she explained.

Vanessa’s working life has been showered with proud moments but she says nothing beats the funding approval for her 2013 research program.

“I opened the letter in October last year that said: ‘I am pleased to advise that the Minister for Health, the Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, has approved funding for your National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Project Grant to commence in 2013’. I think it was certainly the most exciting moment of my career,” she said.

Raising her daughter Olivia “to become a kind, caring individual’’ also rates among Vanessa’s proudest achievements and greatest pleasures, while photography and travel provide a relaxing outlet.

“Nothing relaxes and grounds me more than capturing the beauty of nature,’’ she says.

“An important goal of mine is to continue fostering solid and productive international interactions and relationships.”

Darryl brings with him to Newcastle his wife Martha and daughter Tyla, both of whom are equally delighted to be back in their home country.

Darryl hopes to make space outside his exciting yet demanding new role for some of his favourite pastimes: golf, surfing, hiking and photography.

“Finding the time is the key,” he acknowledges.

Darryl writes about his research on page 15.

28 | THE SEAHORSE

Faculty of SCIENCE AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Science over schooners

NSW Scientist of the Year

Welcome home

The community and science came together earlier this year when ‘Science in the Pub’ arrived in Newcastle, bringing conversation around new technologies to The Grand Hotel. The inaugural event was a huge success, with more than 100 people turning up to hear from the University of Newcastle’s panel of researchers.

The Faculty of Science and IT was thrilled when Laureate Professor John Aitken was named the 2012 NSW Scientist of the Year.

Hunter Valley wines, beaches, family and quality academic staff were at the top of the ‘pros’ list when Professor Simon Dennis considered the move to Newcastle from Ohio State University in Columbus, where he says there is “considerably less sun”.

The complicated issues surrounding biotechnology, genetics and ethics were tackled by Laureate Professor John Aitken, Professor Pablo Moscato and Professor Rodney Scott.

The focus then turned to the audience with many people posing questions to the panel about government policies and regulation, the role and impact of ethics committees on research and the cost for the public to access these new technologies.

Perhaps Professor Rodney Scott summed up the gathering when he said, “We’re part of you. We aren’t outside the general community. We need to know what you think and if our work is worth it.”

The event was presented by ABC Newcastle, the University of Newcastle and the Australian Government.

The award recognised John’s world-class work in reproductive biology. John – who researches in collaboration with the Hunter Medical Research Institute – has identified oxidative stress (cells being attacked by ‘free radicals’) as a major cause of male infertility, a finding that has resulted in new methods of therapeutic intervention. His team has also developed potential contraceptive agents that could prevent pregnancy and simultaneously inhibit the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.

“Each year the reproductive needs of some 120 million couples worldwide go unmet. I believe that finding more effective ways to control fertility is a critical global issue while, at an individual level, we should never forget the large number of couples seeking safe, effective solutions to their infertility,” John said.

“This award recognises the importance of reproductive biology research at the University. New South Wales is home to some of the most prestigious research institutions in the world. However this award serves to remind us that not all of this research excellence is harboured in Sydney.”

The new Head of School (Psychology), who was raised on a dairy farm south of Brisbane and educated at The University of Queensland, regards Newcastle’s mathematical psychology group as one of the strongest in the world.

“Andrew Heathcote and Scott Brown are very well known researchers in my area. A former collaborator, Kerry Chalmers, and a former postdoc student of mine, Emily, are both working at Newcastle, so when I interviewed I felt very much at home.”

Simon, whose particular areas of research interest are human memory and language, is relishing Newcastle’s exceptional credentials and enormous promise.

“The School achieved outstanding results in the latest ERA [Excellence in Research for Australia] assessment – a score of five in the psychology section and in the cognitive science section, a score of four. No school in Australia scored a five for cognitive science and I would like to make Newcastle the first to do so.

“Beyond research, I would like the School to continue providing a quality educational experience for our students and prepare for important changes in the delivery of instruction. We need to be leading, not following, these trends.’’

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Leading the world in frog research In a quiet corridor on the bottom floor of the Biology building at the University’s Callaghan campus, a team of frog researchers is leading the world on research into amphibian protection.

The Faculty of Science and IT’s Amphibian Research Group, led by Professor Michael Mahony, has worked with colleagues in Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide to revive and reactivate the genome of the extinct Australian frog Rheobatrachus silus.

