JULY, 2013
ALUMNI AND COMMUNITY MAGAZINE
MBA FOR LIFE THE NEW PAGE 15 QUEENSLAND GRIFFITH REDS AND US A PROGRESSIVE PAGE 23 TRADITION A TREK IN PAGE 4 CONSERVATION PAGE 16 WELCOME
CONTENTS 4 VISION OF THE FUTURE The Sir Samuel Griffith Centre 4 IN HIS HONOUR Sir Samuel Griffith, visionary 5 THE NEW GRIFFITH 2013–16 6 GRIFFITH HEALTH CENTRE A new home for health 7 RAPID TRANSIT The light rail revolution VC 8 FLYING VISIT Alumnus of the Decade recipients return This year represents the NO SMALL THING Photographing an atom start of a new era for Griffith 8 University as we unveil major 9 PLACE AT THE TABLE Group of 20 meeting in Brisbane projects for our campuses and 9 YOUTH G20 From Russia with enthusiasm new student programs. 10 THE GANG'S ALL HERE Alumni gatherings and events Many of our students would have TRIUMPH FROM ADVERSITY The rise and rise of Ruth Link spent a good deal of their time 12 navigating the construction that 13 ONCE IN A GENERATION Science student becomes the master has been necessary to recreate and SUNS INTERNSHIP From sports mad to sportscaster revitalise the Gold Coast and Nathan 13 campuses. Fortunately, we have 14 ARTISTIC SENSIBILITY Insights from a Sulman Prize winner now come to the exciting part, as MICHAEL ZAVROS On success you cannot buy one by one the developments are 14 opened and teaching and research 15 KEEPING UP WITH PROGRESS MBA for Life is launched can begin in some of the best THE VIEW FROM HERE Conservation students travel to Nepal university facilities in Australia. 16 MOVING UP IN THE WORLD Griffith rankings While structures are important, 18 it is the great work that goes on 18 CRIME AND PUNISHMENT Professor James Byrne to head up new centre within them that really makes a BIG SCIENCE Eskitis Institute turns 10 difference, as we have proven during 19 our vibrant 40-year history. Griffith 20 VALE GUS GUTHRIE Tribute to a founding father Magazine features the achievements COPY THAT The wonder of 3D printing of our students, staff and alumni 21 and the ways in which Griffith is 21 PREVENTION AND CURE Glycomics Institute breaks new ground helping them make their mark. 22 COME AND STAY Hospitality training finds a home One of the stories that particularly HEAVEN'S GAME Griffith teams up with Queensland Reds appeals to me is about Kristy Spry 23 (See page 28), the second-year 24 COMMONWEALTH GAMES COUNTDOWN Gearing up for 2018 Midwifery student who helped SAILING THROUGH LIFE Griffith graduate Brendan Casey deliver the 23 millionth Australian 24 at Redland Hospital on April 23. 25 GRIFFITH SPORTS COLLEGE Breeding ground for champions It seems fitting that a Griffith AFTER BOSTON Marathon tragedy and triumph student was so involved in a moment 25 that represents much about the 26 WHERE ARE THEY NOW? Catching up with Griffith grads nation's growth and the future. 28 NEWS BITES Who, what, when, where This year we will continue to build R&R IN A WAR ZONE Sabbatical in Korea the global reputation of Griffith and 30 in turn enhance the standing of our alumni and the pride of our students. Griffith Magazine is published by the Office of External Relations in This will only increase as the full partnership with the Office of Development and Alumni. extent of The New Griffith 2013–16 is unveiled in what will be remembered Griffith University Nathan campus, 170 Kessels Road, Nathan, Qld, 4111 Australia. as a watershed era for the University. Griffith University Gold Coast campus, Parklands Drive, Qld, 4222
Professor Ian O'Connor CRICOS No: 00233E ISSN 1839-4051 Vice Chancellor and President Editorial Enquiries: External Relations +61 7 3735 7818, griffith.edu.au/external-relations
COVER: Bachelor of Environmental Design graduate Lucy Smith in front of the new Sir Samuel Griffith Centre at Nathan. Lucy joined renowned Brisbane firm Cox Rayner Architects in 2012 and was immediately assigned to the team guiding one of its most important projects: the Griffith Master Plan. Photography: Chris Stacey
2 JULY 2013 JULY 2013 3 GRADUATE PROFILE
do journalism," Eva recalls of her decision to re-enrol for the Masters. It was a busy time for the former Miss World Australia, who modelled part-time in order to pay her way through a Bachelor of Business Eva Milic photo: Brian Usher photo: Brian Milic Eva (Marketing and Human Resources) degree. Having just competed for the Miss World title in South Africa in 2001, she explored South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe, meeting anti-Apartheid icon Nelson Mandela along the way. Upon returning to Australia, Eva threw herself into her pursuit of a journalism career, graduating in 2005 with her Masters and having received awards in academic excellence. She says she fought hard to put what she was learning at Griffith into practice: "I realised early on that if I wanted to be competitive in this industry, I needed to be knocking on doors, constantly putting myself out there and not taking no for an answer. I had a passion for news but I knew I needed to make myself known." Refusing to accept repeated knock-backs from Channel Nine on the Gold Coast, Milic convinced the station to offer her work
Masters graduate Eva Milic experience while she completed her Masters. "It was hard work but I was thrilled to be given a chance and I used every opportunity I had to ask questions, listen in, make FROM GRIFFITH GRAD TO my own showreels and show them to the executive producer," she says. "I knew that it was an investment in my future." HOUSEHOLD NAME Milic's tenacity and talent paid off, and she When Eva Milic decided she wanted Eva has lost none of her appreciation of was offered a freelance position with Nine a career in journalism, she didn't university life. Gold Coast News while still studying. consider any other university, Nor has she forgotten the lessons of her Master She moved to the Brisbane news team in writes Ellen Lutton. of Journalism and Mass Communication, 2008, presenting the weekend bulletin, completed after graduating from an and has since added weekday reporting undergraduate degree in business at Griffith. assignments to a busy work roster. TV anchor Eva Milic resembles the fresh- faced university student she once was, keen to "I was firmly entrenched in my uni life and Eva credits much of her success to her make her mark in the world of journalism. thrilled with what Griffith had offered me Griffith degree: "My degree definitely still informs my work. It's those basic skills that Now one of the most familiar faces of the previously, so I was confident that I'd get you learn at university that stay with you." Channel Nine News team in Queensland, the best start by sticking with Griffith to
DISCOVER THE NEW GRIFFITH The Griffith torch is carried with pride by more than 120,000 graduates around the world. Griffith was created to be a new kind of university, offering degrees in progressive fields such as Asian We've never lost sight of our progressive studies and environmental science. Our founders beginnings. Everything we do is saw that the world would constantly change and designed to meet the new world that universities needed to equip students with the that graduates will encounter. knowledge to change with it. Over the next three years, Griffith is undergoing When we officially opened our doors in 1975, a major transformation. We're calling it The New we attracted a new breed of students and staff. Griffith 2013–16. But when you think about it, it's really Griffith being Griffith. Read more in Since then we've grown in size and scope, the following pages. teaching across five campuses in South-East Queensland and in all study areas. griffith.edu.au/newgriffith
2 JULY 2013 JULY 2013 3 NEW SPACES THE NEW GRIFFITH 2013–16
Environmental Design graduate Lucy Smith
The Sir Samuel Griffith Centre signals As the era of The New Griffith 2013–16 Such ambition is becoming increasingly the start of a new era for Griffith begins, the Sir Samuel Griffith Centre tangible. At Nathan, refurbishment of University, writes Michael Jacobson. is a formidable statement, and Professor the Campus Heart, the Arrival Plaza and O'Connor has walked every step of its Johnson Path, along with other new works, journey from concept to culmination. has enhanced the sense of coherence and There's no concealing the pleasure on connection throughout the campus. The Even so, with work on the $42.7 million Ulrich photo: Skeet Smith Lucy Griffith University Vice Chancellor Ian Gold Coast campus has experienced a project nearing completion at the Nathan O'Connor's face when conversation turns to similar makeover with the $150 million campus, Professor O'Connor's satisfaction the Sir Samuel Griffith Centre. Griffith Health Centre, the largest building should not be mistaken for smugness. project in the University's history, one which "Have you had a look from the top floor?" Asserting his determination for Griffith carries enormous benefits for students and he asks. "The views are spectacular in to be elite but never elitist, he adds that the community. (See story page 6) every direction." the multi campus building infrastructure The Sir Samuel Griffith Centre will be seen Indeed they are, but that's not the reason for program of recent years speaks to an as a remarkable example of innovation in the VC's smile. Rather, it springs from the ongoing aspiration, one in which the engineering, architecture, science, learning knowledge that even views as panoramic as University's mantra of Know more. Do and teaching resources, research and these cannot compare with the Sir Samuel more. manifests as both a commendable environmental sustainability. Griffith Centre's vision and mission. philosophy and a steely declaration of intent.
