Most students use their time at university to escape parental supervision, but in the case of Brookfield mother and son Christine Adams-Hosking and Mark Hosking the opposite is true.
Both graduated from The University of Queensland this week at the same ceremony.
After spending the past four years studying together in the School of Geography, Planning and Environmental Management at UQ Ms Adams-Hosking will be awarded a PhD and Mr Hosking a Bachelor of Regional and Town Planning Degree.
“I am very proud of mum’s academic achievements and am looking forward to sharing the graduation celebration with her. I think it is great timing that we are in the same ceremony and it will make it an even more memorable occasion,” Mr Hosking Said.
Despite UQ’s campus population of over 45,000 students, studying in the same school meant that Mr Hosking and Ms Adams-Hosking would bump into each other regularly on campus.
“Over the four years there were many late nights with Mr Hosking in the computer labs and me upstairs in my office, making him toasties and I am now thrilled to be able to share my graduation day with him,” Ms Adams-Hosking said.
Ms Adams-Hosking had completed her Bachelor degree, postgraduate Diploma and Master of Science at UQ before starting her PhD.
“I have never considered studying at any other University,” she said.
She is now hoping to use her PhD to make a difference to the conservation of Australia’s unique plants and animals.
Ms Adams-Hosking has already made inroads on this goal when she was asked to present her research on the impacts of climate change on koala populations at this year’s Senate Inquiry into the status, health and sustainability of Australia's koalas. She is also an active member of the Koala Research Network.
In contrast, Mr Hosking aspires to own his own business in property development.
“There could be some tensions if Mr Hosking ends up working on projects that clear out native bushland to make way for housing developments, but I trust that his education and my influence will mean that he will look at ways to minimise environmental impacts and work towards sustainable development,” Ms Adams-Hosking said.
Mr Hosking is philosophical about the experience of going through his studies with his mother at his side.
“Traditionally, I think as life goes on we spend less time with our parents so the only advice I would have (if you could call it advice) is to make the most of it,” he said.
Media: Kate Swanson (School of Geography, Planning and Environmental Management) 07 3346 7406 or k.swanson@uq.edu.au)
