The University of Adelaide | Alumni Magazine Summer 2017 Building Inspiration The University of Adelaide Alumni Magazine www.adelaide.edu.au/lumen

Chatting with the Vice-Chancellor

Lumen caught up with Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Warren Bebbington, for a quick chat about his university days, music and steering the University of Adelaide.

What do you remember from your What do you see as the main challenges own days as a student, particularly facing the University of Adelaide? extracurricular activities? The main challenge is to preserve a high- I became a university student in 1970 at quality traditional university experience at the height of the Vietnam War and the a time when university funding is under protest movement in universities. I was attack. Government funding is at an all-time interested in student politics and was low and fi gures show that Australia is at elected to the Student Representative rock-bottom amongst OECD nations in its Council quite early on, so this was my public contribution to education. main extracurricular activity. The funding of universities in this country is But they were very different times; my in dire straits. There is an easy way out of sister was arrested for breaking into the this – you can have vast classes and save council chamber. There was warfare money on staff. But we are committed to between what was perceived as them and a vision of small-group teaching. We’re us – the administration and students. The committed to preserving a university, which administration was seen, rightly or wrongly, requires funds. There needs to be a change The Lumen masthead is derived as defenders of causes like Vietnam and of sentiment in the public at large. from the University of Adelaide the students didn’t approve. motto “Sub Cruce Lumen” – the light (of learning) under What are your greatest achievements so the (Southern) Cross. You won the University of Melbourne Award far as Vice-Chancellor? for Excellence in Teaching (Humanities) in The Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences Studying at the University of 2005. Do you miss teaching? building. When I started, the government Adelaide means being part of Through the Elder Conservatorium of Music, had decided to move the hospital away from a rich tradition of excellence in I still manage to do some teaching but I the University. We didn’t have a site there education and research, with would like to do more. Teaching students and there was really no solution proposed. world-class academics and a is the most rewarding thing I do in a week, Acquiring a site next to the hospital, vibrant student life. because the students appreciate it and are securing the $60 million grant from the so responsive and it’s great to be out of Commonwealth – which is the largest ever Seek Light. meetings and back in front of a group of to a University in the State – and getting The light of new knowledge. eager learners. that building completed on budget and on time is a joy for me. Tell me more about your background in music. My mother played the piano at home and she and my grandfather sang so there was always classical music in the house. From the age of six I was in the church choir and it so happened the choir was conducted by a young chemist called Robin Batterham, who later went on to become Chief Scientist of Australia. He was an extraordinarily good role model for me in terms of combining academic and scientifi c pursuits with music. Contributors: Renée Capps, Connie Dutton, David Ellis, Contents Summer 2017 Ian Williams, James Litt Design: Chris Tonkin

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No responsibility is accepted by the University, editor or printer for the accuracy of information 2 The art of diplomacy in a confl ict zone 20 Rachel returns for dream arts role contained in either the text or advertisements. High Commissioner to Nigeria, Paul Lehmann, Rachel Healy returns to Adelaide as the Material may be reproduced without permission shares his life as a diplomat. Artistic Director of the Adelaide Festival 2017. from Lumen with acknowledgment of its origin.

Front cover image: Alumni Council update Taplin travel fund supports 3 22 Masterplan concept of From Chair of the Alumni Council, Dr Tim Indigenous education North Terrace Campus. Cooper, AM, Managing Director and Supporting Indigenous students and staff to Chief Brewer, Coopers Brewery. peruse international education experiences. 4 University fi res into space 24 A legacy fi ghting the war with CubeSat on superbugs Engineering students and staff will be How a generous bequest from Berth Sudholz watching their work blast off into space. is helping one researcher fi ght superbugs. 6 Celebrating high achievers 26 Romance on campus Andrea Boyd, Helena Wu and In the year of their Golden Jubilee, fi ve WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Phiala Shanahan. couples from the class of 1966 share their readers are warned that this publication may story of meeting at the University. contain images of deceased persons.

Making strides in bushfi re recovery Distinguished Alumni Awards As part of the University’s commitment 9 29 to sustainable practices we encourage How the Equine Health and Performance Recognising our great achievers. you to receive Lumen online. Centre at Rosewory Campus dealt with crisis during the Pinery fi res. To receive Lumen in your inbox rather than your letterbox, send an email to [email protected] 10 Microscopy labs focus 30 21-year milestone for Adelaide on the miniscule Nursing School Claire Holman’s research is targeting Looking back at the last 21 years facebook.com/uaalumni female epilepsy. of nursing at the University. @EngagewithUoA 12 Pushing the boundaries of creativity 31 Meet our oldest volunteer Fiona Kerr share what exactly a Neural and Nettie is keeping the tradition of University of Adelaide Systems Complexity Specialist does. volunteering alive. flickr.com/adelaidealumni 14 The butterfl y effect 32 Dean of Law’s Fund A change of degree had a life altering impact Reaches a Milestone on opera star, Joanna McWaters. Supporting fi nancially disadvantaged law students. 16 Masterplan to transform the University The 20-year plan will begin with a new entrance building on North Terrace.