IN HIS HONOUR inaugural Chief Justice of the High Court of Australia and an integral figure in the drafting of Born in Wales in 1845, Sir Samuel Griffith was Australia's Constitution. just eight years old when his family migrated to Australia. He was a boy in a nation that in many Recognised also in the naming of a city in ways was itself in its formative years. The two New South Wales, a federal electorate in would mature together, influencing each other Brisbane and, of course, one of the world's along the way. leading and fastest growing universities, Sir Samuel Griffith died in 1920. Serving Queensland and the country as a lawmaker and politician, and always as an Nearly 100 years later his vision, humanitarianism engaged social and education visionary, Sir and thirst for knowledge remain fundamental traits Samuel was twice Queensland Premier, the of the university that so proudly bears his name. Sir Samuel Griffith
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THE NEW GRIFFITH IN BRIEF
NEW SPACES NEW ONLINE STUDY A $320 million building program Griffith will launch a suite of online includes: courses in 2014, including a Bachelor of Business. Griffith was an early adopter ʶʶ Sir Samuel Griffith Centre of online education. Our aviation degrees – the first of their kind in ʶʶ Griffith Health Centre Australia – have offered online study options for students since 1997. Griffith ʶʶ Campus Heart and Arrival Plaza is one of Australia's largest providers of online education. ʶʶ Learning Commons and Library extension STUDENT LIFE ʶʶ GUMURRII Student Support Unit At Nathan, the Campus Heart has (Gold Coast) been redeveloped with more spaces and places for students to work, relax and ʶʶ New Griffith Business School building eat. At the Gold Coast, study spaces in (Gold Coast) the Library and Learning Commons feature the new Microsoft Tech Lounge, NEW DEGREES including Xbox 360s with Kinect, laptops, tablets and desktop computers. ʶʶ Bachelor of Science with advanced And away from the classroom, the specialisations – Gold Coast and Gold Coast will host the 2013 and Nathan 2015 Australian University Games in which Griffith plays a big part. ʶʶ Bachelor of Environmental Design (Landscape) – Gold Coast NEW SERVICES It has already received a coveted 6-star ʶʶ Bachelor of Design Futures – In 2014, students will be using the green rating from the Green Building South Bank city's new light rail service to and from Council of Australia. the Gold Coast campus, right across And that's only fitting. ʶʶ Bachelor of Education – the road from the $1.7 billion Gold Secondary (Mathematics and Coast University Hospital. New sports "Environmental Studies was one of Griffith's Science) – Gold Coast facilities have opened at the Gold four foundation degrees and the Sir Samuel Coast. At Mt Gravatt campus Griffith Griffith Centre may be viewed as a natural ʶʶ Bachelor of Occupational Therapy offers a world-class tennis centre and a extension of that," says Professor O'Connor. – Gold Coast redeveloped aquatic and fitness centre "Designed and built in collaboration with available for students, staff and the experts in education, environment, industry, ʶʶ Bachelor of Engineering (Electronic wider community to use. science and technology, it is a potent and Biomedical) – Gold Coast example of a university acknowledging its past and embracing the future." ʶʶ Bachelor of Engineering (Electronic and Energy Systems) – Nathan Professor O'Connor describes the Centre as a working and breathing building. It sustains itself by using technology to harness the power of nature. On top of that, larger windows, glass time, with the University poised to capitalise With photovoltaic cells generating power partitions, fewer internal walls and an open- on, deliver and lead innovation. plan setting reduce the need for artificial by converting sunlight into electricity, "This is such an exciting time for Griffith lighting and create opportunities for additional power storage is achieved with because our building program is almost collaboration between the Centre's residents, batteries and the electrolytic production of complete and it promises so much. Then among them environmental scientists, urban hydrogen stored in a stable form as metal again, most of the 21st century still stretches planners and business experts. hydrides. It is technology with its roots before us, doesn't it?" in Griffith research through the National It all makes for Australia's first off-grid The Sir Samuel Griffith Centre has been made Hydrogen Materials Reference Facility. teaching and research facility, a feat that is possible in part by the Australian Government's in keeping with Griffith University's history At night, battery power will cool the water financial support of $21.05 million through the and culture of innovation. to run the air-conditioning systems; on Education Investment Fund. overcast days the hydrogen will feed fuel Professor O'Connor believes The New griffith.edu.au/about-griffith/campuses/nathan- cells to produce electricity. Griffith 2013–16 could not come at a better campus/facilities/sir-samuel-griffith-building
4 JULY 2013 JULY 2013 5 NEW SPACES
A NEW HOME FOR HEALTH
The Griffith Health Centre, Gold Coast campus
The Griffith Health Centre is Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct be providing better, more innovative more than the biggest building near completion. and more interesting ways to engage our project ever undertaken by students and staff." Combining previously disparate services and Griffith University. It is part of a facilities, the precinct will be an integrated Overseen by Pro Vice Chancellor (Health) transformative vision for a health venue for learning, innovation, medical Professor Allan Cripps, the Griffith Health and knowledge precinct, writes care, research, knowledge creation and Centre will house the majority of the Michael Jacobson. commercial services. University's health programs – including medicine, psychology and dentistry – and At its heart, poised to contribute to, and enhance multidisciplinary education in benefit from, its resources and outcomes, A perfect example of the commitment health, anatomy, social work, and nutrition is Griffith University. driving The New Griffith 2013-16, the and dietetics programs. $150 million Griffith Health Centre is Nowhere is this more apparent than in the poised to deliver world-leading health Students will also benefit from community photo: Chris Stacey Cardell and Elizabeth Centre Health Griffith Griffith Health Centre, which will be dedicated and medical education, facilities, research, health services such as physiotherapy and to providing students, academic staff and services and resources. oral and dental care, while the already scientists with an ideal environment for the ground-breaking medical research and At the heart of the Gold Coast Health clinical training of future health professionals clinical trials undertaken by the Griffith and Knowledge Precinct at Parklands, the and the conducting of pioneering research. Health Institute will continue. Centre has developed alongside two other Deputy Vice Chancellor and Provost of major projects, namely the Queensland The Head of Speech Pathology at the Griffith's Gold Coast campus, Professor Ned Government's $1.76 billion Gold Coast School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Pankhurst, says the Health and Knowledge University Hospital and the $1 billion Gold Associate Professor Elizabeth Cardell, is Precinct is part of a transformative vision Coast light rail rapid transit system. confident about the positive outcomes for the Gold Coast shared by the University, the Griffith Health Centre will deliver to The effect has been one of a city growing the Gold Coast City Council and the the University and wider community. within a city, and this will continue in the Queensland Government. lead-up to the 2018 Commonwealth Games "The speech pathology program was "This is going to be world-class. When on the Gold Coast. Parklands will be the established in 2012 and so joining the completed, it will provide a range of health site for the Games Village, which will cater Centre's health hub will help foster inter- and medical services on the Gold Coast that for an estimated 6500 athletes and team professional connections from teaching, we've never seen before," he says. officials. Work is due to begin in 2014. learning and clinical perspectives," she says. More immediately, however, anticipation "Griffith's Gold Coast campus will be at "For example, we will be initiating speech is building as the key elements of the Gold the centre of it all, which means we will pathology clinics through Griffith University
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'This is going to be world-class... it will provide a range of health and medical services on the Gold Coast that we've never seen before' Professor Ned Pankhurst, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Griffith Gold Coast
Gold Coast light rail station
ALL ABOARD THE LIGHT RAIL A rapid transit system is Professor Pankhurst says the light rail set to transform the Gold is destined to make Griffith more Coast landscape and Griffith accessible and visible, as well as increase University's place in it, writes connectivity along the Gold Coast strip. Ellen Lutton. "It has implications for where our students choose to live, where they When the first stretch of the Gold come from, and connects us to Coast light rail system connecting commerce and industry in a very Griffith University to Broadbeach visible way," he says. "In terms of a opens in 2014, the benefits will keystone piece of public infrastructure immediately become apparent. that you'd want for a large campus, The 13km first stage of the rapid you couldn't ask for anything better." transit system passes through the Professor Pankhurst says as soon as key activity centres of Southport development began, the University and Surfers Paradise. quickly realised Gold Coast residents Deputy Vice Chancellor and Provost had a limited awareness of their local of the Gold Coast Griffith campus, Griffith campus. Professor Ned Pankhurst, says the "This project has made, and will implications of the light rail system continue to make, our campus far more cannot be overstated. Head of Speech Pathology, visible," he says. "Our intent is to have Associate Professor Elizabeth Cardell "This is going to change the Gold programs of quality so that students Coast. Absolutely. It's transformative don't have to go anywhere else. We've for the city," he says. made no secret that we want Griffith to and that will have a great flow-on effect for be the number one choice of university the community, especially one growing as "We appreciate that people now see the on the Gold Coast." rapidly as the Gold Coast. interruptions and construction, but once they see it actually emerge they will Professor Pankhurst says the University "The Centre will be an integrated part of begin to understand how exciting this is still has its sights on extending the light the University and the Gold Coast for the Gold Coast." rail system north, right through to community, offering the kind of excellence Coomera and Beenleigh. only possible within a dynamic and Griffith University has been heavily supportive environment. involved in planning from the outset "We want people living there to look to and its students and staff will benefit Griffith for their university aspirations. "It's all about delivering best-practice significantly from the project. Ease of access is the key to that." management, education, research and resources, as well as the sharing of teaching Images courtesy of the GoldLinQ and research links. It's so exciting to be a consortium. part of such a vision."
6 JULY 2013 JULY 2013 7 NEW IMAGES
Zeyu Li and Daniel Lai
DEBT OF GRATITUDE Hong Kong-based Daniel Lai completed his Master of Technology Management at Griffith in the mid- 1990s. Upon returning to Nathan in 2013, as one of seven Alumnus of the Decade recipients, he laughs as Image of the Atom shadow he admits: "I looked it up on Google Ben Norton Maps and wondered if I was seeing the right place. It had grown so much, I hardly recognised it." Admiring the Sir Samuel Griffith NO SMALL THING Centre, Daniel – now the Chief To photograph an atom, possible (about -273.15 °C), to keep Information Officer for the you first have to catch one. them still. Then he traps them inside an Government of Hong Kong Griffith's Ben Norton has done ultra-high vacuum, holding them steady Administrative Region – and using electric fields. These techniques are fellow Alumnus of the Decade both, Dean Gould writes. complicated but not new. What is new is recipient, Zeyu Li, acknowledge how Ben images them. its scientific, environmental It might look tiny, but photographing and technological stature. "To do this he uses a special flat lens made the shadow of an atom is big news in the using concentric rings and originally "My time at Griffith shaped my science world. developed for lighthouses. These lenses can career and broadened my perspective Griffith researcher Ben Norton is suddenly be made so small and light that they can on what was possible," Daniel says. well known internationally for his incredible be put inside the vacuum chamber with "I see the Sir Samuel Griffith Centre image of the tiniest of black spots. the atoms, allowing Ben to collect as much as continuing that process for today light as possible," says Professor Kielpinksi. and the future." Ben works with the Kielpinski group in the Centre for Quantum Dynamics, and "This last trick has allowed Ben to take Zeyu Li completed his Master achieved his first slice of notoriety by winning some of the highest resolution images of of Electronic and Computer the runner-up prize in the CiSRA Extreme atoms ever made, including the first ever Engineering in 2011 and began Imaging Competition in 2012. He was soon image of the shadow of a single atom, by his career as a production engineer inundated with praise when his work featured measuring how much light is absorbed with Mercedes-Benz in Beijing. in the esteemed Nature journal online. when the atom is there." He is now assistant for the Chief Technology Officer of the massive "Atoms are the building blocks of matter. Ben's image has been circulated around Beijing Automotive Group – 70,000 A human hair is a billion atoms wide," the globe, used in lectures and videos, employees and counting. says Professor David Kielpinski, author of and reproduced in media in numerous the paper with Dr Erik Streed, Dr Andreas languages. "I came to Australia and really Jechow and Ben. improved my English. When I Type in a Google search for "shadow of finally passed the IELTS, it was "So just manipulating and isolating a single an atom" and Ben's work dominates the suggested I could choose any atom is extremely difficult, let alone imaging 21 million search results. university. I said no. I wanted it. Ben has had to use some very special "It's been an amazing opportunity," Ben Griffith because it gave me the tricks to do both." says. "I am also very grateful for the strong resources, facilities and teachers First he cools the atoms to within a degree support I have received from my supervisors that led me in the right way." of absolute zero, the coldest temperature at Griffith throughout my research there." Ben Norton photo: Skeet Ulrich; Atom Shadow photo: Ben Norton; Lai and Li photo: Chris Stacey Lai and Li photo: Ben Norton; Shadow Atom Ulrich; photo: Skeet Ben Norton
