FREE Publication Adelaidean NEWS FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE Volume 14 • Number 4 • June 2005
inside this issue 3 The future is eye-tech Keeping our trees streets ahead
8 New $8m music facilities hit the right note
10 Revecca responds to child disease challenge
13 Anne’s perfect strands: knitting and writing
5 Hawker scholars’ double success
A hoverfl y and a computer chip Physiology seeing eye to eye 7 Photo by David O’Carroll David’s high-energy stargazing Can the humble fl y help us to see engineers led by Dr O’Carroll, and a powerful sense of structure in the better? known as the Visual Physiology world.” Group, studying the brains and eyes Unlike the popular stereotype, fl y The Visual Physiology Group has 11 of fl ies to develop artifi cial vision eyes do not form thousands of little already studied how fl ies perceive this systems – computer chips that can NASA astronaut to launch images – instead, they perceive one visual motion, and copied the whole Japanese conference see – that one day may provide the very fuzzy image of the world process onto a tiny computer chip. basis for a bionic eye. around it. Dr Karin Nordstrom, a post-doctoral “As all animals move, the world Yet, with a brain the size of a grain fellow in the Discipline of Physiology 16 moves past and so even stationary of rice and only this fuzzy image to and a member of the Visual objects generate patterns of motion Helping our sports stars strive go on, how do fl ies see well enough Physiology Group, said this is done for excellence on our retina,” he said. “Our eyes to avoid getting swatted by us, or to by inserting an electrode in the fl y’s move continually to track this motion perform a precise landing on a fl ower brain to enable researchers to record and the motion itself provides a waving in the breeze? the activity in its brain cells. powerful cue as to what we are The answer, according to Dr David doing in the world, as well as where “We project images onto a computer O’Carroll from the University of features are and how large they are. screen that the insect views, and then Adelaide’s School of Molecular and we correlate that with the responses “As we move past an object, Biomedical Science, is that fl ies have obtained from the insect’s brain cells, its apparent speed depends on an exquisite sense of visual motion. which helps us understand how their its distance, with close objects brain analyses visual information. It is this sense of motion that has appearing to move faster, so the a team of university scientists and relative motion of objects provides continued on page 4 Adelaidean
Adelaidean has a readership of more than 31,000 per month – 13,000 in print and 18,000 online Editor: Ben Osborne Design and Layout: Chris Tonkin Writers: Howard Salkow Ben Osborne Lisa Toole From the Vice-Chancellor Media student writer: Sukhmani Khorana It’s always refreshing to learn what our alumni have been the Melbourne event was 500, and for Sydney between 400 doing since graduating from the University of Adelaide, and to 500. While these numbers represent graduates from all Contributors: some recent experiences of mine have further underlined the three universities, a signifi cant proportion of them were from David O’Carroll Lisa Edwards contribution they are making not only locally, but across the Adelaide and many of them, again, expressed to me their Di Kidd country and the region. enthusiasm and affection for their university. Ian Doyle In March I travelled to Malaysia and Hong Kong to attend Both here and overseas, our graduates are playing major Printed by: our annual offshore graduation ceremonies held in those roles in the societies in which they live, and these recent Lane Print Group countries, as well as attending various alumni-related events, events only serve to reinforce this. Such events also Tel: +61 8 8179 9900 Fax: +61 8 8376 1044 including a visit to Sarawak. In both of those countries I highlight the strength of our alumni networks in Australia Email: [email protected] was impressed by the level of enthusiasm that was shown and the Asia-Pacifi c region, and I congratulate the many Web: www.laneprint.com.au by graduates of the university. This enthusiasm was people involved in these networks for the time and effort Distribution: expressed equally by those who had only just graduated, they give back to the university. I strongly encourage all of Lane Print Group and by those who had graduated anywhere up to 50 years our graduates to stay involved with the university, as we like Passing Out Distribution Co. ago. The Chancellor, the Honourable John von Doussa QC, to know what you have been doing, just as you like to know Advertising: attended similar functions in Singapore and reported similar what the university has been doing. It is a relationship that KRL Media sentiments. Such a sense of connection and engagement can only benefi t both of us. Tel: +61 8 8231 5433 with the university is irreplaceable. Fax: +61 8 8212 1238 Email: [email protected] In April, along with the Premier, Mr Mike Rann, and the Vice- Coming Events: Chancellors of the other two South Australian universities, All coming events must be University of I attended functions hosted by the State Government Adelaide related and of public interest. in Melbourne and Sydney for alumni of all three local Please send details of events via email to: [email protected] universities. While the aim of these functions was to inform these alumni of the benefi ts of returning to work and live Deadline for July issue: in South Australia, what they suggested to me was how JAMES A. McWHA Tuesday, June 14, 2005 mobile our alumni are within Australia. The attendance for Vice-Chancellor Room G07 Mitchell Building, South Australia, 5005. Tel: +61 8 8303 5174 Fax: +61 8 8303 4838 Email: [email protected] www.adelaide.edu.au/adelaidean/ Material may be reproduced without Government boost for industry links permission but acknowledgement must be given to the Adelaidean. Registered by Australia Post No 565001/00046 Industry
The University of Adelaide’s Both projects were funded DSTO Chair of Photonics at the collaborative links with industry through the Premier’s Science and University of Adelaide.” have been further enhanced Research Fund. Dr Kruk said one of the exciting with three university researchers Professor Munch said the cluster things about the value-adding receiving $500,000 worth of State STOP PRESS would enable collaborations lamb project is the collaboration Government funding. between university research Who are the new faces between the university and groups, Regency Institute of TAFE of the University of Professor John Carver, Head of industry for the purpose of and industry. Adelaide’s award-winning School of Chemistry and Physics, increasing business opportunities, Life Impact campaign? and Professor Jesper Munch, research and education in defence “Private company Wanderribby will Professor of Experimental Physics, photonics. develop the project’s feeding and Vice-Chancellor Professor were awarded $250,000 to “The vision of the Defence marketing systems, the university James McWha will be establish “The Defence Photonics Photonics Cluster is to generate will conduct the analytical work launching new Life Impact Cluster” as a partnership between an internationally recognized and the Regency Institute of TAFE television commercials the University of Adelaide, the strength in defence photonics in will carry out the taste testing at a special function on Defence Science and Technology South Australia, which will form trials,” Dr Kruk said. Friday, June 10 to a select Organization (DSTO) and the a nucleus for further growth in group of media and South Australian defence industry. “We aim to develop a healthy lamb university representatives. photonics and its applications,” product with enhanced fl avours Another project, “Value-adding Professor Munch said. “In via dietary manipulations. This After that date, visit the South Australian lamb”, and led particular, it will maximise the has the potential to signifi cantly university website to fi nd by Dr Zibby Kruk, a Postdoctoral benefi t of the very signifi cant increase profi t for the SA sheep out who the new “Life Fellow in the School of Agriculture increase in local photonics and lamb industry by developing Impacters” are – and and Wine, has also been awarded capability which has resulted branded products as well as keep an eye out for the $250,000 over the next three from the recent appointment of opening the possibility of targeting television commercials! years. Professor Tanya Monro to the new markets,” Dr Kruk said.
