Meet the Scholars

2023 scholars group shot

Academic Excellence Scholars

Cat-Lien Bui

Cat-Lien Bui

Greater Western Sydney, NSW
Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Honours) (Diagnostic Radiography)

Cat-Lien’s childhood experiences brought her goals into sharp focus. As an 8 year old in constant pain, she had her first spinal x-ray. More than 30 scans and countless hospital hours later, Cat-Lien’s pain was replaced by a desire to become a Diagnostic Radiographer. As an Australian born Vietnamese person, Cat-Lien believes cultural respect is the glue that holds us together. At school she was widely praised for her actions in sharing knowledge and resources among her school community. The same commitment to equity fuels her career aspirations. Cat- Lien aims to help overcome the cultural and language barriers that often deter people from accessing early intervention for treatable diseases.

Tennyson Delarosa

Tennyson Delarosa

Central Coast, NSW
Bachelor of Arts Enabling Pathway: Open Foundation

Tennyson has always advocated for minorities, choosing to fight prejudice with reason, knowledge, patience and compassion. He has volunteered in LGBTQIA+ and female-led cultural organisations and created space for neurodiverse people to feel safe and accepted. Tennyson’s commitment to equity and justice also underpins his academic interest in Assyriology, the study of ancient Mesopotamian civilisations. His goal is to bring Assyriolgical study to Australian shores to foster greater understanding and respect for these ancient peoples. Tennyson is excited to share the opportunity for personal connection, leadership and growth with the other Ma & Morley Scholars.

Alannah Horne

Alannah Horne

Port Stephens, NSW
Bachelor of Medical Science

Alannah grew up around Maitland and Nelson Bay. She credits the constant support she received within these close knit communities for her persistence and positive attitude. Alannah is passionate about the impact of female role models in everyday settings. As a school captain and highly awarded Scholar, she prioritised giving back to her community. She has advocated for many issues surrounding gender equality, including as an International Women’s Day speaker and volunteer fundraiser for Share the Dignity. After completing her medical studies, Alannah hopes to work in her local community helping women and girls make informed decisions around their sexual and reproductive health.

Cooper Ivory

Cooper Ivory

Newcastle, NSW
Bachelor of Aerospace Systems Engineering (Honours)

The sky is no limit for aerospace enthusiast Cooper. He is fascinated by the engineering responsible for modern flight systems and how the industry has increased connectivity around the world. After completing his Bachelor of Engineering (Aerospace Systems), Cooper hopes to contribute to advancing sustainability within the sector to help combat climate change and secure the environmental balance of our planet for generations to come. A zero emission aircraft for commercial and defence applications would be the ultimate goal. This type of breakthrough will require leadership and collaboration from leading teams of experts across the globe, skills Cooper hopes to acquire as part of the Ma & Morley Scholarship Program.

Latoya Lewis

Latoya Lewis

Central Coast, NSW
Bachelor of Medical Science Enabling Pathway: Yapug

Latoya is a Noongar and Yamatji woman from Perth but raised in Kalgoorlie, Western Australia. Her move to Newcastle to complete the Yapug program followed several years of studying health in Perth and Kalgoorlie whilst working as an Aboriginal Liaison Officer in the Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service and Kalgoorlie Regional Hospital. Witnessing the harm caused by poorly managed chronic health conditions, intergenerational trauma and substance abuse has motivated Latoya to drive change in how healthcare is offered to Indigenous people, particularly in rural areas. The first person in her family to attend university, Latoya is continuing her path to become a doctor by completing the Joint Medical Program. Her goal is to empower people to make better decisions about their health in culturally safe surroundings. As a mother of five, Latoya hopes to inspire others to see beyond personal challenges and family obligations to further their education and create positive change.

These positive changes have now inspired her daughter who is now enrolling to study the Yapug program with the hopes of also getting into the Joint Medical Program.

Jemma Miyashita

Jemma Miyashita

Northern Sydney, NSW
Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Bachelor of Biomedical Science student Jemma believes that kindness is the first step to equity. As a school leader and cadet, she devoted much of her time in service to others, volunteering for local charities and promoting greater cultural awareness among her peers. She plans to work in rural and remote locations to help bridge some of the inequality in health services faced by communities across Australia. Jemma also sees her responsibilities in a global context and aspires to help set up hospitals in disadvantaged countries. As a Ma & Morley Scholar, she hopes to inspire others to join her in serving others and striving for change.

