2023 Finalists
Engagement Excellence Awards
Awarded to an individual or team who have made an outstanding contribution to the community or built strong links with the community through outstanding partnership and collaboration.
Education, Exercise Science, Regional Campuses - Maths with the Mariners
Dr Colin Sanctuary - School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Elise Scully-Hawkins - Regional Campuses, Karen Tucker - Regional Campuses, Dr Nick Riley - School of Education, Shendelle Hayde -Regional Campuses
Staff from School of Education, Discipline of Exercise Sports Science and Regional Campuses have collaborated with external stakeholders to deliver “Maths with the Mariners” to Central Coast school students. The program builds maths proficiency through sporting links and strengthens ties with the local community. As guest speakers at the English FA Pacific Island Delegation workshop, the team outlined the program to delegates, which resulting in plans for an international roll out of the program.
Loud Sky Exhibition and Community Projects
Dr Kathleen McPhillips - School of Humanities, Creative Industries and Social Science
Through multiple arts-based events in 2022 and 2023, the Loud Sky exhibition and community projects drew attention to the impacts of institutional child abuse in the Hunter region and the resilience of survivors, demonstrating committed service to the community of survivors of institutional child sexual abuse. The collaboration between the Lock-Up Art Gallery, University of Newcastle and the Clergy Abused Network demonstrated a dynamic partnership that resulted in this arts-based project with multiple beneficial outcomes.
Whole New World - Warlga Ngurra Transformation Team
Cameron Beard - School of Architecture and Built Environment, Kate Bennett -School of Education, Maggie Cane - School of Architecture and Built Environment
The team transformed a dismal backyard in an indigenous women and children's refuge into ‘A Whole New World’ of engagement and empowerment for both children and mothers. All parts of our community participated - students, staff, industry, arts, and the general community. Informed by the latest approach to child development and design practice the project embodies the bigger picture of what our University is about – innovations that make a real difference to our communities.
Awarded to an individual or team who have advanced the University’s international engagement capability and profile.
Teaching Astrobiology in Africa Team
Dr Andrea Borsato, Professor Brett Neilan, and Professor Silvia Frisia - School of Environmental and Life Sciences
The team taught Astrobiology techniques at Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST), supported by a Europlanet Expert Exchange program award granted in April 2022. The visit initiated a collaboration between Australia and Botswana for the investigation of extreme terrestrial environments. Expert Exchange objectives of this visit were to improve Facilities and Infrastructures, Training for Transnational Access and Early Career Support.
The International Survey of Catholic Women Team
Anita Harvey - Future Students Communications and Engagement, Gemma Wolk - Future Students Communications and Engagement, Dr Kathleen McPhillips - School of Humanities, Creative Industries and Social Science, Dr Miriam Pepper - School of Humanities, Creative Industries and Social Science, Dr Tracy McEwan - Office PVC Human and Social Futures
The most extensive global survey of Catholic women ever undertaken was carried out by Kathleen, Tracy and Miriam. The International Survey of Catholic Women resulted in three major research reports being published across 2022 and 2023. The researchers worked in close collaboration with the University’s Media team (Gemma and Anita). The main report gained significant media coverage in March 2023 when the researchers presented it to Pope Francis in Rome.
School of Engineering
Associate Professor Duy Ngo - School of Engineering
Duy is reducing the amount of dragon fruit spoiled in transit, due to Vietnam’s climatic conditions and the long road freight distances to export markets in China. This was made possible by a bridging grant of $50,000 from the Global Connections Fund 2022 program. The Global Connections Fund provides initial funding to promote international collaboration between researchers and small to medium enterprises, with the aim of fostering lasting research-industry partnerships.
Awarded to an individual or team who have worked with industry in a way that goes beyond standard commercial relationships and have contributed to positive outcomes for both parties.
Global Centre for Gynaecological Diseases (GCGD)
Florence Bartlett - School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Professor Hubert Hondermarck - School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Conjoint Associate Professor Jim Scurry - School of Medicine and Public Health, Dr Ken Jaaback - School of Medicine and Public Health, Dr Muhammad Fairuz Jamaluddin -School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Professor Pradeep Tanwar - School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Mr Riazuddin Mohammed - School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Dr Shafiq Syed - School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Dr Tania Day - School of Medicine and Public Health
The GCGD serves as a crucial industry hub, conducting trials and fostering enduring partnerships between our University and industry. Their outstanding collaboration with external health industry partners has secured $13,977,416 in funding since 2022. They co-founded a biotech startup valued at $45 million. They maintain strong connections with prominent biopharmaceutical companies, contribute to research and income generation, and elevate our University's global standing. Their commitment extends to nurturing emerging researchers, with several members receiving competitive fellowships.