Adelaidean | Volume 14, Number 4 • June 2005 2 Keeping our trees streets ahead
Environmental Biology
Adelaide’s unique street tree environment is a haven for our birdlife – but more needs to be done, according to a University of Adelaide researcher. Karen Young (pictured right) studied hundreds of street trees in Adelaide for her Honours project in the School of Environmental and Earth Sciences to fi nd out what type of birds used them and what factors infl uenced this use. “We have quite bit of vegetation on our streets, which means a number of birds can use street trees and the ground for food and shelter,” she said. “In other cities which are much more built-up, like London, birds don’t have this luxury – they can feed only on the ground.” But to preserve this uniqueness, Karen said, it is not simply a matter of planting more trees, as a wide number of factors affect how birds use street trees. “I looked at four main species of trees that are common in Adelaide, and what birds used them for: the native red gum, plane trees, jacarandas and bottlebrushes,” she said. “Out of the 45 species of birds commonly seen on the Adelaide plains, I counted 28 different species Adelaide residents also have a big part to play in “Birds are then more likely to use the street trees if during my survey. Of those 28, I saw 24 species maintaining an overall bird-friendly environment. the tree species and time of year are appropriate, actually using the trees. Some species of birds as these are most important factors for them. were quite common, like the noisy miner, and “Although tree species and season are very others were seen only occasionally, such as the red- important, an interesting fi nding from my study “Councils do have a big part to play in what street rumped parrot and silver-eye. was that the surrounding environment in which the trees go in where, and they have a lot of things to consider: how long the trees are going to last, how “Different birds used the trees for different street trees stand affects how the tree species and much will they cost to maintain, how much shade reasons, and some trees were better than others in season infl uence the birds,” she said. they will provide, and how much they will cost certain ways. Plane trees and red gums were good “Essentially, that means how well-vegetated the to replace. for food, where the jacarandas weren’t. Birds that front gardens are along the street. A single tree used hollows for sheltering liked the red gums and “But I hope my study will show that with just a little surrounded by concrete is less likely to attract plane trees, and the birds that used nests liked the bit more thought about what trees are effective bottlebrushes. great numbers of birds if the little bit of food or and where and when they are effective, councils shelter that tree provides are the only things in can use them more appropriately. Part of it is also “Season also infl uences which birds are using the area, no matter how good that tree species up to us, to make sure we provide the appropriate which trees and when, because they affect the may be elsewhere. surrounding vegetation to create an environment resources the trees provide: once the bottlebrushes where birds are encouraged to use our street trees stopped fl owering the rainbow lorikeets stopped “But if you have gardens with a variety of as much as possible.” using them, and little wattlebirds were generally vegetation, like some lawn, shrubs, and ground only seen using the red gums in summer.” covers, then birds are more likely to be in the area. Story and photo by Ben Osborne
3 Volume 14, Number 4 • June 2005 | Adelaidean The future is eye-tech continued from page 1
“The information obtained by the physiologists is then used by the engineers to build computer models of the insect brain and from there we can put it on the chips.” These motion-sensing chips have a huge range of possible applications from more powerful anti-collision sensors in cars to optical gyroscopes for miniature aircraft. Dr O’Carroll said the development of this initial research for use in a human bionic eye, however, is still some years away. “Eye diseases with millions of sufferers worldwide, such as retinitis pigmentosa and macular degeneration, involve irreversible degeneration of the light sensitive layers of the retina in the eye, leaving sufferers with profound blindness,” he said. “These diseases stop the retina from detecting the image focused onto it by the pupil, yet leave the nerve that connects the eye to the brain perfectly intact. So if a bionic eye could be developed to mimic the function of the retina, it could be coupled to the optic nerve in a similar way to the bionic ear. Instead, Dr O’Carroll and his team Dr Karin Nordstrom (left) and Dr David are tackling the problem from a O’Carroll from the Visual Physiology Group Artifi cial vision research at Photo by Ben Osborne “The problem that others are having motion-sensing perspective, rather the University of Adelaide has in trying to develop bionic eyes than an image-capturing one. received another boost with the which fi t this model is that the image recent announcement of the “We think that this approach our brain ‘sees’ comes from hundreds “What we know is that specifi c visual Computational Neuroscience – building ‘biomimetic’ detectors of thousands of very tightly packed areas in the temporal lobes of our research cluster, one of fi ve new relay nerve cells within the retina. brains contain motion processing for specifi c jobs and then mapping clusters (see story opposite). These nerve cells couple each and centres remarkably similar to those those to direct electrical stimulation Researchers from across the of insects,” he said. “Brain cells of specifi c brain regions – offers every point of the image formed in University will be involved in the retina to the rest of our brains. studied in that region respond to advantages for the development of bionic devices. the multi-disciplinary cluster, complex patterns of motion just like representing such areas as “Trying to fi nd a way to connect those found in the fl y. electrodes from an artifi cial device “Even a sense of motion would be Physiology, Philosophy, Genetics, like a camera to each individual “If electrodes were used to directly very useful for an otherwise blind Computer Science, Electronic Engineering, and Psychology. nerve cell correctly is very diffi cult, stimulate these brain regions, they patient – allowing them to judge and even if we could, the packing could produce a sensation of the distance to nearby objects by the It will be led by Dr O’Carroll and of these cells is so dense that we world moving without the need speed that they move.” Associate Professor Gerard O’Brien couldn’t achieve an image with a to map a bionic eye back onto Story by Ben Osborne from the Discipline of Philosophy. high enough resolution.” the retina. and Sukhmani Khorana
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Adelaidean | Volume 14, Number 4 • June 2005 4 A high Hawker scholars’ fi ve for double success research Scholarships
Research
The University of Adelaide’s research capabilities have been further emphasised with the recent announcement of fi ve new clusters. With four other clusters already in operation, this brings the total of clusters currently operating in the university to nine. The new clusters are: The Computational Neuroscience Research Cluster (see continuation of Page One story opposite).