Th e University of Adelaide | Alumni Magazine 1 2725-1 story by Ian Williams The art of diplomacy in a confl ict zone Paul Lehmann had little aul, 46, is Australia’s High in Australian Government departments notion where he might end Commissioner in Nigeria where before spending 10 years with the PAustralia’s economic and diplomatic former overseas aid agency AusAID. up when he embarked on a interests are always top of mind as he He then worked in Kabul for two-and-a- travels around the region. half years, leading Australia’s development double degree in architectural “My studies at the University of Adelaide assistance program in Afghanistan before studies and law at the stirred my curiosity for world affairs and returning to manage consular operations gave me the skill set and confi dence at the headquarters of the Department of University of Adelaide. to follow paths to destinations beyond Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra. my fi eld of experience,” he says. The challenges of working in a “For me it was a case of pursuing my confl ict-affected country gave Paul emerging professional interests with a sound grounding for the job of vigour, while at the same time not feeling High Commissioner. compelled to completely design my “Unfortunately violent insurgency, whole career on the fi rst day. confl ict and insecurity are all too frequent “I always leave a little room for realities for many communities across luck, trusted advice and embracing Africa,” he says. the unknown.” “One of the things that motivates Below: Paul Lehmann at Independence Day After graduating in 1993, the Waikerie- me every day in this environment is celebrations in Niger. born diplomat fi lled a number of positions the opportunity to travel to places to

2 Lumen | Summer 2017 Alumni Council update build relationships with people from Each year, the University of Adelaide recognises and widely diverse cultural, ethnic, linguistic celebrates the noteworthy achievements of its alumni and religious backgrounds – and to through the Distinguished Alumni Awards, James McWha do so in such a way that Australia’s interests are enhanced. Award of Excellence, and Alumni Fellow awards. “I am there to make a good impression, while at the same time being ready to warmly congratulate each of the Thank you to all our alumni for your hold a fi rm position if necessary – I need 2016 winners. The contribution continued support and for your desire a friendly smile as well as a steely eye.” Iof these distinguished alumni as to stay in touch with the University of While Paul’s main focus is Nigeria he leaders within their professions and the Adelaide. I welcome your participation also oversees Australia’s relationships community is inspiring. and contribution, and encourage you to with the neighbouring countries of If you know graduates of the provide any insights or feedback to the Benin, Cameroon, Gabon, Niger and University making a difference, I strongly Alumni Council at [email protected] The Gambia. encourage you to nominate them for or +61 8 8313 5800. Nigeria is a dominant economic and the 2017 Distinguished Alumni Awards. political player in Africa and has been on a Please contact our Alumni Relations Dr Tim Cooper, AM, Chair of the Alumni steep growth curve in recent years – but it team at [email protected] for Council, Managing Director and Chief Brewer, is also home to the ruthless terrorist group more information. Coopers Brewery Boko Haram and some of the world’s The formation of the Alumni Council To read more about most deadly and protracted confl icts. in 2014 has served to reinforce our Distinguished “Nigerians are truly some of the the important role alumni play in Alumni Awards winners see page 29. friendliest and most welcoming people strengthening their alma mater. one could ever hope to meet,” says Paul. With almost 125,000 alumni spread “But there is never any room for across 80 countries, alumni form the complacency when it comes to safety University’s largest stakeholder group. and security. The security environment is The achievements of our alumni and complex and in constant fl ux – locals and their ongoing pursuit of excellence travellers alike are advised to avoid areas are celebrated by the University and that are known to pose high risks." fellow alumni, and help shape what Like many individuals whose work the University is today. takes them overseas for long periods, I would like to sincerely thank the leaving family and friends back in outgoing members of the inaugural Australia is a reality of life. Alumni Council for their invaluable However, Paul says, the fulfi lments of a contribution. The retiring members are professional life in places unknown to him Stephen Yarwood (Deputy Chair), Karen have always offered an irresistible pull. Abraham, Grace Bowman, Dr Michael “I’ve come so far west that if I keep Higgs, Sandy Pitcher, James Stevens, going I will be back in Australia any Vincent Chen (Singapore), Dennis day now,” he says. Muirhead (United Kingdom) and Riki Sutherland (Melbourne). The professional and personal insights of the inaugural International appointments Council members have created a solid A number of University of Adelaide alumni foundation upon which future Council represent Australia as Ambassadors and in other members can build. positions overseas, and at home including: I also extend a warm welcome to > Jeremy Bruer High Commissioner to Vanuatu our new Alumni Council members who have been elected from > Susan Coles High Commissioner to Mauritius faculties and include Professor > Justin Lee Deputy Head of Mission to Indonesia Randall Faull, Associate > Suzanne McCourt Ambassador to Zimbabwe Professor Paul Grbin, > Natasha Stott Despoja Ambassador and Dr Penny Moyle for Women and Girls (United Kingdom).

Th e University of Adelaide | Alumni Magazine 3 University fires into space with CubeSat

Having their work blasted into space will be the ultimate achievement for a group of University of Adelaide engineering students and staff .

