Event details

Ms Melissa Moore

Assistant Director, Careers and Employability

Learning and Teaching

The University of Newcastle

Melissa Moore has worked in the Careers and Student Engagement space for the past 21 years first as a Careers Counsellor, and then moving into Management roles. In addition to her role as Assistant Director of Careers and Employability, she is the NSW-ACT Division President for the National Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services. An experienced facilitator and presenter, Melissa is highly motivated to ensure that students of The University of Newcastle experience best practice in employability development throughout their academic journey.

• Melissa.Moore@newcastle.edu.au
• (02) 4921 6086

Dr Colin Sanctuary

Lecturer

School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy

The University of Newcastle

Since 2000, Dr Sanctuary has established a diverse background working with professional teams, sporting organizations, and academia. In the realm of professional sport, Dr Sanctuary has held notable positions, including Manager of Player Development and Performance for the NSWRL State of Origin, Performance Director of the High-Performance Unit at the Newcastle Knights, and Head of Performance at Durham County Cricket Club. Dr Sanctuary has contributed to academia as a lecturer and senior lecturer at esteemed institutions such as the University of York St John, University of New England, and the University of Newcastle. Notably, during his tenure at the University of Newcastle, Dr Sanctuary spearheaded several noteworthy initiatives. These include the development of the Best Start Foundational Movement Skills app, which gained recognition through the prestigious CSIRO On Prime program in 2023. Additionally, he played a key role in collaborations with prominent sports organizations, such as the Central Coast Mariners through the 'Maths with the Mariners' program, the Newcastle Knights through the 'Indigenous Maths Gala Day' initiative, Cricket NSW with the establishment of the Integrated Pathway Hub, and Central Coast Basketball through the 'Making Basketball Count' campaign.

• Colin.Sanctuary@newcastle.edu.au

Associate Professor Rachel Buchanan

Associate Professor

School of Education

The University of Newcastle

Dr. Rachel Buchanan is a leading researcher in education technology, with a strong emphasis on equity. As the first in her family to attend university, she personally experienced the impact of educational inequity, particularly regarding technology access. Over the past decade, Dr. Buchanan has examined how equity issues affect students' technology access and usage in educational settings. As a researcher her work has included exploring the benefits of a positive online presence, developing virtual reality pedagogies, and understanding personalized learning. Rachel is currently researching the impact of AI on career access and guidance. As a Women in Research Fellowship recipient, Dr. Buchanan was a visiting scholar at Harvard Graduate School of Education. With her expertise and commitment to equity, she is shaping the future of education technology and creating inclusive learning environments.

• Rachel.Buchanan@newcastle.edu.au
• (02) 4921 6411

Dr Victoria Pitt

Senior Lecturer

School of Nursing and Midwifery

The University of Newcastle

Dr Pitt is a Senior Lecturer and Head of Discipline - Nursing in the School of Nursing and Midwifery. Dr Pitt is a researcher and educator focused on enhancing student engagement and retention. Dr Pitt uses evidence-based teaching to support the tertiary journey of nursing students. Dr Pitt is a registered nurse clinician, with 15 years’ experience working in oncology, haematology and palliative care. As Head of Discipline Nursing and program convenor Dr Pitt has guided nursing programs through accreditation and supported students' ongoing growth and development. Dr Pitt has received the School Collaboration and Engagement Excellence award from the University of Newcastle.

• Victoria.Pitt@newcastle.edu.au
• (02) 4921 6645

Ms Melissa Moore

Assistant Director, Careers and Employability

Learning and Teaching

The University of Newcastle

Melissa Moore has worked in the Careers and Student Engagement space for the past 21 years first as a Careers Counsellor, and then moving into Management roles. In addition to her role as Assistant Director of Careers and Employability, she is the NSW/ACT Division President for the National Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services. An experienced facilitator and presenter, Melissa is highly motivated to ensure that students of The University of Newcastle experience best practice in employability development throughout their academic journey.