The Preventive Healthcare Research Cluster which comprises membership from all fi ve university faculties. The next stage now is to appoint a PHRC Co- ordinator who will bring together the various elements of the PHRC already identifi ed such as research, formal and informal networking opportunities and the development of a graduate University of Adelaide students continue to Kate McFarlane (left) and Jeffery Duncan (right) research program. prove their outstanding abilities with two with David Hawker MP The Integrating Sustainability Research receiving prestigious Charles Hawker scholarships for 2005. Cluster, which will expand on the university’s broad research interests in sustainability, ranging Both students are residents at St Mark’s College Jeffrey was educated at the Coomealla High from technology through to environmental and and studying for double degrees at Adelaide. School in New South Wales and grew up on his economic concerns. Kate McFarlane is studying for a Bachelor of family’s sheep station. International Studies and Law, while Jeffrey This cluster will allow enhanced interaction Duncan is studying for a Bachelor of Mechanical “As a result of my work on the family property, between the university, the State Government and Engineering/Economics. I now understand and appreciate the extent to the broader community in the practical application which regional and rural Australia can benefi t of research into sustainability. They will receive up to $60,000 each over four from the work of engineers,” Jeffrey said. years from one of the most generous privately The Food Plus Cluster has been established to funded scholarships in Australia. The scholarship A brilliant student and an accomplished facilitate enhanced integration across disciplines perpetuates the memory of scholar, soldier, sportsman, Jeffrey was one of 40 students in New in food and beverage research, and draws upon pastoralist and statesman Charles Allan Seymour South Wales to be awarded the Minister’s Award expertise from within the university from plant Hawker and commemorates the achievements for Excellence in Student Achievement. and animal molecular biosciences, sustainable of one of Australia’s most respected pastoral agriculture, food and beverage processing, human “My career goal is to make a major contribution pioneers. health and nutrition, and commerce and marketing. by developing functional, well-designed and well- Kate grew up in regional Victoria and was constructed products to benefi t rural Australia,” The cluster will engage the South Australian educated at Ballarat Grammar. She has a keen Jeffrey said. Government, businesses and the broader interest in current affairs, politics, and social community in the practical applications of research Presenting the scholarship certifi cates to Kate issues, as well as a strong understanding of into food and beverage production, food quality and Jeffrey, the Hon. David Hawker MP said they Australia’s place in the world. and nutrition, value adding and marketing. are awarded to academically capable students of “My parents nurtured a strong sense of social principle and character who are committed to The Energy Research Cluster aims to deliver awareness and instilled in me an understanding Australia’s future. substantive social and economic benefi ts, while of my responsibilities to the community,” “The Charles Hawker Scholarship is one of the reducing the associated environmental impacts, Kate said. in all areas of energy provision and consumption most important in Australia. I commend the by establishing a single entity to coordinate and The young student’s social conscience is Trustees for the contribution the scholarship draw upon the specialist expertise available within manifested in her involvement with the Ballarat has already made and will continue to make to the university. Refugee Support Network and A Just Australia, the education of a number of outstanding young and her initiation of a letter-writing program Australians,” he said. In particular, this expertise is focused on the between Grade Six students and children “Each of these recipients has already displayed areas of cleaner and more effi cient production, detained on Nauru. conversion and utilisation of energy, and will a strong commitment to the ideals upon which include technology development, evaluation of “My goal is to pursue a career involving the Charles Hawker Scholarship is founded. They socio-cultural phenomena and formulation of community issues and social justice in Australia are gifted scholars with inquiring minds and have energy policy. or overseas,” Kate said. already contributed to the wider community.”