4 Lumen | Summer 2017 story by David Ellis

hey’ve designed and built a new our understanding of the thermosphere, “We have a thermal regulation system, CubeSat, a type of miniaturised like its relationship to other layers communications and autonomous control Tsatellite, and one of only four of the atmosphere, and how that systems and it has its own computer nanosatellites developed in Australia. affects our climate.” to handle the scientifi c experiments. It will be sent via rocket to the The Adelaide-built CubeSat has now Our CubeSat also has solar panels International Space Station (ISS) and then left the country and is currently awaiting to provide energy.” deployed into orbit around the Earth. its December launch to the ISS aboard Matthew says nanosatellites are the way The satellite is part of a European- an Antares rocket. of the future for space research. funded project called QB50, an The CubeSat will remain in Earth’s “It doesn’t make sense to launch huge, international network of 50 CubeSats that orbit from six months to two years, highly expensive satellites to do the kind will study a poorly understood part of the gathering much-needed data about of research we’re doing. Earth’s atmosphere, the thermosphere. the thermosphere. “And our work with the students to build “The thermosphere is a layer of For the satellite to make that journey our satellite has shown what is possible atmosphere starting at about 95km and has involved the hard work and ingenuity without a multi-billion-dollar budget. reaching up to 600km above the Earth’s of a team of 40 students and staff. “I’m very proud of the students’ surface,” says project leader Dr Matthew “The CubeSat represents a major work, and I look forward to early next Tetlow, Research Fellow in the School of design and construction challenge, but it year when our CubeSat is in space Mechanical Engineering. also shows what our incredibly talented and talking to us.” “It’s a scientifi c challenge and we don’t students can do,” Matthew says. The satellite launch will be shown live on NASA TV. know that much about it. “Everything you would expect to see www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/public Left: Dr Matthew Tetlow “On the fi rst day of the deployment in a full-scale satellite can be found Below: Jade Chantrell of the CubeSats into orbit, we’ll double in our CubeSat. Photos by Russell Millard Jade part of the next great challenge

Among the University of Adelaide Q: What is your role on the students working on the CubeSat project CubeSat project? is Jade Chantrell, who’s studying for a A: I started working on CubeSat at Bachelor of Aerospace and Bachelor the beginning of the year. of Science double degree. My project is software-based; looking Lumen spoke with Jade about pursuing at the attitude control system and her interests in science and technology, fi nding ways to make it more effi cient and her work on CubeSat. and to optimise its performance. Q: Why did you decide to get into Attitude control concerns the this fi eld? orientation of the satellite or the A: For many years I’ve been fascinated pointing direction in orbit. You want with planes and aeronautics, especially it to remain pointing in the same direction relative to its orbit. planes’ lifting capacity, because they’re Before starting this project, I had no idea such bulky objects. I always loved The satellite needs to be stable how a satellite was put together. As well space; I was a bit of a sci-fi nut. or still, so you can maintain your as working on my part of the project, Space science represents a great communications and have consistency I’ve also been able to observe others, technological challenge. There are many in scientifi c experiments. and understand how the software is new and exciting discoveries to be organised, how the various components Q: What have you learned from are put together, and so on. made in space exploration, including this project? what we might discover on other planets A: For me it’s the practical application of Q: Is it exciting having the results or moons. Advances in technology due theory that we’ve learnt throughout our of your work in space? to space research could be used for a degree, applying that to a real-world A: It is exciting, yes! I’ll watch the launch range of applications here on Earth. situation. But every problem is unique live on YouTube if I can. I’m hoping the Not only is aerospace a fascinating and there are a number of conceptual International Space Station will also subject but I think it’s a very useful fi eld barriers you have to break through in video our CubeSat being deployed into to go into and has taught me a broad order to solve them. space, which would be cool. range of skills so far.

Th e University of Adelaide | Alumni Magazine 5 story by Ian Williams

Celebrating high achievers

Graduates from the University are succeeding at the highest level in the fi elds of science and engineering. Lumen caught up with three of them – Helena Wu, Andrea Boyd and Phiala Shanahan – who are pursuing exciting careers in space, mining and nuclear physics.

Carving a career in oil and gas

elena Wu has picked up a string Helena graduated with a Bachelor of top awards since joining the of Engineering (Mechanical) fi rst class Hoil and gas sector – a career honours and Master of Engineering that was furthest from her mind back Management with a thesis project at in high school. Santos that led to a full-time position. In just a few years Helena has made an For two years she was a fl y-in fl y- impression as a senior reservoir engineer out fi eld production engineer for the at Santos, and she is now part of a company and then became a reservoir corporate planning and strategy team engineer, working with geologists and working on the company’s future. geophysicists to appraise and develop She’s a passionate advocate for the oil and gas reserves. sector and a role model for other women During that time she also managed interested in a career in resources. to squeeze in study at the University of “I’ve always been a practical person Adelaide and graduated in 2011 with and was drawn to the practical nature Master of Petroleum Engineering. of engineering but I must admit I’d never Today she is a group planning and considered working in oil and gas,” portfolio analyst based at Santos’ says Helena. headquarters in Adelaide. “My dad is a traditional Chinese man Among her numerous accolades is and he didn’t feel that women belonged in the 2015 International Young Member the resources fi eld. Outstanding Service Award from “But I was really fortunate to be the Society of Petroleum Engineers supported through university by a (SPE). Last year she was named the number of scholarships, including some Exceptional Young Woman in Australian from resource companies, so I built a resources at the Women in Resources relationship with the sector quite early on.” National Awards. Helena is an active member of SPE and has sat on its international gender diversity task force to promote career opportunities for women in the industry. “I’ve also been appointed to the SPE International Board of Directors Helena Wu so hopefully I can be further involved Photo by Randy Larcombe in gender diversity,” she says.