The bizarre gastric-brooding frog, – which uniquely swallowed its eggs, brooded its young in its stomach and gave birth through its mouth – became extinct in 1983. But the ‘Lazarus Project’ team has been able to recover cell nuclei from tissues collected in the 1970s and kept for 40 years in a conventional deep freezer. The ‘de-extinction’ project aims to bring the frog back to life.

In repeated experiments over five years, the researchers used a lab technique known as somatic cell nuclear transfer. They took fresh donor eggs from the distantly related great barred frog, Mixophyes fasciolatus, inactivated the egg nuclei and replaced them with dead nuclei from the extinct frog. Some of the eggs spontaneously began to divide and grow to early embryo stage – a tiny ball of many living cells.

Although none of the embryos survived beyond a few days, genetic tests confirmed that the dividing cells contained the genetic material from the extinct frog.

The work is just one of many projects underway by the group. The team has also successfully developed a method to freeze frog embryonic cells in a world-first breakthrough that could slow the threat of extinction to hundreds of frog species.

The researchers have separated, isolated and frozen the embryonic cells of an Australian Ground Frog (the Striped Marsh Frog, Limnodynastes peronii), using cryopreservation techniques that will now allow for cloning.

“Almost 200 frog species have been lost in the past 30 years due to disease and a further 200 species face imminent threat – this is the worst rate of extinction of any vertebrate group,” Michael said.

“The new technique will act as an insurance policy to buy us time for species on the edge of extinction, as we search for answers to diseases and other threats.”

The Striped Marsh Frog (Limnodynastes peronii)

The group also recently released the last of approximately 5,000 tadpoles into a newly constructed research habitat on Ash Island in Newcastle, created to protect the Green and Golden Bell Frog. The habitat is part of a three-year collaboration with the Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group (NCIG).

“We have 16 ponds and wetland vegetation that will provide us with an understanding of the frog’s preferred environment and pond variables,” Michael said.

“We’re able to monitor the development of the species and help to minimise possible threats to population including changes in habitat, introduced predators, diseases and pollution.”

Once the monitoring program is complete, the fence will be removed and the habitat will become part of the natural landscape to enable the frogs to interact with nearby Green and Golden Bell Frog populations.

30 | THE SEAHORSE

NETWORK NEWS Zimbabwe In March, the University of Newcastle was proud to join the Zimbabwe Australia Business Council to launch the Zimbabwe Australian Alumni Association in Harare.

The event was attended by His Excellency Matthew Newhaus, Australian Ambassador to Zimbabwe; as well as Her Excellency Jacqueline N Zwambila, the Ambassador to Australia; and members of the Zimbabwe Australian Business Council.

Held on the lawns of the Australian Embassy against the backdrop of the setting sun, approximately 120 alumni from Australian universities, including Newcastle, gathered to connect with old friends, create new networks and rub shoulders with government representatives.

David Wise (UoN) and Dr David Okelle, UoN alumnus and Director of WHO Zimbabwe

Singapore A large crowd of Singapore alumni gathered to reminisce and reconnect with Australian culture at an outdoor Aussie BBQ in March.

Hosted by the Singapore Alumni Chapter, the evening was an opportunity for alumni to make new friends, create networks and catch up with fellow classmates.

Chapter President Kaushik Bhanushali (right) with UoN Alumni

Bob Cochrane (UoN) with members of the Singapore Alumni Chapter Committee

Thailand Dr Rachen Boonloisong (Doctor of Business Administration) 2009 worked with fellow alumni to host a reunion of our Thai Alumni on 15 January. Graduates enjoyed a fantastic evening catching up with fellow classmates, making new friends and sharing memories of their time in Newcastle.

Save the date

16 NOVEMBER Singapore alumni DINNER

DON’T MISS THESE KEY ANNUAL UNIVERSITY EVENTS FOR ALUMNI HAPPENING IN NOVEMBER

17 NOVEMBER Malaysia alumni LUNCH AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SEMINAR

Keep your contact details up to date by visiting www.newcastle.edu.au/gradlink

UoN Singapore alumni are invited to join fellow graduates and University senior staff for the annual alumni dinner at Goodwood Park Hotel from 6.30pm. Register your interest for this event by emailing singapore-alumni@newcastle.edu.au today!

Malaysia alumni are invited to join fellow graduates and University senior staff for the annual alumni event. Enjoy lunch together followed by a professional development seminar on international business development, led by our Pro Vice-Chancellor (Business and Law), Professor Richard Dunford.

20 NOVEMBER Hong Kong graduation and alumni dinner 2013 marks the 10th anniversary of a successful teaching collaboration between HKMA and UoN. Alumni are invited to join new graduates and reconnect with fellow graduates to celebrate this significant milestone. Gather a table of your cohort and register your interest for this event by emailing hongkong-alumni@newcastle.edu.au today!