5 Volume 14, Number 4 • June 2005 | Adelaidean Adelaide makes an impression on counsellors Future Students
Career counsellors from the eastern Frank said the visit was “an Liz Geddes (second from right) with states were singing the praises of the opportunity to see one of Australia’s counsellors (from left) Jenny Oglesby, University of Adelaide following a leading universities fi rst-hand and Anne Schoonraad and Frank Thompson Photo by Lisa Toole two-day introduction to the university what it has to offer.” and its city recently. “It’s important for our students to Anne Schoonraad from Presbyterian be aware that we deal in a national system and they shouldn’t restrict Ladies College, an independent counsellors attended presentations their thinking to just what’s in girls school in Melbourne, Frank from the faculties and student the local community, a short tram- Thompson from Melbourne Grammar support services, and were taken on ride away.” School, an independent boys school tours of the North Terrace campus and Jenny Oglesby of Melbourne At Taylors College international and city of Adelaide. independent co-ed school, Taylors students, the majority from China, “There’s nothing more powerful College, were among 22 career form about 80 percent of the than actually seeing and feeling the counsellors who came to Adelaide enrolment. Jenny said the overseas University of Adelaide campus and from secondary schools in Victoria students were “quite mobile and want Adelaide,” she said. and New South Wales. to go to a Group of Eight university – there were quite a few last year for She said both the counsellors Anne, who has several former whom Adelaide was the fi rst choice and faculty representatives were students studying here, said: “I am and they didn’t want to fi ll out a extremely pleased with the event, very impressed with the facilities, I VTAC form.” especially as it enabled them to meet think it’s a fantastic university – it’s and speak in person. in the heart of the city but still has its Student Information and Services own atmosphere.” director Liz Geddes said the Story by Lisa Toole
Adelaidean | Volume 14, Number 4 • June 2005 6 David’s high-energy stargazing Physics
Making new discoveries about the honours decided to come to Adelaide Andromeda galaxy, that’s the closest David Jones gets up close and personal more extreme parts of our universe is for my PhD as the university has galaxy to the Milky Way. with the Investigator Science and Technology part of the attraction of astrophysics a greater focus on high-energy Centre’s Stardome at the Cloisters for University of Adelaide student astrophysics.” “I enjoy the challenge of astrophysics Photo by Lisa Toole David Jones. and the fact that it’s possible to make To date, David has had the discoveries no one else has. David recently moved from opportunity to use some high profi le “Two studies have already been done “The bottom line is that astrophysics Melbourne to start his PhD at pieces of equipment to observe is great for people who like to work, Adelaide which will involve using objects both in our galaxy and to try to fi nd the type of radiation I’m travel and live overseas. Most people radio telescopes to measure the beyond. looking for in my PhD – we know it in an astronomy department will have interactions of some of the highest exists because it’s been reproduced “I had a Summer scholarship at the worked and lived overseas at least energy particles in the universe with in a lab.” Australian Telescope National Facility some time in their careers.” the moon’s surface. The fi ndings and lived at the Australian Compact David said astrophysics offered should help to explore acceleration Array telescope near Narrabri for many specialisations depending on mechanisms and models of the Interested in the stars and the three months. The Compact Array is a person’s particular interest and structure of the universe. universe beyond? The Investigator six 22-metre dishes spread over six studies in this area could lead to jobs Science and Technology Centre’s “I always wanted to do sciences, kilometres,” he said. at NASA, another US space science Stardome, sponsored by the fi rstly it was palaeontology but I University of Adelaide, is a mobile “I also had the opportunity to work institute known as the Jet Propulsion got interested in physics in high planetarium which provides a at the Parkes telescope, which was Laboratory or any number of other school and it was reading A Brief simulation of the stars of the southern in the fi lm The Dish, and is 70 overseas universities and institutions. History of Time which got me into hemisphere and an immersing metres in diameter and the Schmidt astronomy lesson. astrophysics,” he said. “With high-energy astrophysics, and telescope in Coonabarabran for an especially the area that I am in, there It has been featured at exhibitions “It was so different to every other Honours observing project.” are opportunities to work for particle such as The Only Way To Live. book that I read until then and “I’ve got an eight-inch refractor accelerator (laboratories) such as concerned things so removed from For more information, visit: telescope set up for celestial CERN in Switzerland. These places everyday experience. www.investigator.org.au photography and I’ve been able bombard atoms all day long with “I ended up doing a science degree to see Saturn’s rings, a lot of the other atoms at very high speed and at Monash University and after my moons of Saturn and Jupiter and the watch what comes out,” he said. Story by Lisa Toole
7 Volume 14, Number 4 • June 2005 | Adelaidean Music
New $8m music facilities hit the right note
The traditional home of music in South Australia – “Music has been an integral part of the University Performers at the opening included (top) dancers and the University of Adelaide’s Elder School of Music, of Adelaide for 120 years, and while we are musicians from the Centre for Aboriginal Studies in Music, or the “Con” as it is still affectionately known – has tremendously proud of our history as Australia’s and (left) the Elder Conservatorium Wind Ensemble Photos by Lisa Toole had a much-needed $8 million facelift. fi rst specialist music institution, we have had our eyes fi rmly on the future. This major upgrade State Premier the Hon. Mike Rann offi cially opened puts us now in a very strong position.” Professor the new facilities recently, which provide the music Bodman Rae said. dimension of the city’s famed ‘cultural precinct’. “The creation of many more acoustically treated All buildings associated with the Elder School Funding for the extensive project was contributed music studios, together with lots of other enhanced of Music have received major refurbishments: by the Federal Government ($4 million), State facilities, makes us once again one of the top the Hartley Building (including the Elder Music Government ($2 million) and the University of institutions in Australia for professional training, Library), the Madley Studios, the Schulz Building Adelaide ($2 million). study and research in all the key fi elds of music. and the Elder Conservatorium teaching studios in Elder Hall. Dean and Director of the Elder School of “The key to our success with this project has Music, Professor Charles Bodman Rae, said the been to give top priority to the practical needs of In addition, a landscaped courtyard “hub” for the redevelopment had been essential for the provision students and the spaces they need for high-level music precinct has been established in the area of intensive professional training of very talented music making. We have also ensured that the fl anked by the Schulz Building, Hartley Building, young musicians who come not only from South Elder Music Library remains one of the fi nest of its Madley Studios and Scott Theatre. Australia but also from interstate and overseas. kind in Australia.” Story by Ben Osborne