6 Lumen | Summer 2017 Andrea takes on the fi nal frontier

ndrea Boyd is a driven individual. “I miss the desert and getting my interactive programs and opportunities for She’s already worked and studied hands dirty at the mines but on the students, including a free exhibition day,” Ain 75 countries – picking up multiple other hand, living in Europe, I can drive says Andrea. languages along the way – and now she to fi ve countries in under an hour, so She is also lobbying hard for Australia can be heard in space. that’s also fun.” to follow Canada and become a non- Andrea is the European Space Agency’s Based in Cologne, Germany, the fl ight European cooperating member of the (ESA) fl ight controller for the International operations engineer has used her mining European Space Agency. Space Agency with the job of liaising with experience to help write a book on the “At just $20 million a year, which we astronauts as they circle the earth. feasibility of mining in space titled Space pay to ourselves, ESA membership would “It’s not quite like in the movies,” says mineral resources: a global assessment create space engineering jobs, an instant Andrea. “In reality the International Space of the challenges and opportunities. customer base, and send Australian- Station has fi ve mission control centres While she admits that’s still a long built hardware and software to space,” around the world and I’m the voice for way off, next to her offi ce a 34-metre she says. Europe – with a very Adelaide accent.” diameter dome is being built to simulate “It’s a 10-year renewable agreement It’s the dream job for the mechatronic a future moon base. making it immune to political cycles, thus engineering graduate who spent 10 years Although Andrea is based on the creating a sustainable space industry volunteering in space-related roles around other side of our planet, she is using in Australia. the world before joining ESA in 2012. her contacts and infl uence to help put “Many of us have been to Canberra Ironically Andrea’s previous paid work Australia in the space race. to talk to politicians who are starting was just about as far from space as you She was part of a team which to understand the benefi ts, the South can get – deep underground at the giant successfully bid for Adelaide to host the Australian Government is very supportive BHP Billiton Olympic Dam copper-uranium International Astronautical Congress and we have some very serious policy mine in South Australia. in September 2017, knocking out stiff meetings again soon. But she says her job as a fl y-in fl y- competition from the US and Germany. “Watch this space!” out mining engineer in the mine control This is the biggest conference ever room was similar. secured by South Australia, attracting “They’re both extreme industries with more than 3000 leaders in space from complex control rooms, but actually the across the globe. control room for the International Space The University of Adelaide is hosting Station is easier," Andrea says. a major student pre-event – the Space “When anything broke above ground or Generation Congress – in the week underground at the mine they called me as leading up to the main conference. it was my job to go and fi x it. On the space “There will be a myriad of concurrent Andrea Boyd in the International station we call astronauts who do this. events as well as talks, excursions, Space Station control room

Th e University of Adelaide | Alumni Magazine 7 story by Ian Williams

“Comparing theory predictions like mine, with experiment, is the way in which we test our understanding of the universe.

Phiala Shanahan Photo by Randy Larcombe Probing the fabric of our universe

ward-winning researcher Phiala “Theoretical particle physics is a really “Comparing theory predictions like Shanahan is working in an area exciting area with lots of puzzles still mine, with experiment, is the way Athat’s both infi nitesimally tiny to solve,” says Phiala. in which we test our understanding and infi nitely large. “There are lots of open questions where of the universe.” She’s trying to unravel the mysteries our theoretical predictions don’t match Phiala is now hoping to use an electron- of protons and neutrons and even what we measure through experiments. ion collider to measure various gluonic tinier subatomic particles such as And there’s always the exciting possibility properties experimentally to compare with gluons and quarks, which form the that new fundamental particles will her theoretical predictions. building blocks of our known universe. be discovered.” She also intends to broaden her Phiala graduated from the University Phiala’s interest in theoretical nuclear research further next year when she with a fi rst class honours degree in physics was sparked by the work of various takes a faculty position at the College High Performance Computational professors at the University of Adelaide. of William and Mary – a cutting-edge Physics in 2011 and has been After completing her PhD she won a research university in Virginia. This impressing at the highest level since. postdoctoral position at one of the world’s will also give her access to the nearby She won the Alumni University leading science universities, the Center for Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Medal for both her honours degree Theoretical Physics at the Massachusetts Facility, known as JLab. and her PhD, and in July this year Institute of Technology in Boston. In September Phiala was back in South she was awarded the Bragg Gold Her research there is taking two major Australia when Adelaide hosted the 26th Medal for the best Australian PhD directions – better understanding the way International Nuclear Physics Conference. in Physics in 2015. in which complex structures like atoms “It’s a major international conference During her PhD Phiala studied the arise from fundamental particles, and that attracts the whole nuclear physics mysterious properties of quarks and the gluonic structure that binds community – experimentalists as well as gluons – the subatomic particles which quarks into protons. theorists and computational people like make up the proton – and her insights “I work mostly on pen-and-paper theory me – so it was very exciting to have it are expected to lead to further work and do large-scale numerical simulations in Adelaide,” says Phiala. by other labs around the world. on supercomputers,” she says.

8 Lumen | Summer 2017 story by Renée Capps Making strides in bushfire recovery

The University of Adelaide’s state-of-the-art Equine Health and Performance Centre at Roseworthy campus faced the ultimate test after the devastating Pinery fi res ripped through South Australia’s mid-north in November last year.