• Melissa.Moore@newcastle.edu.au
• (02) 4921 6086

Dr Paul Stolk

Senior Lecturer

Newcastle Business School

The University of Newcastle

Paul completed his PhD at the University of Newcastle in 2010, and from 2009-2011 was employed as a researcher for a social research cooperative in Manchester, UK. During his time in the UK, Paul was a lead researcher for The Big Lottery-funded 'Social and Community Benefits of Angling' project, and a field researcher for the Sported project (see www.substance.net for more information). Since returning to Newcastle in 2012, Paul has been employed as a lecturer by the Newcastle Business School, where he teaches and researches in both tourism and marketing disciplines. From 2012-2015 Paul also represented the University of Newcastle as the primary researcher and project manager for the Hunter Valley Wine and Tourism Association 'Tourism Monitor' project.

• Paul.Stolk@newcastle.edu.au
• 49217729

Dr Karen Mate

Associate Professor

School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy

The University of Newcastle

Dr Karen Mate is an associate professor and teaching focussed academic in the School of Biomedical Science and Pharmacy at University of Newcastle. She is also an alumnus having completed a B. Sc (Hons) and PhD in marsupial reproductive physiology at University of Newcastle before taking up research positions at University of California and Macquarie University. Since returning to the University of Newcastle, her focus has been teaching and learning particularly student engagement, authentic assessment and career-ready placements. She has served as Program Convenor of Bachelor of Biomedical Science program, Chair of the SBSP Teaching and Learning committee and was the first academic at the University of Newcastle to be awarded Senior Fellowship of Advance HE (Higher Education). Karen is currently a Student Academic Conduct Officer and a member of the SBSP Indigenous Student Engagement Committee.

• Karen.Mate@newcastle.edu.au
• (02) 4921 5983

Professor Karen Blackmore

Acting Head of School

School of Information and Physical Sciences

The University of Newcastle

Associate Professor Karen Blackmore is a leading researcher in human-computer interaction and simulation-based training. She has expertise in the modelling and simulation of complex social and environmental systems. Her research interests cover the use of agent-based models for simulation of socio-spatial interactions, and the use of immersive environments and serious games for learning. She has served in the role of Deputy Chair of Simulation Australasia’s Defence Committee and is a member of ISO WG 11 - Health, safety, security and usability of Augmented & Virtual Reality (AR/VR). She is an IEEE Senior Member and finalist in the Australian Defence Industry Academic of the Year Awards in 2020. With over 65 peer reviewed publications, Karen’s research outputs are positioned amongst the highest performing in her field, with publications in the top 10% of the world. She is an invited speaker and panelist at leading simulation industry and government events, and is a co-founder of the award winning HunterWiSE initiative, aimed at increasing female participation in STEM. Karen currently fills the roles of Deputy President of Academic Senate (Teaching & Learning), as well as the Assistant Dean for career-ready placements in the College of Engineering, Science and Environment.

• Karen.Blackmore@newcastle.edu.au
• +61 2 492 15206

Ms Mikhaila Halford

Workforce Solutions Manager

Ampcontrol

In her own words, Mikhaila says “I want each person to feel comfortable to be involved, approaching each opportunity to engage with people as a chance be inclusive and encourage individuals to contribute and get the most out of their interactions. Connecting with others and building a network beyond the confines of the workplace are integral for both personal and professional growth.” Mikhaila believes that saying yes to the things that make us nervous can be a path to growing our capability, whether that thing is big or small in our minds, it will present the potential for personal or professional growth and reflection. A member of the HunterNet Future Leaders Committee, supporter of student immersion events, advocate for career-ready placement opportunities, collaborator, contributor, mentor, coach and positivity influencer, Mikhaila brings a rich history of professional and life experience to enable her to connect with people.