THE SEAHORSE | 31

Meet a PRESIDENT UoN Singapore Alumni Chapter Mr Kaushik Bhanushali leads the UoN Singapore Alumni Chapter. A Master of Business Administration graduate, Kaushik holds a senior role with Rentokil Initial. He took a few moments to talk to us about life since graduating and his passion for the alumni network.

“After graduating from the University’s MBA program in 2007, I took up an internship with the UK-based multinational Rentokil Initial in Singapore. I started as an intern; continued as a business analyst; became Assistant Manager Finance for two of the businesses; managed mergers and acquisitions; and now I am managing the reporting, pricing and mergers and acquisitions support for the entire Asia business. I am also in charge of the project ‘Driving Pricing Culture Change’ throughout Asia. My role is very interesting.

I’m challenged every day and I learn from the stalwarts of the business and see a holistic picture of the entire operation. It’s been a long and enriching journey since graduation.

“Life has not only been about Rentokil Initial.

I started travelling extensively for leisure and have pretty much explored all of Asia. Next on the agenda is Russia and Scandinavian countries. I’ve been closely associated with the UoN Singapore Alumni Chapter since 2008. I joined because I wanted to contribute to my alma mater and always be associated with the University. After working in different roles for four years, I was elected President and since then the Chapter has grown from strength to strength. We organised a record five successful events in a year and have managed to develop a very high-performance team.

“An Alumni chapter connects you to your University, it brings back that feeling of belonging. We all want to relive our student days and this is the closest you can get to it.

A chapter is a great platform for networking.

So many UoN alumni are super achievers – just imagine the benefits of interacting with these people. You might just find someone who shows you the right direction and gives you the right push.

“With our excellent team in place, I hope to bring all the UoN Singapore alumni under one roof by continuously organising interesting events like last year’s networking night at a rooftop bar at Esplanade, which more than 100 alumni attended.

“The best thing that happened to me last year was getting married. Life’s changed, and for the better. Convincing my wife to marry me is certainly one of my life achievements!

There are others I am very proud of. When I was studying at Newcastle, the Dean randomly gave me his personal tie and said “This is for the best student”. I always wear the same tie at all UoN functions.

“I’m proud of receiving the ‘Best Performer Award’ from Rentokil Initial; increasing the profit of my company by $SGD400,000 in my first year; being part of the core committee that turned around the Rentokil Initial business in Singapore; and creating an integrated and efficient UoN Singapore Alumni Chapter team.

“The most valuable thing I learned at university was that a leader should not just be fair and unpretentious but also be kind and mentor people to get the best out of them. I live my life by the words of Swami Sivananda – ‘Put your heart, mind, and soul into even your smallest acts. This is the secret of success’.”

32 | THE SEAHORSE

Staying engaged As a University of Newcastle alumnus you have a lifelong connection to the University and to the Newcastle and Hunter region – no matter where in the world you studied with us or where in the world life may take you.

We’re committed to pursuing meaningful engagement in order to play a role in shaping the future of our regions and our communities for generations to come. With our staff, students and alumni as our richest resources, and by drawing on the knowledge that flourishes from them, we can work together to identify goals, drive innovation and form sustainable partnerships that have widespread and mutual benefits.

There are many ways you can engage with your University and Engage Newcastle www.newcastle.edu.au/engage is a space designed to help you do this. Think of Engage Newcastle as a virtual ‘front door’ to the University.

We’re excited too about our Engage Newcastle Community Blog engage.newcastle.edu.au – a place where we celebrate our people and our region. The blog was designed to target local issues and empower our communities to connect and collaborate with the University, to have a conversation with us. We would be happy for our graduates across Australia and abroad to contribute to the conversation.

The blog’s themes focus on the region’s most pressing or topical issues and concerns, and are drawn together with social commentary and opinion from multiple guest bloggers. Our first theme was alcohol, and we posed the question ‘Is alcohol in Newcastle’s DNA?’ This question emerged as an attempt to examine some of the public health and policy issues around alcohol use and the alcohol trading regulations that have put Newcastle in the national spotlight in recent years.

Our contributors to this theme included student Ellen Moore, local mum and businesswoman Donna Angus, recovering alcoholic George Parry, Heather Niacik from Hunter Life Education and local politician Sharon Claydon. Perhaps the most interesting thread that emerged from our contributors is that they all believe Newcastle isn’t as unique as media reports would sometimes indicate.