mong the victims were badly injured injuries to attend to and required constant RSPCA South Australia Chief Executive pets and livestock, including eight monitoring to see how she was responding Offi cer, Tim Vasudeva, says that at Ahorses admitted to the Equine to treatment,” he says. times of crisis like the Pinery bushfi res, Health Performance Centre, as the fi res “The burns on the horses were hard to collaboration between organisations helps burnt more than 82,000 hectares of land. assess as the full extent of their severity the greatest number of animals in need. On the critical list was Cheyanne, an did not become clear for weeks in “RSPCA South Australia works closely 18-year-old mare, that arrived at the centre some cases.” with Roseworthy’s Veterinary Health suffering from severe burns to her face, To treat the burns, horses were Centres year round, and when the legs and tail. She also had signs of smoke initially cooled, fl uids replaced, pain relief bushfi res hit, we were able to use our inhalation and a wound to her front leg. administered and burns cleaned and fundraising website to reach out to the Robin van den Boom, Associate treated with ointment. The daily cleaning of community and help raise funds for fi re- Professor in Equine Health at Roseworthy the wounds was a time intensive process, affected animals,” he says. campus' School of Animal and Veterinary taking one to two hours per horse. Robin and his team were also assisted Sciences, was one of the vets treating To treat the smoke inhalation, Cheyanne by other vets and volunteers who helped horses as they arrived at the clinic. was given oxygen through a nasal tube with cleaning, stabling and general care of “It initially looked very somber for and vets performed an endoscopy of her horses and many donations were received Cheyanne. The injury to her front leg had airways to remove damaged tissue. from the community in the form of medical potential complications and she showed After three weeks of treatment, supplies, feed and bedding material. separation at the coronary band at the Cheyanne was given a clean bill of health top of the hooves. It was touch and go and allowed to return home. Cheyanne, now fully for a week,” he says. “Following our own experience we recovered from the fi res, Cheyanne’s owners had already lost one were able to get in touch with vets in the and young rider Neveah. horse to injuries from the fi re and emotions Western Australia fi res to share information were running high at the prospect of and donated leftover bandaging material losing another. Robin and his team got and medications,” Robin says. to work immediately. The RSPCA received donations of over “We spent a lot of time and effort on $84,000 which covered medical costs for Cheyanne’s recovery. The burns and treating pets and livestock injured in the smoke inhalation were the most pressing fi re and their recovery at Roseworthy.

Th e University of Adelaide | Alumni Magazine 9 story by Ian Williams Microscopy labs focus on the miniscule

The impressive range he Core Microscopy Laboratories shielded laboratory to house the of highly sensitive at the University of Adelaide North University’s $3.6 million atomic resolution TTerrace and Waite campuses transmission electron microscope. equipment installed at provide researchers with access to The 3.5 metre tall electron microscope Adelaide Microscopy the most technologically advanced is a critical piece of research infrastructure instrumentation for both microscopy and is available to researchers and allows researchers to and microanalysis. industry for materials used in areas study miniscule nano- The North Terrace facility was upgraded such as renewable energy, advanced last year and named after alumnus manufacturing, mining and exploration. materials right down to Emeritus Professor George Rogers who In addition to the latest electron beam the atomic level. helped pioneer the use of transmission technologies, Adelaide Microscopy electron microscopes in Australia. also offers optical, laser confocal, Now aged 88, George is still an active multiphoton, in vivo, live cell and x-ray user of the microscopy facilities and CT imaging techniques. mentors many current students. Adelaide Microscopy has six new laboratories in North Terrace including a specially designed magnetically

10 Lumen | Summer 2017 Cell research targets female epilepsy

Tracking the migration of the brain’s neurons sounds like the stuff of science fi ction.

ut that’s precisely what University of One of the main reasons I chose this Adelaide alumna and PhD student BClaire Homan has been doing as project was because I was really excited to use she helps unravel the mysteries of one of this new technology. It’s crucial for discovering the most debilitating forms of epilepsy. Her research is investigating the cause what’s occurring in human cells that are of the female-specifi c Protocadherin 19 (PCDH19) related epilepsy which directly relevant to the disorder. affects the lives of thousands of young girls worldwide. The condition affects everyone propagated into every other cell type Access to highly sensitive equipment differently and in most cases is in the body. The technology allows at the University’s Adelaide Microscopy debilitating. Both sexes can be born researchers to avoid the controversy of centre is helping Claire better with the gene mutation but only girls are using embryonic stem cells. understand the functions of the PCDH19 affected by the disorder. “One of the main reasons I chose X-chromosome gene during development They appear perfectly normal in the this project was because I was really of a child’s brain. fi rst few months before suffering severe excited to use this new technology,” says In an important discovery she’s found and frequent seizures when they reach Claire. “It’s crucial for discovering what’s that PCDH19 plays a crucial role in about eight months. occurring in human cells that are directly neuronal migration. It’s thought mutations “While the seizures tend to disappear by relevant to the disorder. in the gene could disrupt normal adulthood, patients can also suffer from “Mice tell us a lot but iPSC technology development and send the neurons to intellectual disability and autism which allows us to make human neurons from the wrong part of the brain. remains for life,” says Claire. patients so that we can identify what’s Claire says she’s been fascinated It’s estimated that about 1000 females different about them.” by the workings of the human brain suffer from the condition in Australia. Claire used skin cells from two affected since studying her Bachelor of Science Claire’s research involves two females and one male in the experiment (Genetics and Biochemistry) degree at different projects. but could only make iPS cells from Adelaide and then a fi rst class honours She’s been using the latest the male, whose daughter also has Bachelor of Sciences (Genetics) immunofl uorescence microscopy the disorder. degree in 2009. techniques to examine stem cell behaviour “It means we have an iPS cell line to “I’ve always been interested in learning in mice. model development of the patient’s brain,” how the brain works, it’s the most “I looked at the ability of the stem cells she says. “We can turn the iPS cells into important organ in the body and controls to self renew and produce more stem cells neural stem cells and then into cortical everything,” she says. and I also looked at their ability to turn neurons to see how they behave and “If you can understand how the into other cell types in the brain such as what’s different about them.” brain works and what can go wrong neurons,” says Claire. Such knowledge is an important step during its development we can identify “We found that in cells that didn’t towards fi nding possible treatments. ways to help patients with different have a functional copy of PCDH19 the “It’s an exciting development in the neurological disorders.” neurons migrated further.” fi eld of iPSC because you can use actual Claire is undertaking her PhD research The second part of the study has taken patient cells in dish cultures and try in the University’s Neurogenetics Claire into a new and exciting area of different drugs to see how they respond,” Laboratory which is collaborating research involving induced pluripotent says Claire. with research teams in Australia and stem cells (iPSCs). “Our research is still in the early stages overseas on fi nding a cure for Pioneered in Japan, iPS cells can but iPSC technology has the potential to PCDH19-related epilepsy. be generated directly from adults and open the way for treatments in the future.”