8 JULY 2013 JULY 2013 9 G20 BRISBANE 2014 GRIFFITH GEARS UP FOR THE G20 The arrival of the heads of 19 The G20 will also enhance and influence countries plus the European infrastructure, security and have a knock-on Union in Brisbane in 2014 is an economic impact. opportunity to learn and teach, "The G20 gives us the chance to highlight writes Stephen O'Grady. Brisbane's impressive infrastructure which
links our city's economy into expansive Janna Mallon global trading networks," says Associate When Griffith University connects with Professor Jago Dodson, Director of Griffith the Group of 20 finance ministers and University's Urban Research Program. CHANGING THE central bank governors at a gathering of the WORLD 101 world's most powerful leaders in Brisbane Professor Andrew O'Neil, Director of the in November 2014, the Griffith learning Griffith Asia Institute, and Dr Wesley St Petersburg, Russia, is a long way environment will be enriched immeasurably. Widmaier from the School of Government from South-East Queensland, yet that's and International Relations, have tracked where three Griffith students found Griffith students have already made the influence of the G20 since its origins in themselves along the way to their a significant connection with G20, the fallout from the Great Depression early futures in international relations. with three representatives reaping in the 20th century. the benefits of a privileged insight The trio – Janna Mallon, in the third at the 2013 G20 Youth Summit in "In its core specifics, the G20 is designed to year of a Bachelor of Communication, St Petersburg. (See accompanying story) address macroeconomic problems pertaining majoring in Politics and Public to global demand and price stability. But in a Relations; Griffith Business School Griffith University researchers and deeper sense, the G20 stands as a guardian of Honours student Bradley McConachie; academics recognise the G20 summit global common interest, as a way for states to and Keren Papier, an honours student meeting as a far-reaching opportunity for head off the sources of instability, extremism with Griffith Health – attended the Brisbane, Queensland and Australia, which and conflict that have been so debilitating in G20 Youth Summit in St Petersburg will become the ninth country to formally the past," says Professor O'Neil. in April 2013. host the event. The seven-day forum in Russia's Through a series of public lectures and elegant former capital left all three workshops planned in the lead-up to the confident they could parlay the event, Griffith will explore the G20's experience into recognised expertise history and relevance in the modern world. when Brisbane hosts the G20 summit The University will share expertise and meeting in November 2014. knowledge and outline how and why the Brisbane community can involve itself. During a series of round-table discussions, the three engaged with students from around the world, debating and discussing issues currently facing members of the G20 nations. For Mallon, the journey to St Professor Andrew O'Neil Petersburg took slightly longer as she travelled via Washington DC courtesy of an internship at the US Congress. Thanking Griffith for steering her toward the Uni-Capitol Washington Internship Program (UCWIP), she says of the eight-week experience: "I was often out attending briefings, hearings, and just sitting in the House Gallery listening to debates and watching votes." A recipient of a $5000 scholarship provided by Griffith International, she adds: "A lot of students don't realise the international opportunities available through Griffith." Brisbane skyline Andrew O'Neil, Janna Mallon and Brisbane skyline photos: Chris Stacey skyline photos: Chris Stacey and Brisbane Mallon Janna O'Neil, Andrew
8 JULY 2013 JULY 2013 9 ALUMNI EVENTS & AWARDS
CELEBRATING GRIFFITH SUCCESS Griffith alumni can be found across the world – in all walks of life. Each year, among the highlights of the busy University calendar is reconnecting with the graduates who are forging careers in their chosen fields. Vice Chancellor Professor Ian O'Connor travels to Brisbane, interstate and internationally to join with past students and Alumnus of the Decade, Nathan campus celebrate their current successes. Griffith University strives to keep in touch with alumni, wherever they may be, through the Stay Connected Program. The program helps alumni to stay in touch not only with Griffith but with each other, and to participate in professional development activities and networking. They also explore employment opportunities, partake in industry mentoring programs, learn about postgraduate study options and engage in global social events. With more than 120,000 graduates now proudly bearing the Griffith name, there is no slowing the pace at which our global family is spreading. Beijing Alumni Event 2012 Here are some of the alumni highlights from 2012–13.
Sydney Alumni Event 2012 Beijing Alumni Event 2012
Guangzhou Alumni Event 2012
10 JULY 2013 JULY 2013 11 ALUMNI EVENTS & AWARDS
Melbourne Alumni Event 2012
Sydney Alumni Event 2012
Shanghai Alumni Event 2012 STAY IN TOUCH Wherever you are, you can keep in touch with your University. Find Griffith on social media and keep up to date with the latest news, announcements and opinions at facebook.com/griffithuniversity or twitter.com/griffith_uni.
Shanghai Alumni Event 2012 Follow Vice Chancellor Professor Ian O'Connor on Twitter at @GriffithUniVC. Check out the latest New Griffith video which captures an array of University achievements spanning 40 years. Go to Griffith's dedicated YouTube channel and enjoy the video (you might even see yourself in some of the historical snippets). You will find it and more at youtube.com/user/griffithuniversity. There is so much happening across the campuses, it's a good idea to keep tabs on the New Griffith website. Bookmark it griffith.edu.au/newgriffith. For informed opinion, check out the Red Couch Blog at Griffith.edu.au/news/red-couch-blog as well as hundreds of articles by Griffith academics, read by more than 500,000 people on theconversation.edu.au. Toronto Alumni Event 2012
10 JULY 2013 JULY 2013 11 GRADUATE PROFILE Ruth Link photo: Chris Stacey Link Ruth
STRONGEST LINK Ruth Link
A resilience arising from childhood just about money. I look back and I was Generation," she says. "A lot of my adversity ensured Ruth Link given love and support from the people at family has been in and out of jail." not only completed her tertiary Griffith. I still have good connections with At the age of 14, Ruth left home and everyone there." education but used it to help other worked multiple jobs to pay the rent on a disadvantaged youths reach their During her studies, Ruth was awarded several flat while she continued in school. It took potential, writes Louise Gee. accolades, including The Ebsworth and its toll, however, and for a year she lived Ebsworth prize for best Indigenous Graduate in Hopevale, an Aboriginal community at Griffith Law School, the Queensland Law on Cape York Peninsula, where her Elders The lemon ironbark tree is important to Society prize for best second and third- encouraged her to continue her education. Ruth Link's country and her people. While year Indigenous student, and the Linda its creviced veins of hard bark and deep Buxton Memorial Prize from Griffith's 'Scholarships, when they are roots have helped this small eucalypt survive GUMURRII Student Support Unit. for people from low socio- changes in the natural habitat, it also bears economic backgrounds with no leaves with properties that heal. The achievements have now paid dividends. exposure to tertiary education, The ironbark is found amid Indigenous As Senior Indigenous Relations Officer are the game changers in communities in Cape York, Far North for integrated energy company Arrow keeping people going' Queensland, home to Ruth's Darwa clan Energy, Ruth was keen to spearhead After graduating from Griffith University, of the Western Gugu Yalangi tribe. the Arrow Energy Indigenous Tertiary she spent nine years working in criminal Scholarship program, which supports And like the tree, Ruth's tertiary and career law, followed by a stint at the Department 25 students undertaking study in 2013 paths display a steely resolve and deep of Main Roads and Transport. Ruth and 2014 at six Queensland universities. foundations, the fruits of which she hopes joined Arrow Energy in 2012 and set Griffith has three scholarship students will benefit a new generation of Aboriginal about helping the company become more enrolled in different courses. and Torres Strait Islander tertiary students. proactive in affecting change in Aboriginal "Scholarships, when they are for and Torres Strait Islander communities. A Griffith University visit to Ruth's high people from low socio-economic school helped her realise that tertiary study With the scholarships program underway, backgrounds with no exposure to tertiary was possible, and in 1997 she enrolled to Ruth has turned her focus to rolling out education, are the game changers in study for a Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of the Whanu Binal program, providing keeping people going," Ruth says. Arts degree. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ruth grew up in North Queensland but people with the knowledge and skills to Her "I'm a bit fierce" character, arising from moved with her mother to Woodridge gain work in the coal seam gas industry. adversity and determination, also helped in Year 5. It was in this often troubled Ruth gain several scholarships – game In the language of her people, "Whanu" community south of Brisbane that she changers that gave her financial security is a strong tree with deep roots and became more exposed to alcohol abuse, during years of struggle with cultural, "Binal" is the development of knowledge domestic violence and poverty. financial and family issues. from infancy to Elder, aptly reflecting "My mother's family was impacted how Ruth's life force comes from strong "I get emotional when I think of it," she a lot because they were Stolen connections with country and community. confides. "The scholarships were not
12 JULY 2013 JULY 2013 13 GRADUATE PROFILE
Jessica Skarratt
SOLAR POWERED There's no holding Jessica Skarratt back. From the moment she bounded out of Griffith, the media professional has been a constant whir of activity. Jessica Vanderlelie When Jessica began studying journalism, PR and communications in 2000, she had little inclination of the frantic ride on which she was EXCELLENCE about to embark. Versatile, ambitious and boundlessly BORN AND BRED enthusiastic, Jessica has often faced the enviable dilemma Biochemistry students are Upon completing her PhD, Dr of too much opportunity. reaping the rewards of Dr Jessica Vanderlelie taught biochemistry in After presenting and producing roles Vanderlelie's lifelong love affair the School of Health on a casual on the TV show Totally Wild, as well with science, writes Ellen Lutton. basis before the School of Medicine as documentaries that have taken her asked her to fill in for a lecturer. from Nepal to New Zealand, Jessica It may have been the standing ovation Once every so often, a teacher – and is now devoting some of her precious she received from students, but Dr student – like Dr Jessica Vanderlelie time towards the Gold Coast Suns, Vanderlelie was hooked, swapping comes along, her mind filled with the Queensland's newest AFL team. lab coat for lecture room and in 2011 wonder of science. She can be seen hosting Suns TV, securing a continuing appointment. For Dr Vanderlelie, it had begun by the age which airs on Seven Mate, conducting Dr Vanderlelie exudes humility of five: "When we would visit the museum, interviews on the bright red Griffith about her achievements. couch before and during games. I would take tours in the dinosaur section. People would walk along and I would 'Biochemistry can be fun, Jessica is a sports lover and, along with explain all the different names of the can you believe? I'm always a role on Seven's The Great South East, dinosaurs, what they ate, where they lived... trying to think of new ways loves her gig with the Suns. It has given don't ask me how, it was just in there... to appeal to students' her a new appreciation for the code. I just loved science." "I think for me it was a network I'd "The culture there is fabulous. The These days, she is still passing her passion established and a philosophy where I never whole club has a great feel," the New for science on to others, and she's scooping said no," she says. "Every time I would South Welshwoman says. "I've been up awards in the process. a bit of a fan of all codes of footy, but teach I would throw myself into it and growing up in NSW I was exposed to Dr Vanderlelie was recently nominated for make sure that what I was teaching was and supported rugby league." the prestigious Prime Minister's Award. She quality and engaging for my students. added this honour to an Australian Award "Biochemistry can be fun, can you Working at Metricon Stadium doesn't for Excellence in Learning and Teaching in believe? I'm always trying to think of new always mean the best seat in the house. the Early Career category. ways to appeal to students, to help them "Each quarter, you have to go and get The modest biochemistry lecturer – a understand what they're learning and how ready for the next bit. So you're not home-grown Griffith talent, born and bred it applies in the real world. actually watching the game," she says. on the Gold Coast – feels duly humbled. "So when I do get to go to a game and "That's the thing that I enjoy most about not work, I love being able to relax However, her talent for biochemistry has only teaching – connecting with my students and shout and enjoy it." taken her so far; the rest she puts down to and watching them succeed." determination and capacity for hard work. Jessica Vanderlelie photo: Chris Stacey Vanderlelie Jessica
12 JULY 2013 JULY 2013 13 ART SPACE
Michael Zavros
ARTIST IN RESIDENCE Sherwood photo: Mark Zavros Michael Jenkins; photo: Felicity Reichelt Victoria The Prince, an exhibition by one of Australia's most important artists, Michael Zavros (Bachelor of Visual Arts, 1996), offered visitors to the Griffith University Art Gallery a meditation on the real.
