UQ Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Paul Greenfield

In mid-2011 more than 6600 alumni in almost 100 countries took the opportunity to express their views of UQ by being part of an online survey. Thank you to all the respondents, whose answers will inform our efforts to offer alumni the programs and benefits that they want.

Hundreds invested extra time to write comments about their relationship with UQ, and many of these were particularly instructive.

Overwhelmingly, people had positive memories of their student experience and gave high ratings to the education that UQ now provides. For example, 94 percent felt proud to be a UQ graduate, 91 percent said they had an overall great experience as students, and almost 90 percent would recommend UQ to their friends. These ratings are a tribute to past and present staff, and to the quality of our alumni community.

On the other hand, alumni were generally cool about their present relationship with UQ. Only 40 percent agreed that they had a strong relationship with UQ, almost one-third were neutral about it, and the remainder disagreed with the proposition. Also, most people did not feel that they were a valued part of the UQ community.

Clearly, the University’s strong performance towards students is not flowing through to alumni. As engaging with alumni is integral to the University’s vocation, and we strive for all-round excellence, this is indeed a serious concern.

If you are someone who finds UQ’s performance towards alumni lacking, please be assured that alumni are valued as intrinsic to UQ, irrespective of whether they are quiet achievers, celebrities, or people who studied purely for the love of learning. When I take the University’s increasing success as the pervading theme of this magazine, I cannot isolate it from the work of countless people whose stories are not documented.

I was gratified by the magnanimity of the thousands of alumni who would consider volunteering, especially if it enables them to help students. Half of the respondents signalled interest in giving guest lectures or joining discussion panels, 42 percent were interested in being career mentors, 44 percent would consider assisting with UQ humanitarian projects, and more than a quarter were interested in inviting a new international student home for dinner.

I know that many hundreds of alumni already volunteer as adjunct academics, student mentors, fundraisers, advisors, reunion organisers, UQ Senators – the list goes on. It is now up to UQ to expand opportunities for people to serve in these roles and other ways.

More than half of our alumni live within an hour’s drive of central Brisbane, but altruism is not limited by borders or datelines. This is proven by the members of the new board of The University of Queensland in America Foundation, the dynamos running our 10 Asia-based alumni associations, and the residents of Vietnam who supported a group of current students who performed exceptional deeds for children of a community in the Mekong Delta.

A similarly generous disposition towards UQ students of today and tomorrow came through in alumni’s answers to questions about donating, with scholarships being the most popular target for people who were able and willing to give funds to UQ.

People shared valuable insights on activities that interest them, and their preferred avenues for receiving communication from the University. On the basis of this you should expect to see more email invitations and notices about seminars, cultural events and professional development.

Judging by answers relating to benefits and services they would like to receive, many alumni treasure knowledge and scholarship as ongoing links with the University. Their most popular choices were library access that is free or discounted (the latter is already available), and lifelong learning.

The take-out message for the University is that actions speak louder than words. Busy alumni took the trouble to tell us what they like and dislike about their relationship with UQ, with some even inviting the University to partner with them to improve offerings for their fellow alumni.

There is now a decisive onus on the University to digest the criticisms as well as the compliments to communicate better with alumni who want to maintain or reinvigorate contact with their alma mater, and to harness the enthusiasm and creativity of alumni who want to share their wisdom, energy and connections. Stay tuned.

New company Vaxxas Pty Ltd will enable Professor Mark Kendall from UQ’s Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology to continue his pioneering research and development of the Nanopatch.

The AUD$15 million investment is led by OneVentures, with co-investors Brandon Capital, the Medical Research Commercialisation Fund and US-based HealthCare Ventures.

The Nanopatch has thousands of small projections designed to deliver the vaccine to abundant immune cells in the skin, whereas the traditional syringe hits the muscle where these are sparse.

Early stage testing in animals has shown a Nanopatch-delivered flu vaccine is effective with only 1/150th of the dose compared to a syringe.

In addition to improving the efficiency of delivery, the Nanopatch has the potential to dramatically improve patient convenience and reduce the complications associated with needle phobia, needle-stick injuries and cross contamination, which are key global health issues.

The Nanopatch is designed for thermostability and to not need refrigeration, making transport much cheaper and easier, particularly to developing nations around the world.

Professor Kendall said in the developed world about 14 percent of a vaccine’s costs were in maintaining the cold chain – while in the developing world the impact was even greater.

Member of the Vaxxas Board of Directors Douglas E. Onsi said the Nanopatch had the potential to transform vaccine delivery for the pharmaceutical industry and for patients around the world.

By Erik de Wit

Did you scribble on a desk in the Physiology Lecture Theatres at the St Lucia campus some time in the past 48 years?

Chances are your graffiti might have been saved for posterity in a new foyer art installation in the newly refurbished building.

The installation was among the sustainability features incorporated in the $6.94 million project.

Senior designer from Cottee Parker Architects Scott Bagnell said the Tree of Life installation incorporated salvaged 1960s lecture theatre desk tablets and chair frames.

“This was an important element to maintain as part of the ongoing story telling of the building’s history and engagement of University students into the future,” Mr Bagnell said.

A range of recycled materials were incorporated into the refurbishment including light fittings made from chair frames and foyer furniture from floorboards and roof beams.

By Jan King

Courting the Greats from The University of Queensland on Vimeo.

Founder and Executive Director of the Hear and Say program, Dr Dimity Dornan AM, has been named the 2011 UQ Alumnus of the Year.

The 2010 Queenslander of the Year was honoured at the annual Courting the Greats gala dinner on September 24 at the UQ Centre, alongside the winners of the International Alumnus of the Year and the Young Alumnus of the Year awards.

Courting the Greats celebrates the achievements of UQ’s alumni community and pays tribute to those who have achieved distinction in their fields and recognition among their peers.

This year’s event also recognised five Graduates of the Year from the class of 2011 – each of whom received perfect grades throughout their degrees.

“The diversity of this year’s applicants was testament to the success of our graduates both here and overseas in a wide range of disciplines,” UQ Pro Vice-Chancellor (Advancement) Clare Pullar said.

Guests were entertained by ballroom dancers, the Emmanuel College Pipe Band, the School of Music’s Tropical Dance Orchestra, and also took part in a private viewing at the UQ Art Museum.

Dr Dornan, a speech pathologist, founded Hear and Say in 1992.

The not-for-profit organisation assists children with hearing impairments so they can learn to listen and speak through advanced hearing technology. She is also the Founder of Hear and Say Research Innovation and Hear and Say Worldwide.

Dr Yuichi Murakami and Edwin Khew were named the joint winners of the International Alumnus of the Year award.

The co-founder, CEO, and Managing Director of IUT Global Pte Ltd, Mr Khew is recognised as a leader in advancing clean energy and renewable energy sources in South East Asia.

Dr Murakami is a distinguished academic from Fukushima University who has dedicated his research career to understanding cultural differences between Australia and Japan. He and his students also generously raised funds for the Vice-Chancellor’s Emergency Student Welfare Fund following the January floods.

Also recognised at the event was Young Alumnus of the Year Dr Kala Mulqueeny, who has made a global impact as a lawyer, academic and teacher.

By Jan King and Allison Rock

Liz Bellward with Indah at Dreamworld's Tiger Island

When Liz Bellward was contemplating a career change, little did she know a day at the office would soon involve cuddling and caring for a dozen tigers.

With a business degree already under her belt, Ms Bellward was looking to take her passion for animals to the next level and enrolled in a Master of Animal Studies at UQ.

By mid-way through her degree, Ms Bellward was working for one of Australia’s best-known tiger tourism and conservation hotspots – Tiger Island at Dreamworld on the Gold Coast.

Ms Bellward described her time as a tiger handler as not only a professionally rewarding experience but also a personal one.

“There’s an honesty and innocence with animals that you don’t find with people,” she said.

“Having a cuddle with a 200kg tiger or having it chuff at you (a chuff is a friendly greeting) and experiencing their acceptance of you is the most incredible feeling in the world.”

Part of Ms Bellward’s work at Tiger Island was to assist with the conservation and breeding efforts of Sumatran tigers.

“There are only 300–400 of this species left in the wild and knowing I have been part of helping increase their numbers is very rewarding,” she said.

Liz Bellward swimming with Indah

Four years on and Ms Bellward is combining her skills in business and tiger handling in establishing Karma Cats – a not-for-profit organisation aimed at conserving endangered big cat species.

“I created Karma Cats because I saw an opportunity to participate in breeding programs for endangered species and raise money for conservation,” she said.

“Some zoos see ‘making money’ as a bad thing and as exploiting the animals, but you can make money without compromising the animals’ welfare and in many cases it enriches the animals’ lives in captivity.”

Since her time at UQ, Ms Bellward has maintained excellent relationships with UQ teaching staff, and her masters supervisor now joins her on the Karma Cats board.

Ms Bellward is currently looking for more funders to support her organisation.

By Caroline Bird

Cody Freeman

For Cody Freeman, what started as a hobby during his university days has since seen him go from international performer to educator to entrepreneur.

The professional balloon sculptor has featured on Channel 9’s kids’ TV show The Shak, entertained crowds at Brisbane Broncos games for the past three years, and created giant balloon floats involving lights and lasers.

His talent has taken him to the stages of Europe, Africa, India and Australia.

From the simplest animal to giant installations, Mr Freeman’s specialty is being able to create anything people ask for within a couple of minutes.

“If someone says, ‘I want an F-111 fighter jet’, I’ll be able to make it right there and do it fast,” he said.

Mr Freeman said his passion for circus stemmed back to his days studying at UQ.

“My friend and I started a small juggling club that would meet once a week in the Great Court to practise.

“Sometimes 15 to 20 people would turn up to juggle, spin and twirl.”

After busking overseas and experimenting with balloon art for two years, Mr Freeman started a job teaching at an international school in Goa, India.

There, he taught circus to the kids as an extra-curricular activity.

However, his time in Goa was cut short by a motorcycle accident and Mr Freeman was forced to come back to his home in far north Queensland, where he had months of recovery enabling him to focus on his balloon designs.

Most recently, Mr Freeman opened a Circus Training Centre in Brisbane’s West End called The Ice Cream Factory and established his own balloon-sculpting business – Twisted Designs.

“Our creations and entertainment aim to twist people’s imagination by making things out of balloons that you would never have believed possible,” he said.

“We’re combining science, art and entertainment to take balloon sculpture into uncharted territory.”

Mr Freeman credits his UQ science degree with allowing him to experiment with more complex balloon creations.

“I’m using some parts of my degree more than ever at the moment and will continue to use this knowledge as I start to incorporate more lights, signal processing and electronics to circus performances,” he said.

“Having a science degree means I can bring a different approach to doing things in the circus community and allows me to think more creatively.”

By Caroline Bird

The University of Queensland’s Institute of Continuing & TESOL Education (ICTE-UQ) has celebrated three decades of success with a week-long calendar of anniversary activities and events.

Established in 1981 as the first centre of its kind in Queensland and operating from a single teaching room, ICTE-UQ has grown to become an award-winning global institute offering a wide range of programs and services to more than 6500 participants from more than 60 countries each year.

ICTE-UQ has played an important role in assisting international students to commence UQ study and reach graduation through intensive preparatory, concurrent English language training, pathway and support programs.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Greenfield congratulated ICTE-UQ for its role in meeting the University’s internationalisation objectives and paving the way for broader alliances.

By Frances Wickerson

A powerful series of UQ art exhibitions provided a rare opportunity earlier this year to discover the human face behind the asylum seeker debate.

