Staff Awards Winners Gallery 2016

CONGRATULATIONS!
Andrew Foreman
2015 SENATE MEDAL
For outstanding service to the University
Mr Andrew Foreman
Technical Resources Manager
School of Engineering and Information Technology
Please tell us when you first joined the Murdoch community.
How would you describe your role at Murdoch? What
contribution does your role make to the university as a
whole?
I first joined Murdoch University as a student in 1988 and then
commenced work here in 1991. My current role is to ensure
the appropriate management of the School of Engineering &
Information Technologies considerable technical expertise,
facilities, technological and physical resources.

CONGRATULATIONS!
Andrew Foreman
2015 Senate Medal
Please tell us about what inspires you to go beyond the
call of duty in your role at Murdoch.
I find it inspiring to see students learn from the activities
that both I and my staff participate in and also from the
personal growth of the staff that I have involvement with
in relation to their willingness to learn new material and
transfer that knowledge to assist in the development of
the new scientists the University is graduating.
Is there anyone from your team and the Murdoch
community you’d like to acknowledge for your
success? What have they done to help you?
Without any doubt I would like to acknowledge
technical group I manage currently especially the
Chemistry technical group as they are the ones that do
much of the hard work that I would say makes the area
a success. I would also like to thank many of the past
Chemistry technicians I have worked with and I would
like to make special mention of past supervisors and
mentors Doug Clarke and Tom Osborne for their
direction and training over many years.
What kind of achievements would you like to see from
the Murdoch community in the next 3 -5 years?
I would like to see Murdoch University invest in a flag
ship Science building for both teaching and research
and maybe even a characterization laboratory that may
improve efficiency of use of high end instrumentation.

CONGRATULATIONS!
Professor David Macey
2015 SENATE MEDAL
Professor David Macey (retired)
whole?
I joined in 1976 as a PhD student. My role has been varied and
jack of all trades, first as academic (for 25 years), then as Head
of Admissions and Recruitment, then as the Head of Student
Services, then Pro Vice Chancellor and Faculty Dean, Science
and Engineering, then as Academic Chair for Medicine and
Domain Chair, Basic and Clinical Science in the School of
Medicine at Notre Dame Fremantle.

CONGRATULATIONS!
Professor David Macey
2015 Senate Medal
It’s been great fun being able to help people!
Watching as the lights go on in a student when teaching a
difficult concept; giving people the opportunity of a life
time – a university education – even though they may not
realise it at the time! Convincing those, both students and
staff, who think they cannot do something that it is well
within their capabilities, and then watching whilst they
shine!
All very rewarding!
So many people from all areas of the campus all through
my career at Murdoch! But in particular, for getting me
to Australia in the first place, Prof Ian Potter; my long
term research partners Profs John Webb and Tim St
Pierre; from student services, Jeff Hollett and the late
Prof Roger Lethbridge, Jan Christie, Tim Martin and
Frank White; and of course all of the staff in the School
of Medicine at Notre Dame.
Increasing our profile as a successful and supportive
university environment within the Perth community.
Success in developing the new health orientated
outcomes, both teaching and research, and growing a
vibrant South Street campus with close connections to
both hospitals over the road.

CONGRATULATIONS!
Associate Professor Bev Thiele
2015 SENATE MEDAL
Associate Professor Bev Thiele
Academy, School of Arts
whole?
Bev started at Murdoch in July 1977, as a tutor. By 1988 she
had completed her PhD and secured her first continuing
appointment. The next two decades were devoted to teaching
and research in Women’s Studies. She supervised to
completion 22 Honours, two Masters and 16 PhD students. An
active campus citizen, she served on numerous program,
school and university committees, and in mid-2008 was elected
President of Academic Council. Two years later, after briefly
acting in the role, she was appointed Deputy Vice-Chancellor
(Academic). She remained in that role until May 2012, when
she stepped down to become PVC Quality and Standards,
overseeing the University’s re-registration with the new
regulatory agency, TEQSA. At the conclusion of that contract
(June 2013) she reverted to her substantive academic contract.
Bev retired in September 2015 after 38 years at Murdoch.

CONGRATULATIONS!
Professor Associate Professor Bev
Thiele
2015 Senate Medal
I have always believed that if one thinks something should
be fixed, or done better, or be brought into being, then
one has an obligation and a responsibility to try and bring
it about. There is no point thinking someone else should
do it. I also learned early on in my time at Murdoch, that
the best things about universities - their commitment to
reason, and their collegial self-governance structures,
means that if you think something is worth doing, and you
can argue the case for it, it’s likely to get done.
Everyone really! I have learned from those who are like
me and those who are not. Those pulling in the same
direction and those who weren’t. I have been blessed
with many, close, women colleagues (they know who
they are), and the women studies students of Murdoch
have been constant joys. My partner, John Bailey, apart
from providing a model for diplomacy and integrity, also
gave me insights into the “other side” of campus, which
helped me develop and hold onto a university-wide
vision.
We would all agree that life at uni has been getting
tougher and harder. I think if I had not joined Murdoch
when I did, I would not have been able to achieve the
things I did, or to be the “good campus citizen” I was.
Life and career is so much tougher for young and
aspiring academics now. I would like to see Murdoch,
and the university sector more generally find ways to
nurture the fledgling careers of younger academics, to
give them security and the leisure to think good ideas.

CONGRATULATIONS!
Dr Natalie Warburton
2015 VICE CHANCELLOR’S AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE
IN LEARNING AND TEACHING
Dr Natalie Warburton (second right)
Senior Lecturer - Anatomy
School of Veterinary & Life Sciences
whole?
I joined Murdoch University as a lecturer in 2007 and my
teaching activities encompass the curriculum areas of
Veterinary Science, Animal Science, Biomedical Science and
Forensic Science and, previously the Chiropractic program. I
find interest and joy from my curiosity about the natural world
and how animals work, and I use this enthusiasm to engage
and motivate the students with whom I interact. I get to work
with many first year students and strive to help them make a
successful transition to tertiary education.

CONGRATULATIONS!
Dr Natalie Warburton
2015 Vice Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in
Learning and Teaching
I love what I do, and have a natural tendency to want to
share my love of learning with others, particularly with
students who may find learning challenging. I strongly
believe in the importance of a humanistic approach to
teaching and the role of the educator in encouraging and
supporting student learning.
I really value being able to give my students engaging
and practical learning activities, and to see them face-
to-face on a regular basis. This is only possible with
modest class sizes and support for student-centred
learning design. I think that this is a real strength of
Murdoch, in comparison to other universities where
there has been a strong push towards very large class
sizes and curriculum design that reduces the capacity
for students to engage in stimulating, collaborative
learning activities. I hope very much that we continue
to value and support the student experience at
Murdoch.

CONGRATULATIONS!
Martin Hopkins & Prue Andrus
IN LEARNING AND TEACHING (team teaching)
Prue Andrus and Martin Hopkins
Lecturers
School of Health Professions
whole?
Martin joined Murdoch in 2010 and completed my PhD
through Murdoch in 2015. Prue joined Murdoch in 2006.
Our team contributes to the university through developing the
skills and confidence of student nurses, who undertake
workplace learning at local and international healthcare
facilities. Our students are influential ambassadors for our
university, and when our students apply their learning’s from
the class room to the workplace they make an impact in the
patient’s journey that is observed and noticed by Registered
Nurses and other health care professionals. By preparing
students to respond to the clinical deterioration of a patient we
improve their skills and confidence and make them ready for
real life in healthcare facilities.