Victoria Reichelt is pictured with her Sulman Prize-winning painting This exhibition, featuring previously unseen Zavros work, brought together the Prince/Zavros series of drawings and paintings that drew on the work THE VIRTUES OF of American artist Richard Prince, SOLITUDE whose famous photograph, Untitled An artist's obsession with Sulman Prize-winning After (books) captured (Cowboy), was sourced from an iconic obsolescence leads to an enduring the haunted feeling she desired. Marlboro cigarette advertisement. palette of work, writes Louise Gee. "In these paintings, the animals wander Recent paintings of interiors and through stacks and shelves as they would in earlier paintings of men's fashion a forest, interacting with these environments drawn from advertising reflect As Victoria Reichelt labours over a canvas but never looking 100 per cent comfortable," Michael's enduring interest in to carefully create the spines and jackets Victoria explains. "I wanted them to hint at cultural narcissism, consumer excess of books stacked in empty libraries, this the alien way we too may feel about rooms full and art as trophy. in-demand artist has little time to read the of books in years to come. They are meant to pages of her beloved subjects. Such works have earned him create a feeling of being out of place." accolades, including the Doug Moran Instead, while producing an impressive After (books) belongs to a series that National Portrait Prize and the Bulgari catalogue of work that includes this year's considers the changing roles of library Art Award at the Art Gallery of New coveted Sir John Sulman Art Prize, Victoria spaces as they adjust to keep up with new South Wales. listens to audio books and podcasts to fill technologies. Objects in danger of becoming the silence of working alone in her Gold obsolete or in different states of change are Yet Michael, whose studio and home Coast studio. recurring themes for Victoria. are on a farm in outer Brisbane, values success he cannot buy. The irony is not lost on Victoria, who She has previously been short-listed for a number completed a Bachelor of Visual Art in of major art prizes and, with her artwork "My greatest achievement is that I Fine Art (First Class Honours) at the fetching up to $14,000, many Reichelt pieces are have been able to make a career as Queensland College of Art, backed up held in private collections in Australia and Asia. an artist, every day doing that thing with a Doctor of Visual Arts at Griffith's that I love, something that I was born South Bank campus in 2005. Supported at every step by fellow Griffith to do," he says. "And that this can alumni, including friend and mentor Michael provide for me and my little family "I love reading and books but the Zavros, Victoria now shares her expertise as makes me very happy." crazy thing about sourcing books for an external PhD supervisor and guest lecturer my work is that I don't get time to at Griffith University, and as the youngest Michael hopes to complete a piece read them," Victoria, 34, laments. member of the Visual Arts Board of the on Victoria Cross recipient Benjamin Her solitary work begins long before she Australia Council. Roberts-Smith for the Australian War Memorial this year. applies oil to canvas, toiling after hours to "It's very humbling. It has certainly made me photograph public spaces, including the more aware of the amazing talent we have here "My work takes me a long time to Queensland College of Art Library, State in Australia. There are so many wonderful make. Long hours with just me and Library of Queensland and even zoos. artists making fantastic work." the work have always been necessary." Working alone in libraries at night can be Video interview: artgallery.nsw.gov.au/ – Louise Gee unsettling, Victoria admits, but the resulting channel/clip/460
14 JULY 2013 JULY 2013 15 MBA FOR LIFE
MBA graduate Gary Parkin Dr. Nick Barker and Gary Parkin photo: Chris Stacey and Gary Parkin Barker Nick Dr.
AN MBA FOR THE TIMES Dr Nick Barter
Griffith offers the means to stay in The MBA for Life will enable graduates the networking prospects offered by the front in this fast-changing world, operating at all levels of business to engage MBA for Life, which will reach beyond writes Stephen O'Grady. and interact with the latest thinking via the familiar world of finance frequented the MBA App, as well as through a vibrant by accountants, bankers and lawyers. LinkedIn group, lecture options and short- "It allows me to grow and develop a network For business leaders worldwide, the ability to course business workshops. of similarly minded business leaders from manage change is paramount. For Dr Nick An updated and refreshed MBA curriculum, diverse backgrounds of industry, geographic Barter, MBA Director at Griffith Business with an eye on the Asia-Pacific region, will and business experience," he says. "In my School, being able to trigger and implement also inform the MBA for Life. line of work something like that cannot be the right kind of change is equally, if not found so readily in the marketplace. more, important. The Griffith MBA itself is built around three core values – responsible leadership, "If you don't have good business networks A significant milestone in Dr Barter's quest sustainable business practice and you can't grow your business in the for effective change arrived in May 2013, global orientation – which effectively financial sector." with the joint launch of the innovative inform and guide the personal and Griffith MBA for Life and the Griffith Peta Pitcher is the managing director professional lives of graduates. MBA App, the first of its kind in Australia. of Mitchelton Child Care Centre on "No one is going to say they want to be less Brisbane's north side. As a small business The Griffith MBA for Life is designed responsible in the future. History shows owner, she identifies with the opportunity to keep graduates in tune with the latest organisations have taken on more and more to update business practice knowledge business moves and developments. It is responsibility over time," Dr Barter says. in areas such as information systems and intuitively structured to meet the professional social media marketing. needs of busy MBA graduates amid a "No one is going to say let's use up more relentlessly evolving business landscape. resources more quickly. Sustainable business "I work in the childcare industry and practice is here to stay. if we're not sustainable then we're not The App is an interactive platform where delivering effective young children to be MBA graduates can update knowledge "These values transcend the moment and are the leaders of tomorrow in society," she says. and get across the latest industry thinking worth retaining and revisiting. If someone is through a range of categories, including about responsible leadership, sustainability "With the MBA for Life enabling me to Director's Updates, Ideas and Tips and and has a global orientation, that doesn't have access to sustainable business practices MBA Program content. Business events, stop overnight." and sustainable leadership practices, I can networking opportunities and articles from pass that through my team and have a Among Griffith's MBA graduates who around the world on business practice are positive influence on the children that attended the May launch and who are eager also accessible through the App. we look after." to reap the benefits of MBA for Life are "The MBA for Life is very much embodied Gary Parkin and Peta Pitcher. Find out more about MBA for Life at in the App," Dr Barter says, explaining the griffith.edu.au/mba A business banking manager with NAB link between the two. on the Gold Coast, Gary is excited about
14 JULY 2013 JULY 2013 15 HIMALAYAN EXPERIENCE
A TREK IN CONSERVATION
In the Himalayan wilds, Griffith On a practical level, one of the group's Professor Hero talk about the expedition on students learn invaluable life skills, first lessons was learning what to do when her first day at Griffith. writes Louise Gee. encountering a rhinoceros, elephants, tigers During 10-hour field days, the students and bears, just some of the dangerous identified tiger scats and tracks, encountered megafauna in Chitwan National Park. rhinos and recorded more than 50 different From sighting rhinos and identifying tiger Accompanied by Professor Hero and his species of bird, as well as monkeys and tracks to recording the world's smallest wife Narinder Virdee (who speaks Hindi several species of deer. They also visited the mammal for the first time in Nepal, the and coordinates the trip logistics), the gharial and elephant breeding centres. most recent Conservation in Practice field students stayed at a rustic field station on trip was an inspiring experience. A highlight was the unexpected recording the edge of Chitwan. of the world's smallest mammal, the "On the very first day in the field, one "Our day began around 5.30 with the best pygmy shrew – an insectivore weighing group was running from a rhino while alarm – the trumpet of elephants," Science a mere two grams – which had not been another was avoiding a sloth bear that graduate Candice Caruso recalls. recorded before in Chitwan National Park. was reported in close proximity to them," recalls Tempe Parnell (Bachelor of Science At 8am, the students entered the national "We were looking for megafauna, but it was – Ecology and Conservation Biology), park by canoe to cross the Rapti River, home quite exciting to find three different species a recently enrolled Honours student. to huge mugger crocodiles (referred to by of shrew living there," Professor Hero says. "I don't think ecological research can the locals as maneaters) and gharials Daily work focused on long-term ecological get any more real or hands-on than this!" (a critically endangered crocodilian species). research plots established as part of the Griffith University Conservation Biology The group – guided by local wildlife Program for Planned Biodiversity and Professor Jean-Marc Hero hatched the technicians and protected by working Ecosystem Research (PPBio). PPBio is an month-long summer course experience – elephants to avoid rhino charges – walked international, multidisciplinary program now in its sixth year – to enable third-year at top speed behind the elephants to reach facilitating more efficient biodiversity undergraduate School of Environment long-term monitoring plots. research, monitoring and assessment. It also students to carry out valuable field work in provides a foundation for enhanced and "We battled through elephant grass as tall Nepal's Chitwan National Park and explore ongoing environmental management. as our heads and so thick that in parts you further biodiversity conservation issues could not see a metre in front of you, while Come day's end at Chitwan, the students while trekking in the Himalayas. desperately trying to keep up with the gained insights through presentations The 21 students who travelled to Nepal elephants and rangers who were guiding us," from Nepali university professors, the in late 2012 are the best advocates for this field trip graduate Tempe says, adding the Department of National Parks and Wildlife
learning exercise. Nepal trip had been a goal ever since hearing Conservation, National Trust for Nature Rakotopare. house photos: Nicolas shot and Nepalese Group
16 JULY 2013 JULY 2013 17 HIMALAYAN EXPERIENCE
Ecology and Conservation Biology students in Nepal Village in Nepal
Conservation and local conservation groups Third-year student Adam Sharp concurs: to dealing with the health perils of travelling including the World Wildlife Fund. "The way they engage locals in conservation in this part of Asia. On one trip, a student issues gives the community a role in bitten by an elephant had her finger stitched Discussion revolved around the primary conservation and they benefit from it by a local veterinarian. threats of poaching, harvesting, human- because it brings tourism. wildlife conflicts and invasive exotic plants Hair-raising as that may sound, the field overwhelming the grassland and riparian "Seeing how these communities near the trips have paid off for many of Professor ecosystems (a naturally disturbed system that national parks understand conservation Hero's students as they gain Distinctions is ravaged by flood and fire annually). management issues made it difficult and pursue Honours programs. for someone like me to tell them how "The combination of these factors may "Not only did the field trip provide these to manage anything, but if I ever get a encourage the megafauna to leave the students with invaluable experience as future park and go where they are not protected, leadership role I'll make sure I involve and conservation practitioners, it was also a life resulting in escalating human-wildlife listen to the locals and Indigenous people." experience they will never forget," he says. conflicts," Tempe says. 'Being able to go out into Despite the physically and culturally The introduction of the PPBio Program into the field and contribute to challenging nature of the field trip, the Nepal has had a ripple effect that is good conservation in practice was students – some of whom had never for cultural exchange and conservation by transforming' travelled to a developing country before – forging collaborative efforts between Griffith endorsed the experience as life changing, The second half of the trip involved University and Nepali organisations. unique, unforgettable and motivating. hiking through Langtang Mountain range, Enhancing this cultural exchange, the featuring some of the highest peaks in the "It was fantastic to put some of our Australian students were joined by six world and subtropical forests. knowledge and skills to use," Candice Nepali Masters students led by Tribhuvan says. "There's no way we could have University professors Krishna Shrestha "This part of the trip is more of a cultural experienced that here in Australia; we and Khadga Basnet, who last year signed experience and about biodiversity can't get that megafauna here." a Memorandum of Understanding with conservation and the integration of people Nathan McIntyre says the trip inspired Griffith University. with nature," Professor Hero explains. "We look at issues such as people cutting firewood him to undertake an Honours program: "It's a great cultural and scientific exchange for tourists for food, warmth and shelter, and "Nepal gave me a taste of how biological for everyone involved. The locals teach us how climate change is affecting the area." research can be applied to conservation. about conservation management issues "Being able to go out into the field there; it's not the other way around," It all makes for an arduous experience and contribute to conservation in Professor Hero emphasises. during which students must be resigned practice was transforming."