Name.Narrate.Navigate (NNN Project Team)
Dr Chris Krogh - School of Humanities, Creative Industries and Social Science, Conjoint Dr Graeme Stuart - School of Humanities, Creative Industries and Social Science, Ms Louise Rak - School of Humanities, Creative Industries and Social Science, Dr Shaun McCarthy - School of Law and Justice, Dr Tamara Blakemore - School of Humanities, Creative Industries and Social Science
The NNN project and team demonstrate excellence in industry engagement by recognising the place of industry and community in the issue we study – NNN is a trauma informed and culturally responsive program for youth violence. Industry engagement in NNN’s design, delivery and continuous improvement has sustained industry-based advocacy for funding and a rapid translation of research evidence from NNN to knowledge production, practice, and connection impacts.
The Centre for Advanced Training Systems - TACTICS VR
Dr Carlos Garcia-Esperon - School of Medicine and Public Health, Conjoint Professor Chris Levi - School of Medicine and Public Health, Dr Murielle Kluge - School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Professor Neil Spratt - School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Professor Rohan Walker - School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Dr Steven Maltby - School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy
The Centre for Advanced Training Systems has partnered with multiple NSW health services and technology developers to create TACTICS VR, an innovative virtual reality training platform for stroke management workflow. Previous training opportunities have been largely confined to major cities, while TACTICS VR addresses a major industry need by enabling healthcare professionals in non-metropolitan locations to receive immersive, simulation-based training in their workplace. This platform has already been adopted by more than 50 hospitals across 3 states.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing Award
Recognises and celebrates innovative initiatives and solutions development by an individual or team to promote, enhance or protect the health, safety and wellness of our staff and students.
Individual Finalists
School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy
Dr Jason Girkin - School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy
Jason is nominated for his tireless efforts and long-standing commitment to our University's Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC), since 2019. The IBC is instrumental in assisting our University to meet essential legislative requirements, make informed decisions and monitor microbiological practices. The time and expertise that Jason volunteers on a regular basis demonstrates his passion for good and safe science, his positive can-do attitude and his willingness to be a team player.
School of Medicine and Public Health
Dr Eleonora Leopardi - School of Medicine and Public Health
Nora has worked tirelessly to promote student and staff wellbeing and engagement at the Central Coast Clinical School. From trivia and therapy dogs to inspirational messages and free food she has designed and delivered a comprehensive and thoughtful program, which has enhanced the wellbeing of all.
Human Resource Services
Sharon Stow - Human Resource Services
Sharon has demonstrated exemplary dedication and innovation in developing and implementing the WHS Dashboard. This initiative is a testament to her vision and commitment to health, safety, and wellbeing. The dashboard has not only improved safety outcomes but has also created a culture where University leaders are empowered to actively participate in our University's safety journey. This initiative is a shining example of her outstanding commitment to enhancing and promoting safety.
Team Finalists
Competency Access Isolator – NU Team
Dr Alexander Gregg - School of Engineering), Amanda Hill - Office PVC - Engineering, Science and Environment, Andrea Thomas - Office PVC - Engineering, Science and Environment, Josh Bywater - School of Engineering, Lachlan Barrell - Office PVC - Engineering, Science and Environment
A collaboration between the College of Engineering, Science and Environment and professional engineering student teams organisation, NU Teams saw our University take home the Most Innovative WHS Idea (Large Organisation) prize from the Hunter Safety Awards and the WHS Technology Initiative at the Australian WHS Awards. The Competency Access Isolators System requires students to scan their ID cards to determine if they hold the appropriate training and competency to access workshop and lab equipment.
The Wollotuka Wellbeing Team
Hannah Pipe - Indigenous Education and Research, Phoebe Sanders - Student Central
The Wollotuka Wellbeing program is a culturally responsive, best practice wellbeing initiative that is already being recognised nationally for its innovative contribution to student wellbeing and cultural safety. Covid quarantining necessitated a shift in student wellbeing approaches for Indigenous students across our institution. In response, the Wollotuka Wellbeing Team dedicated themselves to developing a vital new support initiative featuring culturally informed resources contributing to a safer and healthier environment for Indigenous student being and learning.