CONGRATULATIONS!
Martin Hopkins and Prue Andrus
Learning and Teaching (team teaching)
As registered nurses we thrive on seeing students develop
their clinical knowledge base, clinical skills and love for
nursing. It is always inspiring for us to see nursing students
develop in all aspects of their education from learning
essential nursing skills in first year such as blood pressure
recording to caring for acutely unwell complex patients in
third year. Hearing student’s link theory to practice and
applying their skills in clinical practice keeps us motivated
to help them learn.
We would like to acknowledge collaborations with St
John of God Murdoch Healthcare (SJGMH) in the
development of simulated learning environments. We
have been able to apply learning’s from a joint project
with SJGMH in our unit delivery. The collaboration with
SJGMH was made available through funding from the
Australian Government.
We would like to see the continued growth of the
nursing program across the 2 campuses allowing us to
continue to produce professional, highly skilled
registered nurses that will directly influence care in the
local community.
We would like continue our research into simulated
learning environments within the nursing program. In
particular we would like to develop more clinical units
of embedded weekly simulations and evaluate student
experiences and outcomes.

CONGRATULATIONS!
Antonia Girardi and Stephen Turner
IN LEARNING AND TEACHING (team teaching)
Associate Professor Antonia Girardi and Mr Stephen Turner
School of Management & Governance
whole?
Having been colleagues for almost six years, we began teaching
as a team in 2012 when Stephen joined the School of
Management and Governance as a sessional staff member.
Antonia has been with Murdoch for 17 years this coming July.
Through our varied academic and professional backgrounds,
we have a number of complementary skills and approaches
that enable us to address the challenges students face through
their learning journey at Murdoch University.

CONGRATULATIONS!
Associate Professor Antonia Girardi and
Mr Stephen Turner
Learning and Teaching (team teaching)
We embrace the teaching of human resource management
(HRM) based on one guiding principle -- people
management is everybody’s business.
We believe our people-centred, ethical and moral
approach to human resource management has changed
the minds and lives of our students, and their prospective
employers.
It has been rewarding to see our graduating students
embark on careers in the profession including a few
students who are all working in the People and Culture
Office at Murdoch.
We want to acknowledge our families who support the
long work hours; our colleagues for their continued
encouragement; and of course our students who
challenge us on a daily basis.
We especially would like to thank members of the
school HR curriculum advisory board for their insights in
facilitating a meaningful student experience.
We also acknowledge those involved in the learning and
teaching events in the University, such as the
Conversation series, for the opportunity to engage with
lots of talented staff and exchange ideas about
contemporary education.
We would like to see the continued development and
support of learning spaces which are devoid of affective
and cognitive judgments, but are safe psychological
spaces so students can explore the unknown, and
experiment with new ways of being and acting.
By doing so the core priorities of Murdoch for high
quality teaching and learning through enacting the
values of scholarly integrity, equity and social justice
will continue to be realised.

CONGRATULATIONS!
Steve Johnstone
IN PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Mr Steve Johnstone
IT Change Process Analyst
whole?
I first joined the Murdoch community in 2009 when I started as
a Year 12 work experience student from Lumen Christi College.
This wonderful opportunity led to casual employment working
at our IT Counter. Straight after school I would travel to
Murdoch and work the evening shift from 4pm to 12am then
go to school the next day. Currently, I’m involved primarily with
the deployment and setup of our Macintosh computers.
However, my other responsibilities include system
administration and support to staff based in South Street,
Mandurah, Bunbury and offshore.

CONGRATULATIONS!
Steve Johnstone
Professional Services
The challenges and job satisfaction my role provides is
what I enjoy most about working at Murdoch. Also, the
university’s lively community. Bush Court is always great
when thriving with students and staff during various
events including market day or Orientation Week.
During my 6 years at Murdoch I have had the
opportunity to work with remarkable people. I’d
especially like to acknowledge the IT Change
Management Team for their continued hard work and
the Information Technology Services Office as a whole.
Also, a special mention to John Dakin who first
employed me back in 2009. His support during that time
allowed me to work on many different tasks and
projects which I found both challenging and exciting.
I would like to see more technology applied to the
Research, Learning & Teaching spaces to further bring
the University into the digital age. This would ultimately
provide the best support to our students and staff
utilising current and future technologies available. It
would be wonderful see more recognition within the
academic and professional staff who work tirelessly in
their chosen fields the further advance the University’s
reputation for excellence.

CONGRATULATIONS!
Caroline Browne
2016 VICE CHANCELLOR’S CITATIONS FOR
EXCELLENCE IN ENHANCING LEARNING
Ms Caroline Browne
Lecturer
School of Health Professions
whole?
I first joined Murdoch University in 2011 as a nursing lecturer
and have been able an active participant in developing the
Bachelor of Nursing program, which has grown in student
numbers rapidly over this time. I have held a number of
different roles within the school including unit coordinator,
undergraduate academic chair, and now, international
placement coordinator through which I have been able to
develop an understanding of how Murdoch university functions
and provide a better learning experience for our nursing
students.

CONGRATULATIONS!
Caroline Browne
2016 Vice Chancellor's Citations for Excellence in
Enhancing Learning
I have been lucky enough to be involved with the
international placements for a number of years and
Murdoch and enjoy seeing the nursing students thrive in
challenging international environments. The students are
able to learn so much about leadership, teamwork and
professionalism through working with the local nursing
staff to run community health clinics in rural villages. They
not only practice their nursing skills but also develop
stronger cross cultural communication skills. Getting to
see each group of students experience these health clinics
for the first time is a highlight of each trip but the real
enjoyment comes from seeing them put these skills into
practice when they get back to Australia.
These placements would not be as successful without
support from the entire school. Multiple lecturers and
tutors are required to help facilitate the students on
different placements. Although it is usually not difficult
to find volunteers willing to travel overseas it does take
courage to take a group of nursing students into an
unfamiliar environment, where you have very little
control over what is about to happen, so I am very
grateful for all the lecturers and tutors who have been
willing to take a leap into the unknown to support our
students. It is also so important to have support from
our Dean and Head of Discipline, to keep these
programs running and see the benefit that these types
of experiences can offer our students.
I think we already do a great job at Murdoch University
in encouraging our students to explore all the
opportunities that are available to them, including
studying and travelling overseas as part of their
experience at Murdoch. I hope that we are able to
continue to develop relationships and opportunities in
our region that allow our students to explore their role
in the global community and bring this experience and
knowledge back to Perth.

CONGRATULATIONS!
Nathan Tozer
Mr Nathan Tozer
TNE Liaison Support Officer
School of Arts
whole?
I started at Murdoch in 2002 as an undergraduate Arts and Law
student and then moved onto Honours in Communication in
2009 and a PhD in 2010. My (then) PhD supervisor first gave
me the opportunity to do all of the lecturing and tutoring for
the unit MCC315 New Media Technologies for the School of
Arts in 2010 which I did every year until the last time it ran in
2015. I have also lectured/tutored and coordinated for a couple
of other units in the last few years and been a member of
EPSC/The TNE Liaison team since 2012.
I believe my teaching experience has assisted me in my TNE
role as I have been able to offer unique insights into TNE as
both a teacher and administrator.

CONGRATULATIONS!
Nathan Tozer
Enhancing Learning
The most satisfying things about teaching are helping
students achieve their potential (particularly those with
low self-confidence) and inspiring students to think about
real-world issues. I’ve enjoyed many class
discussions/debates about ‘digital footprints’; privacy; and
mandatory data retention schemes over the years and its
encouraging when young people think about these issues
and how they affect society.
It’s also great when former students contact me to let me
know about their first jobs out of University and how they
have put the theories and skills from the units I’ve taught
into action.
I would like to thank my Manager Mrs Jenny Sceats and
colleague in the TNE Liaison team Mrs Yukiko Stransky
as well as the TNE Deans: Associate Professor Peter
Waring and Dr Max Sully and Director of External
Engagement Phil Payne for their continued support and
flexibility in allowing me to teach in addition to my full-
time role in transnational education. I would also like to
thank my PhD supervisors Associate Professors Ingrid
Richardson and Terence Lee for their ongoing support
and guidance.
I also couldn’t have done it without the initial
opportunity first given to me by Dr Kirsty Best and my
first Manager in EPSC Mr Malcolm Hollier who have
since left the University.
I think the landmark appointment of Murdoch’s first
female Vice Chancellor has inspired a lot of optimism
within the institution and the Transforming TNE @
Murdoch Project will hopefully see some exciting
innovations in blended learning which will mean that
we continue to be acknowledged as a world-class
institution for both teaching and learning as well as
research and one of the top Universities under 100.