A Four Corners report aired earlier this year, Punch Drunk, indicated that Newcastle – just as our bloggers assert – isn’t special at all. In this report, Scott Weber, President of the Police Association of NSW maintained that Australia, as a nation, was in a crisis when it came to alcohol-fuelled violence. He said, “We’re in a crisis. It’s occurring right now. It costs the community over $15 billion a year.” Other stakeholders such as The Australian Hotels Association dispute this claim.

However, statistics now show a 37 per cent drop in assaults in Newcastle, a result attributed to Newcastle City Council’s ‘Safe Newcastle’ strategy of 2008. As a result, the region is being looked upon as a model for best practice in the management of the issue.

One UoN researcher is doing significant work around the causes and prevention of hazardous drinking. Associate Professor Kyp Kypri was recently awarded a National Health and Medical Council Research Fellowship worth $650,000 to examine hazardous drinking. The prestigious five-year Fellowship will allow Kyp to further develop a program of research into the causes of hazardous drinking, develop interventions, and evaluate polices to address this leading contributor to the global burden of disease.

As an indicator of current local public opinion we conducted a poll on our blog asking participants to identify what they saw as the solution to Newcastle’s ‘alcohol problem’. Here’s what they said: • Education around alcohol that starts at school (53%) • Tougher laws for alcohol abuse and anti-social behaviour (41%) • Accessible treatment for those with alcohol problems (38%) • More research into why people abuse alcohol (27%) • Tougher penalties for those who serve alcohol (21%) • I don’t think Newcastle has a problem with alcohol (18%) • Less government intervention, people need to take responsibility for their actions (13%) Explore at www.newcastle.edu.au/engage Join the conversation at engage.newcastle.edu.au

Our Community, Your University

how do you see newcastle? engage.newcastle.edu.au

Have your say on our community blog

THE SEAHORSE | 33

ALUMNI IN PRINT The Last Thread By alumnus Dr Michael Sala Bachelor of Arts (Hons) 1998 In May, Creative Writing PhD graduate and University academic Dr Michael Sala was named Regional Winner (Pacific) of the Commonwealth Book Prize for his debut novel, The Last Thread. In the same week, he also won the NSW Premier’s Award for New Writing.

The Last Thread is Michael Sala’s fascinating life in fiction. From his early years in the Netherlands to growing up in Australia during the 1980s, Michael recalls the secret surrounding his estranged Greek father and how scandalous events from the past fractured his family. This is a moving chronicle of a boy’s turbulent relationship with his bullying stepfather, aloof older brother and adored mother, whose cheerful apathy has devastating consequences. As his life unfolds, Michael – now a father – must decide if he can free himself from the dark pull of the past.

Workplace Health and Safety Law in Australia By alumnus Associate Professor Neil Foster Master of Laws 2004 Workplace Health and Safety Law in Australia provides an introduction to the law of workplace health and safety in Australia, and offers clear concise commentary on all aspects of related civil and criminal law.

The book sets out the wide range of legal obligations employers and managers must understand to provide a safe and compliant workplace, including discussion of the contract of employment, common law obligations, workers’ compensation law, anti-discrimination legislation and the statutory workplace safety law currently being introduced in a harmonised form around Australia.

Available at www.lexisnexis.com.au

Available at www.affirmpress.com.au

By alumnus Dr Julie McIntyre Bachelor of Arts (Hons) 2004

This book complicates knowledge of Australian history by illuminating forgotten cultural imaginings, revealing the challenges of plant adaptations and recovering lost stories of the emergence of colonial business.

This second edition of the highly successful Employment Relations: Theory and Practice has been thoroughly updated to reflect the latest legislation as well as current research on topical issues such as unfair dismissal, equal opportunity, employment standards and occupational health and safety. The student-focused approach draws on students’ own experiences of work, developing their ability to describe and explain patterns of employment relations within wider theoretical frameworks.

By Professor Mark Bray, alumnus Associate Professor Peter Waring and Associate Professor Rae Cooper Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) 1996; Doctor of Philosophy 2000 contemporary and informed This edition contains the most up-to-date and theoretically-informed analysis of the processes and practices of employment relations in Australia, including the implementation of the Commonwealth’s Fair Work Act 2009.

relevant and engaging Thought-provoking examples demonstrate employment relations in action, and the real-world impact of legislation on corporations, employees and organisations. emphasis on active learning

Written in clear, accessible language, Employment Relations 2e requires students to actively develop their critical analysis and reflective thinking skills through a wide range of pedagogical features that apply theory to practice.