Take Time to Take Care initiative
Tina Imig, Emily Keating, Ben Collis, Charlotte Ross, Sharni Knight, Jesse Mitchell, Chris Totterman - Future Students Communications and Engagement, Sylva Ohnutova - Change and Improvement Team, Megan Clark - HR Services
Safety is a top priority at our University. The 'Take time to take care’ initiative is a whole-of-University approach to raising awareness, combatting complacency, and encouraging proactive practices among staff and students. The initiative aims to create a culture where everyone takes responsibility for their own safety and wellbeing and looks out for others. It has resulted in a 20% increase in staff reporting hazards and has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from staff and students.
Professional Staff Excellence Awards
Awarded to an individual who has demonstrated exceptional performance, service or achievements.
Office DVC - Research and Innovation
Siobhan Curran
Siobhan was selected as Entrepreneurial Leader of the Year (Asia Pacific), plus People’s Choice Award winner, at the global Entrepreneurship and Engagement Excellence (Triple E) Awards, and was part of a team that won Best Pitch at the Leveraging Innovative Technologies for Ageing Well conference, in Geneva. This recognition is the culmination of a sustained seven-year effort in establishing a highly successful innovation and entrepreneurship presence at our University.
Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic)
Melanie Gibson
Melanie played a pivotal role in driving the success of the VC's International Student Task Force initiatives. Her exceptional dedication ensured the seamless execution of diverse projects, from local and indigenous community engagement to fostering collaboration with staff and international students. Melanie's leadership extended to internationalisation of campus spaces and forging partnerships with local government and businesses. Her remarkable ability to unite various units and stakeholders has significantly enhanced our institution's global reach and inclusivity.
Legal and Compliance
Nancy Spasko
Nancy’s contributions as the Privacy and Rights to Information Officer have made her the trusted source of information and guidance throughout our University. Her passion, commitment, and exceptional efforts have not only ensured our compliance with privacy laws but also have strengthened the University's reputation as a responsible and trustworthy institution.
Awarded to a team which may consist of either a work unit team or individuals from different work units whose collaboration has produced an outstanding contribution.
Early Entry Program Team
David Donnelly - Student Central, Kellie Masters - Student Central, Bernadette McTeare - Future Students Communications and Engagement, Belinda Rose - Future Students Communications and Engagement, Rob Brooks - Student Central, Dr Ben Shelton - Student Central, Lloyd Blaxland - Strategy, Planning and Performance, Kate Sobb - Student Central, Emily Middleton - Student Central, Simon Bush - Future Students Communications and Engagement
In response to significant competitive pressures in the domestic student recruitment market, this cross-divisional team collaborated to send a record number of undergraduate offers through our University's first Early Entry Program. Navigating a new system, new data analyses, and 15 versions of communications, the team sent more than 10,000 offers to applicants with a 71% acceptance rate. This is nearly double the historical number of offers sent ahead of Semester 1.
Legal Contract Upgrade
Renee Hal, Kassie McAlear, Kate Miller, and Daisy Davis - Legal and Compliance
The Legal team, led by Renee, Kassie, Kate and Daisy, has undertaken a significant amount of work throughout 2023 to upgrade and improve the Legal contract template suite, including to: reflect the requirements of our University's ever increasing legislative compliance obligations; reflect feedback resulting from cross unit collaboration and market insights from previous contract negotiations; and implement improvements to the user experience, such as providing for electronic execution.
Industry Open Day Team
Melissa Moore - Learning and Teaching, Nicola Snell - Learning and Teaching, Sharni Knight - Learning and Teaching, Renee Butcher - Office of the PVC Industry and Engagement, Emily Keating - Office of the PVC Industry and Engagement, Charlotte Ross - Future Students Communications and Engagement, Rowan Stevenson - Learning and Teaching
A collaboration between the Careers and Employability team and the Office of the PVC Industry Engagement team, the first ever University of Newcastle Industry Open Day hosted more than 300 industry, community and government partners from over 170 local organisations at Callaghan campus. The mini-conference style event included panel discussions, networking opportunities and keynote addresses with a focus on strengthening existing connections and forging new partnerships to add value to our communities.