Left: Claire Homan Photo by Russell Millard

Th e University of Adelaide | Alumni Magazine 11 story by Ian Williams

Pushing the boundaries of University of Adelaide alumna and industry professor Dr Fiona Kerr refers to her own career path as strange – and who could argue?

he part-time academic and leadership consultant is a creative Twhirlwind who defi es the usual professional pigeon-hole. At the University she fl its between faculties and has the title of ‘neural and systems complexity specialist’ – a title her executive dean made up because no-one else really does what she does. She’s fascinated by the science of how humans interact with each other and technology, what makes creative leaders, and the transformative power of the human brain. Her unique insights on ways to drive innovation and ideation are embraced by governments and major corporations globally, including one of the world’s most creative organisations, Cirque du Soleil. But to better understand Fiona’s career and diverse interests, it’s best to start Fiona Kerr with Cirque du Soleil performers at the beginning. Born in Scotland, she attended 14 In the late 80s Fiona was head hunted “I wanted to explore the difference in schools as an “air force brat” before by Holden and appointed industrial the brain of a charismatic leader – how settling in Adelaide where her father relations manager, moving into strategy. complex systems, decision-making and became manager of the University’s Eventually she launched her own business, strategising works – and test the concept mechanical engineering department. Kerr Consulting, which is still in operation that leaders can change the brains of “At 16 I started studying genetics, today, with interesting roles in sectors such those they lead.” but was side-tracked into anthropology as pharmaceuticals and defence. It was an interest that led Fiona back to through a subject in witchcraft which “I got used to managing challenging the University of Adelaide after a 30-year was fascinating,” says Fiona. circumstances in male-dominated, highly break to pursue a PhD in creating and “After some fi eld work, my father unionised organisations,” she says. leading adaptive organisations, including was urging me to gain management Throughout this time Fiona was the concept of emergent logic leadership. experience so I did a trainee management gaining new skills and soaking up her Crossing into academia was initially course at ETSA (Electricity Trust of South experiences. Her work brought her into a challenge for both Fiona and the Australia) where I spent three years in contact with excellent CEOs and she University. overalls because they didn’t really know became fascinated by the power of “They told me that my ‘industry expert’ what to do with me, as I was neither male good leadership and the dynamics of status was equivalent to other entrance nor an engineer. fl ourishing organisations. requirements including academic “It was great experience. I worked as a “It struck me that leaders who could publications,” she says. “But once in trades assistant, drove a truck, changed build adaptive organisations had high the system that didn’t work, and with transformers and got into industrial levels of trust and respect and defi nite my wide-ranging topic I didn’t really relations and strategy.” traits that they imbued into their fi t anywhere. That meant the fi rst year While still in her 20s, Fiona played a key people,” she says. was challenging.” mediation role in shutting down a power “The more I looked at it the more I The multidisciplinary nature of Fiona’s station and fi nished a psychology degree thought I was experiencing something study eventually led her to Dr Sam Wells at Adelaide “because I thought I might signifi cant, and that’s what brought me in the Adelaide Business School who was as well get paid for doing this”. into the social neuroscience of leadership. also researching complex systems.

12 Lumen | Summer 2017 creativity

“Within fi ve minutes he said ‘you have to do this and work with me’. Sam was brilliant.” Today Fiona works across the faculties of Professions, Engineering and Health Sciences. She’s just fi nishing a research study on the neurophysiological effect of touch and eye gaze on healing, after joining a think tank on ageing with Dean of Nursing Professor Alison Kitson about the importance of doctors, nurses and carers having that human touch. In September she gave the plenary lecture at an engineering conference where she spoke on artifi cial I wanted to explore the diff erence intelligence, focusing on the technical, in the brain of a charismatic leader – neurophysiological and social issues and the need to proactively shape our how complex systems, decision-making technological future. and strategising really works – and test Outside the University Fiona has co-founded a small company called the concept that leaders can change human-e with biomedical engineer the brains of those they lead. roboticist, Dr Jordan Nguyen. Together they are researching and advising on the neurophysiological effects of human interaction with different technologies, and Fiona says they complement each other well, coming from different angles but driven by the same purpose. “I’m very fond of technology and its advancement is amazing, but it has to be human centric. We need to be clever about when and how we use technology as a substitute for human interaction, especially in sectors like health and ageing.” Fiona’s innovative ideas and engaging delivery have put her in strong demand at conferences in Australia and overseas, and has led to consulting work with some leading companies. She is a regular guest on ABC radio as well as appearing on ABC television’s Catalyst science show, Insight on SBS, and Ockhams Razor with Robyn Williams.

Th e University of Adelaide | Alumni Magazine 13 story by Connie Dutton The butterfly eff ect

A life-altering decision to transfer from computer science to study music at the Elder Conservatorium of Music saw the rise of one of today’s stars of the opera stage.

