Toni Risson

Bachelor of Contemporary Studies

Children's author and UQ Ipswich graduate Toni Risson will soon publish a book based on studies of migrants in Ipswich called Aphrodite and the Mixed Grill.

She recently won a scholarship to start her PhD and a University Medal due to her high grades during her undergraduate studies.

"Study at UQ honed my writing skills and gave me new tools in research and analysis," Toni said.

"I am confident that I can now conduct research into any aspect of Australian culture and then shape that research into the appropriate form."

While undertaking her PhD, which focuses on the cultural history of confectionery in Australia, Toni is busy tutoring at the Ipswich Campus and writing children's books.

Her first, Licking Lizards, was published by UQ Press in 2004. Its sequel, Batty Business, will be published by UQ Press in May.

And if all that work isn't enough to keep her busy, Toni is also in the process of concluding an oral history project about the Greek Café. She used cafes in Ipswich from 1900 to present day to understand what brought immigrants from villages in the Greek Islands to the region and the impact of their contribution on local communities.

The work will result in Aphrodite and the Mixed Grill, which will be available later this year. The book will be supported by an exhibition in the Ipswich Art Gallery in September.