Awarded to an individual staff member who commenced at the University in the previous 5 years, and who has demonstrated outstanding capacity to contribute meaningfully within the early stages of their career at the University.
Future Students Communications and Engagement
Shahni Wellington
Shahni is a proud Wandi Wandi & Jerrinja woman and Communications Specialist who goes above and beyond to ensure the stories behind the University’s commitment to excellence in Indigenous higher education are told. Shahni has a unique storytelling ability and uses her skills to inform our communities on critically important issues. She does so with resounding professionalism, poise and a genuine commitment to our First Nations staff, students and community.
School of Medicine and Public Health
Emily Callaghan
Emily played a critical role in bringing the newly launched Mark Hughes Foundation (MHF) Centre for Brain Cancer Research within the College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing to life by contributing significantly to the early processes which effectively established this $25M Centre. As the Centre’s representative, Emily single-handedly facilitated the cross-unit collaboration between the College, OAP and Marketing and Communications to plan the highly successful inaugural Research Symposium, at a critical juncture for the Centre.
Student Central
Lorna Ali
Lorna joined the University 12 months ago and has already made a significant impact. As a Student Living Support Coordinator, Lorna is the first responder to reports of misconduct in the residences. Lorna has overhauled processes to drastically improve the student experience - moving from a punitive approach to a restorative one, where residents are offered growth opportunities. She's also recently led the International Student Support team, offering innovations based on her observations and prior experiences.
Student Experience Excellence Award
Recognises and celebrates the outstanding contribution individuals or teams have made to enhance the quality of the student experience beyond the formal teaching environment.
Student Success and Retention Project
Professor Laura-Anne Bull - Student Central, Kate Tucknott - Student Central, Kate McKenny - Student Central, Josh Seymour - Student Central, Jackie Adamson - Future Students Communications and Engagement, Emma Bence - Student Central, Amanda Callinan - Future Students Communications and Engagement
The Student Success and Retention Project improved student success and retention by proactively addressing student questions/concerns and promoting relevant support services. The project involved calls to all 2023 commencing students (Undergraduate, Post-graduate, PALs) across all terms at key stages: prior to Census date, at the peak of assessment/exams preparation, and post-Fully Graded date. A 2% increase in retention target was set and exceed throughout each 2023 study term for commencing students.
Office PVC - Engineering, Science and Environment
Brooke Allars and Anna James
Brooke and Anna have led and facilitated this outstanding initiative in the College of Engineering, Science and Environment. The project works with students who have entered STEM degrees but may need extra support. This initiative has sought to increase student retention rates and participation across STEM students within the College.
Student Central
Jayne McCartney
Jayne has worked tirelessly over the past year to advocate for, and coordinate safe spaces for students, through creating and implementing the Action Plan for the Prevention of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment at the University. This has included promotion of the student and victim/survivor voice to ensure that programs and policies are aligned with the student experience, in order to facilitate meaningful change.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Award
Recognises an individual or team who have made an outstanding contribution to demonstrating excellence in accessible practice, supporting the equitable opportunity and meaningful inclusion of students or staff with disability at the University of Newcastle.
MATH and STAT Reasonable Adjustment Plan Student Support Team
Alison Kinge - School of Information and Physical Sciences, Jane Grantham -Regional Campuses, Jasmine McGee - School of Information and Physical Sciences
The team demonstrated courageous qualities as they sought to achieve the best possible outcome for a large number of Reasonable Adjustment Plan students on their learning journey at our University across Callaghan and Ourimbah. They worked under pressure, developed quickly and demonstrated consistently through 2023 an expertise and capacity in successfully managing Reasonable Adjustment Plan students at school.
Specialist Peer Mentoring Program
Georgie Kerr and Katy Lambert - Student Central
Using evidence-based strategies, the peer mentoring program seeks to remove barriers to learning by creating academic and social opportunities for neurodiverse participants resulting in increased participation, retention, and positive student experience. This specialist program for neurodivergent students is a collaborative initiative of the Student Wellbeing Team.
DTS
Sam Rykers - DTS
An exceptional champion for accessibility and ally, Sam is supporting the inclusion of students and staff with disability. Sam has demonstrated excellence in accessibility by creating accessible technology training for our University and by providing other learning opportunities for staff. She has ensured that accessibility is incorporated into change management processes, creating a future where everyone can enjoy digital inclusion.