Emma Richardson

Emma Richardson

Maitland, NSW
Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Honours) (Diagnostic Radiography) Enabling Pathway: Open Foundation

A childhood spent running wild on the family farm near Maitland taught Emma valuable life lessons: take chances, never stop learning and always lend a helping hand. Cultural respect is huge for Emma. An 8-day immersion in an Indigenous school in the Northern Territory changed her views about the importance of Indigenous culture in Australia’s future. The experience led her to find ways to foster more inclusive and successful communities, including working as a support officer for Indigenous students completing their Certificate III in Land Conservation and Ecosystem Management. Studying a Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Diagnostic Radiography) will allow Emma to help people care for their health. She hopes to work in rural Indigenous communities to provide more equitable levels of treatment and care.

Educational Disadvantage Scholars

Berkdeniz Cavusoglu

Berkdeniz Cavusoglu

Newcastle, NSW
Bachelor of Medical Science Enabling Pathway: Open Foundation

Berkdeniz’s story has inspired him to help others. Born in Turkey, Berkdeniz came to Australia as a child. Growing up a refugee in Perth, he faced many challenges. From dealing with bullies in high school to caring for his disabled mother, he gained meaningful insight to the value of resilience and compassion. Lessons he now applies for the greater good. After completing his Open Foundation studies, Berkdeniz is studying a Bachelor of Medical Science. He hopes to serve neglected communities in Australia and overseas. This includes supporting community-based health initiatives in Indigenous communities and advocating for people with disabilities.

Salar Golshani

Salar Golshani

Newcastle, NSW
Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) Enabling Pathway: Open Foundation

Salar spent seven years as a refugee in Turkey after his family was forced to flee Iran. Being accepted by the local Turkish community and supported to finish high school cemented Salar’s faith in the ultimate importance of peace and cultural respect between nations. After moving to Australia in 2022, Salar has completed his Open Foundation studies and is studying a Bachelor of Physiotherapy. Ambitious and inventive, Salar is motivated to help others in any way he can. From creating a YouTube channel to help people learn Adobe programmes to volunteering for local environmental projects, he is always looking for ways to be of service.

Jessica Lette

Jessica Lette

Lake Macquarie, NSW
Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood/Primary)

Jessica lives by the simple rule to treat others the way you wish to be treated. She learned the value of resilience and compassion when she moved to a much larger community to start high school. Daunted but undeterred, Jessica embraced the opportunity to learn about others and become an active school leader and volunteer. Wherever possible she seeks out opportunities to celebrate diversity and inclusion while promoting LGBTQIA+ rights. By studying Early Childhood and Primary Education, she hopes to instil future generations with the same values of cultural respect, fairness and kindness that her teachers and mentors have shown her.

Jamie Lim

Jamie Lim

Newcastle, NSW
Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) Enabling Pathway: Open Foundation

True leaders are created through life-changing experiences according to Jamie. This is particularly apt for Jamie who has been through major life changes prior to studying Physiotherapy at the University of Newcastle. Growing up in South Korea, Jamie undertook mandatory military service until his peaceful existence was shattered during a military attack. After migrating to Australia in his mid-twenties, Jamie worked hard to reinvent his life in positive ways. He became a certified carpenter and helped other migrant workers overcome language barriers to achieve safer and more equitable working conditions. He is looking forward to developing his leadership skills alongside the other Ma & Morley Scholars and using his degree to support people with their health.

Charlee Marshall

Charlee Marshall

Tamworth, NSW
Bachelor of Education (Secondary)

Charlee believes all students deserve a great start at school, regardless of where they live. Her passion to become a teacher stemmed from her own experience as a student in Tamworth where limited resources and other socio-economic factors unfortunately hold many students back. Being school captain made her even more determined to work to address the inequalities often faced by students in rural and remote schools. After completing her Bachelor of Education (Secondary), Charlee hopes to return to the small community that has made her the passionate, independent and driven person she is today. She looks forward to embracing the opportunities presented by the Ma & Morley Scholarship Program, enabling her to grow as a leader who can ignite change.