Waiting for Asylum, Collaborative Witness, and John Young: Safety Zone were the result of a collaboration between the UQ Art Museum, the UQ Library and researchers in the School of English, Media Studies and Art History, and opened to coincide with Refugee Week in June.

The exhibitions were partly inspired by research Professor Gillian Whitlock is undertaking with asylum seeker archives held within UQ’s Fryer Library.

Using photographs sourced from Fryer, artists Ross Gibson and Carl Warner produced a specially commissioned work entitled “protection”, which comprises a grid of 60 enlarged colour photographs. Bands of blackboard paint were dragged across the images to represent the loss of identity experienced by asylum seekers.

“Many of these photographs are anonymous and yet they provide extraordinary insights into the Nauru detention centre as they were photographed by the asylum seekers themselves,” co-curator Dr Prue Ahrens said.

Collaborative Witness included works produced in the past decade by prominent artists including Rosemary Laing and Guan Wei.

John Young: Safety Zone paid tribute to a group of foreigners who saved the lives of 300,000 Chinese citizens by sheltering them in the city’s international zone during the “Rape of Nanjing” in 1937.

By Michele Helmrich

Associate Professor David Morrison, The Honourable Justice Margaret A McMurdo AC and Derran Moss

UQ’s TC Beirne School of Law has celebrated its 75th anniversary with a gala “Town and Gown” debate at Customs House.

The entertaining event brought together some of Queensland’s sharpest minds, with academics and legal practitioners engaged in a battle of words and wit on the theme: “It takes 75 years to make sense of the law”. Watch the debate here.

President of the Queensland Court of Appeal, The Honourable Justice Margaret A McMurdo AC, presided over the debate which was attended by almost 200 guests from the legal profession, The University of Queensland and the local community.

Among the guests were many eminent members of the Queensland judiciary, Federal Member for Ryan Jane Prentice MP, and Shadow Attorney-General Senator the Hon George Brandis SC.

The TC Beirne School of Law is the oldest and most successful law school in Queensland and one of Australia’s leading research-intensive law schools.

The school began as a “shadow” faculty on the establishment of the University in 1910, and became a fully functioning law school in 1936, thanks to a generous donation of £20,000 ($3 million in today’s money) from Brisbane businessman Thomas Charles Beirne.

In his welcome address, Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Greenfield acknowledged the valuable contribution made by the legal profession and the school’s past and present donors – in particular its namesake.

“I hope he would be proud of the procession of students and staff who have benefited from his generosity and vision,” Professor Greenfield said.

By Melissa Reynolds

Patrick Chambers at the construction site of the new Global Change Institute building

Two years ago Patrick Chambers was walking the corridors of the St Lucia campus as an undergraduate engineer.

Today, he’s working on one of the University’s biggest construction projects.

Following graduation, Mr Chambers started working for Medland Metropolis, where his passion for sustainability has been put to good use working on the development of UQ’s new Global Change Institute (GCI).

He said being involved in the project was an excellent opportunity to advance his knowledge and skills in sustainable engineering.

“The building aspiration is to be completely zero-net energy, and thus is an extremely challenging engineering feat,” he said.

“One of my most important philosophies is that of sustainability, so to be associated with a building that pushes the boundaries of conventional buildings is something I am very proud of.

“It feels great to be working on a site that I walked past every day during my student days and it will feel even better to be able to tell people that I was involved in its design.”

As part of his role on the project, Mr Chambers has constructed a 3D model of the complex to accurately gauge the building’s thermal performance.

“This involved constructing the building geometry, inputting material thicknesses, and thermodynamic properties for every single element of the building structure and façade,” Mr Chambers said.

“I also had to liaise with the architect and GCI staff to pre-determine energy distribution and usage in the building.”

In September, Mr Chambers, along with a Medland Metropolis colleague, presented a lecture to UQ architecture students on how to integrate mechanics with architecture, with a focus on the GCI building.

Mr Chambers said he had been interested in science from a young age, and in particular the difference between certain materials.

“I would continually break chopstick and rulers, trying to bend them as far as possible,” Mr Chambers said.

“I was interested in why they would bend and break differently.”

But it was his father’s passion for physics and mathematics that inspired him to study mechanical engineering at university.

“While studying, I began to appreciate how well Dad prepared me for this career path,” he said.

By Caroline Bird

UQ linguists are playing their part to preserve Aboriginal languages

As the number of Aboriginal languages dwindles, UQ researchers are intensifying their studies to protect and document those that remain.

Research in Australian languages is a focus at UQ, with the University hosting one of the largest clusters of Aboriginal language academics in the country. The group includes researchers Dr Ilana Mushin, Dr Rob Pensalfini, Dr Myf Turpin, Dr Felicity Meakins and Dr Erich Round.

There were approximately 250 Indigenous languages before settlement and now only 20 remain. UQ linguists are involved in practical community-based research, which includes creating and releasing Aboriginal dictionaries, books and collaborating with schools.

“There is no doubt Aboriginal language continues to change,” Dr Meakins said.

“I’m hoping to document older language and test to see if younger people are speaking in the same way.”

Early next year, linguists from around Australia will meet at UQ to discuss current Aboriginal language research.

The 2012 Australian Languages Workshop will be hosted by the School of Languages and Comparative Cultural Studies and will be held at the UQ Moreton Bay Research Station from March 9–11.

By Dania Lawrence

New research has shown an increasing number of Australians choose to live alone

One in four Australian households are single occupancy homes, and it’s predicted that in the coming decades millions more will choose to live alone.

It’s a lifestyle that’s often labelled as a lonely existence, but for some people it’s a preference.

This rise in living alone is the focus of a recent study – the first of its kind – which was conducted by Executive Dean of the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences Professor David de Vaus. Living alone is an increasingly common living arrangement in developed economies and the increase of Australian households being occupied by just one person is a pattern that has been growing steadily in all western countries since World War II.

Based on interviews with 4300 Australian households, the study discovered more than 40 percent of people will spend a period in their adult lives living alone but most of these spells will be short – about 2.5 years.

“For many, solo living is a transitional period within a more complex life course. Solo living comes between periods in group households, follows relationship breakdown or after other family changes like leaving home or after children leave,” Professor de Vaus said.

“This style of living does not signal a rejection of family living, but does reflect changes in the way in which people arrange their family life course.

“Today we delay marriage, have fewer children and are more likely to end relationships. All these make for periods of living alone.”

The study also found people who typically chose to live alone were not abandoned to a life of isolation, and usually re-entered some form of family living.

“Those who live alone do so because they want to; they do so for relatively short periods and then re-engage in family households,” Professor de Vaus said.

“Living alone springs partly from the fact that people in advanced economies are simply wealthier and healthier and can afford to live alone. They are also healthy enough in old age to manage on their own.”

By Kristen Bastian

UQ research has shown men and women respond to the common cold differently

Researchers from the School of Medicine have made an important discovery about how the immune system reacts to rhinoviruses responsible for the common cold.

The team, led by Professor John Upham, found young women make a stronger immune response to rhinoviruses than young men. These differences disappear after menopause, so are probably regulated by sex hormones.

Professor Upham said the discovery was crucially important for finding new ways of combating rhinoviruses.

“While these viruses are just a nuisance in healthy people, they can make people with asthma or other chronic lung diseases very unwell,” he said.

“In our efforts to find new ways to prevent these infections, we need to take into account the effects of hormones, and how they affect the immune system.”

The researchers are studying how the immune system worked – or didn’t work – in people with asthma, in addition to tracing the effects of hormones on the immune system, with long-term plans for development of a vaccine.

By Jan King

UQ's Dr Emma Collier-Baker has travelled to Indonesia to better understand the comparative psychology of orangutans and children

A UQ researcher will spend part of the next three years working in Indonesia to better understand the comparative psychology of orangutans and children.

Dr Emma Collier-Baker from the School of Psychology arrived in Jakarta in September to commence a joint venture between UQ and Universitas Indonesia.

Dr Collier-Baker is a comparative psychologist who has been investigating the mental capacities of children, great apes and other species for the past 10 years.

She has experience conducting behavioural research with captive primates in various institutions in Australia and around the world, and last year returned from five months of field work funded by an Endeavour Research Fellowship observing wild orangutans in the rainforests of Sumatra.

Her goal in Indonesia is to develop a primate cognition and child development laboratory, conducting non-invasive behavioural research with orangutans and other primates, and with children in a pre-school centre at the university campus.

Dr Collier-Baker said a major aim of the project was to see Indonesian students and staff become involved in the growing study of comparative cognition.

“They are ideally placed to do so in a country which is home to many primate species, including Asia’s only great ape,” she said.

“I hope with more Indonesian researchers involved we will not only see new contributions to knowledge but to conservation, by raising the profile of endangered species like the orangutan.”

By Kristen Bastian

A UQ researcher has designed synthetic compounds that mimic the antioxidant properties of red wine and chocolate

Red wine and chocolate are part of the working week for UQ researcher Dr Aaron Micallef.

Dr Micallef, from the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, recently designed and prepared new compounds that mimic the activity of antioxidants found in the two popular products.

He hopes the compounds can promote the body’s natural antioxidant defences, neutralise damaging free radicals in the body and fight the onset of associated diseases such as heart disease and arthritis.

To mark National Science Week in August, Dr Micallef explained his research as part of a popular wine and chocolate tasting event at the Queensland Museum at South Bank.

Dr Micallef discussed antioxidants in wine and chocolate, their relationship to his AIBN research, and his role as an associate investigator for the ARC Centre of Excellence for Free Radical Chemistry and Biotechnology.

“I want people to realise that there are links between chemistry, chemical research, the foods we eat and our health,” Dr Micallef said.

“Free radicals are implicated in many processes in the body, such as inflammation, ageing and cancer. They can be very damaging, but we are conducting research into how we can use antioxidants to neutralise free radicals and prevent this damage.

“Eating foods rich in antioxidants can help mop up damaging free radicals in the body. It means we are taking the guilt out of pleasures such as red wine and chocolate.

“I have a soft spot for a good glass of red wine and dark chocolate myself, so the research is definitely very appealing.”

Reactive free radicals are believed to be the cause of the accumulated damage in cells that contributes to ageing and degenerative diseases. Antioxidants can protect against this damage, either neutralising the radicals directly or promoting the body’s natural antioxidant defences.

Dr Micallef said his synthetic compounds would have potential applications in fighting disease if they were found to mimic the protective properties of the antioxidants found in red wine and chocolate.

Called “Radical Wine and Chocolate”, the event featured guest speakers and tastings from Ballandean Estate and Sirromet Winery. Local chocolatiers from Bittersweet, Mayfield and Ballandean Estate were also in attendance.

By Erik de Wit

An artist's sketch of the exterior of the Oral Health Centre under construction at the Herston campus

The University of Queensland has commenced construction on Australia’s most advanced oral health facility to be located at the Herston campus.

Lend Lease is managing the $120 million Oral Health Centre (OHC) project, which will incorporate dental clinics and research laboratories, state-of-the-art teaching and learning spaces and office space across seven levels.

The OHC will feature general and specialist dentistry clinics, advanced medical imaging facilities and operating theatres. It will also include a special needs unit operated by Queensland Health for dental treatment of medically compromised patients.

Head of the School of Dentistry, Professor Laurence Walsh, said UQ was delighted to have a highly experienced team of architects and contractors overseeing the project.

“Through their efforts we are now bringing to reality ideas which have been formulating for two decades. This world-class facility will allow the school to grow its teaching and research programs and clinical patient care activities over the coming years,” Professor Walsh said.