16 JULY 2013 JULY 2013 17 UNIVERSITY RANKINGS
Fifth year law students Nathan Docker and Tenelle May Professor James Byrne Law students photo: Murray Rix Law students photo: Murray
CRIME AND PUNISHMENT When it comes to criminology and criminal justice, Griffith University's Professor James Byrne is a man of his convictions. Professor Byrne is the director of the new Global Centre for Evidence-based CLIMBING THE RANKINGS Corrections and Sentencing (GCECS), attached to Griffith's Key Centre for Where reputation matters, Griffith The top 200 were ranked in each Ethics, Law, Justice and Governance and University is increasingly building subject area. the School of Criminology and Criminal its credentials among a range of The list also included seven other areas Justice. Researchers from more than a international rankings and measures, in which Griffith excelled. Education was dozen countries are involved. writes Dean Gould. ranked in the top 100, as were Politics "We want the Centre to be an apolitical, and International Studies. Environmental objective, one-stop resource directory Sciences, Sociology, Communications and Over the past year, Griffith has featured for all the latest material on sentencing Media Studies and Agriculture and Forestry as one of the world's top 5 per cent of and corrections world-wide," says the subject areas are all ranked in the top 150 universities among the prestigious Academic Boston-born Professor Byrne. worldwide. Psychology was in the top 200. Rankings of World Universities, the QS Adding that GCECS will provide In the Leiden rankings released in April 2013, World Rankings of Universities and the researchers, policymakers and Griffith ranked 383rd, up from 412th in CTWS Leiden rankings. practitioners a new global forum for 2011-12, reflecting the number of academic Vice Chancellor Professor Ian O'Connor knowledge exchange, he says that at articles in the top 10 per cent globally. says the international acknowledgment the heart of the GCECS agenda is a of Griffith's strengths is gratifying. The jump in rankings points to simple premise: you cannot change improving quality as well as volume from offenders without also changing the "Several years ago Griffith set about Griffith researchers. communities in which they reside. establishing itself as a truly world-class, comprehensive university," he says. Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research) Professor Byrne says community Professor Ned Pankhurst says that within attitudes, values and resources can and "Independent endorsement such the overall rankings for the University were should be incorporated into research, as these international rankings is some excellent results for various disciplines while attitudes towards punishment an important part of that. at Griffith, in particular Social Sciences in general should also be addressed. "I'm sure our students and staff and Humanities, Life and Earth Sciences, "This leads to the question of already know the great work that they Natural Sciences and Engineering and rehabilitation, which assumes an do, but it is encouraging to see that Biomedical and Health Sciences, which he offender was a different person before effort and achievement acknowledged says are firmly established as world-class in they turned to crime," he says. in such a public arena." these rankings. "But in some cases, crime is the only life On top of the rankings that assess overall Professor Pankhurst credits Griffith's heavy they have known, and their treatment in performance, Griffith is excelling in and strategic investment in research over the prison often only exacerbates the problem. individual study areas as well. past 10 years for the improvement. It does not change criminal thinking; Most recently, Griffith Law School was The performance was also reflected in the in many instances it reinforces criminal ranked in the top 50 globally by QS Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) thinking and anti-social lifestyles." World University Rankings by Subject. results late last year. Griffith registered Professor Byrne says GCECS can offer a assessable bodies of research work in a Law came in at number 43 in the world global perspective and demonstrate how formidable 60 separate fields and achieved after QS World University Rankings programs in sentencing and corrections world standard or above in 38 of those. evaluated 2858 universities and analysed may be done differently and, more more than 8000 programs. griffith.edu.au/international/news/rankings importantly, how they may be done better.
18 JULY 2013 JULY 2013 19 ESKITIS INSTITUTE TURNS 10
Professor Ron Quinn
Images from the Eskitis Photography Competition, open to staff and students. Visualisation of cell and tissue processes is a key step to understanding disease biology DRIVEN BY SCIENCE, INSPIRED BY NATURE The 10-year anniversary of He says researchers have been able to "The person who came to us had his finger Griffith's renowned drug discovery attempt new projects that they weren't able bitten off by a crocodile when he was trying research centre marks a decade to before the amalgamation. "That's an to spear it," Professor Quinn says. achievement in itself," he says. of painstaking work, progressive "He went to a tree that he knew was used thinking and brilliant achievements. The Eskitis Institute is focused on three for traditional medicine, chewed the bark Ellen Lutton reports. disease areas, including infectious diseases, around it, put it on the wound and it cancer and neurological diseases. The stopped the pain." world of drug discovery, however, requires Ensconced in a state-of-the-art building on Eskitis staff set about isolating the medicinal more than just brilliant minds – it relies on the outskirts of Griffith's Nathan campus, compound and managed to find the source discipline, professionalism and patience. 120 University staff and students are quietly of the analgesic effect. Professor Quinn says going about their quest to change the world. "It's so gradual in a sense… it's not a matter researchers now need someone to bring the of sitting there and suddenly exclaiming 'I've product to market. Officially formed in 2003, the Eskitis found a cure for X!'," Professor Quinn says. Institute was the University's vision for He adds that after a successful 10 years, creating a top-class research centre in the "For example, we're looking at a therapy of he'd like to see Eskitis spend the next decade area of drug discovery. some sorts and we might discover a molecule expanding its influence globally. that might be a drug, but the process to do Bringing together three existing research "I'd like to be more effective in an the pre-clinical development and then go to centres, its purpose was to create critical international context. If the critical mass the clinic takes so long. Years, I mean." mass and maximise the potential of the was good for us in 2003, the next critical combined disciplines with the aim of Professor Quinn says there are always mass needs to come from strategic generating 'big science'. "Eureka!" moments, but in his line of work, collaborations with people overseas," nothing comes overnight. he says. Ten years on, the vision for Eskitis has been realised and the Institute's director, Professor "What you've made there is a contribution "Connections all over the world would Ron Quinn, is incredibly proud of his and it has its own life, in a sense," he says. prove our value and increase our team's achievements. reputation. I'd love to see us prove that One of Eskitis' most exciting current we are being effective in our research in "By bringing the three centres together into projects is a traditional Aboriginal medicine an international context." one, we were able to take the elements that with analgesic effects, which Professor were already there and maximise the synergy, Quinn hopes to see brought to the market griffith.edu.au/science-aviation/eskitis-institute value and collaboration," he says. as a gel and sold over the counter. Ron Quinn photo: Chris Stacey Quinn Ron
18 JULY 2013 JULY 2013 19 TRIBUTE
teaching and Gus had appointed an outstanding group of people to implement this policy," Professor Jenkins says. Professor Guthrie introduced major innovations, including the compulsory
undergraduate course Science, Technology photo: Chris Stacey Guthrie Gus and Society and the degree program Science with Japanese, both new to Australia at the time. After completing his term as foundation Chair, Professor Guthrie was appointed Griffith's first Pro Vice Chancellor in 1980. In 1982, Professor Guthrie earned the title of Griffith's first Professor Emeritus for his distinguished contribution to the University and scholarship. He left Griffith to serve as Secretary- General of the Royal Society of Chemistry in the United Kingdom, but returned to Australia to transform the New South Wales Institute of Technology into the University Emeritus Professor of Technology Sydney (UTS), becoming its Gus Guthrie first Vice Chancellor and President in 1988. In recognition of this, Professor Guthrie was awarded an honorary doctorate of the GUS GUTHRIE University upon his retirement. Later he was VALE made a member of the Order of Australia. In 2013, Griffith mourned the Professor Guthrie's colleague and friend for 'Throughout his career, Gus passing of an inspirational founding over 40 years, Griffith's Professor Emeritus was incredibly hard working father, community leader and Ian Jenkins, was a postdoctoral student and a stickler for detail' hospital clown, writes Louise Gee. when the two met at the University of Sussex in 1971. Retiring from UTS in 1996, he continued to work as a consultant for higher It was also at this time that Professor Roy David "Gus" Guthrie took a leap of education nationally and internationally. Guthrie became friends with Aung San Suu faith when he moved from his homeland of Kyi, the Myanmar opposition leader. "Throughout his career, Gus was incredibly England to help establish a university on the hard working and a stickler for detail," scrubby outskirts of Brisbane. Professor Jenkins says, adding he found time A Griffith University founding father, to perform in several La Boite theatre plays. Professor Emeritus Guthrie AM DUniv was His positive outlook inspired born in Surrey on March 29, 1934, and died many students, including Griffith aged 78 on January 12, 2013, after being graduates Mark von Itzstein and diagnosed six months earlier with acute San Thang, each nominated for myeloid leukemia. the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. The years between, however, were marked This positivity, coupled with a sense of by his tireless efforts to improve academia humour, carried over to his personal life. and the wider community. Professor Jenkins recalls Professor Guthrie In retirement on the Sunshine Coast, enquiring about Australia: "I told him Professor Guthrie's own education began Professor Guthrie became founding about the bushfires and the floods and with half-time schooling during WWII. member of the Coastal Caring Clowns, mentioned that another professor had In time, his interest in science swelled and refused several invitations to visit Australia performing as Charlie the clown at he was awarded an upper second-class because of the flies." hospitals and respite centres. honours degree in chemistry at King's Professor Guthrie is survived by former College, London. He went on to complete Thankfully, members of the insect order wives Ann and Lyn, sons David, Richard a PhD in organic chemistry in 1958, Diptera didn't worry Professor Guthrie and and Jonathan, and grandson James. followed by a Doctor of Science in 1968. in 1973 he became Griffith's first Chairman of the School of Science and Foundation "We have learnt a great deal from him and During the 1960s and 1970s, Professor Professor of Chemistry. At the time, the valued his friendship," Professor Jenkins Guthrie was involved in developing school had no other staff, no buildings and says. "He will be missed, but the impact the aminoglycoside antibiotic program, only outline teaching plans. The University he has had on our lives, academically, working on the structural and synthetic opened in 1975. professionally and personally, will ensure aspects of gentamicin antibiotics. that he will not be forgotten. His influence Coincidently, this antibiotic was "The Planning Council of Griffith University will remain." administered to treat his leukemia. put great emphasis on interdisciplinary
20 JULY 2013 JULY 2013 21 SCIENTIFIC ADVANCES
Lampshade created on 3D printer Institute for Glycomics photo: Chris Stacey; Insets: Murray Rix, Ray Cash Murray Insets: photo: Chris Stacey; for Glycomics Institute
NEW 3D MAJOR Producing a tangible object from a digital blueprint is fast becoming a reality with the advances in 3D printing in Australia. From 2013, the QCA's Bachelor of Professor Mark von Itzstein Digital Media program at Griffith Institute for Glycomics University's Gold Coast campus will include 3D printing. The 3D Design major will THE incorporate the potential of the CODEBREAKERS transformative technology to Griffith's world-renowned Institute The Institute for Glycomics, now in change the future of design and for Glycomics is poised to move its 13th year and still the only one of manufacturing. from the realm of research to results its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, that save lives, writes Ellen Lutton. targets three areas of research: infectious Additive Manufacturing, or 3D diseases, viruses and bacteria. Within printing technology, builds up objects those areas, specialists have been in layers using plastic, ceramic or Every year around one million children, working together on Ross River Fever, metal and is based on the notion of mainly in developing countries, die of malaria. bacterial meningitis and parainfluenza producing one-off pieces without the (croup in children), to name a few. need for moulds. Meanwhile in Australia, up to 500 children – mostly from Aboriginal and Torres Strait More recently, the Institute has formed a "It will change the way we think about Islander communities – are diagnosed major research degree focusing on cancer, business. Spare parts, for example, with rheumatic heart fever cause by the with exciting results. would no longer have to be made streptococcus A bacteria. in advance in case something breaks Professor von Itzstein says the Institute has down," says Queensland College of Art These alarming statistics are part of the discovered that there are major roles that lecturer Dr Jennifer Loy. "Customers reason why clinical human trials are under sugars, or glycans, play in the establishment could download the file and have the way at Griffith University's Institute for and spread of cancer. Glycomics, using vaccines developed there. part printed locally, sometimes even "Cancers use the carbohydrate language printing parts themselves." Glycomics is the study of carbohydrate exquisitely. A lot of the work we've been The technology can be used in a range chains (glycans) and the way these sugars doing is to develop our understanding, of disciplines and myriad products, work in healthy biology and diseases. cracking the code in the way that cancer cells use that language to facilitate that from jewellery to fashion, aerospace to It's an extremely exciting time for the spread around the body," he says. automotive, dental to medical devices. Institute's director and founder, Professor "It is an exciting area that combines Mark von Itzstein, who turned a vision of Professor von Itzstein says he hopes that he graphics and product design to meet bringing forth novel medicines and vaccines has proved his critics wrong. to the community into one of the world's the needs of the market," Dr Loy says. "Most people thought I was completely leading research bodies. "Students get hands-on experience of insane when I decided to set this institute digital fabrication and 3D printing "It is thrilling to get to this stage. It places up at Griffith's Gold Coast campus," he right from the word go and have us very much in a unique position," says says. "As a university, Griffith has matured ongoing access to 3D printers Professor von Itzstein. "Effectively we enormously and the setting and facilities throughout their degree." have been trying to crack the code of that are absolutely world-class; that's exactly language of glycans. We're actually poised why I picked to come to the Gold Coast "They will also have the opportunity in this institute to take advantage of those campus all those years ago." to work with online customers." advances and make our contribution both griffith.edu.au/science-aviation/institute-glycomics – Lauren Suto in the discovery of new drugs to treat intractable diseases and also vaccines."