Recognises and celebrates an individual or team who have made an outstanding contribution to supporting and promoting equity and diversity, and fostering inclusion within the University of Newcastle.
Built Environment: Women in STEMM
Cameron Beard - School of Architecture and Built Environment, Dr Jessica Siva - School of Architecture and Built Environment, Dr Kim Maund -School of Architecture and Built Environment, Associate Professor Thayaparan Gajendran - Office PVC - Engineering, Science and Environment
The team pioneered a unique initiative providing opportunities for women in STEMM: specifically Building Surveying and Quantity Surveying. They obtained Commonwealth funding to support student scholarships/seminars with industry practitioners nationally and develop a high school toolkit. The project received significant attention with the team invited to author a State government White Paper, present at industry conferences, author a book chapter and industry journal article.
Social and Economic Resilience (SER) of Young Migrant and Refugee Women Team
Dr Buddhini Ginigaddara Appuhamilage, Dr Dorcas Zuvalinyenga, Dr Mary Amponsah, Dr Tanvi Newaz, and Professor Temitope Egbelakin - School of Architecture and Built Environment
The Social and Economic Resilience of Young Migrants and Refugee Women Program contributes to equity, diversity and inclusion by bridging the gap of priority areas including; people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and gender equity – women in STEM. This program stands as a beacon of empowerment and inclusion, equipping women from migrant or refugee backgrounds with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the construction industry.
School of Medicine and Public Health
Dr Elissa Jane Elvidge - School of Medicine and Public Health
Consideration of how to ensure equity, diversity and inclusion in research pervades all aspects of Elissa’s work and is evident in the high regard in which she is universally held by colleagues, research partners and community members. In part, this reflects Elissa’s focus on not only considering the challenges of inequity, but on developing insight and tools that can be translated into practice to deliver meaningful change.
Teaching Excellence Awards
Awarded to an individual or team of teachers who have made an outstanding impact on student learning.
School of Health Sciences
Dr Cameron Younger
Cameron’s reputation at a University-level is best exemplified as being a recipient of the Deputy Vice Chancellor’s Teaching and Learning Excellence Award for Exemplary Student Feedback on Teaching. Cameron has created impactful and vibrant learning resources for students. The most important highlight of Cameron’s excellence in teaching is the sustained excellence Cameron has maintained for an extended period of time, maintaining an average teaching score (SFT/QLE) of 4.85 for over a decade.
School of Medicine and Public Health
Dr Meredith Tavener
Understanding the ‘why and how’ of health behaviour through qualitative research (QR) to effect positive change, and teaching others how to do the same, is what motivates Meredith as a leader and practitioner of QR. Her passion and commitment to teaching and learning is internationally recognised, as she uses real-world research dilemmas from her own work to enliven students’ perceptions of QR so that they see learning QR skills as enjoyable and relevant, even fun.
School of Education
Tess Rendoth
Tess excels in all aspects of her teaching - she inspires, motivates and influences current and past Teacher Education students who specialise in Special and Inclusive Education by contributing creative approaches to course delivery, design and technologies, including the creation of content for the SoE 360% SimCAVE. The impact of her excellence in teaching and learning has resulted in a trebling of SIE students, a very active alumni within the program, school and SIE community.
Awarded to an individual sessional academic, or team of sessional academics who have made an outstanding impact and contribution to student learning outcomes.
Ebon Baxter Menzies
Ebon genuinely cares about teaching students. He is patient, approachable, passionate, and able to explain the technical aspects of the course in a way that students easily understand. His philosophy on teaching is grounded in leading students through the content so they themselves come to understand the concepts involved. This approach as resulted in excellent feedback and teaching scores across nine offerings of STAT1070, reaching approximately 575 students in that time.
Dr Geoffrey Hookham
This award nomination focuses on Geoffrey’s development and delivery of CMNS3560 Interactive/Gamified Media since 2021. This course builds upon ludology and project-based-learning to develop skills for designing and creating interactive and gamified experiences spanning physical and digital spaces. This is supported by a gamified lecture series demonstrating game elements and theories surrounding communication and design by playfully incorporating and subverting polls, pop culture references, branching narratives, random and targeted trivia, and hidden item games.