CONGRATULATIONS!
The On-Track Team
The On-Track Team
Dr Joanne Lisciandro, Dr Angela Jones, Ms Gael Gibbs, Dr Megan Jaceglav
whole?
Joanne and Gael both joined the Murdoch community in 2003
as undergraduate students, and later went on to work at
Murdoch, both eventually taking up leadership roles in the
OnTrack program. In 2004 Angela started her academic career
tutoring in her discipline of Cultural Studies and Media Studies,
as well as a scholar in teaching and learning. In 2010 she
secured a lecturing position in the CUTL, where she has been
working since including in the OnTrack and OnTrack Sprint
program. Megan joined the Murdoch community in 2000, at
this time as a post-graduate student, and later being involved
in teaching and research. After teaching across the university
in different roles, she joined OnTrack in 2013, and commenced
in an OnTrack leadership role in 2015.
Together, our team ensures the operation and running of the
OnTrack program which has provided more than 3000
students, many from educational disadvantaged backgrounds,
the opportunity to access and achieve success at university.

CONGRATULATIONS!
The On-Track Team
Enhancing Learning
We enjoy the transformative role such learning has on the
students, both at an academic and personal level. Students
and past students often tell us how OnTrack has
significantly changed the direction of their lives for the
better. Many students leave OnTrack with a newfound
confidence and go on to succeed in their university
studies. Hearing about their stories and how OnTrack has
transformed their lives is what inspires us to continue to
do the work we do. It is an honour to help to initiate and
share in this.
We would like to acknowledge all of the people who
contribute to the success of OnTrack, in particular our
Access Programs Officer (Sharon Reynolds) and lead
tutors and tutors who have worked in the program over
many years and do an amazing job at inspiring and
motivating our students to achieve success. We would
also like to thank other members of the Murdoch
community who contribute to the success of our
students including those in CUTL, the Academic
Registrar’s Office, Equity, Counselling and Library
services, the Careers and Employment Centre, Future
Students, Enrolments, Admissions and many others (you
know who you are!)
We would like to see the Murdoch Community
continue to strengthen its commitment to embracing
and servicing diversity in the student population and to
continue to offer courses and support services that give
talented individuals a pathway to university, where
opportunity otherwise wouldn’t exist. We would also
like to see a commitment to high quality teaching and
learning across the university, including through
provision of opportunities for staff development and by
encouraging, valuing and rewarding staff who are
reflective practitioners of teaching and learning.

CONGRATULATIONS!
The Sprint Team
The Sprint Team
Dr Angela Jones and Mrs Anita Olds
whole?
Dr. Angela Jones joined the Murdoch team as an infant
attending the day care where she wowed staff with her sense
of curiosity. It was always obvious she was a natural academic.
She went on to study hard-core at Murdoch obtaining a PHD in
Cultural studies. Originally aspiring to be Australia’s answer to
Dr. Phil. Anita Olds joined the Murdoch Community when she
commenced her Masters in Counselling in 2012. Realising she
was at heart a teacher and that the world needed her teaching
skills, she paused her studies to join the OnTrack Team in 2013.
Together they are The Sprint dynamic duo, passionate
pedagogues who bring to Murdoch something vaguely akin to
watching Robin Williams in the Dead Poets Society, but add
killer fashion and popular cultural references.

CONGRATULATIONS!
The Sprint Team
Enhancing Learning
The Jones and Olds learning journey from beginning to end
is a joyous ride. We send out initiations to learning that
our students enthusiastically accept (thank you students).
We delightfully scheme ways to armour up our students
with the appropriate academic artillery such as critical
thinking skills, essay writing skills, and acculturation skills.
Then we sit back to marvel at our learning communities as
they successfully navigate the difficult terrane of the
tertiary world.
Gael Gibbs set up the conditions for such a successful
program to thrive. She targeted the demographic, and
conceived the early structure of the program. She then
handed it over to the suitably qualified but crazy Angela
and Anita to do their “thang”. She is very relieved it
worked I bet!
We would like to see the University community
embracing the enabling pedagogies we have modelled
throughout Sprint across all subjects areas…
Pedagogically it is important to realise that it is not
beneath an academic to use language to bend down to
a learner and to meet them in their popular culture
space. For example, phrases like “there is layers to this
player” make great tools for teaching critical analysis.
Whilst in this popular culture learner space we can
make connections and build safety, and as a result the
learner is a lot more likely to follow us enthusiastically
into the more abstract, academic culture.

CONGRATULATIONS!
Associate Professor Tanya McGill
AUSTRALIAN AWARDS FOR UNIVERSITY TEACHING
2015 CITATION FOR OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS
TO STUDENT LEARNING
And
2015 DEANS AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING
whole?
I first joined Murdoch University in 1990. I have taught a wide
range of units at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
The main units that I currently teach relate to either developing
information systems or to conducting research. I also supervise
research students and have undertaken a wide range of
administrative roles at both School and University levels.

CONGRATULATIONS!
Australian Awards for University Teaching
2015 Citation for Outstanding Contributions to
Student Learning
After 25 years teaching, I still really enjoy helping students
to learn. My teaching style as learner-centred. I aim to be a
facilitator or guide assisting students in their learning,
rather than the source of all knowledge. I find this style of
teaching very rewarding. I am constantly learning new
things, and find the interaction with my students very
satisfying. I particularly enjoy meeting up with past
students who are now making great contributions to the
ICT industry.
The Information Technology academics from the School
of Engineering and Information Technology have
developed a strong set of related majors that allow
students to gain the core knowledge and skills needed
to obtain a wide range of jobs, but also to specialise in
their areas of interest. I value being part of that team.
I would like to see learning and teaching emphasised
and valued more.

CONGRATULATIONS!
Dr Mohammednoor Altarawneh
2016 VICE CHANCELLOR'S AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE
IN RESEARCH
And
2015 A.J. PARKER AWARD
For Outstanding Early Career Researcher
Senior Lecturer in Chemical Engineering
whole?
Over the last few years, Murdoch has been reshaping itself as a
research intensive university with promising opportunities. I
joined Murdoch almost two years ago, as I wanted to be part
of the evolving research environment at Murdoch University.
Since joining, I have been very active in all research-based
aspects, including applying to external grants, supervision of
PhD students and publishing high quality papers. I am a
computational chemist by trade, thus, I have been promoting
the use of high performance computing facilities across the
University as a an inexpensive and very effective research tool;
not only in chemistry but in many fields across the University
including health and life science.

CONGRATULATIONS!
Dr Mohammednoor Altarawneh
Research
It is almost impossible to see things that happen at the
nano scale. In my research, I am very interested to explain
chemical phenomena that we are not able to see in the
lab. I am very enthusiastic to get a deeper understanding
for some of the most intriguing historically unresolved
problems relating to environmental pollution and fire
safety. I enjoyed being able to have a closer look into
molecules and atoms. The increasing computational
power provided by supercomputers and the emergence of
highly accurate theoretical procedures, make
contemporary computational chemistry one of the most
detailed 'microscopes' currently available for examining
the atomic and electronic details of molecular processes.
I am very fortunate to have a group of very good people
around me in the School of Engineering and IT, some
new to Murdoch, some being here for a long time. The
intellectual climate in the School is as a good as in any
top-notch international research universities. I am very
thankful to all members in the Fire Safety and the
Combustion Kinetics Research Group. Their highly
productive team has made combustion and
environmental chemistry one of the most productive
research areas in SEIT, recognised nationally and
internationally.
I would like to see Murdoch continuities its rapid
transition into a research intensive University. I am
very confident that over the next five years, Murdoch
will be home to world’s experts in combustion,
environmental chemistry and Material design.