Managing Director of Lend Lease’s project management and construction business in Australia, Murray Coleman, said the OHC would set a new benchmark for oral health facilities in Australia.

“We are excited to be involved in this project and look forward to working with The University of Queensland to improve its health care precinct and the oral health services available to the community,” Mr Coleman said.

“This facility will set new standards in modern building design, creating a positive legacy for future generations.”

The OHC will be located on Bramston Terrace at Herston, adjacent to the Mayne Medical School building, with completion scheduled for late 2012.

The QS World University Rankings have again included UQ in the top 50 global institutions

UQ has been ranked as one of the world’s top universities for the eighth year in a row in the respected QS World University Rankings, released in September.

With a world ranking of 48, the University has been ranked as the premier institution in Queensland and one of the top nationally.

UQ’s score in these rankings was driven by multiple criteria including academic reputation, employer reputation, citations per faculty and faculty/student ratio. UQ scored 94.4 for its academic reputation, giving it a world rank of 45, a further improvement from its 54th ranking in 2010.

The QS academic survey was based on survey responses of almost 34,000 academics in 2011.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Max Lu said the ranking recognised the University’s strong investment in research infrastructure and high quality researchers and endorsed strong government and philanthropic investment.

The latest rankings come on the heels of the prestigious Shanghai Jiao Tong Academic Ranking of World Universities released earlier in the year, in which UQ was listed as one of the world’s top 100 universities, with a world ranking of 86.

With UNESCO recognising 9760 universities in the world, and the International Handbook of Universities listing 14,000 higher education institutions in 183 countries, UQ is well and truly placed among the top one percent.

Samantha Zurvas

As the first-ever graduate of UQ’s new Master of Nursing Studies program, Samantha Zurvas is fast on her way to a rewarding career.

Ms Zurvas fulfilled a lifelong ambition of becoming a nurse when she graduated in July this year.

“I’ve always been interested in the healthcare field,” she said.

“I even started a nursing degree in 2004, but decided to take a year off.

“When I returned to university in 2005, I didn’t choose nursing and I still wonder why I didn’t, but I certainly never got over the interest in this career.”

After graduating with a Bachelor of Social Science in 2007, Ms Zurvas went to work for a newspaper on the Gold Coast for two years.

“Although I enjoyed working as a marketing analyst, I had never been able to get nursing out of my head,” she said.

“For two years I searched for the courage to start again and decided to enrol in a UQ Master of Nursing Studies (Graduate Entry) program.

“I had been looking for a long time for a program that could give me the amount of clinical learning I felt I needed to work confidently as a nurse.

“I chose UQ because it looked like a fantastic opportunity to combine my previous qualifications and get a Masters in Nursing in as little at 18 months.”

Since graduating from UQ a second time around, Ms Zurvas has started a specialty paediatric graduate program at the Mater Children’s Hospital.

“I am very interested in working in paediatric intensive care and gaining further education in this area,” Ms Zurvas said.

“Nursing offers many career options – I’m interested in education and leadership roles, or perhaps even becoming a nurse practitioner in the future.

“I finally feel like I am where I am meant to be and this is thanks to the opportunities made available through the new Masters of Nursing Studies program.”

By Lya McTaggart

Sarah Greenhalgh, Bachelor of Journalism

Earlier this year when most of Brisbane was either tucked up in bed or just starting their day, Sarah Greenhalgh was flying high above the city to keep commuters informed on the best routes to work.

Ms Greenhalgh spent four months working as the traffic reporter for Channel 9’s Today Show, and has recently secured a job at WIN TV Mackay and Whitsundays.

Her 4am wake-up call as a traffic reporter was tough at times, but Ms Greenhalgh said it was all worth it once she was cruising the skies above Brisbane.

“It was an incredible way to start the day,” she said.

“But it was a job that had its highs and lows. In my first two weeks I had to report on a fatal accident and it was difficult to keep the emotion out of my voice.

“Then there were times when I reported on incidents that were quite funny, like when there was a cow strolling down the East-West Arterial Road the night of the Katy Perry concert – we thought she might have been a big fan who had got a little lost.”

Ms Greenhalgh started work at The Australian Traffic Network at the start of the year while completing the final semester of her degree. In addition to reporting for the Today Show and 97.3FM each morning, she was also the traffic reporter for Nova, 4KQ and Hot 91 on the Sunshine Coast in the afternoons.

The busiest times for a traffic reporter are peak morning and peak afternoon, which meant she drove from her Paddington home to the aerodrome at Redcliffe twice a day.

Never picturing that she would be reporting on traffic from a helicopter, Ms Greenhalgh said not knowing the difference between the Ipswich Motorway and the Pacific Motorway soon changed.

“I have learnt in this industry that you need to take any job that becomes available and just run with it,” she said.

“In journalism, and the media industry as a whole, contacts are crucial. It’s not so much what you know, but certainly a case of who you know.”

Ms Greenhalgh said she had developed a particular interest in television reporting.

“It wasn’t until 2010 that I decided I wanted to do something in television, and when the chance arose to do a 10-day internship with Channel Nine at the Ekka, I jumped at the opportunity and applied,” she said.

By Kathy Grube

Jerico Fransiscus Pardosi

Jerico Fransiscus Pardosi is using his skills to reduce child mortality rates in a remote part of Indonesia.

He is currently working on an AusAID project in the Nusa Tengara Timur Province (Ende District) where a significant number of children die during birth or under the age of five due to unknown causes.

“These statistics are terrifying. There are inequalities accessing health services across Ende in relation to antenatal care and it’s important to do an in-depth analysis to determine the unknown causes of death in this region,” Mr Pardosi said.

Notably, the death toll for infants and children aged under five is three times higher in rural than urban areas in Ende District.

Research undertaken during his masters enabled Mr Pardosi to complete field work in Indonesia with the support of his advisors.

Mr Pardosi is currently a junior researcher for the National Institute of Health Research and Development in the Ministry of Health in Jakarta.

He leads antenatal care and birth delivery research in Karawang District, West Java, and also manages the Health Science Journal of Indonesia. He hopes to become a leading expert in the region in the field of maternal and child mortality research.

Mr Pardosi was also a recipient of 2010 UQ Indonesian Alumni Award.

The honour has allowed Mr Pardosi to share his experiences and build ongoing health research collaborations between UQ and the National Institute of Health Research and Development in areas including HIV-AIDS.

By Jessica Gallagher

Lucas Goh

Lucas Goh is protecting Australia.

Not as a soldier or an employee with the Australian Federal Police, but as a researcher preventing a fatal mosquito-borne virus from reaching our shores.

Although similar to Dengue fever in symptoms, the new virus, known as Chikungunya virus, causes fever, rashes and joint pain that can last for years.

A newly mutated genotype has recently been reported to cause chronic arthritis, gastrointestinal and neurological complications, is able to be transmitted from mother to child, and has been associated with some deaths.

And like dengue, there is currently no treatment and no vaccine.

Mr Goh, originally from Singapore, is a PhD student undertaking research in the development and evaluation of diagnostic tools for Chikungunya virus. He is undertaking his doctorate under the supervision of Associate Professor Roy Hall.

“We are aiming to develop antibodies for use in a diagnostic kit to detect and identify Chikungunya virus,” Mr Goh said.

“This would allow us to potentially generate antibodies for immunotherapy.”

The Chikungunya virus is currently present in Europe, Asia, India, Africa and some parts of the United States, but is exotic to Australia.

“We are working on counter measures in order to prevent an incursion into the country as there is an abundance of competent mosquito vectors that are able to transmit the virus, which could cause an epidemic in Australia,” Mr Goh said.

“During my PhD at UQ, I have undoubtedly improved myself both as a person and as a young scientist.

“I am very confident that the strong network of influential scientists I am working with will push me to newer heights.”

Mr Goh attributes the challenges of research and the satisfaction of success as the main contributors to deciding to pursue a research higher degree (RHD) in science.

“I knew that undertaking a RHD at UQ would not only drastically improve my writing, presenting, interpretational and analytical skills, but also play a part in helping me become a mature adult,” he said.

“The outstanding learning and research supervision from my advisors has provided me with the utmost support and assistance any budding scientist could ask for.

“Plus, UQ’s teaching and research excellence makes it one of the best universities to study at.”

By Carly Dengate

Benjamin Kay

Benjamin Kay is on a mission to protect the environment and help create a sustainable planet through education.

Combining his biology degree from the University of California and his marine studies from UQ, Mr Kay is working as a science teacher in Santa Monica, California.

On his lists of green accomplishments, Mr Kay has helped ban single-use plastic bags in Santa Monica, lobbied government to support clean waterways, and designed marine and environmental sustainability curricula for several organisations.

But he said his major goal was to develop easy ways to teach students the benefits of living sustainably.

“As early as high school I discovered I had a knack for transmitting information in a way that others could more easily understand, “ Mr Kay said.

In 2006, he and his students founded Team Marine and Heal the Bay Surfrider Club – groups of eco-minded students from Santa Monica High School who raise awareness about climate change, plastic pollution and overfishing.

As a result of the students’ efforts, Team Marine earned The Ocean Hero Award from the state environmental steering committee, the Wyland Foundation Grand Prize, and the Best Community Outreach Award presented by the Jane Goodall Institute.

So far, Mr Kay and his students have recycled more than 60,000 drinking containers to raise money for water purifying LifeStraws, which are distributed in developing countries to monitor the quality of drinking water.

They have also begun a gas-to-electric car conversion project.

“I teach not only to augment brain capacity and inspire my pupils to pursue science, but also to plant seeds of sustainability and instil a critical thinking lens regarding environmental issues,” Mr Kay said.

“My hope is that my enthusiasm for the marine environment and its long-term preservation will be contagious amongst the students, and that each year’s cohort will adopt the conservation ethic.”

Mr Kay credits much of his inspiration to two of his educators – a high school science teacher, who he still surfs with today, and his UQ thesis advisor, who he calls his “marine science guru”.

By Allison Rock

Simon Cullen

Journalism alumnus Simon Cullen has always been interested in politics.

Following graduation, Mr Cullen began his career as a casual reporter at ABC’s Brisbane office.

From there, he began his reporting crusade up and down the east coast of Australia, making a two-year stop in Bundaberg and spending time in Tasmania following state politics.

However, in 2009 Mr Cullen secured a full-time job reporting from the ABC’s Canberra Parliament House bureau and couldn’t be happier.

Since then, he has covered everything from carbon pricing, to health reform, and foreign affairs.

“I get to spend a lot of time with federal politicians and their staff, which can be a privilege and it’s how we get a lot of our stories,” Mr Cullen said.

“It’s exciting to be at the heart of where big decisions are made.”

By covering Australian politics, Mr Cullen views his role as a crucial public service – being able to report on policy, ethics, and questionable behaviour.

“Journalism is an important part of government accountability,” he said.

“We ask the questions on behalf of members of the public who don’t get the opportunity to do so.”

Another key part of his job is sifting actual policy from political spin.

“The best part about this job is being given access to people I otherwise wouldn’t be able to speak with,” he said.

Mr Cullen said Malcolm Turnbull’s downfall as the Federal Liberal leader and Kevin Rudd’s removal from Prime Minister were two of the most exciting events he had covered to date.

“The 2010 election campaign was a great opportunity to travel, criss-crossing the country and filing hourly reports for ABC Radio on what the leaders were talking about,” he said.

To sustain the constant demand for information, Mr Cullen has embraced the rise of multi-media reporting.

