2025 Student Awards
Student Employability Achievement Award
Jimmy Jan 2:24
Doctor of Medicine / Bachelor of Medical Science
Joseph Hill 2:24
Bachelor of Data Science / Bachelor of Mathematics
Highly Commended
- Julian Cosentino | Bachelor of Environmental Engineering (Honours) / Bachelor of Science
- Kam Keung Auston Yu | Doctor of Medicine / Bachelor of Medical Science
Student Employee of the Year
Nicholas Kilby
Construction Management Cadet, Joss Construction | Bachelor of Construction Management (Building) (Honours)
Nicholas Kilby has been recognised for his outstanding contributions as a Construction Management Cadet with Joss Construction. Balancing full-time work with full-time study in the Bachelor of Construction Management (Building) (Honours), he has shown exceptional commitment and professionalism across high-impact projects.
Since joining Joss in 2023, Nicholas has contributed to four major builds, including the Myrtleford P–12 College redevelopment, WDSS Benalla Campus, Plus Fitness Gymnasium in Thurgoona, and a $30 million logistics facility for O’Brien Transport in Barnawartha. He has played a key role in design management, subcontractor engagement, large-scale concrete coordination, and defect rectification - showcasing his ability to lead complex tasks with precision and accountability.
Beyond project delivery, Nicholas has made a lasting impact on workplace systems and culture. During his time in Joss’s Health, Safety, Environment and Quality department, he supported the rollout of safety management software. He also helped develop a new company induction program, now used across the business and featuring him as the face of onboarding for subcontractors.
Nicholas’s strengthened communication, time-management and problem-solving skills have been shaped by the demands of full-time work and study and set him apart as an exceptional employee.
I highly recommend for anyone currently studying or looking to complete a degree, especially in construction, to complete a cadetship program within the industry. These programs not only provide you with a well-paid job, but also provide you with quality, real-world experience that can prove very valuable in completing your studies.
~ Nicholas Kilby
Highly Commended
- Matthew Richardson | Bachelor of Environmental Engineering (Honours) / Bachelor of Science | CSIRO
- Sarthak Birani | Bachelor of Mechatronics Engineering (Honours) | Careers & Employability, The University of Newcastle
Claudia Bruinsma 2:25
PhD (Biological Sciences)
Student Entrepreneur of the Year
Highly Commended
- Manav Arora | Bachelor of Information Technology / Bachelor of Business
Student Career-ready Placement Award
Bryan Alcid 2:20
Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) | TerryWhite Chemmart
Joe Alcorn 2:27
Bachelor of Business / Bachelor of Commerce | Dantia
Jaydon Cameron
Bachelor of Software Engineering (Honours) | Australian Taxation Office
Jaydon Cameron has received the Student Career-ready Placement Award for his outstanding contributions during his placement with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) as part of the Australian Public Service (APS) Academy program. Working within the Smarter Data Program team, Jaydon applied his technical expertise to deliver meaningful improvements to workplace systems and processes.
During his placement, Jaydon played a pivotal role in improving the team's software development processes. He also redesigned reporting dashboards so staff could make informed, data-driven decisions. In addition, Jaydon improved internal systems that support day-to-day operations, making them more efficient and easier to manage.
Through these achievements, Jaydon has built valuable skills and gained real-world experience while making a positive impact on his team. His work has helped improve efficiency and supported better use of data and software within the organisation. Jaydon’s success highlights how practical placements can turn classroom learning into meaningful contributions in the workplace.
Highly Commended
- Laura Crombie | Bachelor of Nursing | Tamworth Hospital
- Taylah Brandobour | Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) | LIVEfree Project
- Thomas Wood | Bachelor of Computer Systems Engineering (Honours) / Bachelor of Computer Science | ResTech
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.