Adelaidean | Volume 14, Number 4 • June 2005 8 Jamie’s modern musical spirit
inspired primarily by his passion for fi lm soundtracks, as well as his recent travelling experiences in Europe and Africa. “I wanted to write a piece which had the same power to conjure up images and evoke a feeling in the listeners that a fi lm soundtrack does,” he said. “What I love about fi lm soundtracks is that they evoke such a wide variety of emotions ranging from excitement, fear, sadness and passion to happiness,” he said. In the same way that a movie tells a story, Jamie has tried to create a range of different atmospheres throughout the piece. He hopes that the audience will respond positively. “I hope that throughout the piece it evokes a mood and images in your mind and maybe even fi res up your imagination to carry you out of the theatre at the end of the concert,” he said. Music for an Absent Film will open The creative musical talents of past the program, which includes Mozart’s and present Elder School of Music Posthorn Serenade, and two works students and staff will be on display by contemporary Estonian composer this month in the fourth Adelaide Arvo Pärt, Cantus in Memoriam Symphony Orchestra Master Series Britten and Te Deum. Concert for 2005. Tickets for “The Modern Spirit” are The concert, titled “The Modern available for all full-time students for Spirit”, will feature the world $9 (including BASS fee) at the venue premiere of Music for an Absent 30 minutes before the performance. Film, the latest work by Elder School of Music composition graduate Jamie Messenger (pictured above). Evening concerts Jamie graduated in 2003 with First Class Honours in composition and start with a bang studied under renowned Australian Adelaide composer Graeme Koehne. Symphony The Elder School of Music’s 2005 Rehearsing for the concert are percussion students (from left) Luke Hague, Fleur Also performing at the concert Orchestra Evening Concert Series gets off to a pounding start this month Green and Ryan Simm will be the Elder School of Music’s Photo by Ben Osborne Chamber Choir, along with other Malaysia Airlines with Uneven Souls, a different yet local choirs Adelaide Voices and the Master Series 4: exciting combination of percussion, The performances include Adelaide Chamber Singers. All three brass and some voices. Niehaus’s Fanfare and Allegro, THE MODERN SPIRIT Varèse’s Ionisation, Kopetski’s Night choirs are directed by Carl Crossin, Featuring the School’s award- of Moon & Dances, Tull’s Liturgical who is Director of Choral Music, Adelaide Town Hall. winning percussionists, the Elder Symphony, Zivkovic’s Uneven Head of the Music Studies Program Thursday, June 2 at 6.30pm, Conservatorium Brass Ensemble, Souls, and Maki Ishii’s Dyu Ha. and Lecturer in Conducting at the Friday, June 3 at 8pm, and supported by members of the Saturday June 4 at 6.30pm, Elder School of Music. Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, it is The concert will be held at the Elder Jamie said Music for an Absent Tickets: the fi rst in a series of six promising From $42 / Conc $38 (C Res). Hall on Saturday 25 June at 6.30pm. Film is a commissioned work for concerts not to be missed. Book at BASS 131 246. orchestra and chorus, and was
9 Volume 14, Number 4 • June 2005 | Adelaidean Revecca responds to child disease challenge Paediatrics
Contributing to research that could benefi t within the cell and interferes with the cell’s normal thousands of children suffering from a debilitating function, leading to onset of disease.” disease is all in a day’s work for one University of Adelaide student. Revecca’s work involves investigating why some LSD patients react to current therapeutic strategies Revecca Kakavanos is studying for her PhD in the and subsequently identify ways to prevent these university’s Department of Paediatrics and is based reactions from occurring in order to assist the at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital. She is delivery of a more effective therapy. studying the immune response to therapy for a group of genetically inherited conditions known as Last year, Revecca was given the opportunity Lysosomal Storage Disorders (LSD). to present her research fi ndings at the 8th International Symposium on Mucopolysaccharide LSD affects children and as the child grows, and Related Diseases in Germany. symptoms appear and worsen with age. Severely affected patients deteriorate rapidly and die by the “This was a fulfi lling experience that would age of 10. not have been possible without the two travel awards I obtained: the Faculty of Health Sciences Revecca is part of the Lysosomal Diseases Postgraduate Travelling Fellowship and the Alumni using scientifi c lingo, but my ability to present my Research Unit at the hospital, which aims to Association Heddle/AUGUC Awards,” she said. develop therapies for children who suffer from research has been greatly improved,” she said. “A number of internationally recognised experts in these life-threatening diseases. Revecca said her next major priority is to fi nish her my fi eld were present at the conference, making it PhD later this year. “Lysosomes are found within each of the body’s an ideal environment to present my work.” cells and are responsible for the removal of cellular “I enjoy and am intrigued by the fi eld I’m currently But that was not the only highlight of 2004, with waste. This process relies on a series of proteins in and hope to be able to continue working towards Revecca being one of the eight semi-fi nalists for (enzymes), working together inside the lysosome,” understanding the immune response in these the Young Investigator Awards. Revecca said. affected children,” she said. “LSD results from a defi ciency in function of one “This was a challenging experience as the or more of these enzymes, leading to an impaired target audience was one of a general scientifi c Story by Natalie De Nadai waste removal. Over time, the waste accumulates background and I consequently had to avoid Photo by Ben Osborne
Engineering the passion for a great career
Elena Mavrofridis Chemical Engineering Photo by Sukhmani Khorana