CONGRATULATIONS!
Dr Ann-Maree Vallence
IN RESEARCH
Senior Lecturer in Chemical Engineering
whole?
I joined the Murdoch community in January 2015. My current
role is a National Health and Medical Research (NHMRC) Early
Career Research Fellow in the School of Psychology and
Exercise Science. This role is important to the realisation of
Murdoch University’s strategic ambition as a global research
university. Specifically, the health and medical research
program that I am able to complete in this role addresses one
of the University’s core research goals, Health Futures.

CONGRATULATIONS!
Research
I get to ask questions about how the human brain works,
and test those questions…it’s fascinating! My research
program has two streams: one stream is fundamental
science, aiming to understand processes in the brain the
underlie our behaviour; the other stream is clinical, aiming
to take what we know about the healthy brain and apply it
to the damaged or aging brain in order to improve
behaviour or prevent declines in behaviour.
Yes! I would like to thank Mike Anderson (Dean, School
of Psychology and Exercise Science) and Jeff Hebert
(Associate Dean Research, School of Psychology and
Exercise Science) for helping me set up the lab and my
research program so that I could hit the ground running
when I arrived. I’d also like to thank Jane Crier for the
excellent support during the grant application process,
and for promoting the importance of (and supporting)
research collaborations for ECRs.
I would like to see more collaboration across disciplines
within the University, strong local collaborations with
the Fiona Stanley Hospital, strong international
research collaborations, and successful PhD graduates –
all of which will lead to important research outputs for
health and medical research.

CONGRATULATIONS!
Associate Professor Graham Gardner
2016 VICE CHANCELLOR'S AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN
RESEARCH
And
2015 VETERINARY & LIFE SCIENCES AWARD
Associate Professor - Biochemistry, Toxicology & Nutrition
whole?
Defected to Murdoch University in 2005, after spending the
previous 5 years as an academic at The University of New
England, NSW. Teaching is focused on Biochemistry, Nutrition
and Toxicology, and for the last 5 years I’ve been the academic
chair for Animal Science, and then the new Animal Science and
Animal Health majors.
Research is predominantly funded by the Sheep CRC and Meat
and Livestock Australia, and my work in this area has helped to
maintain a constant funding stream for other academic and
general stuff in my area, as well as driving the activities of a
large team of postgraduate students.

CONGRATULATIONS!
Associate Professor Graham Gardner
Research
There are a number of things I really enjoy:
1. Intellectual challenge, and the chance to explore new
ideas/research areas of my own choosing
2. Engaging, educating, and creating value for industry
through the various research projects undertaken.
3. Being part of a national research team focused on
industry problems
4. Being part of a local team of academics, post-
graduates, and post-doctoral fellows, all motivated
about their work.
This award is for delivering a DEXA system to industry
which I’ve developed in close collaboration with Andrew
Williams, a research officer in my team, as well as the
engineers at Scott Automation and Robotics.
It is also very supportive and motivating to be a part of a
larger team working in the area of production animal
science. This team includes David Pethick, John Pluske,
Peter McGilchrist, David Miller, Andrew Thompson,
Caroline Jacobson, Una Ryan, Fiona Anderson, and
Khama Kelman, as well as numerous general staff,
postgraduates and postdoctoral fellows who all help to
make the atmosphere vibrant and motivating.
There are demonstrated areas of research strength
within the University. These groups need investment to
grow and operate in part like small-business units.
Investment of R&D funds back into these groups would
enhance this potential. Furthermore, linking this
investment to income performance would act as a
powerfully motivating factor.

CONGRATULATIONS!
Professor Una Ryan
IN RESEARCH
Professor Una Ryan
Professor in Biochemistry
whole?
I first came to Murdoch in 1989 after completing my honours
degree in Zoology in University College Dublin. I worked for a
couple of years as a research assistant in Parasitology and then
started my PhD in 1992 under the supervision of Prof. Andy
Thompson and completed in 1996. Since my PhD, I have
worked as a PostDoc and then as a tenured member of
academic staff. At this stage my role in research is about
creating and implementing new strategies for the detection,
characterisation and treatment of infectious pathogens.

CONGRATULATIONS!
Professor Una Ryan
Research
My area of research is parasites and other infectious
agents and I find micro-organisms in general fascinating.
It’s like a parallel universe under the microscope.
Understanding the mechanisms they have developed to
overcome the mammalian host’s attempts to prevent their
growth is incredibly interesting and humbling. They have
come up with so many strategies to thwart us - Evolution is
an amazing thing!
My achievements are very much the result of a group
effort. Prof. Andy Thompson was a great PhD supervisor
and really helped to launch my career and I am very
grateful for all his assistance. My collaborators are Prof.
Peter Irwin, Dr. Charlotte Oskam and Dr. Andrea Paparini
and all the PhD students in the Vector and Water-Borne
Pathogen group or Cryptick lab. I am indebted to all
their hard work and support over the years. I would also
like to acknowledge the contribution of Dr. Rongchang
Yang who was a member of our group until recently.
We are facing difficult times in academia with
decreased research funding and increasing workload
but I am always hearted by the quote that “The
important thing in science is not so much to obtain new
facts as to discover new ways of thinking about them”
so I would like to see Murdoch continue to develop its
culture of innovation.

CONGRATULATIONS!
Dr Manickam Minakshi
IN RESEARCH
Senior Lecturer
whole?
I came to Murdoch in 2003 and have obtained PhD in the field
of chemical sciences at Murdoch University, 9 years ago in
January 2007. After graduation, I was on a research only
position until 2012 and then involved in both teaching and
research (50:50). From 2015 onwards, I am committed to both
teaching (40%) and research (40%) in addition to
administration (20%). Currently, I am a senior lecturer in School
of Engineering and IT, teaching at the post graduate level in the
energy discipline and pursuing research in energy storage
which is of great national and international significance in
storing renewable energy.

CONGRATULATIONS!
Research
As we all know, the major barrier to wide ranging
application of renewable energy sources is intermittent
supply; generation of power by solar and wind sources, for
example, can be hampered by time of day, dust, cloud and
other weather conditions. This barrier can be most
effectively overcome by large-scale energy storage systems
suitable for a broad range of applications. I have a strong
commitment in developing new materials for low cost
energy storage systems but unsure if I have achieved one
so far! Overall, I enjoy doing innovative research, in
seeking high quality outcomes and attracting competitive
grants.
Doing research is actually a collaboration and team
work. Though I have a passion in research and
generated some original ideas but I have to also
acknowledge my team members (all post-docs and
internships who worked under me) including Dr.
Danielle Meyrick and collaborators from ANSTO and
Uppsala University that led to several high quality
journal publications. I would also like to thank Murdoch
University and ARC (DP1092543) for their support in
funding this project without which we would not have
achieved to this level.
To make universities competitive, we have to commit
ourselves to provide a high quality teaching and
research. We need to strive and keep the star rating at
Murdoch this will enable us to attract more students
and research funding. To achieve this, I will continue to
demonstrate an innovative research, fostering the
relationship with the collaborating institutions in both
domestic and overseas. Overall, I would like to develop
a highly efficient, safe energy technology for the future
and to have a sustainable power.

CONGRATULATIONS!
Erin MacNeil
2015 SCHOOL OF ARTS EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR
whole?
My decision to join Murdoch came from a driving value and
belief in the transformative effect that education has on
people’s lives. I wanted to get my foot in the door of an
organisation that would not only allow me to help engage
people with education and learning, but would also provide
opportunities to facilitate meaningful experiences for students
in a community that fosters ideals of collaboration, creativity,
inclusiveness, and support. Luckily for me, Murdoch has been a
place where I get to work alongside people who live and
breathe this philosophy, and who have helped spark my ideas
into reality. One of the best parts of my role is having the
opportunity to listen to the wealth of knowledge that
colleagues and students in my School possess, and being able
to feed that back into initiatives that I undertake to improve
recruitment and retention within the School of Arts.