“It used to be the case that stories were first aired on the radio. Now they go online as soon as possible because the next radio bulletin could be 50 minutes away. It’s really changed the way we work,” Mr Cullen said.

To those interested in covering politics, Mr Cullen suggests starting out in regional areas.

“If I wasn’t reporting on political news, I’d like to cover issues that affect people living outside the big cities,” he said.

By Allison Rock

Christian Bartens

Christian Bartens spends his days showing others how data can be used to make smarter business decisions – when he’s not underwater that is.

The former scuba diving instructor turned entrepreneur moved from Germany 10 years ago to commence studies at UQ, and worked for Tourism Australia in the UK before setting up his own consultancy in Sydney in 2007 called Datalicious.

The company is now the Australian market leader in web analytics and offers a range of services from data warehousing to the planning and development of data-driven campaigns and websites. Datalicious’s clients include top brands such as Telstra, ANZ and Tourism New Zealand.

Mr Bartens said consumer data was invaluable to businesses, and provided clear competitive advantages if applied correctly.

He used the example of data agency Dunhumby in the UK that was bought by its client Tesco for a large sum due to the value of the intellectual property it had gathered.

“Companies that can capitalise on their raw data and figure out how to turn it into actionable insights win, simple as that,” Mr Bartens said.

“They’ll have the competitive edge, develop the best products and capitalise on their assets and customers in the most effective way.”

Mr Bartens said one of his favourite parts of the job was combining his passions for travel and business to present at conferences around the world.

“I enjoy interacting with the audience and teaching people new things. It’s a really gratifying feeling if you tell someone something new they didn’t know before.”

Mr Bartens encouraged entrepreneurial students to believe in their business ideas and stay focused on success.

“Keep trying, it’ll work out eventually but don’t expect the first attempt to be successful,” he said.

By Cameron Pegg

Dr Shirley Worland (front centre) with students and staff from Thoo Mweh Khee Senior College

Shirley Worland, Bachelor of Social Work, PhD

An eight-month contract as a volunteer teacher in a refugee camp on the Thai–Burma border has ignited a passion in Dr Shirley Worland to make education more accessible for marginalised people.

The UQ alumnus lived in Mae La Refugee Camp, Thailand as part of her PhD study into the national identity of the displaced ethnic minority, the Christian Karen.

During this period, she formed a close connection with the Karen people after spending time in their communities, and with those who have resettled under the UNHCR scheme to Australia.

In 2009, Dr Worland partnered with local Karen leaders to establish Thoo Mweh Khee Senior College (TMKSC) in Phopra, Thailand, which is providing a senior level of education for young adult refugees on the Thai-Burma border.

“We provide a two or three year program in English to the students who are from families that have fled the persecution in Burma’s troubled ethnic states,” she said.

“The refugee students, who are aged in their teens or early 20s, are not registered as residents in Thailand and therefore are not able to attend Thai schools for Years 11 and 12.”

The aim of the college is to provide a level of education that will enable students to secure gainful employment along the border or attend one of the international universities in Thailand by passing the International General English Diploma exam.

“TMKSC is located right on the border near where the renewed fighting has been taking place since the November 7th Burma election. Many of our students’ families are located in the villages in these areas,” Dr Worland said.

“Recently, the fighting has been very fierce just across the border from us and mortar fire and the sound of landmine explosions can be heard regularly.
“So many refugees have poured across the border and come to our school seeking refuge from the fighting and we are all trying to help as best we can.”

By Kathy Grube

Marcel Dorney and partner Emily Tomlins at the announcement of the 2010 Queensland Premier's Drama Award

The spotlight is on Marcel Dorney, who since graduating from UQ has taken the theatre world by storm.

His honours thesis on rehearsal techniques in political theatre groomed him well as a playwright.

“For the purpose, I wrote and directed my first play, Bulldog Front, at what’s now the Geoffrey Rush Studio, but was then the Cement Box Theatre,” Mr Dorney said.

Following university, Mr Dorney went on to receive the Lord Mayor’s Performing Arts Fellowship in 2002, enabling him to study at the Maly Theatre in St Petersburg, Russia.

He has worked as a professional playwright, director and performer and his work has been commissioned by Queensland Theatre Company (QTC), Merrigong Theatre Company, Hothouse Theatre, La Boite, Brisbane Powerhouse, and the Melbourne Next Wave Festival, and has also been published by Playlab Press.

His latest production, Fractions, about an ancient Egyptian female mathematician, received the 2010 Queensland Premier’s Drama Award and will be performed by QTC in November and December.

“To have one of my plays performed by the flagship theatre company in my home city is wonderful,” he said.

Mr Dorney said both the best and worst part of his job was that there was always a new challenge awaiting him.

His determined attitude has led him to undertake further study in the dramatic field.

“I’m currently completing a masters by research in directing at the Victorian College of the Arts,” he said.

The playwright has fond memories of his time at UQ, and said that it was there he learnt some of his most valuable skills.

“No one is coming to save you, you’ve got to do it yourself. Partly that was because funding to my discipline was being viciously cut at the time, and partly because the performing arts were fairly marginal in the wider university culture,” Mr Dorney said.

“The other thing that has stayed with me from UQ is always to tell the truth, whether or not everyone wants to hear it.”

Mr Dorney has also recently reconnected with his honours supervisor – former Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Professor Richard Fotheringham – who has recently become Chair of QTC.

The premiere season of Fractions plays at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre until December 10.

By Ingrid Rubie

Andrew Cameron assisting a local in South Ossetia

There’s never a dull moment for Andrew Cameron.

The award-winning nurse is currently in a remote village in South Ossetia (former USSR) distributing seed potatoes to those cut off by the 2008 South Ossetia War.

But it’s not unusual for Mr Cameron to go above and beyond the call of duty, which hasn’t gone unoticed. He is a recipient of the Gary Quayle Memorial Prize for Excellence in Research and most recently, was awarded the Florence Nightingale Medal – the highest international distinction in nursing.

It was Mr Cameron’s drive that led him to become a nurse in remote areas of Australia, which, although at times challenging, was ultimately rewarding.

“I was the Director of Nursing at Mornington Island Hospital for seven years, which was an exceedingly difficult job, but I stuck with it and managed well,” Mr Cameron said.

He then became a registered midwife, working in a labour ward for two years.

“Not an easy road for a male, but I did it,” he said.

Always ready for a new challenge, Mr Cameron went on to work as the sole nurse in the historic township of Cue in Western Australia.

“While I was there, I was voted Australian Nurse of the Year in 2004. There are over 300,000 nurses in Australia, so I felt honoured to be the one chosen,” he said.

Over the past six years, Mr Cameron has worked as a nurse with the International Committee of the Red Cross and is often sent to conflict-affected countries including Iraq, Afghanistan and Sudan, with the main objective to assist and protect victims of war.

“The best part of my job is the sense that I have helped someone – a family, or a community – even if in some small way,” he said.

Now in South Ossetia, a land still struggling after the war, Mr Cameron is working with all manner of unusual and complex problems.

“These are people who have not had the same opportunities as we have had, people who suffer in their day-to-day lives and who are victims of war,” he said.

So what’s next for the inspirational nurse?

“Some day I’d like to return to UQ and take on studies to do a PhD – before I get too old,” he said.

By Ingrid Rubie

Ruth Pye (right) with colleagues at the veterinary clinic in Ladakh

Ladakh is the northernmost region of the Republic of India and is where UQ graduate Ruth Pye has been working for the past three years.

The veterinarian is the manager of the Ladakh program with Vets Beyond Borders (VBB), an Australian-based not-for-profit organisation that runs animal welfare and public health programs in developing communities in the Asia-Pacific region.

“This is a seasonal program running for the summer months from June to September to surgically sterilise and vaccinate the street dogs against rabies to improve the health and welfare of the dogs and the local community,” Ms Pye said.

She said the incredible landscapes and the kindness of the local people were among the most enjoyable aspects of her job.

“The best part is the opportunity to carry out some meaningful work in the amazing environment of Ladakh – a high-altitude desert sandwiched between the Himalayan and Karakorum mountain ranges,” she said.

“It is a privilege to work within the Ladakhi culture. The Ladakhis are predominantly Tibetan Buddhists and their pervading sense of compassion and kindness towards all living beings is an inspiration to all.”

Ms Pye said while her work had been rewarding, there had been challenges along the way.

“Perhaps the most difficult aspect of managing a VBB program is dealing with the notorious Indian bureaucracy. As with travelling in India, the best ways to deal with administrative headaches are with patience and a sense of humour (often easier said than done),” she said.

The clinic in Ladakh

Operating in such a harsh physical environment – with hot summers and extreme winters – does not dampen the spirits of those there to help however.

“Working with the local staff and volunteer vets from around the world to treat many beautiful and friendly street dogs to improve their health and welfare and that of the local community is extremely rewarding,” Ms Pye said.

Not forgetting her university roots, Ms Pye has been involved with the work of UQ veterinary parasitologist Dr Rebecca Traub.

“Dr Traub has conducted research on parasites of dogs in India by collecting samples from the dogs in various regions including Ladakh,” Ms Pye said.

There is also a VBB student chapter at UQ and Ms Pye has given talks to final-year students about working in India.

By Ingrid Rubie

Lorraine Stephenson

Lorraine Stephenson, Bachelor of Science, Master of Business Administration

Dr Lorraine Stephenson is combining her science and business skills to benefit the environment in her new role as Chief Clean Energy Advisor to the Queensland Government.

With experience in senior management roles at Caltex and Origin Energy, regular attendance at the annual United Nations climate change meetings since 2000, and participating in the 2020 Summit in Canberra, Dr Stephenson knows a thing or two about sustainability.

A love of chemistry and research initially led Dr Stephenson to complete a science degree at UQ, which was followed by a PhD at Macquarie University.

However, after working in business for a few years, Dr Stephenson was looking to gain specific education in areas such as economics, accounting and marketing, so she decided to enrol in an MBA at UQ.

“My studies have given me the skills in science, research and business that are ideal for sustainability and climate change work,” she said.

“It is one of the great global challenges to provide safe, reliable and affordable energy to a growing population.

“Queensland is extremely well placed with a wide range of energy resources, including renewable options.”

Dr Stephenson has recently returned to UQ, not as a student, but as a contributor to the development of a new Master of Energy Studies (MES) being offered in 2012.

“The MES will be a multi-disciplinary degree to equip students for the transition to a low-carbon future,” she said.

“This is very important as the decision-making is quite complex and crosses over disciplines when you have to consider energy issues overlaid with climate change factors such as an increasing carbon price.”

With the support of corporate funding, the program will be administered by the International Energy Centre, which is being formed by UQ, the University of Western Australia and the University of Newcastle.

“Students will work as a cohort through coursework and practical activities to better appreciate the range of technologies available, and the challenge and opportunities to provide energy to match demand in the coming decades,” Dr Stephenson said.

And if her roles at the Queensland Government and UQ aren’t enough to keep her busy, Dr Stephenson has recently opened her own business that provides energy and climate change strategic advice to the corporate sector and governments.

“Lightning Consulting Services helps companies interpret the new Australian legislation and the international regulations, identify opportunities and mitigate risks in the transition to a more sustainable future,” she said.

By Caroline Bird

Carolyn Richardson

While Professor Carolyn Richardson is used to having her feet firmly on the ground, most of her work has revolved around people who spend months at a time in zero gravity.

Professor Richardson is a pioneer in anti-gravity training and began her career as one of six students studying physiotherapy at UQ in the late 1960s.

