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Something new under the sun
Professor Paul Dastoor's solar paint technology could turn every residential roof into an electricity generator.
The building blocks of success
When Laureate Professor Scott Sloan first arrived at the University of Newcastle in 1984 having obtained a Masters degree and Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Cambridge, there was just one other geotechnical engineer on campus.
Ambitious energy agenda
The timing could not have been better for Dr Alan Broadfoot. After 14 years as general manager and then chief executive of leading resource sector company Ampcontrol, the University of Newcastle graduate decided to step down in June 2010 and head in a new direction
Mother, doctor, writer - in any order
No-one is more surprised than Karen Hitchcock about how her life has turned out.
Not so heavy metal
In Dr Thomas Fiedler's office in the Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment sits a series of neatly arranged blocks.
Lending a helping hand
"My need to succeed came from my early years being raised by a non-Indigenous guardian who was very cruel," she recalls, sitting in the sunlit Gibalee Centre on the Central Coast campus where she is Elder in Residence.
A new direction in solar energy
One of the most challenging aspects of an intensive three-year research project within the Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment is its goal of simplicity.
Up to the challenge
Science couldn't ask for a more fervent advocate than physicist Professor John O'Connor. For the past 35 years he has committed himself to science outreach in an effort to reverse the four-decade decline in participation in the field, particularly in teaching.
Driving the power revolution
No-one was more surprised than Professor Behdad Moghtaderi and Dr Elham Doroodchi when strangers approached and congratulated them for their groundbreaking research, which is set to revolutionise the electricity industry.
Star wars and the road to Christianity
When the University of Newcastle and the Anglican Diocese of Newcastle embarked on an international search for the inaugural Chair in Theology, creativity, energy and the ability to bring academic rigour to the discipline were prerequisites. An affinity with Star Wars, on the other hand, was not.
Determined to succeed
Education was not something highly valued when Cheryl Newton was growing up around the Port Stephens neighbourhoods of Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest. In her family, you had a choice - you went to school or you went to work.
Engaging with fantasy
For Dr Caroline Webb, fantasy literature provides a breathing space for the imagination in our world of information overload.
A passion for crocs and a passion to support
"Crocodiles are so ancient, you have got to be respectful," said Cameron, Portfolio Leader, Support and Development at The Wollotuka Institute. "I just think that once you see one of those really big crocodiles, and you are leaning out of your tinny to photograph them, your heart stops just for a second."
Helping cool kids cope
In a therapy room on campus, a clinical psychology postgraduate student unpacks a bag of ‘feeling stones’ - ceramic pebbles with stylised faces that show emotions like anger, joy, sadness and fear - as she waits for her clients.
Dreams can come true
It was like a fairytale for Michelle Stockwell when a princely scholarship brought her dream of saving frogs from global extinction one step closer.
Ambassador for change
One of Jeff McMullen’s earliest memories of Indigenous Australians is being tossed a pair of gloves and given "a quick intro" from the grandchildren of arguably this country’s finest boxing family, the Sands.
Combined treatment best for alcohol and depression
Landmark research by one of Australia’s leading clinical psychologists is poised to reshape treatment for people suffering the combined effects of substance abuse and depression.
Time, talent or treasure
Thanks to a generous donation by philanthropist Jennie Thomas, researcher Dr Frances Kay-Lambkin developed an innovative program to treat depression and alcohol and substance abuse.
Listening with respect
Indigenous Elders play an important role at the University, guiding and nurturing Indigenous staff and students. Respected Awabakal Elder Aunty Sandra Griffin is a woman whose actions speak louder than words.
Cutting health risks
The University’s Priority Research Centre for Health Behaviour brings together researchers across a range of fields carrying out health behaviour research on key public health issues. Among the focus areas are cardiovascular disease, cancer control and other chronic illnesses.
Friends Indeed
The Great Hall has a special place in the heart of ‘Friends of the University’ President Vic Levi. In 1974 Levi was one of the first graduates to receive a degree during a ceremony in the recently completed Great Hall. That memory is why he has remained connected with the University ever since.
Model mental health care
The way a doctor delivers the devastating news of a diagnosis of terminal cancer can have a profound impact on how a patient approaches the rest of their life.
The forensic dental expert
When there is devastation, whether from human hand or natural disaster, the world often calls Dr Jane Taylor. Her expertise has helped identify victims of the Bali bombing, the Boxing Day tsunami in Thailand and the Victorian bushfires.
That’s music to my ears
Since leading the University of Newcastle Chamber Choir to victory in last year’s national Battle of the Choirs competition, Philip’s mission has been to connect the community through music.
Playing to win
Inspiring, experienced and switched-on is how his students and peers describe University of Newcastle’s Dr Philip Morgan - not to mention humble, humorous and utterly engaging.
Science - you’re standing in it
If you thought science was the domain of sterile labs and dull high
school lessons, John O’Connor suggests you think again.
A man with a sound vision
It all started at the age of 16 when his mother won a red plastic guitar and a rubber plant in a raffle – a pivotal moment in a young man’s life. Would he take the guitar and become a rock star or take the plant and become a botanist?