CONGRATULATIONS!
Erin MacNeil
2015 School of Arts Employee of the Year
I believe education is one of the most valuable things
anyone can gift themselves with, but it is also not an easy
journey for many different reasons. I think having the time
to sit down with students and staff, listen to their stories,
and use their narratives as a tool to reduce obstacles,
develop our products, and shape practice delivery is
extremely rewarding. So really it is the reciprocal
relationship of learning from those I am trying to assist
that I enjoy most.
I would like to thank my School Manager, Louise
Somerset for taking the time to understand me as a
person and recognise my strengths as an employee. She
was very quickly able to create opportunities for me to
grow within my role and move in a direction that
aligned with my professional goals. I also could not
adore all the academic and professional staff within the
School of Arts any more than I do now. I have never met
a team of people so passionate, dedicated and good at
what they do; they inspire me every day.
I would really like to see an evolution in the way that
schools and central departments work together. I
would love to see more opportunities for
interdisciplinary collaboration, problem solving, and
knowledge development at all levels of the university.
We are so incredibly lucky to be working with such a
diverse range of people and expertise, and my hope is
that we will increasingly be able to recognise and
harness these different strengths in order to develop
unique learning experiences, inclusive community
building opportunities, and superior services for our
students and the greater Murdoch community.

CONGRATULATIONS!
Dr Dan Churach
2015 DEAN’S AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN
TEACHING (UNIT EXCELLENCE SEMESTER 1 AND 2)
Dr Dan Churach
Adjunct Lecturer
whole?
I joined Murdoch in 2001 as Education Manager for the AJ
Parker Centre CRC (Cooperative Research Centre). In 2004 I
became Education Manager of the Centre for Sustainable
Resource Processing, another CRC with which Murdoch
University was a partner. Professor Mike Nicol recognised a
need in many first year metallurgy students for greater depth
and understanding of fundamental STEM subjects and asked
me to develop a portion of that first year unit to enhance these
skills. Over time as the CRCs both reached an end of funding,
my roll at working with first year students increased.
Additionally, from 2003 I used CRC support to help design,
organise and deliver “Introduction to Extractive Metallurgy”
workshops to high school teachers. We involved over 1,000
secondary teachers throughout WA, but also in Queensland
and Victoria. There were many Murdoch people who made this
possible, in particular, Ken Seymour, Graeme Thompson, Jim
Avraamides and Stewart Kelly. In 2008 Murdoch and CSRP won
a national CRC award for this work.

CONGRATULATIONS!
Dr Dan Churach
2015 Dean's Award for Excellence in Teaching
(Unit Excellence)
I enjoy seeing the sparkle in a student’s eyes when they
have a “eureka moment” of discovery in the midst of a
discussion concerning some aspect of natural sciences. No
matter what the unit content may be, the realisation that
the natural world is never easily separated into neat, self-
contained packages. My greatest teaching reward has been
seeing a student coming to the realisation that so-called
‘answers’ require an understanding of the
interrelationships within the universe in its entirety. Of
course this means students must commit themselves to a
lifelong course of learning.
The interrelationships of our ‘metallurgy team’ must be
taken as a whole. The ‘old timers’ including Prof Mike
Nicol, Prof Gamini Senanayake, Dr Aleks Nikoloski, Ken
Seymour, Graeme Thompson, Dr Jim Avraamides, Prof
Parisa Bahri, Prof Bodzio Dlugogorski, Prof Peter May
and Stewart Kelly. There are new additions who have
become involved (Drew Parsons) and former employees
who have moved on (Dr Nick Welham and Sue Farr), but
the point is that only through team work can we be
successful.
Continue to mentor first year students in an attempt to
develop their natural curiosity with the universe.
Nurturing this curiosity will not only contribute to
successful graduates, but will also encourage the
realisation that learning is lifelong pursuit, not just
something ‘completed’ as a young person in order to
‘earn a credential and get a good job’. I also would like
to see Murdoch continue and expand its outreach to
school teachers. Every ‘friend of Murdoch’ teacher we
can make will follow on to e 150 or more students
every year thereafter.

CONGRATULATIONS!
Dr Amy Glen
2015 DEAN’S AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN
TEACHING (SEMESTER 1)
Dr Amy Glen
Lecturer
Please tell us when you first joined the Murdoch community. How
would you describe your role at Murdoch? What contribution does
your role make to the university as a whole?
I joined Murdoch University in mid 2009 as a Lecturer in
Mathematics & Statistics. I am mostly involved teaching the first-year
mathematics units MAS161 (Calculus & Matrix Algebra) and MAS162
(Foundations of Discrete Mathematics), and I have occasionally
offered an Honours unit in Combinatorics – my main research area –
which falls within the broad field of Discrete Mathematics. Much of
my research to date has concerned properties of finite and infinite
sequences of symbols (called “words”). I study these mathematical
structures purely for the beauty of the mathematics involved, but
such work also has important applications in a range of other fields.
For example, sequences of binary digits (i.e., strings of 0s and 1s,
such as a random-looking sequence like 0110100010010...) underpin
the digital computer age and are fundamental to certain aspects of
computer science, such as digital imagery, pattern recognition, and
data compression. And in molecular biology, for instance, DNA
structures can be viewed as very long words over an alphabet of four
letters. These are just two areas in which advances in research can
be made from a better theoretical understanding of the structural
and behavioural properties of finite and infinite sequences.
Teaching is a strong passion of mine. For one, it allows me to share
my excitement for mathematics with students; to open their eyes to
the wonder and beauty that is Mathematics. I also take great delight
in building up a rapport with students. Seeing them mature in
mathematical ability makes the teaching experience all the more
rewarding and enjoyable too.

CONGRATULATIONS!
Emeritus Professor Philip Jennings
2015 IAN M. RITCHIE AWARD
For Life Long Research Achievement
Emertitus Professor Philip Jennings
whole?
I started work at Murdoch University on 4 January 1975 as a
senior lecturer in physics. Over the years I have held many
different positions and roles at Murdoch, including periods as
Director of the Murdoch University Energy Research Institute
(1987 – 1993), Head of the School of Mathematical and
Physical Sciences (1997 – 2001) and Chief Executive officer of
the Australian Cooperative Research Centre for Renewable
Energy (2003 -2004). My main contributions were to the
establishment of the physics, computer science and energy
studies courses and my leadership in surface physics and
renewable energy research.

CONGRATULATIONS!
Emeritus Professor Philip Jennings
Ian M. Ritchie Award for Life Long Research
Achievement
I have greatly enjoyed the collegiality and opportunities for
interdisciplinary research at Murdoch University. This has
enabled me to work in strategic areas as well as undertake
basic research within my discipline. I have collaborated
with colleagues from several other disciplines in work that
I have done on renewable energy, science education and
environmental issues.
I have had the pleasure of working closely with several
Murdoch colleagues including John Cornish, Steve
Thurgate, Glenn Hefter, Chris Lund and Tania Urmee. I
have also had many talented PhD students who have
done brilliant work in a variety of fields. Throughout my
career I have also collaborated with colleagues at Curtin
University and at several interstate and overseas
institutions.
Murdoch has been a national leader in innovative
research, particularly in identifying and researching
strategic areas such as environmental science,
renewable energy and climate change. I hope that the
new generation of researchers will build on the work of
the original Murdoch staff and continue to collaborate
across the disciplines to tackle new problems in the
contemporary world. I believe that Murdoch’s culture
of interdisciplinary and collegiality is an advantage for
researchers wishing to address strategic national
research priorities.