14 Lumen | Summer 2016 oanna McWaters enrolled in computer science to satisfy her mother’s wishes for her to pursue Th e preparation for a role is J‘a secure career’. After six months Joanna varied and complex. I approach joined the Adelaide University Choral Society (AUCS) which enabled her to nurture her passion for music – my learning in an organised a seed which was planted at a young age. way from the beginning of the “I still remember the day I fi rst learned to read music. It was a rhythm written up on the school opera, studying small sections blackboard. Music made sense to me from that very fi rst day and my world changed from that at a time. Th is helps me discover moment,” she says. the role as it develops and slowly Joanna learnt several musical instruments in her early years, starting with the recorder in primary form the character and my school and later moving onto the fl ute and piano in interpretation of the music. high school. But it wasn’t until her time at university that she seriously considered a career in music. “It was through AUCS that I started receiving compliments about my voice and suggestions that I They are the parents of three children who should have some singing lessons,” says Joanna. have mixed feelings about the career choices “I took it a little further and decided to change of their parents. degrees entirely and auditioned for the Elder “As our children get older, they are increasingly Conservatorium having never had a singing lesson in aware that what we do is different to other people,” my life. I wonder now at the audacity of it.” she says. It turned out to be a good decision and signalled “However our work commitments mean we have the start of a successful singing career. Joanna to be away for a while or out a lot at night. has gone on to sing many of her dream roles in “They are blasé about the media attention and a stage career that her mother soon agreed was my photo in the paper or a magazine is not that the right choice. exciting anymore.” Career highlights include Mimi in La Bohéme, The couple also credit their children for keeping Nedda in I Pagliacci and Dolly Pickles in Cloudstreet. them grounded. In 2013 Joanna made her principal operatic debut “Sometimes, just before we walk on stage all in State Opera SA’s production of Madama Butterfly glammed up, we muse over the fact that only two playing the title role. hours before we were frantically picking the kids up Madama Butterfly tells the story of 15-year-old from sport and trying to feed them all dinner in time.” Japanese geisha Cio-Cio San, or Butterfl y, and her Joanna and Andy’s children are discovering music doomed marriage to an American offi cer during and the arts in their own way through music and World War II. dance and often attend their parents’ performances. “I loved every minute of the preparation and Joanna is a passionate supporter of the industry performance,” says Joanna. “I’d been waiting years that inspired her career, describing it as “an for the chance to show what I could do. It was essential part of life”. wonderful, scary and fabulous all at the same time. “It surprises me that we are often asked why “I felt a great sense of responsibility in being the arts are so important. It is a natural outlet for entrusted with such an iconic and demanding role expression that has been part of humankind since but there was never any doubt in my mind that I the beginning. could do it.” “There is a great quote doing the rounds, Joanna also began writing her own love story ‘The Earth without art is just eh’. That pretty at the University when she met fellow vocalist much sums up how I feel.” Andy Turner. After studying together at the Elder Conservatorium they went on to perform in many shows together. Both undertook postgraduate study in Luxembourg and eventually married before Left: Joanna McWaters (Madama Butterfl y) returning to Adelaide where they have settled “Madama Butterfl y” State Opera of South Australia in the Adelaide Hills. Photo: Bernard Hull Photography

Th e University of Adelaide | Alumni Magazine 15 Masterplan to transform the University

The University of Adelaide has revealed a 20-year masterplan for its three campuses, beginning with a new entrance building and tower on North Terrace.

16 Lumen | Summer 2017 Th e University of Adelaide | Alumni Magazine 17 he masterplan for the University accommodating business, law, of the sloping North Terrace campus. was revealed in September. The architecture and economics.” It takes into account the lifespan and Tvision includes development of a Later stages of the masterplan include condition of existing buildings and expert spectacular new building on North Terrace new facilities for other schools and greatly specialist advice for heritage issues and campus, not just for students and staff, enhanced campus amenities for students. pedestrian movement. but for all South Australians. The plan focuses on pedestrians and “The University of Adelaide “It would provide a new contemporary cyclists, providing better, safer pathways Masterplan 2016–2035 is a vision to gateway to the University at the through the campus, and eliminating transform the University’s physical intersection of North Terrace and Pulteney vehicle traffi c where possible. presence over the coming decades,” Street, at what we hope will be the new The Schulz building would be Professor Bebbington says. tram stop,” says Vice-Chancellor and repurposed as an on-campus residential The plan is an aspirational vision to President, Professor Warren Bebbington. college with accommodation and guide development of the campuses “The new building would be adjacent recreational facilities, including a gym. and will be phased in as funds to Bonython Hall, and feature ceremonial Improvements are also planned for the become available. and conference facilities as well as other campuses, with a new layout and a new precinct showcasing music services at Waite, and changes to unify Full details and a video of the masterplan and creative arts. and beautify the grounds at Roseworthy. can be found at ua.edu.au/masterplan. “Across North Terrace, the Nexus The plan has been developed after 10 precinct would be enhanced an extensive period of consultation by an additional 24-storey tower and three-dimensional digital surveying

18 Lumen | Summer 2017 Th e University of Adelaide Masterplan 2016–2035 is a vision to transform the University’s physical presence over the coming decades.

Main image: Waite campus masterplan concept.

Above left: North Terrace campus from Hub Central to Pulteney Street.

Left: North Terrace campus, Schulz building.

Below left: aerial view of Roseworthy campus.

