2022 Alumni Excellence Awards
Be inspired by the incredible stories of our 2022 Alumni Excellence Award recipients.
Professor David Newman
Alumni Medal for Professional Excellence
Doctor of Philosophy (Human Physiology) 2001
Visiting Professor of Aerospace Medicine, King's College of London
He has taught thousands of civilian and military doctors, pilots, and accident investigators around the world and his research has considerably advanced our understanding of the effects of the aerospace environment on humans.
Glendyn Ivin
Newton-John Alumni Medal
Bachelor of Arts (Graphic Design) 1994
Director (TV and Film)
With an extensive list of commercials, television shows and films under his belt, there is no question that Glendyn has made a significant impact on Australian film and television culture.
Emeritus Professor Tim Roberts AM
Convocation Medal for Exceptional Contribution
Conservationist, Scientist, Researcher, and Educator
As a distinguished conservationist, scientist, researcher, and educator, Emeritus Professor Tim Roberts AM has helped shape the University into the world-class institution it is today.
Professor Ngiare Brown
Indigenous Alumni Award
Bachelor of Medicine 1992
Founding Director, Ngaoara Child & Adolescent Wellbeing
Professor Ngiare Brown is a proud Yuin nation woman from the south coast of NSW. She is passionate about Aboriginal and Indigenous health, child safety and adolescent development, and building the evidence base that demonstrates connection across culture, resilience and wellbeing.
Dr Michael Exton
International Leadership Award
Doctor of Philosophy (Psychology Science) 1996, Bachelor of Science (Hons) 1993
Vice President and Head, US and Global Cardiovascular Businesses, Novartis
Working to combat cardiovascular disease, Mike has led his team to bring medical innovations to the world such as sacubitril/valsartan (Entresto), the first new heart failure medicine in over 20 years.
Dr Amandeep Hansra
National Leadership Award
Bachelor of Medicine 2003
Caligo Health Co-founder & General Practitioner
Combining her passion for medicine with an interest in technology, Dr Amandeep Hansra is a leader in digital health and innovation in Australia.
Elizabeth McLoughlin
Regional Leadership Award
Bachelor of Laws (Hons) 2003
NSW Public Defender
Passionate about access to justice and engaging people at the margins, Elizabeth (Lizzie) McLaughlin’s career in law began after graduating with a Bachelor of Laws almost 20 years ago.
Dr Aaron Elbourne
Beryl Nashar Young Researcher Award
Doctor of Philosophy (Chemistry) 2017, Bachelor of Teaching 2011/ Bachelor of Science (Hons) 2012
ARC DECRA Research Fellow, RMIT University
Dr Aaron Elbourne is an early-career researcher who is widely recognised as a mentor and leader in his field. Only five years post-PhD, he has established his own research group, research direction, and reputation as a mentor for students and fellow Early Career Researchers.
Dr Nashwa Najib
Young Alumni Award
Master of Medical Philosophy 2018
Founder and Chief Medical Officer, Syed Najib Ahmed Foundation
Taught by her father about the importance of giving back to the community, Dr Nashwa Najib has shaped her entire medical career around helping those in need.
Rebecca Silberberg
Young Alumni Award
Bachelor of Laws / Diploma of Legal Practice 2010, Bachelor of Business 2007
Senior Counsel, Google
Rebecca Silberberg works to provide advice within the junction of law and technology to some of the world’s largest technology companies.
Mohammed Faiz Kamaludin
Alumni Award for Outstanding Volunteerism
Master of Aviation Management 2011
Global Alumni Ambassador
Captain Mohammed Faiz Kamaludin has followed his passion for science and for flight in his 30-year career as a pilot and science educator.
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.