Cai Newell

Cai Newell

Newcastle, NSW
Bachelor of Coastal and Marine Science Enabling Pathway: Open Foundation

Cai believes that a healthy and sustainable environment creates healthy and sustainable people. Rather than feeling defeated by the climate crisis, Cai feels inspired to rise to the occasion. A proud Indigenous person from Gamilaraay mob, Cai is committed to looking after the waterways around their traditional home. In becoming a marine scientist, they intend to focus on developing breakthrough solutions to preserve and protect reefs and mangroves using traditional Indigenous techniques alongside new scientific knowledge. Facing the climate crisis is just one of the many ways Cai embodies the values of equity and justice in their everyday life. They also proudly to stand with others to support Aboriginal and LGBTQIA+ rights.

Ryvah Shoesmith

Ryvah Shoesmith

Maitland, NSW
Bachelor of Medical Science

Ryvah has always dreamed of pursuing a career in health. An Awabakal woman from Cessnock and Maitland, she is deeply grateful for her rich cultural roots. As an active school leader, she was motivated to give back to her people and wider community. By embracing Aboriginal cultural practices as a future healthcare professional she hopes to help heal the fractured relationship between many Indigenous Australians and the medical profession. She is proud to be joining her sister Montana, a fellow Ma & Morley Scholar, who is also enrolled in the Joint Medical Program.

Arman Zolfaghari

Arman Zolfaghari

Newcastle, NSW
Bachelor of Civil Engineering (Honours)

Arman believes work gives people purpose and connection. Born in Iran, Arman’s family fled to Turkey as refugees when he was 12. At 14, Arman was labouring for 60 hours a week instead of attending school as his family needed money to survive. Arriving in Australia after four years in limbo, the excitement of a fresh start was tainted as Arman’s father fought unsuccessfully to continue his engineering career. Seeing his father struggle sparked Arman’s desire to change the construction industry from the inside. He is studying a Bachelor of Civil Engineering and hopes to contribute to a more inclusive industry that does more to recognise the valuable prior education, skills and experience a global workforce can offer Australia.

Indigenous Scholars

Jai Briggs-Ford

Jai Briggs-Ford

Port Stephens, NSW
Bachelor of Medical Science

Jai was raised in the heart of Kamilaroi country surrounded by family who shaped his deep connection to Aboriginal culture and values. The chance to experience life as a medical student as part of a high school summer program ignited his desire to pursue a career in health. He hopes to be part of an expanding Indigenous-led medical workforce that prioritises culturally sensitive and appropriate healthcare. Jai believes that no matter what corner of the world you call home, it's what you do every day that matters. After completing his Bachelor of Medical Science, he hopes to return to his corner of the world, his hometown of Moree, to address inequality within a rural health setting.

Alexandra Holliday

Alexandra Holliday

Lake Macquarie, NSW
Bachelor of Medical Science

Proud Kamilaroi woman Alexandra is motivated to help improve the lives of Indigenous people. Her passion for equity and justice began at school, where she campaigned successfully for free sanitary items to be supplied in Catholic schools across Maitland and Newcastle. By entering the Joint Medical Program, she hopes to become a doctor and contribute to more inclusive and respectful health services for all Australians. The chance to improve health outcomes for Indigenous mothers and infants, and influence younger generations to feel empowered by their Aboriginal culture, is particularly exciting for Alexandra.

Millie Mills

Millie Mills

Newcastle, NSW
Bachelor of Education (Secondary) Enabling Pathway: Yapug

Millie grew up in the small town of Wellington in rural NSW surrounded by strong Indigenous women. She has always advocated for sustainability of Indigenous lands and equitable treatment of Indigenous people. Using music as her chosen platform, Millie wrote and released a song in 2021 in collaboration with Facebook and Campfire X to highlight the importance of respecting the land. After completing the Yapug program, she is studying a Bachelor of Education (Secondary). Her goal is to create educational programs that help Indigenous communities connect to their own cultural and kinship ties, incorporating traditional dance and songlines. Millie hopes to be a positive role model who can inspire more Indigenous students to reach their full potential.

Jack Munro

Jack Munro

Tamworth, NSW
Bachelor of Education (Primary) Enabling Pathway: Yapug

Inspiration was never far away for Jack who grew up surrounded by Aboriginal culture. Watching his dad, an Indigenous artist, and his mum, a school learning support officer, combine their passion for culture and education has motivated Jack to pursue a career in teaching. He hopes to inspire even the youngest students to become agents of change themselves by discovering where their unique skills and passions lie. With his belief that the best learning environments do not feel like learning environments, Jack is excited to soak up many valuable lessons as a Ma & Morley Scholar.

