Student highlights
Liam Sutton
From mining apprentice to engineer, researcher and lecturer, Liam's journey shows it's never too late to pursue your goals. After starting university through Open Foundation, he went on to complete a PhD, return as a lecturer, and build a rewarding career in engineering.
Building on experience and finding confidence in Newcastle
From Hanoi to Newcastle, Phuong Linh is building her confidence, broadening her business and HR skills, and preparing for a career helping others reach their potential.
Taking a leap: Cam’s next chapter in HR
After working in talent acquisition in Vietnam, Cam chose postgraduate study at the University of Newcastle to broaden her HR expertise, gain new perspectives and challenge herself to grow.
From a love of sport to a future in rehabilitation
Combining his passion for sport and business, Jake McCann is developing the knowledge and skills to pursue a future in physiotherapy and sports rehabilitation, with ambitions to eventually open his own practice and gym.
How injury shaped a passion for sport and psychology
Inspired by her own sporting experiences, Taylah Morgan is combining her interests in exercise and psychology to better understand the relationship between physical activity and mental wellbeing, with aspirations to support athletes through injury recovery and beyond.
Exploring where a career in nutrition can lead
With a passion for health and nutrition, Jed Bruce is building the skills, connections and experiences to explore a career in public health and health promotion.
Turning a passion for business into bigger plans
In his own words, Diego Ponce reflects on moving from Ecuador to Newcastle, challenging his limits and building confidence along the way.
From MBA student to business owner: Ally backs herself
From MBA graduate to business owner, Ally McMillan shares how her University of Newcastle degree gave her the skills, connections and confidence to launch Little Leaf Consulting while balancing business and family life.
Taking architecture beyond the classroom in Crete
Bachelor of Design (Architecture) student Scott De Lepervanche travelled to Crete to take part in the Periplus Workshop, gaining hands-on experience, new perspectives on materials and design, and connections with people from around the world.
From service to a new sense of purpose
After 25 years in the Australian Defence Force and a further seven years in corrective services, Grant Lowien is drawing on decades of experience to pursue a new career in secondary teaching.
From mining engineer to future primary teacher
After 14 years working as a mining engineer, Callum is pursuing his passion for teaching through the Master of Teaching (Primary), while balancing full-time online study with family life in the Hunter Valley.
Finding her creative direction through design
Graphic Design student Madison Briese is turning her creativity into practical skills and building confidence for a career in design
From the country to campus: Isabella finds her place
From growing up in rural Dungog to finding her place at university, Bachelor of Education (Primary) student Isabella Broad shares how stepping outside her comfort zone has helped her build confidence, make new friends and embrace new opportunities.
Understanding people, changing lives
From hands-on brain research to global experiences in China, Elly is making the most of every opportunity while preparing for a career in psychology.
Building what's next: Harry's AI journey
From Vietnam to Newcastle, Harry is building his future in Artificial Intelligence through postgraduate study, industry experience and a passion for turning complex technology into real-world solutions.
From ESL teacher to primary educator: Inspiring the next generation
Lili is turning more than 20 years of teaching experience into a new career in primary education, inspired by her two daughters and a passion for helping children discover the world around them.
A world of opportunity: Building a career in laboratory medicine
Micah moved from the Philippines to Newcastle to pursue a career in laboratory medicine. Discover how practical learning, industry placement and a welcoming community have helped her build confidence for the future.
Finding the degree that changed everything
Gabi didn't know sociology would become her passion. Now she's using the skills, confidence and perspective gained through a Bachelor of Social Science to create positive change through social research.
Growing as a nurse, one placement at a time
From emergency to palliative care, justice health and even rural Fiji, Annabel's placements have prepared her for a rewarding career in nursing.
Leading with data, driven by people
From Nigeria to Newcastle, Emmanuel shares how studying AI, finding community and embracing campus life have shaped his university experience.
Transforming workplaces through Business Psychology
After more than 20 years in Human Resources, Penelope studied the Master of Business Psychology to strengthen her leadership practice and apply evidence-based thinking to real workplace challenges.
From Open Foundation to school leadership
Darren’s journey shows how starting with Open Foundation can shape an entire career – building the confidence, skills and mindset needed not just to succeed at university, but to lead beyond it.
Building skills for a future in technology
From India to Newcastle, Jeremiah is gaining practical experience, building global connections and preparing for a future in AI and data science.
Building technology that makes a difference
From building games in high school to creating an AI-powered study platform, Chloe is using Computer Science to turn big ideas into real-world impact.
Finding her calling: How Sharmane turned compassion into a career
A personal family experience inspired Sharmane to change careers and pursue social work. Discover how studying at the University of Newcastle is helping her turn compassion into a lifelong purpose.
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.
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.