20 JULY 2013 JULY 2013 21 TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY
STAYING POWER
Fabienne Wintle, Gabby Daniels (below left) and Bikash Randhawa (below right).
Hotel and tourism graduates are "That fact has made Griffith degrees popular reaching career heights in the with domestic and international students industry without having to leave seeking a highly regarded qualification. Queensland and within a decade "And there is great demand in the industry for of completing degrees at Griffith, local graduates with a sound and sustainable writes James Aspin. business education that is appropriate to the hotel and tourism industries." Tourism is Australia's second biggest Bikash Randhawa, General Manager at industry, worth $9.6 billion annually the Sea World Resort & Water Park and a and employing nearly one million people. Griffith graduate in Hotel Management, Management at Griffith and worked in came to Australia to study a degree in High hotel occupancy rates, growth in many areas of the industry before settling Business and fell in love with the Gold international arrivals and strong corporate on her ideal role. Coast. He also recognised the fantastic and domestic tourism growth mean the opportunities in tourism here and decided to "My degree gave me the confidence and industry is also attracting new investment. switch his degree focus to hotel management, ability to articulate and present my ideas That adds up to career opportunities signalling the start of a vibrant career. and findings in the boardroom with our spanning the globe for young people with top executives," she says. 'In our industry you never a passion for tourism and hospitality, but Fabienne Wintle, owner and manager of a also celebrates what we have right here. feel that you are at work. You are always visiting small Brisbane-based consulting company Dr Anoop Patiar is the deputy head of the most beautiful places, called Webbed Feet, has paired a passion for the Department of Tourism, Sport and properties and experiencing IT with a Master of Business (International Tourism and Hospitality Management) to Hotel Management at Griffith, a fabulous tours' department whose research output is create her home-grown start-up enterprise, recognised to be among the top four "We are lucky here on the Gold Coast to be which involves liaising with tourism offered by universities worldwide. able to work in Australia's tourism capital businesses to help them improve their while studying at Griffith to learn the performance when using the web for sales "Our degrees have won state and national professional skills for a successful career and marketing. education awards, including the Tourism in the industry," he says. Education award for three consecutive "The Masters degree gave me the necessary years," Dr Patiar says. "You really don't realise when you are at theoretical background and understanding university how relevant the learning is of the tourism industry to excel at what I "We have also received accreditation from until you begin to apply it. I draw on that do," she says, adding: "In our industry you the International Centre of Excellence in knowledge every day." never feel that you are at work. You are Tourism and Hospitality Education and the always visiting the most beautiful places, Association to Advance Collegiate Schools Gabby Daniels, the National Revenue properties and experiencing fabulous tours. of Business." Manager (Distribution) with the Mantra I haven't taken a holiday in years, because I Group on the Gold Coast, studied Hotel always feel that I am on one." Fabienne Wintle photo: Chris Stacey; Gabby Daniels and Bikash Randhawa photos: Ray and Bikash Cash Daniels Gabby photo: Chris Stacey; Wintle Fabienne
22 JULY 2013 JULY 2013 23 QUEENSLAND REDS PARTNERSHIP
TOP OF THEIR GAME St.George Queensland Reds photo: Sportography Reds Queensland St.George
The Queensland Reds in action
A partnership with Queensland the commercial aspect to the gun high- we have to understand the businesses that Rugby Union has enabled Griffith performance unit, charged with keeping partner with us," Daniel says. students to assist and benefit some of the nation's most elite football The competition for fans, members and talent in supreme shape. from the well-oiled rugby machine, revenue at the elite level is red hot. It is writes Phil Lutton. "We are offering internships to some an area in which the Reds have excelled, students in the commercial area and also surpassing blue chip brands such as the in exercise science. That's one of the key NRL's Brisbane Broncos and retaining When the Queensland Reds stormed to the areas and we're looking to create a strategic superstar talent like Quade Cooper, Super Rugby title in 2011, triumphing over alliance with our high performance unit," Will Genia and James Horwill. New Zealand's mighty Crusaders in the Daniel says. final, it was clear this was an organisation Daniel says teaming with Griffith University, at the top of its game. He says sport also offers a unique another organisation pushing the boundaries opportunity to blend on-field performance and ensuring that its students are given the Two years on, Queensland Rugby Union with off-field business savvy and best opportunities in a real-time scenario, has found a kindred sporting spirit in administration. Hosting interns means the seems only natural. Griffith University. In 2013, the pair joined Reds can sniff out talented people to add forces in a deal designed to benefit aspiring "We see a great benefit in aligning ourselves to an already diverse organisation. students and open up a market of talent to with a partner like Griffith," he says. "They the Reds, an organisation steadily building "Sport as an industry is a bit different and are at the top of their game, they are a on that memorable breakthrough at can be very complicated. We have a number respected organisation. People often judge Suncorp Stadium. of commercial partnerships, so not only do you by the company you keep and we want we have to understand things as a sport, to keep that sort of elite company." The arrangement provides an avenue for Griffith students to complete internships at the hallowed rugby centre of Ballymore, while Reds players and coaches join Griffith University in conducting clinics at secondary schools with the aim of developing rugby skills and educational outcomes. Queensland Rugby chief commercial officer Daniel Herbert, capped 67 times for the Wallabies, says the partnership is already providing exciting opportunities for students, players and those on the front line of the QRU, which not only runs the Reds but oversees the game throughout the entire state. Griffith students have been interning in various areas of the Reds operation, from Daniel Herbert and Deputy Vice Chancellor and Provost Professor Marilyn McMeniman at Reds HQ Daniel Herbert and Marilyn McMeniman photo: Chris Stacey McMeniman and Marilyn Herbert Daniel
22 JULY 2013 JULY 2013 23 COMMONWEALTH GAMES
Brendan Casey
SAILING THROUGH 1982 Commonwealth Games opening ceremony LIFE AFTER GRIFFITH The London 2012 Olympic Games didn't go quite to plan for HOME Griffith graduate Brendan Casey. GAMES The sailor's gear let him down For the second time in its short history, Griffith’s capacity at precisely the wrong time. Griffith University will play a major role in and strengths But the sheer thrill of being at the the staging of the Commonwealth Games. in relation to opportunities Games, especially as part of a The 2018 event on the Gold Coast will see associated with sailing team that saved the day for more than 6500 athletes and officials housed the Games. What the Australians, will stay with him at the Games Village directly across the road clearly emerged Chris Madden for life. from Griffith's Parklands campus. was Griffith’s Australia won three gold medals In 1982, Griffith’s Nathan campus was world-class expertise in sports management; and one silver out of the 10 used as the Games Village with the opening sports science and sports medicine; and disciplines at the Olympics. ceremony at nearby QEII Stadium. sports technology. "Being an athlete at the 2012 “This represents a truly exciting opportunity And that’s not to mention the 200 or so elite Olympics was an amazing for Griffith to again be an integral part of athletes already studying at the University as experience," Brendan says. the Commonwealth Games and there is no part of the Griffith Sports College; evidence doubting the impact it will have on the of a great tradition of sporting excellence "The buzz I felt was like having Gold Coast,” says Vice Chancellor Professor dating back to the 1982 Games and before. adrenaline, excitement and energy Ian O’Connor, who has been appointed Professor O’Connor recently appointed running through your body that to the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games outgoing Pro Vice Chancellor you never seem to run out of." Legacy Committee to help maximise the (International) Chris Madden to a new longer-term benefits of the event. The Bachelor of Business role overseeing the turning of those graduate majored in marketing There are 71 Commonwealth countries and opportunities into action. and management and has put Griffith has students from more than 50 of "The Commonwealth Games from a these skills to use in running his them, as well as extensive inter-university Griffith perspective is not just about sport own Brisbane-based business, connections in many. alone," Mr Madden says. Sail Equipment Australia. However, when teams from the "The opportunities for us to assist the He says the sporting success of participating countries converge on the Commonwealth Games in the development such gold medal-winning sailors as Gold Coast for two weeks in April 2018, of the arts and cultural events, and to Tom Slingsby has given Australian there will be much more at play than support our athletes, are very close to sailing a profile like never before. expertise in Commonwealth nations and Griffith's heart. This is a central part of their institutions. what the Commonwealth Games in 2018 "I can say confidently that the “We are looking at the various aspects of will be highlighting." younger generation sailing the Games that Griffith can play a role today is more committed and Mr Madden agrees that Griffith must in, from the sports themselves to medical inspired to push the boundaries capitalise on the quirk of history that has science and the rehabilitation of athletes, to of the sport," he says. placed it in the box seat to enjoy – and the engineering and construction of venues benefit from – not just one, but two Brendan went right back to work and management and staging of the event,” Commonwealth Games. after the Olympics to prepare for a Professor O’Connor says. busy year on the water, including This stroke of good fortune, he says, presents As soon as the Gold Coast won the racing in the ISAF World Cup Series. "historic opportunities for the University hosting bid in 2011, the Vice Chancellor to assist the Games, the city and state". commissioned a report that examined Chris Madden photo: Chris Stacey; Brendan Casey photo: onEdition Photography Casey photo: onEdition Brendan photo: Chris Stacey; Chris Madden
24 JULY 2013 JULY 2013 25 GRIFFITH SPORTS COLLEGE
Michael Shelley