Sharleen Slater

Sharleen Slater

Lake Macquarie, NSW
Bachelor of Biomedical Science Enabling Pathway: Open Foundation

Sharleen believes her early challenges led her to appreciate everything life has to offer. She spent her childhood living on the mission at Purfleet before moving to Taree, a community where many of the complex issues faced by her grandparents’ generation are still present today. Sharleen regards herself as a respectful, resilient and forward thinking person who is keen to take small steps to address larger issues. As the first in her family to complete high school and attend university, Sharleen is proud to be studying a Bachelor of Biomedical Science after completing Open Foundation. She intends to return to work among her community to build trust and help more people access culturally safe preventative healthcare.

Lauchlyn Spicer

Lauchlyn Spicer

Newcastle, NSW
Bachelor of Education (Secondary)

A proud Indigenous man from Anawan and Wiradjuri country, Lauchlyn is passionate about Aboriginal culture. As a school leader and member of the Junior AECG, he always approached Aboriginal education with a deep sense of gratitude and respect. He believes that adaptive teaching techniques and culture-based education are crucial to help Indigenous students succeed. His goal is to be an Aboriginal Studies teacher so he can offer high school students from diverse backgrounds the same opportunities he had to learn about Indigenous culture. Lauchlyn is excited to build on his leadership skills and expand his understanding of different cultures as a Ma & Morley Scholar.

Lǐng Jūn 领 军 Scholars

Khoula Alsaied

Khoula Alsaied

Newcastle, NSW
Bachelor of Mathematics Enabling Pathway: Open Foundation

Khoula believes ethics in business is more important than ever. She founded a thriving kindergarten in Syria providing education for more than 150 children before civil war forced her to leave it all behind. In her role as business leader, Khoula relished the chance to raise the working conditions, salaries and life opportunities for her team of 20 people. On moving to Australia, she embraced the opportunity to update her degree, completing Open Foundation before studying a Bachelor of Mathematics. She is interested in how insights gained from data and statistics can be applied to make more ethical business decisions. She hopes to combine this knowledge with her leadership skills and experience to advance worker’s’ rights.

Samuel Cox

Samuel Cox

Maitland, NSW
Bachelor of Communication/Bachelor of Laws (Honours)

Sam is on a path to create meaningful change within the justice system. As prosecution assistant for the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Sam has gained insight into the significant impact criminal law can have on people's lives. As an Indigenous person, the over-representation of Indigenous has been particularly stark for Sam. He believes that to really do justice for Indigenous people, we need to increase Indigenous representation inside all aspects of the system, including the prosecution and judiciary. After graduating, Sam hopes to join other Indigenous lawyers working to ensure that issues surrounding Indigenous offending are addressed.

Claudia Holt

Claudia Holt

Lake Macquarie, NSW
Bachelor of Social Science/Bachelor of Laws (Honours)

Claudia learned the value of helping others from her family and is incredibly thankful to have grown up in such a supportive environment. Her family instilled within her the importance of education, motivating Claudia to succeed in her academic and personal endeavours. Working with BorderLink, she helped to provide young Zimbabwean children with resources to finish their education. She also volunteers as the Vice President (Education) for What Were You Wearing Australia, an organisation dedicated to raising awareness around sexual and domestic violence within our community. After completing her studies, Claudia intends to specialise in human rights law to protect people's equality and civil rights. She hopes to empower people to break cycles of violence, specifically in low socio-economic communities, and foster more equal opportunity for all.

Shaaru Kathirgamanathan

Shaaru Kathirgamanathan

Greater Western Sydney, NSW
Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Honours) (Diagnostic Radiography)

Helping others find purpose and belonging means everything to Shaaru. Growing up in a community deeply affected by the Sri Lankan civil war, she has witnessed the struggles of others less fortunate. Her desire to turn the tide has seen Shaaru volunteer for many different causes. She is particularly invested in helping to increase education opportunities for children in Sri Lanka and reducing the devasting impact of social isolation in Newcastle and nationwide. In pursuing a career in diagnostic radiography, she hopes to overcome the stigma and fear associated with radiation-based medicine among minority groups. She is hopeful that with the leadership skills learned through the Ma & Morley Scholarship Program she can raise more awareness of the life-saving benefits of radiation in health.