CONGRATULATIONS!
Dr Zhong-Tao Jiang
2015 SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AWARD FOR INTRA-
SCHOOL RESEARCH COLLABORATION
Dr Zhong-Tao Jiang

CONGRATULATIONS!
Dr Nicola Armstrong
2015 I.R. JAMES AWARD for External Research
Collaboration
Dr Nicola Armstrong
whole?
I first joined the Murdoch community as an undergraduate
student many years ago, and after a long absence, I started as a
Senior Lecturer in Mathematics and Statistics in April 2015. I
am involved in teaching second year statistics, including both
the core theoretical content for mathematics and statistics
majors, and applied biostatistics.

CONGRATULATIONS!
Dr Nicola Armstrong
2015 I.R. James Award for External Research
Collaboration
My core research area is statistical bioinformatics, applying
and developing statistical methods to analyse genetic and
genomic data. I work closely with biologists and clinicians
in order to try to understand the development of complex
disease such as cancer and dementia and to develop new
methods for early detection, prediction and prognosis. I
really enjoy the collaborative aspect of my work, and the
immediate applications to such important areas of medical
research.
I’d like to acknowledge everyone in Mathematics and
Statistics for their support but especially my
undergraduate lecturers for helping to nurture my love
of numbers all those years ago – Mark Lukas, my
honours supervisor Brenton Clarke and Ian James, who
encouraged me to go overseas for my PhD, a decision
which has proven pivotal to my career.
I’d really like to see Murdoch improve its reputation as
a research university. I would especially like to see the
development of the Eastern Precinct and stronger,
mutually beneficial, relationships with FSH. Whatever
changes that may be ahead, I would also like us to
remain an open and friendly university, with a low-level
of hierarchy – its one thing I really enjoyed and
appreciated as an undergraduate, and one that I am
very happy to see still in place now I am an academic
here.

CONGRATULATIONS!
Ken Seymour
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY PROFESSIONAL STAFF
SERVICE AWARD
Ken Seymour
Technical Manager
whole?
I joined Murdoch University in February 1986 as a Laboratory
Technician in the Mineral Science program within the School of
Maths and Physical Sciences. Studying a BSc part time at
Murdoch I progressed to Senior Technician, then Professional
Officer, then to my current position as Technical Manager.
By participating in outreach programs to high school students
and teachers we have created interest in science based careers
and promoted Murdoch to the wider community. Our current
‘Be a Metallurgist for a Day’ project is funded by a grant from
Rio Tinto which was instigated five years ago by the Technical
Staff.
I have also helped to establish the Safety in Research and
Teaching Committee and serve on two of its sub committees.

CONGRATULATIONS!
Ken Seymour
2015 School of Engineering and Information
Technology Professional Staff Service Award
I enjoy working with a people from an interesting range of
countries, cultures and backgrounds to help them achieve
their educational aims in life. Part of this involves
maintaining a safe and secure work and study
environment.
Working with high school students and teachers is
especially rewarding, particularly with the warm welcome
we have received from all the schools in the South West,
Great Southern, Pilbara and Kimberly regions of WA.
Dan Churach, Graeme Thompson, Stewart Kelly from
the BAMFAD team, Rebecca Treloar-Cook and all the
SEIT Admin Staff, plus all the staff who help us run the
on campus sessions, and the School Dean, Prof Bogdan
Dlugogorski for his support.
Much wider recognition of Murdoch University in the
community for its unique and innovative teaching and
research, particularly within SEIT. More community
outreach programs involving schools and TAFE colleges.

CONGRATULATIONS!
Graeme Thompson
SERVICE AWARD
Graeme Thompson
Rio Tinto Outreach Assistant
whole?
I started at Murdoch University in 2007 as a mature age PhD
student (still endeavouring to complete). I began doing some
tutoring and Laboratory demonstrating in Chemistry and
running of workshops in Primary Science Education. Being a
former teacher, when there were teacher and technician PDs,
or visits on campus by high school students run by the
Extractive Metal group, I was asked to assist.
In 2011, a group of technicians at Murdoch University decided
to formalise an outreach program which would enable schools
to visit Murdoch and experience “Being a Metallurgist for a
Day” or a team from Murdoch would visit and expound, in a
classroom setting, the virtues of metallurgy. Thus BAMFAD was
born. Finance to support the venture was sought and gained
from Rio Tinto, with in-kind support from Murdoch University.
In 2012, whilst in its infancy, I was asked to take over the co-
ordination of the program, which included day long incursions
and visits to country schools in the North-west and South –
west. Funding ceases at the end of 2016.

CONGRATULATIONS!
Graeme Thompson
I enjoy challenging students to think for themselves, to
analyse and eventually gain success. I want them to be
able to explain why something has happened, and to see
how work in the laboratory relates to what goes on in
industry. I want them to understand that there are many
facets to the mining and minerals industry and how this
industry is important to us.
It is great to see them have success in working through a
question and end up with a good explanation. Any
knowledge that I can impart to a student means that both
of us are successful.
My thanks goes to:
The Technical staff who initiated the BAMFAD program
and those technical people who work feverishly behind
the scenes getting things organised and assisting with
presentations (especially Ken Seymour and Stewart
Kelly). Dan Churach, and his colleague Jim Avraamides,
who have presented the talks to student. Rebecca
Treloar-Cook and the very busy office staff in SEIT who,
without complaint, pick up the pieces and do much of
the ‘behind the scenes’ work in the preparation for the
program. In addition I thank the numerous members of
the Mathematics and Chemistry staff in SEIT and post
graduate students who help in the running of the
incursion program, without whom I would not have
been considered for this award.
Finally, our Dean, Prof Bogdan Dlugogorski, and my line
manager, A. Prof Gamini Senanayake, who have given
valuable support and advice in the running of the
program.

CONGRATULATIONS!
Stewart Kelly
SERVICE AWARD
whole?
I joined Murdoch University in February of 1996 originally as a
casual laboratory assistant and was later promoted to full time
laboratory technician. My role mainly involves preparing
teaching laboratories for classes and demonstrating to
students, but also includes a wide range of other tasks as
needed by the department.

CONGRATULATIONS!
Stewart Kelly
Knowing that they are learning skills that are genuinely
useful and will find them employment. The mining industry
is a great place to find a career. It’s particularly gratifying to
see young school students take an interest in the
metallurgy field through the Be a Metallurgist For a Day
program.
Many people within the Extractive Metallurgy area have
helped over the years in many ways, particularly Ken
Seymour who has been my supervisor for most of that
time and Graeme Thompson who has worked tirelessly
every year overseeing every detail of the Be a
Metallurgist For a Day program.
Hopefully the community as a whole will go from
strength to strength, particularly the engineering and
metallurgy related degree programs.

CONGRATULATIONS!
Allan Johnstone
2015 SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND GOVERNANCE
TEACHING EXCELLENCE AWARD
Allan Johnstone
Lecturer
School of Business and Governance

CONGRATULATIONS!
Jo-Anne Kestel
Jo-Anne Kestel
Lecturer

CONGRATULATIONS!
Dr Tara Smith
Dr Tara Smith
Lecturer
whole?
I first joined the Murdoch team in 2014, as a sessional
academic staff member. In 2015 I was the unit coordinator and
lecturer of two second year units, Employment Relations (S1)
and Business Research Methods (S2). My role as a lecturer is to
engage students in the learning process, and to help them
develop their understanding of the subject. I do this in a variety
of ways, in the classroom and online. I try to make learning
relevant and engaging for students. I help students to learn, by
providing examples of real world applications of theoretically
abstract ideas. I use my own broad work experience. I share
stories of how the theory they are learning is applied in
organisations. This helps students to understand the
importance of concepts and to begin to appreciate how theory
works in the ‘real world’.
I view my role at Murdoch as one that encourages, motivates
and promotes student learning. This role is broad it is not just
about the units I coordinate and teach, but it is about life. It is
about helping students to be better people. To think critically
and to communicate with others in an informed way.
In addition, I also work hard at helping colleagues with their
teaching and learning. I have been leading the charge in the
school demonstrating blended learning for the transnational
programs.