MICHAEL SHELLEY GIVES THANKS The horror of the Boston Marathon Duncan Free (centre), manager of the Griffith Sports College, with Griffith University rowers Cameron Rumball and Emma Bunn bombings in April sent shockwaves around the world, particularly within the international running community. A SPORTING CHANCE Griffith marathon star Michael Shelley, who finished 16th at the Olympian Duncan Free is working compete, something he wouldn't have London Olympics, was left stunned towards a world where elite to do these days as the College bends by the bombings that killed three athletes can balance sport and their and flexes with the needs of students. people and injured hundreds more. education, writes Phil Lutton. "If I look back at my career and education, However, he believes the solidarity I took a year off, going to junior world titles, within athletics will ensure the running not thinking I'd be able to do both. If I was As a four-time Olympic rower and 2008 community remains as strong as ever. in that position today, knowing the support Beijing Games gold medallist, Duncan Free that was around, it would have been much "What happened in Boston was is well aware of the difficulties of trying to smoother," Duncan says. an absolute tragedy." Michael blend study and elite sport. says. "This tragedy will bring the As well as fostering students in sport, Between the arduous training, the rigours running community even closer, as he spends much of his time working on of travel, the draining competition and the was evident in the recent London relationships with elite teams, which in turn vital recovery, there seems like no time to Marathon where there was 30 gives their players the best access to Griffith focus on anything else. seconds of silence before the race and University options. Now that he has racked the oars, Duncan every runner wore a black ribbon." "We have relationships with a lot of teams has turned his time to ensuring Australia's Michael, who holds a Bachelor of and organisations. They have player welfare next sporting stars don't have the same Business from Griffith, says: "Has managers and they are very happy with concerns as they try to balance athletic and it changed sport? Unfortunately I what the Griffith Sports College is doing academic aspirations. think it will, with more security at in that space. Duncan is the manager of the Griffith events. But I think we need to still "Their role is to get players into some sort Sports College, which aims to give athletes attend and participate in these events of part-time work or university and guide the flexibility and support they need to to make a stand against the people them through that path. I have a close achieve the outcomes they want in the who try to influence our lives in a relationship with those guys and it greatly classroom and in their sport of choice. negative fashion." helps the process." "We create flexibility for the elite athletes While the bombings left Michael Duncan is justifiably proud of the in the country. What we basically do is help gutted, the 29-year-old has been on reputation the Sports College is quickly them with admissions and any way possible, a high in terms of his running. His mustering when it comes to looking after finish in London, his first Olympic whether it is academic support, mentoring the needs of gifted students striving for the Games, was well above expectations. or various workshops," he says. best in all of their endeavours. "Finishing 16th was above my wildest "We try to give them the best opportunity "We're becoming known as an organisation dreams. With it being my first to do both at the one time. A lot of that does a very good job of looking after Olympics, I wanted to have a race that sports are time-demanding, so it's just an athletes and providing that support," he says. I could have been happy with," he says. extra support network to help their goals academically and in sport as well." "I'm pretty proud of the reputation we are Michael took a well-earned break after starting to get for that, and my role is to London before putting his head down Duncan graduated from Griffith in 1996 continue that momentum and try to create again, travelling to the US for altitude with a Bachelor of Health Sciences, even further support for our athletes." training in Arizona. but always found it difficult to devote time to study. He took a year off to griffith.edu.au/griffith-sports-college Duncan Free photo: Jeremy Patten; Michael Shelley photo: Gold Coast Bulletin Coast photo: Gold Shelley Michael Patten; photo: Jeremy Duncan Free
24 JULY 2013 JULY 2013 25 WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
to Brisbane people understanding their city and wanting to know more. "We weren't taught about Brisbane's history when I was growing up here and yet it has such a rich
and colourful story to tell. Nicholas photo: Justin Denham Peter 'Completing my Masters at Griffith only affirmed my view on the importance of history and culture to the identity of any city'
"The good news is that the museum now has much greater access to the many chapters of that story and we have the resources to tell it in an exciting and contemporary way.
Peter Denham "Completing my Masters at Griffith only affirmed my view on the importance of history and culture to the identity of any city. That's why A LESSON WORTH LEARNING the museum wants to dispel the myths Growing up in Brisbane, Peter Denham restored Brisbane City Hall and housed that nothing interesting happened says he knew little of the city's history, in a purpose-built gallery on its roof. in Brisbane and that major historical much less the people who helped shape it. events always happen elsewhere. Peter acknowledges his time at Griffith Yet lessons learned while completing as providing an ideal preparation for "In terms of identity, knowing what has happened in your city allows you to his Master of Cultural Leadership at his role. Griffith University are now helping him better understand who you are as well as articulate that history and culture to a "It gave me the opportunity to reflect, the people around you." to consider what other techniques or new generation of Brisbanites. After a $215 million restoration resources I might bring to my role at program, the Museum of Brisbane and Peter is director of the recently reopened the museum," he says. "It helped me City Hall reopened in 2013, which also and revitalised Museum of Brisbane, to better appreciate a broad change in marks the museum's 10th anniversary. the jewel in the crown of the stunningly attitude and perception when it came
more capable than ever to play his part in a "People even asked me why I was doing my global business. MBA because they said I didn't need it to do my job," he recalls. Cook Medical is the largest privately-owned medical devices company in the world, "But I have learned so much. It has made manufacturing specialist medical and surgical me better at my job and better equipped equipment. From its Brisbane office, it for the future." has become one of Australia's most highly Jithendra endured the hard years of juggling regarded exporters. a full-time, high-level job, family life and Jithendra's IT team makes sure the processes postgraduate study. that hold the region's network of offices and "It was difficult, but you just do it," he plants together function at optimum levels. says. "I spent so many weekends at Griffith Jithendra Nair "There is always something going on," University. I would sometimes take my kids he says. "And Cook trust me to get it done. there and they would draw or read in the It is a great company to work for." library while I studied." ONE DOOR CLOSES, GRIFFITH OPENS It wasn't always such plain sailing for He says finishing his MBA in 2012 with his ANOTHER Jithendra, who was faced with a major career family alongside him at his graduation on the change about four years ago when the radical Gold Coast was a proud moment. The world beckons for Jithendra Nair and he restructuring of Australia's media industry Now with his Masters under his belt he has never been better equipped to step into a began and he was made redundant from his can devote his attention to Cook Medical's career of adventure. role as a media IT manager at News Limited. international demands, his home and wife His role as Asia-Pacific IT Director for Cook But he was quickly snapped up by and children – and there was even time for Medical takes him all over the region. After Cook and has since been promoted a return to the cricket field this year. completing his MBA at Griffith, he feels to his current position. – Dean Gould
26 JULY 2013 JULY 2013 27 WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
Sophie Richards Katie Noonan Monique Jeremiah
LA IN THE PIPELINE SONGBIRD WITH RECOGNITION FOR A At just 20, Queensland College of Art SOLID CREDENTIALS JOB WELL FOUND Honours student Sophie Richards will After graduating with a Bachelor Monique Jeremiah graduated from Griffith benefit from a stint in Los Angeles to of Music from the Queensland with a business degree in 2008. learn from the iconic photographic artist Conservatorium, Katie Noonan Her passion for business and education led Polly Borland. didn't waste any time in cementing her to Exceptional Tuition and Resumes, her position as one of Australia's After impressing Australian-born Polly, a personal home tutoring business on the most talented and versatile vocalists. Sophie was awarded the photography Gold Coast. category at the 2013 Qantas Spirit of Youth Reflecting on her time at the Con, She is now director of the successful Awards 365 (SOYA 365). the ARIA Award-winning singer company, which provides online says: "It was a wonderful time, One of the competition's youngest winners, academic tuition and professional incredibly creative, very fertile and Sophie triumphed over 400 other entrants resume writing services. a time of new discoveries." with a collective 5000 photographs. In January, Monique was named the 2012 "I was lucky enough to learn from The bar was set high, but Polly said Sophie's Gold Coast Young Citizen of the Year and the wonderful Margreta Elkins work stood out because it was "highly personal was a finalist in the 2012 Australian Small in my classical times and then and beautifully rendered with freshness". Business Champion Awards in both the went to the jazz course where I Educational Services and Young Small Sophie credits the had incredible mentors like Tony Business Champion categories. Queensland College of Hobbs, Jonathan Dimond, John Art with providing the Hoffman, Irene Bartlett, Stephen Monique's passion for ideal environment to Leek and a host of great musicians business and education led develop her passion that taught me a lot about being a her to Exceptional Tuition and nurture her natural well-rounded musician. and Resumes, a personal progression as an artist. "I feel very lucky that my career home tutoring business on has been a series of happy the Gold Coast. It's fitting too that Sophie is spending time accidents. I've of course dedicated in California, the base of American artist "Monique's impact on the Gold Coast myself to my craft but I feel Allan Sekula, whom she notes as highly shows the influence our graduates very blessed and lucky to be able influential in her work. are having in the community," Pro to be a full-time musician. My Vice Chancellor (Business) Professor Sophie credits the Queensland College of time at the Con helped me Michael Powell said while presenting Art with providing the ideal environment to immeasurably in that way." Monique with the Young Alumnus develop her passion and nurture her natural Katie was awarded the Griffith award at a gala dinner at Brisbane's progression as an artist. University Arts, Education and Law Convention and Exhibition Centre. "It is such a great community. Knowing the Alumnus of the Year for 2012. lecturers are also practising artists in their Monique follows in the footsteps of She has been touring the country own right is very inspirational," she says. previous winners: Stephen Gregg, chair with intimate performances from of Tourism Queensland; Phillip Di The darkroom is also a favourite haunt her album Songbook, exploring Bella, owner and founder of Di Bella for Sophie, who strongly believes in material from throughout her Coffee; Fabienne Wintle, founder of web film-only photography. career, including songs from marketing site Untanglemyweb.com; george, Katie Noonan and the "This is in direct response to the digital world Clinton Dines, former president of BHP Captains, Elixir and her solo work. we are now surrounded by, where everything Billiton China; and Judy Spence, former is easy and instant," she says. – Lauren Suto Queensland Police Minister.