Engineering graduates of the Engineering Committee (JCEC), particularly applicable in the work University of Adelaide are making and the Institution of Chemical environment,” Ms Mavrofridis said. an impact in their fi eld, and also Engineers in Australia. “I want to encourage school contributing to the community by As part of her award, Ms students to take up chemical encouraging younger people to take Mavrofridis will be visiting schools engineering because it gives up the profession. and talking about her profession you access to a broad range of One such success story is Ms Elena in order to promote chemical opportunities and industries. It is Mavrofridis, who graduated from engineering to secondary school truly a diverse career choice.” the University of Adelaide in 1997 students in Adelaide. Ms Mavrofridis also has words with an Honours degree in Chemical Ms Mavrofridis’s journey began of advice for students currently Engineering, and is currently during her hectic days studying enrolled in a chemical engineering employed as a Facilities Engineer at the University of Adelaide. Not course. with oil and gas company Santos. only was she dedicated towards “Instead of becoming jaded with She recently received the inaugural her studies, but also actively exams and the mechanics of 2005 Schools Fellowship in sought out vacation work to gain “I think the biggest thing I got being a student, it is crucial to be Chemical Engineering Award for practical experience in the fi eld of from university was that I had to proactive; to go out there and see 2005, which was established by engineering. It is this experience continue learning, and learning what chemical engineers really do the university’s School of Chemical that helped her gain a coveted in a certain way. Chemical in the industry,” she said. Engineering in conjunction with the position at Mobil’s Adelaide engineering made me part of a SA Branch of the Joint Chemical refi nery upon graduation. certain school of thought that is Story by Sukhmani Khorana
Adelaidean | Volume 14, Number 4 • June 2005 10 NASA astronaut to launch Japanese conference Asian Studies
One of Japan’s leading scientifi c Purnendra Jain, a Professor in His keynote address, which will Dr Mamoru Mohri (left) and fellow astronaut minds will headline a major Japanese the University’s Centre for Asian be held in Bonython Hall at 9am Janice Voss undergoing training prior to their studies conference being hosted by Studies, said it is the fi rst time in the on Monday, July 4, will consider Space Shuttle mission in 1999 Photo courtesy of NASA the University of Adelaide’s Centre conference’s 28-year history that it is the challenges facing Japan in the for Asian Studies early next month being held in Adelaide. areas of technology, education and between 200 to 250, with delegates (July). communication. “The theme for the conference coming from Australia, Japan, New Former Japanese and NASA astronaut is ‘Japan – Negotiating the 21st Dr Mohri said he has fond memories Zealand, the UK, the US, Singapore, Dr Mamoru Mohri will be the keynote Century’,” Professor Jain said. of his time in Adelaide in the 1970s Malaysia, Hong Kong, Thailand, the speaker at the Japanese Studies and is looking forward to returning Philippines, Korea and India. Association of Australia conference “We will have speakers from around to the city. the world who will examine Japan’s Professor Helen Hardacre, Professor being held at the University from “I learned far more than I of Japanese Religions and Society Sunday, July 3 to Wednesday, July 6. place in the world, and what challenges it faces now and will face anticipated,” he said. “I interacted at Harvard University and Professor Dr Mohri is no stranger to Adelaide, in the future.” and experienced life with new people, Kumiko Torikai, an expert in having obtained his PhD from from a wide variety of cultures, all intercultural communication at Flinders University in 1976, and Dr Mohri is now retired as an within a new environment. Tokyo’s Rikkyo University, will be the astronaut, but is currently the two plenary speakers. heads an international contingent “I learned that I could not just survive executive director and CEO of of Japanese experts coming for the by accepting these challenges, but The Japanese Ambassador to Japan’s National Museum of conference. thrive and develop into a more Australia, along with a number of Emerging Science and Innovation complete person.” Japanese offi cials and diplomats, will President of the Japanese Studies and has research interests in the also be attending the conference. Association of Australia and sciences of vacuums, surfaces and The total number of delegates conference convenor Professor microgravity. expected to attend the conference is Story by Ben Osborne
11 Volume 14, Number 4 • June 2005 | Adelaidean New WWI book a labour of love for historian History
Historian and author Professor Trevor Wilson encounter. Between July 1 and mid-November has put his heart and soul into his most 1916, 432,000 of its soldiers became recent work. casualties – about 3600 for every day of battle. In co-authoring The Somme – an account of In their quest to fi nd out what went wrong for the Somme battle fought on the Western front the British, the authors spent considerable in 1916 during World War 1 – the Emeritus time at the Public Records Offi ce in London Professor of History at the University of and “lots of money” on photocopying. Adelaide said he felt “extremely satisfi ed” “As new material came to light, we would share following fi ve years of extensive research. it and double check to ensure we had the right “My co-author Robin Prior (Head of the facts. It was quite the battle as there was so School of Humanities and Social Sciences much to refer to,” Professor Wilson said. at the University of New South Wales) and One of the world’s most highly regarded I worked through a staggering amount of World War I historians, Professor Wilson has information. And what made it exciting is also written Myriad Faces of War, and co- that we discovered untold data,” Professor Wilson said. authored with Professor Prior Command in the Western Front and Passchendaele: the The result is the most precise and authentic Untold Story. Professor Prior has also written account of the campaign on record, and a Churchill’s ‘World Crisis’ as History. book that challenges almost every received view of the battle. The Somme is published by Yale University Press (New Haven and London). In the long history of the British Army, the Battle of the Somme was its bloodiest Story by Howard Salkow
Coming events Wednesday, June 1 Friday, June 10 after 4 5.15pm Florey Inaugural Lecture Series: “Psychology: 1.10pm Elder Hall Lunch Hour Concert Series: making a contribution to public health in our region” by Professor William Hennessy (violin), Niall Brown (cello), Isabelle Trüb (piano) Deborah Turnbull. Florey Lecture Theatre, Medical School North, perform Debussy’s Sonata for Cello and Piano, and Ravel’s Piano North Terrace Campus. Entry is free and the public is welcome Trio. Elder Hall, North Terrace Campus. Tickets $5 available at to attend. door from 12.30pm. Come and join us in the celebration of the new