CONGRATULATIONS!
Dr Tara Smith
2015 School of Business and Governance Teaching
Excellence Award
I love helping others learn. To hear from back from a
student that what they learnt form me has changed the
way they think, this makes me truly happy. I enjoy hearing
from students who have finished their degree, hearing
they have a job that they are happy. This is what I enjoy.
On a more selfish note (don’t tell them!) I learn more from
my students that they learn from me. I learn about; the
subject (how students view the concept), me and the type
of person I am, other countries, customs and places
learning.
I truly believe that education has the power to change
people’s lives, as it has my own. Teaching is a privilege I
feel lucky, most days, that I get paid to do something I love.
In particular, I would like to acknowledge:
Associate Professor Antonia Girardi and Dr Megan Paull
have both been a wonderful support for me in my
transition to Murdoch.
My students who are gracious and appreciative of any
help and support I provide.
I would like the Murdoch community to recognise its
greatest strength which is that it is a university that
genuinely cares about students. Students at Murdoch
are not treated as a number. In a world of mass
education, online education. Murdoch has retained the
personal touch. We need to harness this strength, to
differentiate ourselves from other education providers
in the region. We can grow, we should grow but we
need to grow by harnessing this strength not by being
like other educational institutions.

CONGRATULATIONS!
Dr Jacqui Baker
SIR WALTER MURDOCH SCHOOL OF PUBLIC POLICY
& INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS TEACHING AWARD
Dr Jacqui Baker
Lecturer in Southeast Asian Politics
Sir Walter Murdoch School of Public Policy &
international Affairs
whole?
I joined Murdoch in November 2015 as a Lecturer in Southeast
Asian Politics. I contribute to this university’s long-standing
expertise in Indonesian politics and research excellence in the
political economy of political change. I am Murdoch’s
representative on the national board of ACICIS. I also run the
Indonesia Research Programme with my colleague Ian Wilson,
which promotes Indonesia research and engagement across
the University, and I sit on the University’s Indonesia
Engagement Strategy Committee. Finally I am President of the
Indonesia Council, which is an Australia-wide academic body
for Indonesia-related research. As I see it, my job is not to
teach about Indonesia and publish research but to encourage
others within the university and across Australia to do so as
well.

CONGRATULATIONS!
Dr Jacqui Baker
International Affairs Teaching Award
The most honest answer to this question would be a
selfish one: I love teaching because it provides me with an
opportunity to learn. There’s nothing like teaching to
clarify your thinking, iron out all the inconsistences, get a
grip on new literature and test out some new ideas on an
unsuspecting student body.
The politics group are an extraordinarily supportive
group of people. I want to thank Garry Rodan and
Kanishka Jayasuriya for all the ways in which they have
supported me in planning my career at these early
stages. I thank in particular Jane Hutchison who listens,
whose door is always open, who has advised on
managing even the most miniscule of teaching
problems and on whom I test all my dumb ideas.
I would like to see Murdoch lever convert its long-
standing strengths in Indonesia into deeper and wider
research and teaching engagements, including greater
enrolments from Indonesia.

CONGRATULATIONS!
Dr Jeffrey Wilson
SIR WALTER MURDOCH SCHOOL OF PUBLIC POLICY
& INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS UNIT COORDINATOR
AWARD
Dr Jeffrey Wilson
Senior Lecturer
international Affairs
whole?
I joined Murdoch as a Fellow of the Asia Research Centre in
2012. My research speciality is in international political
economy – a subfield of political science focussed on global
economic governance. My current research investigates
international resource politics in the Asia-Pacific – how
governments and firms negotiate agreements for trade and
investment between resource rich countries (such as Australia)
and resource-poor countries (like China). I am also the Chief
Investigator (with Mark Beeson, UWA) on an ARC Discovery
Project on Australia-China economic relations (DP150100217).
My administrative roles include Director of PhD Studies in the
Asia Research Centre and Academic Chair of the Master of
International Affairs degree in the Sir Walter Murdoch School.

CONGRATULATIONS!
Dr Jeffrey Wilson
International Affairs Unit Coordinator Award
Political science is about understanding how social groups
make distributional decisions: the question of who gets
what, how, on whose terms, and why. Politics – be it within
a nation, a workplace, a community or the world – is
something that almost everyone has some form of interest
in. Teaching political science helps develop students’ ability
to make sense of why certain groups are powerful, and
how they can use this power to shape political outcomes
in directions they favour. This knowledge is especially
important to designing and implementing effective policy,
within governments, business and international
institutions.
I am privileged to be able to work in the Asia Research
Centre here at Murdoch, which for over twenty years
has been recognised as one of the region’s leading
research institutes on social, political and economic
issues in Asia. My colleagues are not only world-class
scholars, but have created an exemplary collegial
environment in which collaborative approaches to
research and teaching are the norm. I am particularly
indebted to senior mentors who have supported my
development, especially Dr Jane Hutchison, Professor
Garry Rodan and the Dean of the Sir Walter Murdoch
School Professor Ben Reilly.
The Australian Universities sector is at a (somewhat
unpleasant) cross-roads. Attracting students is
becoming more competitive, government funding is
declining in real terms, and resources will increasingly
be concentrated in fewer programs and institutions.
Success in this environment will depend on being able
to demonstrate to policymakers, students and the
wider public that both our research and teaching are
world-class. Research success is a major component
not only of institutional performance, but also – rightly
or wrongly! – public perceptions of University quality.

CONGRATULATIONS!
Associate Professor Martin Cake
2015 SCHOOL OF VETERINARY AND LIFE SCIENCES
LEARNING AND TEACHING AWARD – INNOVATION
Veterinary Anatomy
whole?
I have been at Murdoch pretty much forever, since starting as a
student in 1990 I have only been away from Murdoch for 4
years! My first love is teaching veterinary anatomy, though I am
equally passionate about veterinary professional life skills,
wellbeing and resilience. My research has mainly been in
biomedical science, though increasingly I find myself diverted
into education research, where I feel I can make more of a
difference.

CONGRATULATIONS!
2015 School of Veterinary and Life Sciences
Learning and Teaching Award – Innovation
I believe the best teachers share their infectious
enthusiasm and curiosity for the subject to inspire student
learning. But higher education is about more than
acquisition of knowledge, so I hope through my part in our
Veterinary Professional Life course and camp that our
students also leave us ready to enter successful and
satisfying careers that will enrich their lives.
I am lucky to be surrounded by equally passionate,
hard-working people who ensure that coming to work
each day is never a chore. And thanks to our amazing
students, for keeping me young (a task that is getting
progressively harder!).
Murdoch has always been a small uni that has thought
big, and embraced its differentness from older
institutions. I hope we can continue to hold onto that,
and retain our past focus on making a real difference to
our students’ lives through their Murdoch experience. I
remember my time as a Murdoch student as some of
the best days of my life, and I really hope that students
today are able to one day look back and feel the same.

CONGRATULATIONS!
Dr Barbara Bowen
LEARNING AND TEACHING AWARD – BEST
TEACHING SURVEY
Dr Barbara Bowen
Senior Lecturer
whole?
I joined Murdoch University in 1994. My role is in
undergraduate guidance and support as Academic Chair of
Conservation and Wildlife Biology and Biological Sciences; and
as coordinator and lecturer in a range of core units within
these disciplines. These roles are important at Murdoch
University, providing individual students with the best advice,
support and learning experiences to enable them to achieve
their educational goals.