26 JULY 2013 JULY 2013 27 NEWS BITES
A BOLD NEW CHAPTER A Griffith business student has played her part in the engagement of young Chinese and young Australians since winning a Prime Minister's Australia Asia Endeavour Award. Elise Giles co-founded the Hong Kong Chapter of the Australia China Youth Association (ACYA) after travelling to Hong Kong as part of her award. Elise travelled through South- East Asia before settling into her first semester at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. An internship at the international event consultancy Kristy Spry company, MCI, completes the Endeavour Award program designed to give her an insight into the skills required to coordinate projects on an HELPING THE NATION GROW international level. Kristy Spry has played a special part in an Australian milestone. Elise says ACYA has four chapters in China and several in Australia. The second year Bachelor of Midwifery student recently helped in the birth of the 23 millionth Australian. "Its purpose is to actively develop a community of young Australians As part of her degree placement, Kristy was on duty at Redland Hospital on April interested in China and young Chinese 23, 2013. At 7.03pm, she helped the nation's population hit exactly 23 million interested in Australia," she says. "The when she aided the birth of little Boone Mason, weighing in at 3420 grams. Hong Kong Chapter is still young, "It was a really beautiful birth," Kristy says. "Just to be there with Boone and his parents, however we are providing opportunities supporting their journey, was really amazing. Being at any birth, of course, is a great for Australians and locals here in Hong experience, and this certainly allowed me to put my clinical experience to good use." Kong to establish relationships through language exchange events, junk boat Dr Kathleen Baird from the School of Nursing and Midwifery says the event was trips, speaker engagement nights and a great demonstration of the working partnership between Griffith University and social gatherings." Redland Hospital.
SEEING IS BELIEVING Gold Coast student Cody Mason has taken out first prize in an international student architectural illustration competition. Cody's image, Icarus Project Perspective, won the major Student Award of Excellence in the 2013 Architecture in Perspective (AIP 28) Competition, sponsored by the American Society of Architectural Illustrators. "It is fantastic to receive international recognition for my work, and it means a lot to me to be included in what I consider to be Cody Mason a catalogue of exceptional architectural illustrations," Cody says. Icarus Project Perspective was voted the best by all The second year architecture student created the image as part three judges, while Australian judge Shane Thompson of his studies for the Architecture Studio 1 course. It involved a described it as a beautifully evocative work that heightens combination of 3D modelling in architectural design software, the relationship between building and landscape. photography and further CGI and manipulation in Photoshop. Spry and Kristy Mason photos: Chris Stacey Cody
28 JULY 2013 JULY 2013 29 NEWS BITES
Andrew is based in Brisbane and his scholarship allowed him to study at Griffith Business School through its association with the PGA International Golf Institute. The IGI’s marketing and student recruitment manager, Josh Madden, echoed Andrew’s sentiments, adding Scott’s win would inspire young Australian golfers. Among them, two female golfers were the recipients of the Adam Scott scholarship in 2012, with Brisbane’s Melinda Bell and Gold Coaster Anna Stanton each Adam Scott studying for their Bachelor of Business (Sports Management). Meanwhile, the 2013 recipient, aspiring major winner Toby Cooper, from MASTERS OF Warialda in New South Wales, will study within Griffith’s Department of Tourism, THEIR Sport and Hotel Management. DESTINY The Adam Scott Foundation helps Griffith University is accustomed to home to the Adam Scott Foundation Sports disadvantaged and underprivileged students earning their Masters, but in Business Scholarship. Australian youth, a cause arising from 2013 one of its most valued supporters And no one was more thrilled than the first 33-year-old Scott’s recognition of the gap won the Masters. recipient of the scholarship, Griffith business between his own good fortune and those In April, Gold Coast golfer Adam graduate Andrew Savins. not so privileged. Scott brushed aside years of close calls “Adam’s such a great bloke, so modest and “I believe that the giving of an and broke through to claim arguably generous, and I’m sure there’ll be other opportunity may be one of the greatest world golf’s most prestigious major major victories to follow,” Andrew says. gifts of all, be that an opportunity for tournament, the US Masters. a single experience to a sick child or “He deserves them. He is an inspiration and Scott’s first major title was a particularly a chance to follow a dream that may not just on the golf course, but for the work proud moment for Griffith University, otherwise be unattainable,” Scott says. he does for other people.”
CRIMINAL MINDS Jessica Law Griffith University's Jessica Law Originally from NSW, having completed can't wait to experience some high school in Port Macquarie in "prime crime time" in England. 2005, Jessica's interest in criminology was sparked by watching TV police The 25-year-old Gold Coast criminology dramas such as CSI and Law & student has been accepted for a four- Order. The fascination only grew once month study exchange in the School of she enrolled at Griffith in 2012. Law (Criminal Justice and Criminology) at the University of Leeds in late 2013. "I did a class on offender profiling and it involved a case in which a woman Eager to access the resources of the had killed her de facto partner in a university's renowned criminology particularly gruesome way," she says. program, Jessica will also liaise "It was a truly shocking case, but as I with Yorkshire justice departments looked further I was surprised at how "I'm drawn towards contemporary, female- and visit facilities including HM difficult it was to find information on driven issues such as "ladette" culture, Prison Leeds, better known as violent women that wasn't salacious. violence committed by girls, globalisation the notorious Armley Prison. and the sex trade and sexuality and society. "This is a topic that everyone has "It's a very hands-on program an opinion on, because there are "I'm interested in learning why a woman has and it's a fantastic opportunity to so many elements – psychological, resorted to an act of extreme violence, then broaden my experience in a different sexual, home circumstances, children applying that evidence-based knowledge to environment," Jessica says. – that can come into play. improve understanding and outcomes." Jessica Law photo: Chris Stacey; Adam Scott photo: Tony Bowler Tony Scott photo: Adam Law photo: Chris Stacey; Jessica
28 JULY 2013 JULY 2013 29 FOREIGN EXCHANGE
Australian and Asian artists, and in Guangzhou – "my first exhibition in China." They follow numerous showings in the South Korean capital. Her role at Seoul International College has been the catalyst for these opportunities, although Dr Anderson admits that a PhD is not a necessity. "Yes, it's possible to teach secondary and college level internationally without a PhD, but the international system does recognise teachers for having earned a PhD, unlike the Australian school system," she says. "So a significant salary bonus was available to me as a result of having the higher degree," she says. "I do love the way my students and their parents here call me Dr A." "Dr A" explored the relationship between touch and visuality in her thesis, A Place Opens: An Exploration of Touch. "The process taught me much, personally and professionally, as an artist and writer, Judy Anderson with Jeanne Han as an academic researcher and educator," at the annual International school art exhibition she says. "The biggest personal lesson was in perseverance, endurance, self-efficacy, AT PEACE IN A WAR ZONE trust, gratitude and the art of balance. But why did I really do it? The Korean Peninsula is not the "Coming home now will be with fresher obvious place for a sabbatical, eyes, having seen that bit more of the world. "I couldn't stop. I was still thirsty. I'd only writes Dean Gould. started. Thirsty for more. The Masters "This two years has been intensely packed whet my appetite. The PhD was a whole with work, research, teaching, travelling, other journey on a whole other level. I making art and exhibiting, forming new It is a long way from Queensland to South craved the intensity and the challenge." friendships and lots of Skyping loved ones Korea, but it is the space rather than the at home. But it has also very much proven That intensity in her professional work distance that attracted Dr Judy Anderson. to be a sabbatical, breathing time, in that I hasn't abated. Dr Anderson achieved her PhD at Griffith am removed from the familiar and previous 'The process taught me University in 2010 and is now coming to ways of doing and being. much, personally and the end of a two-year stint at the Seoul "Being self-reliant and alone in a foreign place professionally, as an artist International College, where she has been induces reflection and internal dialogue." teaching art. and writer, as an academic Conversely, it also induces curiosity researcher and educator' Her PhD studies spanned a nine-year and adventure. period during which time she worked as "Seoul International School is an American a secondary school teacher in Brisbane 'Being self-reliant and school that offers AP (Advanced Placement) and on the Gold Coast and as a sessional alone in a foreign place College courses, so my Head of Arts lecturer at Griffith's School of Education induces reflection and position involves teaching AP courses, AP Studio Art and AP Art History," she says. and Professional Studies. However, after internal dialogue' the "sense of joy and relief and growth that She has also seized more research openings, accompanies the completion of the PhD Despite a nervousness about the sabre- such as the annual KORCOS conferences process" she wanted room to breathe. rattling from an increasingly volatile North 2011/2012, a premier Korean educational Korean regime, Dr Anderson has used "I did feel a need to maximise the conference where she presented research on Seoul as a base to visit China, Vietnam, opportunities in a proactive way, fully Banksy to Botticelli – Art In Context. India, Japan, Hong Kong, Thailand, aware also that I wanted some quality Cambodia and Singapore. She also "These creative processes generate breathing space," she says from her one- chaperoned a school visit to Paris. opportunities, not so much from having bedroom apartment in Seoul. 'Dr' in front of one's name, but from Her own art has blossomed too, with "This chance to travel, teach and exhibit having planted the seeds – the body of exhibitions at the Arts Centre Meeting overseas has given me that necessary work – that continues to expand and Place and Australian Creative Exchange breathing space. evolve," Dr Anderson says. project, combining artworks from
30 JULY 2013 JULY 2013 31 WELCOME BACK
STAY
CONNECTED Arrival Plaza, Nathan campus
University study is more than Staying connected will keep you up to just an education. It can form the date with the work and achievements of foundation of partnerships that your university, new developments in your continue for life, writes Professor professional field, and the destinations Marilyn McMeniman. and impact of your fellow graduates. And staying connected will create opportunities for you to be involved in extending the University connections can span the influence of your alma mater. globe. They are found in partnerships Griffith University is immensely proud of with colleagues who have studied and our 120,000 graduates, many of whom worked together; with inspirational are highly successful in their professions teachers who have opened minds to and making vital contributions to their Professor Marilyn McMeniman new challenges and ideas and stimulated communities around the globe. innovative thinking and solutions; with local and international businesses enabling We are also grateful for the generous support be involved in the Griffith Industry students to learn within the workplace; given by so many of our alumni, business, Mentoring Program. and with communities that have engaged industry and professional partners, which Please, stay connected to Griffith University with us in research and service projects. helps us extend our work in the community and empowers people through education. and play an active part in our future. These partnerships are an important bond Professor Marilyn McMeniman AM In return, the University offers alumni that Griffith University hopes to nurture Deputy Vice Chancellor and Provost a range of benefits, including a regular over many years. Griffith University e-newsletter, discounted Griffith library Students who stay connected with membership, concession price tickets for the University beyond graduation Queensland Conservatorium concerts and continue to be part of this growing access to the Careers and Employment network of relationships. Service. Alumni are also invited to Nathan campus and Professor Marilyn McMeniman photos: Chris Stacey McMeniman Marilyn campus and Professor Nathan
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