Friday, June 3 Wednesday, June 15 Rumours after 4 1.10pm Elder Hall Lunch Hour Concert Series: 5:15pm Florey Inaugural Lecture Series: Elder Conservatorium Symphony Orchestra, featuring Keith “Gut feelings or genes: what causes harm or pain” by Clinical Wine Bar Crellin (conductor) and Natsuko Yoshimoto (violin). Elder Hall, Professor Gerald Holtmann. Florey Lecture Theatre, Medical North Terrace Campus. Tickets $5, and available at the door from School North, North Terrace Campus. Entry is free and the public 12:30pm. is welcome to attend. FREE glass of “wine of the month” Monday, June 6 Friday, June 17 with every main fare purchase* 5.30pm “A Twilight Concert”: (*Offer Valid to 22nd July 2005) 1:10pm Elder Hall Lunch Hour Concert Series: Suzanne Handel (harp) and Lisa Gill (fl ute). Urrbrae House, Elder Conservatorium Chamber Orchestra, featuring Janis Laurs Waite Campus. Refreshments will be served prior to the concert. (conductor) and Margaret Blades (violin) performing Peteris Open Monday & Tuesday 8.30am – 6pm Cost: $15 per person. Vasks’ Violin Concerto “Distant Light”. Elder Hall, North Terrace Open Wed to Friday 8.30am-8pm Campus. Tickets $5, and available at door from 12.30pm. Wednesday, June 8 Licenced after 4pm 5.15pm Florey Inaugural Lecture Series: Wednesday, June 22 “Orthopaedics research – not leaving well enough alone” by Level 6 Union House | Bookings: 8303 5834 Professor David Findlay. Florey Lecture Theatre, Medical School 5.15pm Florey Inaugural Lecture Series: North, North Terrace Campus. Entry is free and the public is “Sunlight and cancer protection: is vitamin D metabolism the key?” by Affi liate Professor Howard Morris. Florey Lecture welcome to attend. Bring this coupon in when you order your meal and Theatre, Medical School North, North Terrace Campus. Entry is go into a draw to win a $25.00 voucher to spend in free and the public is welcome to attend. Thursday, June 9 Rumours Café. Voucher will be drawn on the 22nd July 6.15pm Australian Society for Medical Research and will be valid to 31 December 2005. annual free public lecture: Sunday, June 26 “Secrets of Healthy Ageing – a scientifi c approach” by Professor 3:30pm An Afternoon with Noel Coward: Maciej Henneberg and Professor Caroline Macmillan (both Frank Caspars performs from the life and works of Sir Noel Coward in an original theatrical performance. Urrbrae House, University of Adelaide), Professor Gary Andrews (UniSA), and Dr Adelaide University Union Renuka Visvanathan (TQEH). Nova Cinemas, Rundle Street. Waite Campus. Cost: $18 (including refreshments). www.union.adelaide.edu.au
Adelaidean | Volume 14, Number 1 • March 2005 12 Anne’s perfect strands: knitting and writing Creative Writing
Anne Bartlett was optimistic for a written thirty years ago and Knitting “I come from a family of knitting Several of Anne’s notable works small local print run for her fi rst is her fi rst adult novel. women and have knitted since I was relate to Australia’s indigenous adult novel but it seems everyone a child. I knitted one-off garments population, including her non-fi ction She said it was “a surreal experience” wants to get into Knitting. at home for a designer when my children’s book on Aboriginal history when she moved to the negotiation children were small,” she said. “And and culture, The Aboriginal People’s Anne’s novel Knitting was published stage with publishers. The author I always had an interest in grief and of Australia, which was published in Australia in March by Penguin, and recently travelled to the United States grieving.” in Singapore and the United States released two weeks later in the US by to meet with editors and her agent. as part of a First People’s Series Houghton Miffl in. It will be published “The novel is superfi cially about in 2001. in the UK by Penguin early next year. Anne also said she found it “quite knitting but knitting is also a strange” when she fi rst saw the metaphor for being knitted back Commissions from State Aboriginal The work forms the creative writing fi nished novel. together, particularly after a period Affairs in 1999 lead to her assisting component of her PhD in Creative of grief.” with the publication of The Writing at the University of Adelaide. “Words that had been inside my head Chairman (Australian Scholarly A mentorship with Sydney writer were there in a book at the Adelaide Despite being tagged as a women’s Publishing) in 2004. The Chairman Nicholas Jose during her studies was Airport,” she said. fi ction offering, the novel’s universal is the autobiography of Ngarrindjeri the stepping-stone to international messages are appealing to a wider On the morning she spoke to the elder Garnett Wilson, who was a publishing. audience and men have also enjoyed Adelaidean, Anne had already given it, she said. foundation member of the Aboriginal “It was through him that I met editor fi ve radio interviews and several Lands Trust and then chair for over Bob Wyatt in New York, who in turn newspaper interviews. She was also Anne, who has “always written”, twenty years. introduced me to agent Joy Harris,” invited to attend the Sydney Writers has published non-fi ction books for Anne lives in the Adelaide Hills with Anne said. Festival in the last week of May. children’s education, had her own magazine column and undertaken her husband, Russell and they have “It has been quite overwhelming. At Knitting is story of two women, both freelance editing. four grown-up children. the most, I had hoped for a small widows, who meet by chance and She completed a Master of Arts in Australian print run,” she said. the impact they have on each other’s Knitting is published by Creative Writing at Adelaide in 1998 lives and grieving processes. Penguin with a RRP of $22.95 Anne knows about the persistence and, during that time, was co-editor required to bring manuscripts into Anne said the book was a case of of the university’s fi rst Creative print. Her fi rst “serious fi ction” was “writing about what you know”. Writing anthology, Iron Lace. Story by Lisa Toole
13 Volume 14, Number 4 • June 2005 | Adelaidean Life beginning at 40 for our postgraduates
Achievement Young The Adelaide University Postgraduate Students’ Association (AUPGSA) recently celebrated 40 years of looking after the best interests of our future Investigator researchers and academics. The Association, an affi liate of the Adelaide University Union, was founded on April 8, 1965. Awards Newly elected AUPGSA President Felicity Rai (pictured right) has been involved with the University of Adelaide since the late 1990s and is Health Sciences studying for her PhD in Asian Studies. Felicity said the initial AUPGSA membership of 55 Applications are now being called for the had increased to more than 5500 students who annual Young Investigator Award, a joint were enrolled in PhD, Masters, Graduate Diploma initiative of the University’s Faculty of Health and Honours programs. Sciences and the Children, Youth and Women’s Health Service (CYWHS). “They’re the future academics, particularly as the University of Adelaide is part of the Group of Eight This highly successful award, now in its sixth research-intensive universities,” she said. year, rewards excellence in both science and the ability to communicate and “sell” that “If these students are comfortable and content science. The award is open to postgraduate within the university, this will impact positively on students and new post-doctoral scientists their abilities to research and break new academic from the University of Adelaide, CYWHS ground which, in turn, will raise the profi le of the and the Child Health Research Institute. University of Adelaide both here and overseas. Applicants must be researching into an aspect of children’s or women’s health. “It will attract more international