CONGRATULATIONS!
Dr Barbara Bowen
Learning and Teaching Award – Best Teaching
Survey
I enjoy the challenge of sharing and instilling knowledge,
particularly about the natural world and the amazing
biodiversity within. Teaching in an area that I am
passionate about allows me to teach with genuine
enthusiasm and a strong commitment to showing students
the value of their learning. Classes in both the laboratory
and field provide great opportunities for applying
knowledge and learning important skills. It is particularly
stimulating to empower first year students to develop their
fundamental disciplinary skills, and then to encourage
them to refine and apply these in advanced units at a level
that will make them attractive graduates in the workforce.
I have received strong mentoring from a number of
academic staff, in particular Associate Professor Mike
Calver and Emeritus Professor Jen McComb. Both Mike
and Jen have been instrumental in supporting me from
my early years of teaching through to the present with
shared coordination of units and constant support in my
role as Academic Chair.
Murdoch prides itself on an approach that encourages
students from a wide variety of backgrounds, providing
an enriching experience for both students and staff.
With the recent challenges faced by Australian
Universities, I would like to see Murdoch look at
approaches that nurture our unique identity and
continue to inspire students to choose to come to
Murdoch over other institutions. In particular, to value
those who are committed to high quality teaching at all
levels- both undergraduate and postgraduate and to
not lose sight of the important role that face to face
teaching plays in providing engaging education and
enhancing student retention.

CONGRATULATIONS!
Sarah Gillett
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Sarah Gillett
whole?
I first started at Murdoch in 1999 as a receptionist at
Murdoch’s on campus accommodation, Student Village. It was
a great role where I had the opportunity to meet and help
students from all over the world. I have since held various roles
at Murdoch in School of Education, the Veterinary Teaching
Hospital and finally as PA to the Dean and to the Executive
Business Manager in the School of Veterinary and Life Sciences.

CONGRATULATIONS!
Sarah Gillett
Professional Services Award
I think I am at my best when helping others. I work with a
super team here in the School office in Veterinary and Life
Sciences at and am happy to be able to support them in
any way I can.
I would like to sincerely thank both my managers, Fiona
Feist, Executive Business Manager and David Hampson,
Dean of School for their support and kindness during my
time here in VLS, I am extremely lucky to work for two
wonderful people.
I would also like to extend my thanks to our School
Executive, Giles Hardy, Professor Phil Nicholls, Yonglin
Ren, Mike Calver and our Cluster Leaders, Peter Irwin,
Richard Harper, Neil Loneragan and Wayne Greene for
putting up with my million emails a day and for still
maintaining such a great sense of humour. I consider
myself very fortunate to work with such a great group of
people.

CONGRATULATIONS!
Warren Timpson
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
whole?
I joined Murdoch on January 2015 as Practice Manager of
Murdoch University Veterinary Hospital. My role is responsible
for all the customer facing portions of our business from our
General Practice clinic, through our referral clinics for both
large and small animals.
Warren Timpson
Practise Manager, The Animal Hospital

CONGRATULATIONS!
Warren Timpson
Professional Services Award
The biggest buzz for me is seeing the happiness on the vet
students faces when they have excelled at something or
have mastered a new technique, they are priceless
moments.
I feel privileged to have won this award, however I
cannot take all the credit. I work with an amazing team
of individuals who go the extra mile every day to ensure
we deliver best practice in teaching and clinical work so
they are as deserving as I.
I would like to see a more unified and collegial
approach to the university with all schools and
departments working for the greater good.

CONGRATULATIONS!
Dr Navid Moheimani
AWARD FOR INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH
Dr Navid Moheimani
Senior Lecturer
whole?
I joined Murdoch University as a PhD student in 2001. I left
Murdoch right after my graduation to work with Industry. In
2008, I decided to come back to Murdoch to work as an
academic. My research is my main contribution to Murdoch
University. Saying that, I also love teaching undergraduates. I
chose Murdoch University as this place provide me with a
unique environment to carry out my research and teaching.

CONGRATULATIONS!
Dr Navid Moheimani
2015 School of Veterinary and Life Sciences Award
for Interdisciplinary Research
There is a lot I like about my current research activities. My
research is mostly concentrated on mass algal cultivation.
The aim is to produce biofuel, food, animal feed and high
value products as well as using algae to treat wastewater.
These are novel and multidisciplinary fields of research.
My main interest is to have a positive contribution in this
field via publications and community and industry
engagement.
There are number of people that I would like to thank,
first and foremost all my Honours and postgraduate my
students. Their effort and hard work is one of the main
reasons that I manage to have a very good research
output. I also like to thank my close collaborators, Prof
Bahri, Dr Parlevliet and Dr van Keulen for their ongoing
support.
Any university reputation depends highly on its
academic excellence in research. I would like to see
Murdoch University providing our researchers with a
good environment to pursue research in their areas of
excellence. I also like to see more translational
research. We will need to attract industries to support
our research.

CONGRATULATIONS!
Dr Jason Terpolilli
AWARD FOR INNOVATIVE RESEARCH BY AN EARLY
CAREER ACADEMIC
Dr Jason Terpolilli
Lecturer, Biochemistry and Systems Biology
whole?
I joined Murdoch University as a lecturer in 2012 after
postdoctoral research in the UK. I completed my PhD at
Murdoch so coming back felt a lot like coming home and I was
happy to be able to contribute to the positive teaching and
productive research environment that I had experienced during
my earlier studies. In my role I teach both introductory and
advanced cell biology, microbiology and biochemistry to
students in many of the majors in the school of Veterinary and
Life Sciences and I am a member of the Centre for Rhizobium
Studies research group where I supervise 4 PhD and 2 honours
students.

CONGRATULATIONS!
Dr Jason Terpolilli
2015 School of Veterinary and Life Sciences Award
for Innovative Research by an Early Career
Academic
Being the first person to discover something is really a
huge thrill, which is why I enjoy research so much. The plus
for me is that I get to work within a research group which
uses this new knowledge to help improve sustainable
farming practices in Australia. So, what we find in the
laboratory or in the glasshouse can have a direct impact on
land management and food production. That connection
makes you feel that your work, while exciting and
intellectually satisfying, is also making a difference.
I’d like to sincerely thank the members of the Centre for
Rhizobium Studies for their support and for making the
group such a stimulating place to work. In particular, I
would like to acknowledge the group’s research leaders
Professor John Howieson and Dr Graham O’Hara for
their support and mentoring of me as an early-career
academic. Also, Professor Philip Poole, an Alumnus of
Murdoch University and a Sir Walter Murdoch Adjunct
Professor, has been a source of advice and guidance for
which I am extremely grateful.
Agriculture is an area of research strength at Murdoch
that I think we have not fully capitalised on in the past
in our teaching. Now, with the development of new
undergraduate majors in this field, I think Murdoch is
well placed to become a regional leader in this space by
supporting and developing strong research-lead
teaching in Agriculture.

CONGRATULATIONS!
Farm Staff
Kim Thomas, Bob Fawcett, Tony
Eustace, Ralph Lyster
AWARD - TEAM AWARD
Please tell us when you first joined the Murdoch community. How
would you describe your role at Murdoch? What contribution does
your role make to the university as a whole?
I see my role and contribution as working towards and developing
the Universities Principles and Visions turning this Farm into a
significant rural asset that will play a key role in the future operations
of Murdoch University’s School of Veterinary and Life Science.
There is a great deal of satisfaction in seeing people
achieving success in what they do and what they want to
do through learning. I believe that our youth are the
future, to help them learn and see them achieve, is my
reward.
What kind of achievements would you like to see from the
Murdoch community in the next 3 -5 years?
I would like to see Whitby develop into a leading
International Centre for Life Sciences Research, Learning
and Community Engagement. Achievements would be the
development of important strategic/operations here,
supporting the University’s existing operations and function
of the south street campus.
More community involvement such as visits by schools.
Development of primary and secondary school programmes
with access to this site.

Staff Awards Winners Gallery 2016

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Staff Awards Winners Gallery 2016