These include: ER News examples, discussion questions, in depth-case studies, work stories and online quizzes available with the book.

ebook

online Learning centre

McGraw-Hill eBooks are an engaging way to study. A powerful search engine means you can search easily for topics while innovative features allow you to insert notes or highlight specific content. You can even share notes with other eBook users.

Get the most from your course. The Online Learning Centre provides additional resources and a powerful learning experience. The OLC for students and instructors is available at www.mhhe.com/au/ bray2e

theory and practice

Sumptuously illustrated with rarely seen historic images, First Vintage locates the early history of wine production, trade and consumption in New South Wales within broader currents of imperial ambition and colonial expansion. It shows that a greater diversity of production was imagined from the beginning of the colony than the nationbuilding commodities of wool, wheat and minerals.

Employment Relations 2e

EmploymEnt RElations

First Vintage: Wine in Colonial New South Wales

This second edition of the popular textbook first published in 2008 is fully updated and revised to incorporate changes brought about by the Fair Work Act 2009. The book has been thoroughly revised and streamlined to make it even easier to navigate and to further improve the learning experience. It also includes news stories from 2010 that demonstrate the Fair Work Act in action, and as it has been tested by various organisations, corporations and the government since the Act came into force. bray waring cooper

www.mhhe.com/au/bray2e

spine 20mm

Available at www.mcgraw-hill.com.au

Available at www.newsouthbooks.com.au

Foundation Annual Appeal ALUMNI Giving makes a difference The 2013 Annual Appeal is raising money for the Shaping Futures Scholarship Fund. Established in 2011, the Fund provides financial assistance to students from a low socioeconomic (financially disadvantaged) background, rural students, Indigenous Australians, students with carer or family responsibilities and students with disabilities.

You can directly help a student achieve their goals and dreams. Thank you. www.newcastle.edu.au/foundation/annual-appeal

STAY IN TOUCH – Find UoN Alumni activities

NEW

PROFESSORS TALK

The University of Newcastle is proud to present its new professors through a dynamic public lecture series.

‘New Professors Talk’ introduces you to the world-class expertise of the new people in our community, sharing the knowledge of these leading commentators and thinkers.

Australia

International

• Hunter • Sydney • Canberra • Brisbane • Melbourne

• Botswana • Beijing • Bhutan • Shanghai • Canada

• Hong Kong • Kenya • Indonesia • Malaysia • Mexico

• Singapore • Tanzania • Turkey • United Kingdom • United States

Update your details so we can let you know about UoN alumni benefits, events and developments. Visit www.newcastle.edu.au/gradlink

EVENT DIARY JULY-DECEMBER 2013 JULY

NOVEMBER

Newcastle

Newcastle

Tuesday 23 July Public Lecture Series Morpeth Lecture

Tuesday 5 November Public Lecture Series

Speaker: The Reverend Professor Graeme Ward, Regius Professor at Oxford University Topic: Why believe?

Christ Church Cathedral 5.45pm for a 6pm start

Speaker: Professor Michael Apple, John Bascom Professor of Curriculum and Instruction and Educational Policy Studies, University of Wisconsin Location and time tba BEIJING

Our new Dean of the Newcastle Law School, Professor Sandeep Gopalan, presented the first talk in May, with the topic ‘Are CEOs and others who commit white-collar crimes punished insufficiently?’

AUGUST

Saturday 2 November Australia China Alumni Awards

Newcastle

Singapore

Friday 2 August Volunteer recognition event Location and time tba

Saturday 16 November Singapore alumni dinner

Future talks are scheduled for 24 July, 28 August, 25 September and 30 October.

SEPTEMBER

Sunday 17 November Malaysia alumni lunch and professional development seminar

Mark the dates in your diary and join us at the Newcastle Museum, Honeysuckle, to hear our New Professors Talk.

Newcastle Tuesday 4 September Alumni Advantage Breakfast Faculty of Business and Law Isabella’s Restaurant, Callaghan campus 7am

Malaysia

Hong Kong Tuesday 19 November Hong Kong graduation and alumni dinner

OCTOBER Newcastle Tuesday 22 October 2013 Alumni Awards Newcastle City Hall, 6.45pm for 7pm start www.newcastle.edu.au/alumni

Alumni Relations T +61 2 4921 5561 (domestic alumni) T +61 2 4985 4029 (international alumni) E alumni@newcastle.edu.au W www.newcastle.edu.au/alumni

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