students to the university for both the academic and wonderful In the lead-up to the fi nals, applicants are campus culture.” judged on scientifi c merit. At the fi nals, a media panel judges ability to communicate Felicity said three of the AUPGSA’s fi ve executive to a general audience. positions were held by international students, with such students welcomed and now making up half First prize is $1000 plus a $1500 conference of the association’s membership. prize. Runners-up each receive $500. Applications close July 11. She said the association’s original roles of disseminating information to postgraduate students Postgraduate students came together at For more information, including eligibility on relevant issues, promoting academic and social the beginning of May for the 40th birthday criteria and application forms, visit contact between these students, representing celebrations, which coincided with the AUPGSA www.health.adelaide.edu.au/yia2005 their interests on boards and committees across elections and a referendum which led to the or contact organising committee chair the university and in the wider community, and adoption of a new constitution. Dr Edna Bates on (08) 8161 7388 or campaigning for improvements to postgraduate email [email protected] student life had not altered over four decades. Story and photo by Lisa Toole
CELEBRATING !BORIGINAL AND )SLANDER CULTURE ACHIEVEMENTS SURVIVAL -ONDAY TO &RIDAY NOON TO PM *ULY
Adelaidean | Volume 14, Number 4 • June 2005 14 Law cyclist wants to be booked
Alumni
Development & Alumni Events
MBA Chapter: MBA Chapter Speaker Seminar Cornell Chapter Film Night Network Breakfasts Date: Monday, June 20 6pm-8pm The Cornell Chapter presents A Good Woman, starring Purchase your own breakfast, sit amongst your peers Venue: Adelaide Graduate School of Business, Helen Hunt, Mark Umbers and Scarlett Johansson. Level 5, 233 North Terrace and enjoy stimulating conversation and network Date: Wednesday, June 22 opportunities. Current students and graduates are Speaker: Jim McDowell, CEO, BAE Systems Time: 6 for 6.30pm all welcome! Australia “The Business of War” Cost: Members $15, Non-members $20 Venue: Trak Cinema, Greenhill Road, Toorak. Date: 1st Wednesday of every month RSVP: Gaynor Tyerman (08) 8303 6356 Time: 7.30am – 8.30am Price: $14 (includes complimentary wine) Email: [email protected] Venue: East Terrace Café Bookings are essential and can be made by phoning For information regarding this event, please contact Development and Alumni on (08) 8303 5800 Paul Szuster at [email protected] or visit Alumni Association AGM www.agsb.adelaide.edu.au/alumni/events_adel/index.html Date: Tuesday, June 21 Time: 6pm–7pm Roseworthy Old Collegians John Bray Law Chapter Quiz Night Location: Equinox Function Room Level 4, Association Chapter AGM and Dinner Union House University of Adelaide The Chapter proudly presents the Chief Justice’s Shield (North Terrace Campus) AGM, Annual Reunion Dinner and Award of the ROCA Quiz Night: RSVP: by Friday, June 17 to Kim McBride, Award of Merit for 2005: Ph: (08) 8303 3196, Fax: (08) 8303 5808 Date: Friday, June 3 Date: Friday, October 14 Time: 7pm to 11pm or email [email protected] Time: AGM at 6.30pm and Dinner at 7pm Venue: Eclipse Room, Level 4, Union House Light refreshments will be provided prior to the meeting University of Adelaide University, and there will be an opportunity to mingle over drinks Venue: Glenelg Golf Club House, Cost: $20 per person; $200 per table and nibbles following the meeting. James Melrose Drive, Glenelg BYO: Supper, Gold Coins for Games Agenda and documents will be available from the Cost: Dinner $35 pp Bookings essential by COB Monday, May 30 by phone Development and Alumni offi ce or at the website Bookings: Phone (08) 8363 4371, or (08) 8303 6356 or [email protected] www.adelaide.edu.au/alumni after May 23rd. PO Box 503 Kent Town SA 5071
15 Volume 14, Number 4 • June 2005 | Adelaidean Helping our sports stars strive for excellence Sport
Combining top-level sport and study have been identifi ed as potential “Amber knows exactly what it is like has been made easier, thanks to a benefi ciaries of the program. to combine study with sport, and her new support program established at experience and knowledge can only the University of Adelaide. Sports represented include cricket, benefi t those current students who hockey, water-skiing, AFL, kayaking, are in a similar position.” Known as the Elite Athlete Support sailing, water polo, basketball, beach and Information Service (EASIS), volleyball, athletics, ice hockey, One student who has welcomed the the program will give student-athletes rowing, orienteering and baseball. introduction of the athlete-friendly the fl exibility needed to achieve program is volleyballer Travis Moran, both academically and in their In launching EASIS recently, Vice- who is studying for an Arts degree Top: Travis Moran in action at the CityBeach chosen sport. Chancellor Professor James McWha and represented Australia in indoor courts in Adelaide’s CBD said students taking part in the Photo by Ben Osborne The program is part of the volleyball at the 2004 Olympics (he Above: Miranda Bennett scheme would be offered fl exible university’s membership of the has since switched “codes” to beach and timely options to continue national network of Elite Athlete volleyball). their education, while meeting the recently moved to Sydney to work for Friendly Universities. Member demands associated with being an “Often my study or my sport gets law fi rm Sparke Helman. institutions provide assistance and elite athlete. really hectic for a period of time support for students who are also and it’s hard to fi nd a balance “It wasn’t easy! I still had to elite athletes. “We will be able to offer leave sometimes,” Travis said. “I’ve had to complete all the components of the course,” she said. “If I couldn’t be The network also has the backing of of absence to attend major sacrifi ce a lot: academically when I competitions, or the opportunity was at school, and socially too, to get at classes, I still had to complete the Australian Institute of Sport, the other assignments to make up the South Australian Institute of Sport to sit exams externally if needed,” where I am but I’m still happy with attendance. I also had to prove and professional player associations he said. what I’ve achieved.” myself to my lecturers that I could such as the AFL Players’ Association “I am particularly pleased that the Miranda Bennett, too, has handle it. and the Australian Cricketers’ project offi cer for our program experienced the rigours of combining Association. “I guess I never lost sight of the is Amber Halliday, who has two study and sport. A world champion importance of study. Sport is there So far, some 38 student-athletes degrees from this university and rower, she completed a double but you always have to think about currently studying across all fi ve has won world championships and degree in Law and Commerce in life after sport.” Faculties at the university and taking represented her country at the 2004 and after working for law part in a wide cross-section of sports 2004 Olympics. fi rm Minter Ellison in Adelaide, she Story by Ben Osborne
Adelaidean | Volume 14, Number 4 • June 2005 16