Bob Hawes

Chief Executive Officer

Business Hunter

Mr Warwick Dawson

Pro Vice-Chancellor Industry and Engagement

Office of the PVC Industry and Engagement

The University of Newcastle

Mr Warwick Dawson is the Pro Vice-Chancellor of Industry and Engagement for the University of Newcastle. He has more than 25 years’ experience in leading university research and commercialisation initiatives. Prior to joining the University of Newcastle, Warwick was the Director of Knowledge Exchange at UNSW where he was instrumental in growing exchange revenue, engaging with stakeholders in government, business and the wider community, and driving an entrepreneurial culture. He also has private sector experience with NCR Australia Pty Ltd and BHP Engineering where he served as Commercial Advisor. Warwick is responsible for driving the University of Newcastle’s strategic approach to growing industry engagement, research translation and commercialisation, and innovation and entrepreneurship, both domestically and internationally.

• Warwick.Dawson@newcastle.edu.au

Professor Roberta Ryan

Director of the Institute for Regional Futures

Institute for Regional Futures

The University of Newcastle

Professor Roberta Ryan is the Director of the Institute for Regional Futures at the University of Newcastle and the University’s inaugural Professor of Local Government. She has worked in leading private and public enterprises and has served as an advisor to all spheres of government, nationally and internationally, to help them realise the opportunities in economic, social and spatial planning and development. Professor Ryan is an expert in social planning, social research and evaluation, and strategic planning. She is also recognised nationally and internationally for her leadership in the design and delivery of innovative stakeholder engagement, particularly between governments and the community on contested and sensitive matters.

• Roberta.Ryan@newcastle.edu.au
• +61 402209896

Professor Alan Broadfoot

Director, NIER

Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources

The University of Newcastle

Professor Alan Broadfoot is the Executive Director of the Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources (NIER), one of the University’s flagship research institutes established a decade ago to provide practical and viable benefits to industry through a collaborative engagement model. Historically focused on supporting the energy and resources sectors, NIER’s research agenda has expanded to include the food and water sectors and is focused on delivering solutions to address critical issues in these areas. Under Alan’s leadership, NIER has grown to host over 360 staff across 19 research centres at the NIER Precinct - a 3.8-hectare footprint, providing multiple offices, labs and pilot-scale workshops - some of the largest industrial research facilities in an Australian university setting.

• Alan.Broadfoot@newcastle.edu.au
• (02) 4033 9000

Mr Cory Robertson

Local Aboriginal Entrepreneur

Ms Clare Sykes

Co-Lead NewH2

Hunter Hydrogen Technology Cluster

Clare is Co-Lead of NewH2 the Hunter Hydrogen Technology Cluster. Clare leads multi-stakeholder initiatives including technology and decarbonisation roadmaps, place-based industry hub strategy development and challenge-based innovation programs. She is a strong collaborator and advocate of future resource and energy industries including the symbiosis of clean technology solutions to traditional processes and value chains. Clare is a mining engineer (UNSW) and holds applied finance qualifications. She is founder of LarkinSykes Advisory, a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) and is a Churchill Fellow. She serves on the Advisory Board of the Newcastle Institute of Energy and Resources (NIER), NSW Decarbonisation Innovation Hub and Independent Planning Commission.

Mika Koelma

Co-founder

Hey Zomi

Mika Koelma is the co-founder of Hey Zomi, the first reusable menstrual disc designed and manufactured in Australia. Her desire for a more sustainable and lifestyle-centric menstrual solution inspired her and her sister, Zoe Fehlberg, to launch the Newcastle-based company earlier this year. With support from the University of Newcastle’s Integrated Innovation Network (or I2N), Hey Zomi has scaled rapidly within the Australian menstrual care market.  Since April this year, sales have doubled monthly, and the company is projected to reach an ROI of 220% by January 2024.  Mika's background in education, creative industries, and health and wellbeing has allowed her to transfer these skills across industries and into the startup world. Now running Hey Zomi full time, Mika’s is focusing on aggressively scaling within the Australian women’s health market, which is forecast to grow from $479 million from 2022 to $781 million by 2030. Mika and the team have their sights on expanding into global markets by mid next year.