Her knowledge of anti-gravity training was consolidated 20 years later, when she obtained her PhD at UQ under Professor Margaret Bullock, becoming only the second person in Queensland to achieve this level of qualification in physiotherapy.

Since this achievement, she has worked as a consultant for the European Space Agency (ESA) on exercise countermeasures for the International Space Station, conducted specialised anti-gravity research in Berlin, and has spoken at conferences for NASA and ESA scientists and astronauts from around the world.

Her involvement with ESA marked the first time Australia had partnered with the agency, and Professor Richardson said it was a step forward in recognising the significance of physiotherapy in space training.

“Astronauts need specific exercises because when they go into zero gravity they lose bone density and the anti-gravity muscles stop working,” she said.

“This means when they come back to earth they usually get back pain and other serious injuries because their bones and joints haven’t experienced the compression you get from living in a gravity zone.”

Along with other UQ physiotherapists, Professor Richardson developed exercises for the ESA astronauts to help with their transition from zero gravity back to life on Earth.

“We created walking programs, used special belts for core strengthening and also worked on the muscles in the back and other injury prone areas in the body,” she said.

Recently, Professor Richardson supervised a UQ PhD project on microgravity and the human musculo-skeletal system. The graduate is now working as a project coordinator at ESA.

Professor Richardson is currently running her own educational business on the Sunshine Coast, which focuses on gravity fitness.

“I started GravityFit with the aim to work with the fitness industry on anti-gravity training for sport performance and injury prevention,” she said.

By Caroline Bird

Book fair student volunteers Ai Cin Chng and Bich Bui

The popular UQ Alumni Book Fair has raised almost $100,000 including $15,000 from the signature rare book auction.

Approximately 150,000 books, magazines, CDs and sheets of music were available at the April event, which was held at the UQ Centre.

President of the Alumni Friends of the University of Queensland Inc. Patricia Jones said more than 40 volunteers pitched in to ensure the fair was a huge success.

“On the first day we had three cash registers and three EFTPOS machines running all day,” Ms Jones said.

Held every two years, the event aims to raise funds for student scholarships, University projects, and to bring alumni and members of the general public to the St Lucia campus.

The fair offers everything from art to zoology titles, with volunteers collecting and sorting titles for months in advance.

Bringing in the highest bid at the rare book auction this year was an atlas of engravings, which fetched an impressive $3000.

Ms Jones said donations were already being accepted for the 2013 fair, with spare titles welcome at the Alumni Friends office at 50 Walcott Street, St Lucia campus.

By Allison Rock

Postgraduate students Alan Han, Rebecca Von Hoff and Erin Giyliani

The University of Queensland has launched a unique training program for research higher degree students to enhance their skills, connections and employability.

Developed in response to the changing needs of the research workforce and launched in September, the UQ Career Advantage program has been designed to accelerate career development and encourage cross-disciplinary dialogue.

Dean of the UQ Graduate School Professor Zlatko Skrbis said the exercise was driven by a need to reflect the many pathways students follow after completing their PhDs.

“We have been noticing an increasing number of our graduates choosing careers in industry, government or research and development roles instead of traditional roles within academia,” Professor Skrbis said.

“This new model not only enhances our students’ contribution to the University’s research outcomes, but will also exploit UQ’s reputation and strengths.”

The new model aligns itself with the goals of the Australian Government’s Research Workforce Strategy for 2020 and Beyond.

PhD candidates commencing in 2012 will be able to select from three training modules: higher education leadership, global collaboration, and research translation and commercialisation.

The associated activities are designed to cater to students from all disciplines and will stimulate greater interaction between early career researchers, improve career development, and produce more globally aware and mobile graduates.

UQ will work closely with industry to develop the training modules and ensure the program provides graduates with a competitive edge.

Sherri Hsu, a PhD candidate from the School of Chemical Engineering, whose research is industry-focused, said the new program would have a significant impact in equipping students with additional skills.

“I definitely see that students who take part in the UQ Career Advantage program will have the opportunity to add value to their degree,” Ms Hsu said.

“After graduating, I think that it will be these additional skills that will make candidates more desirable when they step out into the employment market.”

By Carly Dengate

By Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Greenfield AO

UQ Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Greenfield

You don’t need to be a brilliant researcher or wizard teacher to be a catalyst for change and progress at UQ.

Since the University’s early days, philanthropists have been making a mark by applying foresight and generosity to challenges of all scales. In fact, as far back as 1911 at least 100 donors were helping fund equipment for the fledgling University, paving the way for transformational benefactors in the 1920s and 1930s. Among them were James and Mary Emelia Mayne who enabled – among other things – the St Lucia campus, a medical school and a UQ presence at Pinjarra Hills; TC Beirne, who funded a law school; and a group of Dramatic Society students whose collective £10 seeded the Fryer Library, which now holds more than 100,000 publications including 4,000 rare books.

As the University matured, the philanthropic tradition was cultivated by countless people with big hearts and the vast vision to imagine a long-term legacy of learning and research.

The end of the 20th century saw the rise of a new breed of philanthropist: entrepreneurial donors who will take risks that government and others decline. They want to collaborate on key project elements – such as design, governance, and leveraging of third-party funds. Often, they are alumni who attribute their own success at least partly to a UQ education. They want others to enjoy similar opportunities and – as people accustomed to seeing a return on their investments – they lend their expertise to philanthropic causes to achieve results.

UQ is privileged to have a number of outstanding partners of this ilk, including Chuck Feeney (a Cornell University alumnus), Graeme Wood, and Andrew and Jennifer Brice (all three of whom are UQ graduates).

The progress they have spurred in just a few years shows that, where the University is prepared to loosen the rigidity of our first-century business practices and work closely with benefactors, we can deliver new and better outcomes to students, high-achieving staff, and community members who need our research.

On the other hand, you do not have to be a successful business person and hands-on patron in order to make an impact. Very recent events have proven that gifts of a much more modest scale are seminal when they join a pool of targeted funds.

After disastrous floods damaged or ruined the homes and belongings of hundreds of students in January, the University appealed to alumni and friends throughout the world to support them. More than 900 people (90 percent of them alumni) responded with donations ranging from a few dollars to $100,000, swelling the total to more than $330,000 and delivering assistance to approximately 400 students. Unallocated funds are now establishing a continuing student welfare fund.

We have also established a presence in an international stronghold of university philanthropy, the United States, by incorporating The University of Queensland in America. Chaired by Dr Andrew Liveris, the 2005 UQ Alumnus of the Year who heads The Dow Chemical Company, and overseen by a board including UQ alumnus Dr Patrice Derrington, who works in Wall Street investment banking, it will enable US citizens to make tax-effective donations to UQ.

Andrew and Patrice’s service to the US foundation highlights another vital avenue for alumni and others to elevate the University’s reputation, standing and performance: volunteering. Throughout the UQ community, from the Senate to the recent biennial Alumni Book Fair, sporting clubs and student societies, volunteers lend energy and influence to support fantastic ventures in learning, research, and activities that engage and uplift local and global communities.

One of the best outcomes of last year’s Centenary celebrations was extensive contact between alumni and their alma mater. More than 10,000 people attended reunions in venues ranging from the UQ Centre, to the Cornell Club in New York, to the Sheraton Saigon.

One function of these events was to encourage alumni to articulate the University’s strategic vision. From this, it is clear that alumni know their institution’s global impact reflects on its graduates, and vice-versa. Moreover, they recognise their university will be best-placed to turbo-charge 21st century knowledge and innovation if it is fortified by alumni.

In May we launched the Global Challenges Leadership Series, which in 2011 takes in cities including Beijing, Bogota, Hong Kong, Jakarta, London, Shanghai, Washington DC and Yogyakarta, in addition to Canberra, Melbourne and Sydney. It is no accident that one theme of the series is the role of universities in solving global challenges. In our era, institutions with UQ’s strengths have a responsibility to make tangible contributions to global problem-solving. For this mission, we welcome reinforcement from alumni and other partners.

UQ researchers are leading a project aimed at eliminating dengue fever. Image Chris Stacey

In an effort to eliminate the global burden of dengue fever, an Australian-led international research team has completed a 12-week field trial in several Cairns suburbs.

“From January to March we released approximately 40 mosquitoes from every fourth house within the field trial areas of Yorkeys Knob and Gordonvale,” said Eliminate Dengue project leader Professor Scott O’Neill of the School of Biological Sciences.

“We should know soon if we are on the right track in our bid to stop the Aedes-aegypti mosquito from being able to transmit the dengue virus between people.”

The project is funded by the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health as part of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s Grand Challenges in Global Health initiative.

It also receives funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council as well as the Queensland Government.

The field trial involved introducing strains of a naturally occurring bacterium called Wolbachia into the mosquito population, which through laboratory research has been shown to act like a vaccine for the mosquito.

Wolbachia mosquitoes have been bred in a purpose-built mosquito facility at James Cook University in Cairns.

In the lead up to January’s world-first release, the Eliminate Dengue team engaged in extensive community consultation to ensure local residents were fully aware of the project.

This resulted in large numbers of residents registering to allow the field team to release the mosquitoes from their back yards.

“Without the permission from residents to enter their yards, the field team would have to release the mosquitoes from the street which would not give us the best results,” Professor O’Neill said.

Prior to the release, the research team spent December visiting homes in the field trial areas and manually reducing existing natural mosquito numbers.

“If these initial trials are successful they will be followed by similar trials in Vietnam towards the end of 2011,” Professor O’Neill said.

“If those experiments are successful then we might expect to see full implementation and control of dengue in the Cairns region in a two to four year timeframe.”

UQ staff launch the UQnav maps app during O-Week in February

Finding your way around The University of Queensland has never been easier, thanks to a new, student-developed iPhone application.

During Orientation Week, the University launched UQnav – a free application that contains searchable maps of UQ’s campuses. The Android version was successfully released in June.

UQnav is the first in a series of easy-to-use mobile phone applications which will be rolled out by the University over the coming months.

Kim Hunter and Aaron McDowall – both Bachelor of Information Technology students – developed the application as part of assessment for the subject Special Topics in Computer Science in 2010.

They said the opportunity to work on a project from pitch to launch had been invaluable.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Deborah Terry said she was pleased UQ had been able to harness the expertise of its students to deliver a useful, well-designed iPhone application.

“It’s fantastic that two of our students have used their newly acquired skills in mobile application development to create a product of benefit to the wider University community,” Professor Terry said.

To download, visit www.uq.edu.au/uqnav or the iPhone App Store or Android Market.

By Penny Robinson

Artist Bryan Besly and his portrait of current Head of the School of Civil Engineering Professor Peter Dux

A close-knit group of engineering alumni continue to pay tribute to their alma mater in a unique way.

The group known as Civil 55 celebrated their 55-year reunion in February with the presentation of three portraits of past and present civil engineering professors to the University.

During the event, Civil 55 unveiled paintings of the current Head of School Professor Peter Dux and predecessors Professor Colin Apelt and Professor Raymond Volker.

The three works add to the existing collection already produced by the group, who have
remained close friends since undertaking their engineering degrees and have met each year to celebrate their graduation.

At their 50th anniversary celebrations in 2006, Civil 55 presented UQ with a portrait of the school’s first Head of Department, Professor John H. Lavery.

Two years later they produced a portrait of Professor Colin O’Connor, before presenting a likeness of Professor Gordon McKay in 2009.

Civil 55 member Philip Breene said all of the educators honoured with portraits were greatly respected by Civil 55 and were acknowledged for contributing to the success of their students’ careers.

