Featured stories
Student highlights
When support makes medicine possible
From quietly enrolling in Open Foundation to studying medicine through the Excellence through Equity Pathway, Stephanie Harvey’s journey is one of resilience, belief and support. Her story shows how the right support can transform a dream that once felt out of reach into a reality.
Turning creativity into a career in architecture
While studying architecture, Sage is already gaining hands-on industry experience and building creative and practical skills for a future career in design.
Engineering the technology behind robotics and AI
Through NUbots, RoboCup and industry experience, Mithun is applying his Software Engineering skills to robotics, intelligent systems and real-world technology challenges.
A different way in, a powerful way forward
After leaving school without an ATAR, Caitlin found her way into the University of Newcastle through Open Foundation, building the confidence, skills and sense of belonging she needed to succeed. That foundation carried her through a Bachelor of Nursing and into a rewarding career as a Registered Nurse.
Finding her voice and helping others find theirs
From China to Newcastle, Yilin Liu is building confidence, embracing new experiences and working towards a meaningful career in speech pathology.
Finding possibility and support through Open Foundation
Through support at the University of Newcastle, Kat found the confidence to pursue her dream of becoming a dietitian during one of the most challenging times in her life.
Finding purpose through people and practice
From classroom discussions to practical placements, Xinyuan Li is preparing for a future supporting multicultural and LGBTQ+ communities.
Building confidence far from home
From China to Newcastle, one student is building independence, confidence, and a future in business.
Sarah Hurley
Balancing study, work and family life, Sarah is building a new career in architecture while developing practical skills and strong academic results.
Designing with a global perspective
From studio projects to international study, Mackenzie is developing a global perspective on architecture and how design can respond to place, culture and community.
Mal’s mission
Mal is turning his passion for social justice into action, combining law and criminology with practical experience to support his community.
Exploring the wild side of science
From campus bug walks to museum discoveries, Teanu explores biodiversity and makes science hands-on and exciting.
A pathway to educational impact
From self-doubt to success, Angela found confidence and a fresh start through the University of Newcastle’s Open Foundation program.
Balancing family and dreams of a career in nursing
First-in-family student Skye is turning her passion for nursing into a career, balancing family life and university with purpose.
Guided by Country, driven by purpose
Arrernte man Jack, found confidence, culture, and community through the Yapug pathway at the University of Newcastle.
Learning, leading, and connecting
Business student, Sukontha, is turning her people skills into purpose through human resources, leadership, and real-world experience.
Engineering meets leadership: Ryan’s path to impact
Through hands-on projects and industry exposure, Ryan is strengthening his knowledge in mechanical engineering at the University of Newcastle and stepping confidently into his career.
Turning a passion for teaching into practice
From a Fiji study tour to placement at Newcastle’s McDonald Jones Stadium, Charlotte brings her love of teaching to life through hands-on learning and real-world impact.
Redrawing the plan: Paige’s architecture journey
Paige didn’t start out in architecture, but after discovering the degree through her friends, she found a path that felt right.
From industry experience to architectural design
After a career in construction and design, John is applying real-world experience to his architecture studies, developing practical skills and tackling complex design challenges.
Studio culture and community shaping a career in architecture
While studying architecture, Harry is building industry experience and connections through studio culture, shaping his pathway into professional practice.
From study to research: Tackling sustainability in engineering
Now undertaking a PhD in chemical engineering, Haley is researching cleaner ways to produce iron for steelmaking and reduce emissions in a major global industry.
Saying Yes to Opportunity: Makenzie’s Journey Through Law and Business
Makenzie is turning opportunity into real-world experience across business and law.
Designing with purpose: An award-winning approach to architecture
Awarded the NSW Architects Medallion, Thomas explores how architecture can respond to place, culture and community.
From neuroimmunology to the classroom: A bold career change
After nearly a decade in neuroimmunology research, Ihssane Zouikr followed his passion for teaching and now inspires Year 7 students as a French teacher.
Applying business psychology to leadership and organisational performance
Dan is using insights from business psychology to strengthen leadership, support organisational performance and apply evidence-based approaches to people management.
Balancing creativity and critical thinking through law and communications
Lucia was drawn to the degree combination because it allowed her to pursue two areas she has long been interested in.
From design to delivery: building a career in construction management
After studying architecture, Maggie is developing the industry-ready skills to move confidently into project management and make a lasting impact in Newcastle.
Learning, mentoring, and making a difference
Hann's story living proof that passion, curiosity, and a sense of adventure can shape not just a career, but a way of life.
Architecture that listens to its environment
How Mitchell’s Master of Architecture thesis reconnects a regional community to its river, stories and future.
Researcher highlights
Professor Karen Blackmore
Dr Karen Blackmore is driven by problem-solving. From the application of Virtual Reality for industry, to girls participation in STEM Karen is always looking toward an innovative solution to society’s issues.
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Professor Anna Giacomini
Professor Anna Giacomini, Principal Researcher in the University's Priority Research Centre for Geotechnical and Materials Modelling, is committed to innovating, promoting and improving safety in mining and civil environments.
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Associate Professor Patricia Saco
Associate Professor Patricia Saco’s research over the past years has focused on understanding the impacts of human pressures and climate variability and change on hydrology, land and soil resources.
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Dr Emma Beckett
Molecular nutritionist Dr Emma Beckett is exploring the genetic secrets behind microbiomes and whether you really are what you eat.
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Associate Professor Vicki Keast
Using a combination of advanced electron microscopy measurements and quantum simulations, Assoc. Prof. Vicki Keast investigates the fundamentals of materials properties.
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Dr Danielle Verdon-Kidd
Dr Danielle Verdon-Kidd is researching the nature and triggers of extreme weather events, such as droughts, bushfires and storms to help our nation better prepare for what lies ahead.
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Dr Khay Fong
The research of Dr Khay Fong centres upon the self-assembly of amphiphilic molecules into nanostructures and nanoparticles. The overarching aim of her research is to develop a platform nanotechnology that can be used in the creation of better medicines and diagnostic tools.
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Dr Alex Callen
Dr. Alex Callen is a conservation biologist in the School of Environmental and Life Sciences. Her research focuses on the response of threatened amphibian populations to multiple environmental stresses and how fine scale habitat manipulations can improve their survival.
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Dr Jessica Allen
If you ask Electrochemical Engineer Dr Jessica Allen what energises her the most in her field at present, she’ll talk enthusiastically about the burgeoning field that is energy technology, in particular, electrochemistry and the development of new renewable energy technologies.
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Associate Professor Elham Doroodchi
Dr Doroodchi's research is underpinned by the two general areas of fluid mechanics and particle technology with the main focus being on the fundamental and applied research into multiphase systems.
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Dr Jayne O'Shea
Dr O’Shea completed her PhD studies at Newcastle University (2010-2015), examining belt conveying system energy prediction models using the relaxation properties of rubber.
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Dr Hannah Power
Coastal morphologist and geologist Dr Hannah Power is translating her research by collaborating with governments and councils so they can better manage coastal environments.
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Professor Erica Wanless
Working with colleagues at the University of Newcastle and beyond, Professor Erica Wanless is leading two projects exploring how surface coatings change behaviours at phase boundaries.
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The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.