Zlata Johnson
Zlata is a sessional academic in Pathways and Academic Learning Support (PALS) who has already shown exceptional teaching practices. Upon becoming a course coordinator, Zlata has been inspiring, engaging and breaking down barriers to her enabling students. Her commitment to the students’ is a credit to PALS and the University as a whole. Zlata’s passion for promoting equity, diversion and student success makes her a well deserving candidate for the Teaching Excellence Awards.
Research Excellence Awards
Awarded to individuals or teams who have provided outstanding supervision to Higher Degree by Research candidate.
Research Supervision Team for Structural Health Monitoring of Off-River Gravity Dams
Associate Professor Igor Chaves, Dr Lloyd Pilgrim, and Dr Robert Petersen - School of Engineering
Igor, Lloyd and Rob’s supervision has significantly influenced their nominee’s research journey. Their belief in my capabilities and tailored guidance led to a Vice Chancellor’s PhD scholarship. They fostered my academic skills and independence, actively involved me in various research and teaching activities, and supported my conference participation and publication efforts. Their expert advice, encouragement, and support have been pivotal in navigating my PhD research.
School of Environmental and Life Sciences
Associate Professor Geoff MacFarlane
Geoff has outstanding teaching and supervision records (Current 7 HDR students and 11 completed). His principal research interest falls into aquatic and marine toxicology. He has secured more than $4 million in research grants and published over 80 Journal articles and book chapters. He believes in student-centred teaching and the use of methodologies that encourage deep learning.
School of Engineering
Dr Shanyong Wang
Shanyong is one of the world’s most prolific researchers in rock mechanics and geotechnical Engineering under the age of 50. He is the most cited researcher in his primary research area of rock mechanics and computational geomechanics in Australia. He has a demonstrated track record in post-graduate supervision and ECR mentoring. He supervises 12 HDR students (8 of them completed), 12 CSC supported PhD students/researchers and 3 Research Associates.
Awarded to an outstanding individual academic or professional staff member actively engaged in research, who is within 5 years of PhD completion. Conjoints may also be considered, providing their research is primarily based at the University.
School of Engineering
Dr Davide Guccione
Davide is an outstanding researcher with an international reputation for research excellence in the field of rock mechanics and slope monitoring. With a focus on improving safety along major transportation corridors and protecting national infrastructure, his research bridges the gap between rockfall theory and engineering practice. His outstanding research and dedication to industry-relevant impact has been recognised with several awards, including the only ARC Early Career Industry Fellowship at the University of Newcastle.
School of Environmental and Life Sciences
Dr David Skerrett-Byrne
David is an emerging internationally recognised researcher in reproductive biology, evidenced in 35 publications (>550 citations across 160 institutes in 51 nations) and >$1.26 million research funding as Chief Investigator. His research is impacting our understanding of how paternal stress influences the health of the next generation and revolutionising fertility through development of male contraceptives. The Australian Academy of Science has recognised his rising trajectory through a Rod Rickards Fellowship, fostering European connections.
School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy
Dr Sarah Valkenborghs
Sarah is excelling in developing her research track record post-PhD (4.5 years). Her research excellence is reflected by >$1.8M competitive research grant income ($1.7 external, $180K apportioned), 29 publications, and seven awards. She has recently been appointed an ongoing Level B Lecturer and has become an invaluable member of the School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy.
Inspiring Excellence Award
Awarded to an academic who has provided dedicated and valuable support to foster and develop the careers of other academics through their active and skilled participation in a University mentoring program(s).
School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy
Associate Professor Phil Jobling
Phil continues to show exceptional mentorship for multiple researchers across disciplines. He goes out of his way to support junior academics by forging collaborative teams, helping them access to specialist equipment or supplies, providing his professional experience on grant applications, and taking the time to listen and engage. His enthusiasm and willingness to help those outside his discipline has lifted the confidence and propelled the career of many junior academics.
School of Architecture and Built Environment
Professor Temitope Egbelakin
Temitope is a thought leader who whole heartedly enjoys mentoring young staff. She is keen to share her experiences and wealth of knowledge gained from being an academic in several universities worldwide. As she herself broke the barriers that may have been there for a female professor with a culturally and linguistically diverse background, she particularly supports similar early career researchers to propel their careers to a success.