The artist behind the portraits is none other than Civil 55 member Bryan Besly, who has worked abroad as an engineer and is also an exhibiting member of Portrait Artists Australia.

Since childhood, Mr Besly has maintained an interest in art and has been able to focus on his passion since retiring in 1994.

Alumni are welcome to view the portraits at the School of Civil Engineering on Level 3 of the Hawken Building at St Lucia.

By Madelene Flanagan

Tyson Stelzer

Tyson Stelzer, Bachelor of Arts, Postgraduate Diploma in Education Bachelor of Science

One of Australia’s premier wine writers, Tyson Stelzer, believes writing is an opportunity to celebrate the great things we have to enjoy in life.

His first book was titled Cellaring Wine – a do-it-yourself guide to building home wine cellars that instructs readers on how to successfully modify refrigerators, regulate humidity, light and temperature.

Beginning his higher education at UQ in the early 90s, Mr Stelzer is neither a graduate of writing or agriculture; instead he completed dual majors in mathematics and studies of religion in 1995, a Diploma of Education in 1996, and finished a physics degree in 1999.

In 2001, after 10 years teaching high school students, Mr Stelzer shifted his hobby into a full-time writing job, aiming to break down the elitism of wine.

Now the co-owner of Brisbane’s World Wine Discovery, Mr Stelzer teaches interactive wine education courses to groups of local consumers.

Mr Stelzer said the courses provide an opportunity to “wow” people with great wines of the world and tutor them through unlocking the aromas and flavours they are experiencing.

“In spite of floods, droughts, heatwaves, brushfires, and locust plagues, Australian grape growers are holding their ground, producing a strong and diverse quality of wines,” he said.

Following the Queensland floods, Mr Stelzer acted as a community link between growers, producers and sellers around the country.

As a result of multiple offers for aid and support, Mr Stelzer organised the Australian Wine Trade Flood Relief Raffle.

Converting one of his seven websites, clearaboutwine.com.au, into campaign headquarters, the fundraiser collected more than $275,000 in a matter of weeks for flood and cyclone victims.

Mr Stelzer is also passionate about promoting alcohol education and safety through his writing, having released the Parent’s Guide to Teen Alcohol and Parties last year.

Sponsored by wineries from around the country, 200,000 copies were distributed to families throughout Australian schools.

By Allison Rock

Rob Ryan in New York

Rob Ryan, Bachelor of Social Work, Graduate Certificate in Management

Rob Ryan spent three months last year travelling between London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver and San Francisco – not to see the sights, but to help advance the protection of Australia’s children.

A 2010 Churchill Fellow, Mr Ryan is the President of the National Association for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (NAPCAN), and Assistant Regional Director for the South East region at the Department of Communities in Child Safety Services.

While on his fellowship, he met with experts at the London School of Economics, lectured students at the University of Bangor in Northern Wales, attended a symposium on fairness and equity in child protection in California, and learnt about the “Be a Witness” campaign developed by the First Nations Children’s Society in Ottawa, Canada.

“Over the course of three months, I had the opportunity to meet with hundreds of experts in the field of child protection and to share in their approaches to training, learning and development,” Mr Ryan said.

“In most jurisdictions we are struggling with the same challenges in creating systems and models that work; the variance is usually legislation and local policy and procedure.”

Mr Ryan said he was impressed with the program ChildStat – an accountability tool used in New York to assess and strengthen child welfare case practice. The program brings together child protective leaders from around the city to discuss practice, performance, issues and review cases.

“The model of ChildStat is an excellent example of proactive learning and quality assurance and should be trialled in Australia,” Mr Ryan said.

Mr Ryan also found great value in the National Child Protection Training Center at Winona State University in Minnesota, which offers training courses in how to better recognise, react and respond to children who are being abused.

The centre includes practice courtrooms, forensic training facilities, and a “mock house”, which simulates child abuse investigations.

“All jurisdictions involved with training staff to work in child protection should consider the implementation and use of mock court rooms and a mock house,” Mr Ryan said.

While in Ottawa, he learnt about monitoring the accountability of the government and its treatment of First Nation children.

Upon his return, Mr Ryan presented his findings and recommendations to the board and staff of NAPCAN and the Department of Communities, in addition to vocational institutions and academics.

By Allison Rock

Mark Sowerby

Mark Sowerby, Bachelor of Agricultural Science, Master of Business Administration

By the time Mark Sowerby started his own private equity firm in 2006, the then 35-year- old had worked on five continents in some of the busiest cities in the world.

His work had taken him to places as diverse as Hong Kong, Nicaragua, China, Bangladesh, India, Mexico and parts of the United States.

However, when it came time to put together his management team, Mr Sowerby found he needed to look no further than his alma mater to find the best candidates.

Mr Sowerby is the founder and Director of Blue Sky Funds Management, which in four years has grown to a family of four companies with 18 staff, offices in Brisbane and Adelaide, and $160 million worth of funds under its management.

The firm’s success, according to Mr Sowerby, comes down to good ideas and being able to attract “some of the better intellectual property to come out of UQ” from the early 90s, including fellow graduate Rob Brooks, with whom he founded the firm.

While Mr Sowerby was studying his undergraduate degree and living at Emmanuel College, he had a healthy rivalry with St John’s College residents Tim Wilson and David Hobart.

More than a decade later, both alumni are now managing directors within the company, with Mr Hobart bringing his own award-winning hedge fund over to Blue Sky earlier this year.

Far from being a simple case of old school ties, Mr Sowerby said the pair had the exact expertise required for the company.

“Tim has worked around the world in private equity and investment banking and is probably one of the best networked guys in Brisbane. He’s a popular investment banker, which is an oxymoron if ever I heard one,” he said.

“David came along just as we were keen to branch out into a hedge fund, and he had just won the 2009 Alternative Investment Management Association Australia Best Emerging Manager Award.”

Other members of the team with UQ connections include economics/law graduate and University Medallist Alex McNab, and commerce/law graduate David Laverty, Managing Director of the company’s private real estate arm.

Team members’ CVs also list some of the world’s most prestigious business schools including London Business School, Harvard Business School and INSEAD in France.

“In our space, the premium is not on capital but on ideas, so we have sought to align ourselves with some of the leading thinkers in the field,” he said.

Mr Sowerby said the diversity of the team’s skills base and its shared global vision had been an essential component to the company’s growth.

Ben Cleary

Ben Cleary, Master of Business

A dual passion for Italian food and business enterprise have proven to be a successful recipe for UQ alumnus Ben Cleary.

The second generation Italian Australian recently established his own import and distribution business of fine Italian foods called Benfatti, which in Italian means “well made”.

After motorcycling around Italy with his father in 2008 – tasting delicacies from the regions and meeting with local farmers – Mr Cleary began thinking of a way to bring hard-to- find Italian foods into Australian homes.

Two years later he launched Benfatti through an online boutique store.

Mr Cleary said his knowledge of international business, seven years experience working in the industry and a strong passion for Italian food helped him to turn a concept into a reality.

“During my university years I travelled and studied in Italy and fell in love with everything Italian – the food, the lifestyle and the people – and this sparked my interest in Italian fine foods,” Mr Cleary said.

“During my masters, I learnt a great deal about importing and distribution business, international trade, business markets, management and strategic planning.

“Once I had a well thought-out business plan for Benfatti, I could then pitch to investors and get the business up-and-running.”

Creating the business from Australia meant Mr Cleary needed to call on his family and friends in Italy to help him source the country’s finest artisan foods.

“I received plenty of support from my network of friends in Italy, many of whom I met while studying at UQ,” he said.

“These international connections have been invaluable for bringing Benfatti to life.”

After graduating with a Bachelor of Commerce from The University of Wollongong in 2003, Mr Cleary began working in export sales and logistics at Austral Bricks, and later joined Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu as a human capital consultant.

He enrolled in a Master of Business (International Business) at UQ in 2004, while continuing to work full-time.

Mr Cleary is now a management consultant at PricewaterhouseCoopers and was chosen for the exclusive PWC Young Leadership Team – a group of 40 high-achieving young employees selected from thousands of candidates around the country.

By Caroline Bird

Tamara James

Tamara James, Bachelor of Physiotherapy

Shortly after becoming a qualified physiotherapist, Tamara James was introduced to the practice of yoga.

“At uni I was quite interested in biomechanics – the mechanics of the moving body – and the more I got into yoga, the more fascinated I became with using the postures as potential self-treatment,” Ms James said.

In 2009, Ms James founded yogaphysio, which uses yoga and meditation as a rehabilitation technique. With the popularity of yogaphysio growing, Ms James has begun training fellow physiotherapy graduate Sonja Varendorff to conduct additional classes.

“Immediately, I saw the value in teaching people meditation, particularly when they had concerns about pain,” Ms James said.

She said the delivery of the physio component aligned with psychological principles and, through yoga, patients could find progressive ways to regain confidence in building strength and recovering from injury.

“Yogaphysio classes integrate education, so people can increase their understanding of their body, mind, and pain,” she said.

Ms James said there were many benefits of teaching yoga in tranquil environments, and has begun working with Absolutely Abruzzo, which offers boutique yoga travel tours through central Italy.

Group tours include a stay in a 13th century medieval monastery. Travellers begin each day with yoga and meditation, have an opportunity to attend traditional cooking classes led by local women, and visit some of Italy’s best markets.

Afternoon master classes are also scheduled between wine and cheese tastings, guided walks through the Gran Sasso National Park, and discovering hidden castles.

“For lovers of Italian culture, the trip is a fantastic opportunity to combine healthy passions,” Ms James said.

Yogaphysio also offers regional retreats to the Sine Cera Rainforest Retreat in Cougal, NSW. The four-day retreats include various types of yoga classes with walking and meditation sessions.

For in-studio treatment, Ms James offers a variety of sessions from beginner to advanced yoga, as well as core strengthening, meditation and philosophy.

By Allison Rock

The UQ sporting community recognised last year’s outstanding athletic performances at the annual Blues & Sports Awards Dinner in March.

The 2010 Sportsman of the Year award was won by UQ cricketer and 2010 Sheffield Shield Player of the Year, Chris Hartley.

Rhythmic gymnast Danielle Prince was named Sportswoman of the Year after her gold medal-winning performance at the Delhi Commonwealth Games in October.

The awards ceremony fell just days before the 100th birthday of sport at UQ, with the occasion commemorated by a video presentation and guest speech from Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Greenfield.

The annual dinner is named after its distinguishing award, the University Blue – a form of recognition of high achievement in sport, honoured at UQ since 1913.

Recipients of Blues for 2010 were Ms Prince, Campbell Schmidt (triathlon), David Watts (hockey), James Hanson (rugby), Jacqui Day (hockey) and Joanna Sterling (windsurfing).

The tradition of a “toast to the Blues” was entertainingly upheld by former Wallaby and dual-sport Blue recipient Jules Guerassimoff.

The Uni Rebels Touch Football Club picked up the Club of the Year award after being named club champions of the Brisbane Touch Championships 2010 season.

The Club Volunteer of the Year award was kept in the family by Catriona Arthy of the UQ Rugby Club – sister of 2009 winner Heather Arthy.

UQ Australian Rules Football Club President Scott Young was named Club Administrator of the Year after being named AFL Queensland’s 2010 Volunteer of the Year.

Service awards were won by Andrew Lossberg of the UQ Cricket Club and Bruce Brown of the UQ Rugby Club.