Ms Danielle Neale

Director, Knowledge Exchange and Enterprise

Knowledge Exchange and Enterprise

The University of Newcastle

Ms Danielle Neale is an experienced senior leader and entrepreneur, with over 20 years’ experience leading transformative teams in higher education and the public sector. She previously worked at the University of Melbourne in venture formation, at UNSW in research commercialisation, and as a startup founder and senior consultant in government innovation. As Director of Knowledge Exchange and Enterprise at the University of Newcastle, her role is to lead a high-performing team to help establish key research partnerships and implement the institutional strategies for knowledge exchange, commercialisation and industry engagement that will drive the University’s impact agenda and support critical industry transformation and job creation in the Hunter region. 

• Danielle.Neale@newcastle.edu.au
• 02 4055 0837 (ext 50837)

Professor Zee Upton

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation)

Office - DVC (Research and Innovation)

The University of Newcastle

Professor Zee Upton is the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research and Innovation at the University of Newcastle. She is a biochemist, tissue engineer, inventor and entrepreneur with extensive and versatile management experience in Singapore and Australia. Prior to joining the University of Newcastle, Professor Upton spent six years in Singapore as the Executive Director of the Skin Research Institute of Singapore – a collaboration between Nanyang Technological University, the National Health Group and the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR). She also served as the Executive Director of A*STAR’s Institute of Medical Biology. Preceding this, Professor Upton spent 15 years at the Queensland University of Technology where she held various leadership positions, established the Wound Management Innovation Cooperative Research Centre and founded a startup that went on to be listed on Australian Stock Exchange.

• Zee.Upton@newcastle.edu.au
• (02) 4921 7022

Dr Timothy Donohue

General Manager (TUNRA) & Conjoint Lecturer

School of Engineering

The University of Newcastle

Dr Tim Donohue is the General Manager of TUNRA, the commercial arm of the University of Newcastle. TUNRA is the vehicle through which the University translates applied research, working with up to 150 different industry partners annually. He has a strong background in engineering, having provided specialised consultancy services to the resource sector in his early career. In addition to his engineering qualifications, Tim also holds a Master of Business Administration and Graduate Certificate in Law, providing a strong foundation for his General Manager role. Tim’s focus continues to be on identifying new applied research opportunities and initiatives that further the strategic objectives of both TUNRA and the University of Newcastle.

• Timothy.Donohue@newcastle.edu.au
• (02) 4033 9031

Mr Todd Williams

Enterprise and Innovation Manager

Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) 

Todd Williams' built his leadership, advisory and extensive managerial experience in specialised sectors like cyber security, regional development, government, education and health. His specialist skills include business growth, skills pathways, regional economic development, inter-sectorial collaboration, project development and strategic planning. He has led large, dispersed teams and effected organisational change resulting in significant business growth, strong governance and cultural transformation. Todd is responsible for enterprise and innovation functions at the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI).

Dr Peter Devine

Chief Executive Officer

Uniseed

Peter Devine is the Chief Executive Officer of Uniseed and has extensive experience at board and executive management in the commercialisation of early-stage technologies, having held senior R&D, business development and commercialisation positions in a number of Australian companies and Australian universities. He has served on the Board of numerous start-ups that have collectively raised over AU$300 million, with a number of these having done deals collectively worth over AU$1.75 million. Successes include Fibrotech Therapeutics' sale to Shire; Spinifex Pharmaceuticals sale to Novartis; Hatchtech's sale to Dr Reddy's; TenasiTech's sale to RTP Co; ProGel's license with Bega Bionutrients and Kinoxis Therapeutics’ strategic partnership and licensing agreement with Boehringer Ingelheim.

Ms Arden Jarrett

Marketing Manager – Brand

MGA Thermal

Arden Jarrett is the Marketing Manager at MGA Thermal, a revolutionary Australian clean energy company with a breakthrough form of energy storage. Arden has been with MGA Thermal since its founding in 2019, building the brand to its current Pre-B raise position. She holds degrees in Commerce (Economics) and Business (Innovation & Entrepreneurship) from the University of Newcastle. Arden is passionate about sustainability and inclusion. She established MGA Thermal’s DEI Committee and founded Women and Gender-Diverse People in Tech, a local meetup group that launched a podcast named ‘Breaking the Binary’ this year.