Office PVC - Engineering, Science and Environment
Associate Professor Thayaparan Gajendran
Thayaparan is deeply committed and dedicated to mentoring early career and established academics and professional staff, well beyond standard expectations. He always makes himself available to those seeking advice, sharing his expertise/knowledge and empowering colleagues to develop their confidence. His approachable demeanour and willingness to engage in meaningful discussions create an environment conducive to academic growth and collaboration. His mentorship encompasses career development, personal growth, and cultivating a supportive network and collaborative culture.
Awarded to a professional staff member who has provided dedicated and valuable support to foster and develop the careers of other staff members through their active and skilled participation in a University mentoring program(s). Has displayed outstanding passion and commitment in mentoring professionals at a level above and beyond normal job requirements and expectations.
Learning and Teaching
Melissa Moore
Melissa is a dedicated mentor to professional staff. She fosters trust and respect and provides an inspiring, empowering, and supportive environment where mentees are valued and encouraged to explore their potential. Strategic career planning is a cornerstone of her mentorship. Melissa guides mentees through the intricacies of their unique paths, navigates challenges, sets meaningful goals, and charts a course for personal and professional growth, leading to notable career advancement for her mentees.
Office of Alumni and Philanthropy
Rebecca Hazell
Rebecca is an inspiring leader who has mentored many Newcastle staff over her 10+ years at our University. She makes time to meet regularly with her mentees, and to offer candid, high-quality advice and direction. She has mastered the art of the difficult question, and provides a safe and supportive ear for the answer. Rebecca is a passionate advocate and role model for female leaders and is an inspiration to the next generation.
Leadership Excellence Award
Recognises and celebrates an inspirational leader, or group of leaders who role model our leadership behaviours and contribute to our University’s success.
SBSP Early Career Researcher Association
Amber Pillar, Dr Heather Murray, Dr Henry Gomez, Dr Julia Shaw, Laura Dowling, Dr Sarah Valkenborghs, Thomas Adams,and Dr William Reay - School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy
The School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy Early Career Research Association is an outstanding voluntary team of HDR students and early career researchers (ECRs) with a passion to support and enhance the success of all research students and ECRs within the School and beyond. The team demonstrates excellence in all aspects of leadership and are shaping the future for the next generation of international leaders in biomedical research.
School of Medicine and Public Health
Dr Hemal Patel
Hemal is the Clinical Lead of Year 5 medical students at the Central Coast Clinical School, and the Director of Assistants in Medicine Program at the CCLHD. His exemplary leadership, vision and initiative in integrating interprofessional education through the use of simulated cardiac-arrest scenarios with final-year medical and nursing students is helping to shape a future with greater teamwork, communication and collaboration both at an undergraduate level, but also in the workplace.
Office DVC - Research and Innovation
Siobhan Curran
Siobhan recently received recognition as the Entrepreneurial Leader of the Year (Asia Pacific) and won the People's Choice award. Over her ten-year tenure at our University, Siobhan's contributions have extended from senior roles to her current position as Director of Entrepreneurship, where she has fostered innovation and empowered the entrepreneurial spirit in the Hunter region.
Values Award
Our University Values are our guiding principles. This award recognises and celebrates an individual or team who have gone above and beyond to exemplify our Values of equity, excellence, engagement and sustainability.
The Voice Guide Project Team
Kua Swan - Office of Indigenous Strategy and Leadership, Tracey Cox – University Library, Jessica Davis – University Library, Gemma Noon – University Library, Michael Paver – University Library, Yali Windle – University Library
The team created a comprehensive, unbiased, and culturally responsive online guide to the Voice to Parliament Referendum for staff, students, and community. Leveraging the Library’s role in curating knowledge and information to help the community develop their critical thinking and evaluation skills, the guide supported students and staff to find credible information and become engaged in a respectful and nuanced discussion on the Voice to Parliament.
School of Architecture and Built Environment
Taona Afful
Taona is a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, actively seeking out staff and students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to connect them to the necessary support. She goes the extra mile by assisting staff in interview and promotion preparation, making a significant difference in their career development. The University benefits significantly from Taona's behaviour and attitudes, as she creates a more inclusive and diverse environment while fostering excellence in both her team and the broader University community.
School of Psychological Sciences
Dr Stacey McMullen
Stacey provides an invaluable contribution to the Indigenous content of the undergraduate and postgraduate psychology courses. She strongly advocates for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students' entry to the University's Clinical Masters program to ensure capacity building of Indigenous practitioners in the future. Outside of the University, she is also involved in national projects to improve the lives of Indigenous Australians.
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.