By Simon Byrne

Miguel Molina

Miguel Molina, Master of Environmental Management

Coordinating environmental impact assessments, reviewing legislation, maintaining green spaces and educating the public on recycling is all in a day’s work for Miguel Molina.

Mr Molina is the Head of the Department of Environment Projects and Studies within the Secretariat of Natural Environment and Ecology in the Municipality of Guadalajara, Mexico.

After graduating in 2009, he returned home where work was scarce and the country was gripped by the Global Financial Crisis.

However, his UQ studies put him ahead of the pack, and he secured a position in the environmental management field.

“I travelled all the way from Mexico to study at UQ because Australia has always been a fascinating country for me and its environmental programs and policies have become an example to the world on natural resource preservation, protection and management,” Mr Molina said.

“Choosing UQ was a matter of deciding where I would receive a high-quality education and what would be most useful to me in the future.

“The environmental management master´s program offered me the possibility to cater my course options depending on my interests and needs as an international full-time student, which is an important characteristic since getting accustomed to a new culture, language and education system is a difficult process.”

Mr Molina said his most memorable experience while studying at UQ was the opportunity to research carbon footprint reduction for the 42nd AIFST (Australian Institute of Food and Science Technology) International Conference.

“Being able to present my work at the international conference, watching how research was applied, and meeting very interesting people was priceless,” he said.

Mr Molina’s contract with the municipal government expires in 2013, but his thoughts are already on the future.

“My current plans at the moment are to continue my studies with a PhD,” he said.

“Even though I am in Mexico, I would like to return to UQ and work on topics including cleaner production or life cycle assessment.”

By Kate Swanson

Caroline Harris

Caroline Harris, Bachelor of Natural Resource Economics, Master of Rangeland Management

Studying externally has been a way of life for UQ alumnus Caroline Harris, who recently graduated with a Master of Rangeland Management.

Ms Harris grew up in the Ironpot district north of Dalby, where she completed primary school, her undergraduate economics studies and most recently her masters, all via distance education.

“I have no trouble doing distance education, but it is possibly from my background of starting school that way,” Ms Harris said.

“I have never really coped with classrooms.”

A natural resource economist, Ms Harris said she felt strongly about the importance of agriculture to the Australian economy.

“Eighty percent of the Australian land mass is classified as rangelands and in this area it is crucial that we look after our agricultural land,” Ms Harris said.

“A lot of us in the country feel we tend to get accused of not caring for the land by city people.

“We have an enormous amount of practical knowledge about our local areas and it’s important to connect this knowledge with the scientists and vice-versa.”

With an involvement in cattle and cropping properties since birth, plus her work with natural resource economics, Ms Harris said the benefits of undertaking postgraduate studies were clear.

“The program was very flexible and the people who coordinate it are very aware that the majority of us are on properties,” she said.

“When it’s harvest time, we have to drop everything, and the rangelands courses cater for that variability.

“It gives people in remote and rural areas an opportunity to take part in tertiary study.

“I think it’s wonderful that the younger generation of people working on the land are able to expand their knowledge and to learn the science behind the things that they know instinctively.”

Throughout her career, Ms Harris mainly took on consultancy roles, conducting cost-benefit analyses and viability assessments for new farming initiatives. She has previously been involved with mulga harvesting research, and has conducted assessments on tree planting for carbon sequestration and the impact of coal seam gas on aquifers.

Now semi-retired, Ms Harris still does the “odd bit of consulting” and helps out on her family’s cattle and crop property north of Dalby.

By Penny Robinson

Amanda Rasmussen

Amanda Rasmussen, Bachelor of Science (honours), Graduate Certificate Higher Education, PhD

PhD graduate Amanda Rasmussen is making her mark in the international science world after receiving the prestigious Marie Curie Fellowship, which funds a 24-month research project anywhere in Europe.

Dr Rasmussen is currently working with research collaborators at the University of Ghent in Belgium.

After completing an undergraduate degree with honours in botany and ecology, Dr Rasmussen took a position with the Department of Conservation and Land Management in Western Australia.

This was followed by a research officer position at the then Department of Primary Industries (DPI), now known as the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation.

It was her work with DPI teamed with the encouragement from her honours advisor Associate Professor Christine Beveridge that led her back to UQ.

Dr Rasmussen’s research aims to improve plant root formation in stem cuttings in order to enhance propagation.

“Propagation of plants is extremely important for lots of industries from forestry to horticulture and my research aims to ensure these techniques will improve and increase the production of plants for a variety of reasons; even to the point of assisting keen backyard gardeners,” Dr Rasmussen said.

While completing her doctorate, Dr Rasmussen said she embraced every opportunity, participating in multiple skills training activities, UQ’s Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition, and attending UniQuest’s commercialisation workshop.

She also won UniQuest’s Trailblazer competition, was a postgraduate student representative, and completed a Graduate Certificate in Higher Education concurrently.

“During my PhD at UQ, I spent seven months in Europe on travel grants attending very specific conferences, working in key laboratories and visiting the French National Institute of Agricultural Research,” she said.

“The people I met at universities and conferences were instrumental in attaining the Marie Curie.”

It was through a travel grant that Dr Rasmussen met Professor Danny Geelen, her current advisor at the University of Ghent.

By Carly Dengate

Ralf-Dieter Schroers

Ralf-Dieter Schroers, Master of Geographical Information Science

School of Geography, Planning and Environmental Management graduate Ralf-Dieter Schroers has mapped out his own road to success.

After completing a Master of Geographic Information Science (GIS) in 2006, Mr Schroers worked for a number of high-profile organisations including the CSIRO.

He is now Director of his own company, Spatial Ventures, and is working as a consultant for projects in Afghanistan and New Caledonia.

In Afghanistan, Mr Schroers is advising the ministries of Rural Development and Agriculture on organisational development, planning, and capacity building.

He has been integrating GIS in existing information systems and teaching national ministry staff spatial analysis skills.

Mr Schroers was also engaged in strengthening the partnership between the Afghan Government and International Security Assistance Force for exchanging of geospatial information.

On the other side of the globe, Mr Schroers’ works with Conservation International is helping to protect the biodiversity of New Caledonia.

Using image analysis and GIS he is responsible for mapping ecosystem services and tracking key areas of biodiversity by applying systematic conservation planning methodologies.

“The skills I obtained through my degree helped significantly,” he said.

“Sound theoretical background and practical work during my study helped me develop concepts, methods and applications that are crucial for my daily work.”

While studying at UQ, Mr Schroers worked with the Department of Natural Resources, and his master’s thesis formed part of a government project mapping agricultural practices using satellite image data.

His thesis concept went on to be presented at an Australasian conference and was published in a textbook on remote sensing.

Mr Schroers hopes to continue with his work in the areas of conservation planning as well as assisting the Ministry of Agriculture in Afghanistan supporting land cover assessments, monitor nomad movements and related impacts on central Afghanistan.

In the future he may also contribute to counter-narcotic activities in Afghanistan’s southern regions.

Another goal is to develop open source GIS client solutions and provide services in the Afghan provinces, after successful trials at the national level. These ideas could also involve further research exploration.

In his spare time, Mr Schroers is a keen motorcyclist and hopes to one day cross the Simpson Desert on his motorcycle.

By Kate Swanson

David Lamotte

David LaMotte, Master of International Studies

Recent UQ graduate and former Rotary World Peace Fellow David LaMotte has been appointed to a prestigious committee that selects Nobel Peace Prize nominees.

Mr LaMotte graduated from UQ last year with a Master of International Studies (Peace and Conflict Resolution) and returned to the United States to work in the field of peace advocacy.

His commitment to peacemaking and humanitarian work has taken him to conflict zones from Bosnia and Belfast to Hebron and Haiti.

Mr LaMotte has been appointed to a three-year term on the AFSC (American Friends Service Committee) Nobel Peace Prize Nomination Committee.

The AFSC is a Quaker social justice, peace and humanitarian organisation which was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1947 – an honour which earned it the privilege of nominating a potential recipient each year.

Past nominees put forward by the committee have included Dr Martin Luther King Jr. and Mahatma Gandhi.

The committee consists of 12 people across three continents who together make a list of potential nominees, winnow it down, conduct interviews and draft a nomination.

Not your typical student, Mr LaMotte also has had an 18-year career as a professional musician, releasing 10 albums.

He has performed more than 2000 shows in 47 US states and on four continents; a career that he put on hold in order to study at UQ.

Mr LaMotte came to Brisbane on a fellowship to study in the Rotary Centre for International Studies in Peace and Conflict Resolution, housed within the School of Political Science and International Studies at St Lucia.

He credits the school’s masters program in peace and conflict resolution with helping him to develop the professional skills he uses for his every day work in peace advocacy, including his involvement in the Nobel Peace Prize nominating committee.

“I developed relationships that continue even now,” Mr LaMotte said.

“After attending a large undergraduate university, where I’m confident that none of the professors remember me, it’s refreshing to have that kind of involvement and to truly develop friendships with the academic staff.”

Mr LaMotte said he was looking forward to his work on the Nobel committee and continuing his hectic schedule of speaking engagements, concerts and directing a not-for-profit organisation, PEG Partners, which he founded in 2004 to support school and library projects in Guatemala.

By Gillian Ievers

Norman Rieder and his band

Norman Rieder, Master of Agribusiness

For Paraguayan rock star Norman Rieder, arriving at the Gatton campus as an international student was a bit of a culture shock.

Mr Rieder was lead singer and guitarist with Area 69 – the first Paraguayan band to sign a recording contract with Universal Music.

The band’s third album was recorded in Argentina and sold across South America, the US and Europe.

Formed in 2000, Area 69 was also the first band from Paraguay to have a music video broadcast on MTV.

“Living in Gatton wasn’t what I expected, but Gatton is an excellent campus,” Mr Rieder said.

“It has excellent courses and good teachers who were very helpful.

“I also met some other people from South America – there were students from Paraguay, Chile and Uruguay living at Gatton as well.”

The band members decided to part ways in February this year, but not before offering their fans a memorable farewell concert, with more than 3000 people attending the final gig in the Paraguayan capital Asuncion.

In March, Mr Rieder returned to Brisbane and is now pursuing a business initiative that involves linking the Paraguayan and Australian beef industries.

“The only difference between Australia and Paraguay is the language,” he said.

“We have the same soil, the same climate and the same breeds.

“Potentially Australians could breed cattle in Paraguay where production costs are cheaper, then sell the beef to the European Union.”

Mr Rieder is finalising his business plan before travelling around Australia to pitch the idea to farmers.

By Penny Robinson

Sarah Duncan, Bachelor of Journalism

Some of Sarah Duncan's designs

In October last year, Ms Duncan opened the web boutique Zafiro.com.au, selling her designs inspired by a trip through the Caribbean Coast region of Colombia.

“From a young age I have loved how it feels to get dressed up and look different; for me fashion has always been a fun, exciting way to express myself,” Ms Duncan said.

Upon returning to Brisbane, she began working on her first collection, which was filled with orange, pink, yellow and purple prints.

After a successful launch party in November, Ms Duncan knew she had created something unique for the Australian market.

“I sent a press release to the editor of Vogue Australia about who we are and what we do and they were really supportive,” she said.

“The fashion editor then encouraged me to keep going and to be sure to let her know of any of our future projects, which is very inspiring.”

Vogue Australia featured Zafiro as part of their “Vogue Loves” series in January.

Since then, Style, Black Dove, Brisbane News and mX have also recognised the brand.

The name Zafiro – which means sapphire in Spanish – is just one way Ms Duncan recognises the communities that inspired her company.

Partnering with design groups in Colombia, Ms Duncan works with manufacturers that train and employ single mothers from low socio-economic communities as seamstresses.

“We are working with a really beautiful group of people here in Australia and in Colombia,” she said.

Ms Duncan travels to Colombia once a year and is continually corresponding with manufacturers and designers through Skype.

“While Zafiro is a brand and company, we really hope to make an impact on the people we work with,” she said.

And when she can, Ms Duncan goes one step further, setting aside a percentage of profits from various events for groups like Room to Read and Project WOSE (Women Organisation for Sustainable Empowerment).

She said her time as a journalism student, learning about ethical responsibilities and grassroots organisations, instilled a motivation to give back.

“At UQ I learnt about citizen journalism and communication for social change; this has influenced what Zafiro has become,” she said.

“In the long term I would like to have Zafiro funding different projects and charities in line with our philanthropic ideals and perhaps even create a scholarship program for kids in developing countries.”

Ms Duncan is also designing a line of shoes and is gathering ideas for accessories and handbags.

“I think it’s important to set a goal and go for it,” she said.

“New York Fashion Week here we come!”

By Allison Rock

Cole Gainer

Cole gainer, Master of Environmental Management

A UQ postgraduate swapped St Lucia for New York recently after receiving a coveted internship with the United Nations.

Master of Environmental Management graduate Cole Gainer completed his final semester while working in the UN’s Department of Economic and Social Development.

Mr Gainer, originally from New Orleans, said his time at UQ had proven a great preparation for the internship.

“My environmental problem solving course did a fantastic job because the reports I worked on mirrored the assignments we completed in class,” he said.

During his internship, Mr Gainer worked on projects examining climate change and the management of water scarcity and drought in post-conflict countries.

He was also involved with the organisation of the upcoming UN conference on sustainable development, Rio+20, to be held next year in Brazil.

A trip to the west coast of Africa allowed Mr Gainer to see one of his projects in action.

“I was able to go to Liberia for a training workshop that I helped develop within a sustainable development principles project,” he said.

Mr Gainer’s journey to the headquarters of international diplomacy began after taking an elective course in environmental studies as an undergraduate, coupled with personal experiences with climate change.

“The class made me realise that the future of the planet was ultimately going to be way more important than most other professions I had been preparing for,” he said.

After mastering evacuation tactics through five seasons of New Orleans hurricanes, Mr Gainer sought refuge in Seattle to work for an environmental consulting firm, only to encounter more rain.

On a 2010 trip through South America he was one of hundreds of tourists stranded at Machu Picchu by mudslides and made headlines by being the first person to make the 10-hour hike out of the jungle.

Deciding he needed a change of scenery and weather, Mr Gainer thought the environmental management program at UQ seemed like the perfect fit. It proved to be a wise move, with his studies in Brisbane preparing him well for life in New York.

“My international regulatory frameworks class was like a UN internship crash course,” he said.

“It introduced me to a majority of the treaties, conventions, and concepts that are hands down what every environmental management graduate should know.”

With the internship wrapping up in June, Mr Gainer plans to stay in New York City and seek a permanent position in the field.

By Allison Rock

UQ launched its public place recycling program during O-Week in February

The 2011 academic year started on a green note at The University of Queensland.

A “zorb ball” filled with hundreds of plastic bottles was a hit with students during O-Week celebrations in February, and helped mark the arrival of new public place recycling bins situated throughout the University.

The initiative coincided with the national “Do the Right Thing, Use the Right Bin” awareness campaign, UQ Environmental Officer Leigh Burgess said.

“Improving the recovery of recyclable materials and reducing waste to landfill has major benefits for the environment, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions and saving valuable landfill space,” Ms Burgess said.

The initiative is a partnership between UQ and the Australian Food and Grocery Council’s Packaging Stewardship Forum and aims to ensure that at least 50 percent of UQ’s public area general waste is recycled.

The UQ Public Place Recycling Program was officially launched on March 4.

UQ is a signatory to two international declarations under which it has committed to reduce the University’s environmental footprint.

The focus on sustainability can be seen in both the University’s own operational practices, and in a continued emphasis in these fields in teaching and research activities. More information is available on the UQ Sustainability website.

By Caroline Bird

UQ students play their part in the 2011 Thanksgiving Service

The generosity of those who have donated their bodies to advance education and research was acknowledged at a special ceremony at The University of Queensland in April.

Nine hundred guests attended the 20th annual Thanksgiving Service for Body Donors at the UQ Centre.

The keynote speaker at this year’s event was 85-year-old Dr Sam Mellick CBE, a distinguished retired surgeon and UQ Honorary Professor who is currently tutoring medical students in anatomy.

“It is through the marvellous generosity of these donors that we are able to educate our students in the complexity of the structure of the human body,” Professor Mellick said.

“The Thanksgiving Service allows us as teachers and students to demonstrate our deep gratitude for the generosity of these donors who have been in our care.”

Almost 5000 UQ students and 750 medical and professional visitors have benefited from the donors who were honoured at this year’s service.

Students taught in UQ’s anatomy laboratories include those studying medicine, human movement studies, dentistry, pharmacy, science, speech pathology, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and psychology.

UQ has held the Thanksgiving Service since 1992, when it acknowledged all donors to the School of Biomedical Science’s Bequest Program since 1927. The event was the first of its kind in Australia and New Zealand.

Appreciated by relatives and the community, it is now an important UQ tradition and has been adopted by other tertiary institutions in Australia and New Zealand.

By Jan King

Long-serving retired Gatton staff member Roslyn Karrasch

Roslyn Karrasch is one of those rare people who can say with sincerity after 35 years working at the same place: “I’ve really loved my job and became and remain personal friends with all my bosses.”

Ms Karrasch recently retired from her position as Executive Assistant to the Executive Dean and Director of The University of Queensland’s Gatton campus.

During that time, she played an active role in helping the campus transition from the Queensland Agricultural College (QAC) to UQ’s second campus in 1990 and later, to the home of the University’s state-of-the-art animal research and teaching facilities and School of Veterinary Science in 2010.

The QAC opened in 1897 with just 23 students – a huge contrast to the organisation it has become today with 510 staff members and 1410 students including international scholars hailing from 36 different countries.

Ms Karrasch has played a central, administrative role in many of the changes affecting UQ Gatton over the years.

Being part of the typing pool in 1976 evolved into becoming a “Jill of all trades” with Ms Karrasch at one stage being responsible for organising travel for every academic at the campus.

Personal travel was not put on hold however, with Ms Karrasch managing to visit many countries including South Africa, Canada and Fiji. She said she hoped travel would be a large part of her retirement plans.

“People often ask me why I stayed so long and I say: ‘Well, I could have had 15 other jobs in that time but they wouldn’t have been half as interesting’,” she said.

By Shirley Glaister

Toni Jordan

Toni Jordan, Bachelor of Science

Toni Jordan never anticipated she would become a novelist, and certainly never thought she would see one of her stories on the big screen.

Ms Jordan started her working life as a molecular biologist and quality control chemist, but sought a new career in the arts.

She enrolled in a professional writing program, and signed up for a creative writing course where she began writing her debut novel Addition.

“Once I started writing fiction I just couldn’t stop. I still find it completely addictive,” Ms Jordan said.

With her new book Fall Girl recently released, Ms Jordan is still reeling from the success of Addition, now in the process of becoming a motion picture.

“Addition is the story of Grace, an intelligent, attractive, funny woman whose compulsion to count things seriously affects her life,” Ms Jordan said.

“I love how grumpy she is. Clearly I’m a repressed grump.”

Fall Girl follows Della, who poses as an academic to investigate the existence of a supposedly extinct animal roaming Australia’s national parks.

“My favourite part of the characters is their inconsistencies: their hypocrisies and blind spots. Della is riddled with them but she just can’t see it,” Ms Jordan said.

To visualise an ideal setting for the novel, Ms Jordan spent time at the University of Melbourne, observing the academic environment.

To portray Della as a true con artist, she researched some of history’s most infamous villains.

Ms Jordan said her biggest challenge as a writer had been coming up with ideas.

“You need to read enough novels to have stories bubble up inside you,” she said.

“Writing fiction without being a voracious reader is like being a chef without tastebuds.”

By Allison Rock

New UQ Art Museum Director Dr Campbell Gray outside the James and Mary Emelia Mayne Centre

The new Director of The University of Queensland Art Museum, Dr Campbell Gray, was happy to be lured back to Australia to take up his position.

Dr Gray commenced his role in March after presiding over the Museum of Art at Brigham Young University in Utah for 14 years.

He holds a PhD in art history from the University of Sussex and has extensive experience in the higher education sector.

“One of the dimensions that really strikes me about UQ is its strong, exciting academic environment,” Dr Gray said.

“The UQ Art Museum has a really wonderful opportunity to contribute to academic discourse within the University’s curriculum.”

Dr Gray said he was enjoying being “home among the gum trees” and working in the stunning James and Mary Emelia Mayne Centre, which is home to the museum.

Prior to his time in the United States, Dr Gray held academic and leadership roles at the University of Western Sydney, where he was coordinator of their museum studies research and coursework activities.

UQ Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Michael Keniger said in addition to having significant experience in higher education, Dr Gray had worked extensively with public galleries.

“Campbell was the inaugural Director of the Lewers Bequest and Penrith Regional Art Gallery in New South Wales,” Professor Keniger said.

“With an academic background in museum studies, he will build on the relationship between the art museum and the academic activities of the University.”

Dr Gray replaces Nick Mitzevich, who was appointed Director of the Art Gallery of South Australia last July.

UQ began acquiring art in the early 1940s and now holds the second-largest public art collection in Queensland.

By Fiona Cameron

Don Graham

Don Graham, Bachelor of Commerce

When Don Graham started his commerce studies in the 1980s, the concept of making a living from cloud computing and the Internet seemed like science fiction.

Thirty years later, Mr Graham is riding a wave of technological innovation, earning a living as founder and Managing Director of BusinessNAV, a management systems and software company specialising in cash flow, and sales and marketing metrics.

“There was a clear gap in the market for a straightforward measure for cash flow and tracking of marketing activity,” he said.

“Working with big successful companies you just take for granted the cash flow systems that small to medium enterprises (SMEs) simply don’t know they are missing, or don’t have efficient access to.

“Most analysis systems are too complex, and have been built with accountants in mind, not the person on the ground.

“The ultimate objective of our business is to be a provider of a globally recognised index for financial analysis and business growth.”

After working in public practice accounting and attaining his professional qualifications, Mr Graham went on to be taxation accountant for the Bundaberg Sugar – Bundaberg Rum group.

Upon returning to Brisbane in the early 2000s, Mr Graham co-founded a B2B referral operation before moving into SME consulting and the development of cloud computing business applications.

Mr Graham said his time at UQ gave him the foundations necessary to develop a successful software company and provided him with an invaluable network of industry contacts.

“My commerce degree gave me a very good theoretical framework for the later development of the BusinessNAV systems,” he said.

“I am reliant on those old uni contacts to get the name of the right person in companies and places we want to work with.

“New students to UQ should count this network as an important asset to them, not just the piece of paper they receive.”

Mr Graham has added new functionality into BusinessNAV to assist franchise groups and multi-outlet corporates record and report on financial, sales and marketing information across teams.

Mr Graham’s contribution to innovation in his field has been recognised by peak industry body CPA Australia. He was made a Fellow of the organisation and this year took on the role of Deputy President of CPA Australia’s Queensland Division.

By Caroline Bird