Th e University of Adelaide | Alumni Magazine 19 Rachel returns for dream arts role

A stint as theatre editor of he believes it was fundamental to “The editor, Deborah Heithersay, was Adelaide University Union’s her role as one of Australia’s leading looking for someone who didn’t have Sarts managers and cultural planners, an orthodox journalism background On Dit magazine proved a culminating in her current position so picked my CV out of the pile,” career-building experience as co-artistic director of the Adelaide says Rachel. Festival of Arts. By this stage Rachel realised she for Rachel Healy. “Being theatre editor at On Dit was was unlikely to fulfi l her earlier ambition an incredible break because it was the of becoming a performer but was still stepping stone into the rest of my career,” passionate about a career in the arts. says Rachel. After 11 months as assistant editor of She was bewitched by the arts from Lowdown she found herself editing the a young age and quickly joined the magazine and from there moved into Adelaide University Footlights Club after arts management as administrator of the enrolling at the University in 1987 to youth-focused Magpie Theatre. study arts and law. “This was another incredible stroke But it was only because she had of luck because Magpie was part of the On Dit on her limited CV that she was State Theatre Company and the CEO at plucked from a long list of applicants to the time, Robert Love, became a great be assistant editor on Lowdown youth mentor,” says Rachel. arts magazine.

20 Lumen | Summer 2017 story by Ian Williams

Adelaide Festival was such a signifi cant part of my growing up in Adelaide that it’s hard to overestimate its importance. Having these extraordinary artists and companies from around the world arriving in Adelaide and taking over the city in March had a big impact on me.

Above: Rachel Healy Photo by Simon Casson

Left: Image from Saul which will play to Adelaide Festival audiences in March 2017.

“Robert was generous with his time and back and take a helicopter view of the arts “It’s about creating work on an epic knowledge and so patient. I was educated sector and the cultural community more scale that wouldn’t occur otherwise in arts management and administration broadly,” says Rachel. – creating something in a completely through an old-school mentorship.” The city approved her plan and Rachel unexpected environment and tapping As Rachel’s knowledge and experience was preparing for its implementation into what some people call the grew so did the job offers. She landed when she was approached to take charge ‘experience economy’,” she says. the role of general manager at Handspan of the Adelaide Festival of Arts for the The Australian premiere of Handel’s Theatre in Melbourne and was briefl y next three years. opera Saul under the direction of Barrie manager of The Australian Ballet before “The prospect of doing it alone didn’t Kosky certainly falls into this category. being head hunted to manage Belvoir thrill me but then an idea was hatched This is one of a few shows Rachel and Street Theatre in Sydney. to work with Neil. We have such a strong Neil announced in the lead-up to the This signalled the start of a long-term history of working together that it really main program launch and it promises friendship and professional collaboration made sense,” says Rachel. to be spectacular. with Neil Armfi eld, AO, one of Australia’s “There’s a shorthand between us “Adelaide Festival was such a signifi cant leading theatre, opera and fi lm directors. and we trust each other a great deal. part of growing up in Adelaide that it’s Neil was artistic director of Belvoir at the Even when we have a disagreement it’s hard to overestimate its importance. time and has rejoined Rachel as co-artistic never personal or awkward – we usually Having these extraordinary artists and director of the Adelaide Festival of Arts. take little breaks to refl ect and marshal companies from around the world arriving Rachel was at Belvoir for 10 years counter arguments!” in Adelaide and taking over the city in before taking the position as director Rachel’s fi rst day in the job was in July March had a big impact on me. of performing arts at Sydney Opera last year – a day she agrees was both “When you grow up here you think House and then the highly infl uential exciting and daunting. that’s normal and everybody has that role of executive manager of culture for Cutting through in a market that now experience – it’s only when I moved away the City of Sydney. overfl ows with arts festivals is a challenge that I realised that very few people have Her brief was to build a cultural vision but she says the answer lies in the history access to this kind of cultural immersion.” for Sydney, including a live music action of the Adelaide Festival. plan for the next decade. “Unlike larger cities, Adelaide is perfect “It was an incredibly exciting for a festival of this kind because we can opportunity after working in the fi eld for take over all the urban spaces and deliver so long because it meant I could step something extraordinary,” she says.

Th e University of Adelaide | Alumni Magazine 21 story by Renée Capps

Taplin travel fund supports Indigenous education

Alumnus and Emeritus Professor John Taplin saw fi rst hand the benefi ts of an international education experience and he was determined that such opportunities would not be denied to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and students.

ohn was Pro Vice-Chancellor issues and positive initiatives in an Ngarrindjeri people during the early (International) from February 2004 overseas context,” says Yvonne. colonial years. He established a church Jto January 2012 and, following “Many international delegates don’t and a school at Raukkan, and taught his retirement from the University, he know anything about Australian Aboriginal Indigenous people skills which helped established the Taplin Indigenous Bursary people, or have negative representations.” them adapt to the new economic to help Close The Gap. A full-time student at the time, Yvonne environment that was being introduced “I became aware of a number of would not have been able to attend the by the South Australian Government.” Indigenous study programs offered by conference without the grant. Since the introduction of the Bursary universities overseas which could be of “I was grateful for the opportunity and in 2013, over 25 Indigenous staff interest to our Aboriginal and Torres Straits through my attendance I was able to learn and students have received grants Islander students,” says John. about psychological initiatives from other of up to $5000 to travel overseas “Without fi nancial assistance, it is cultures, appreciate our own initiatives to further their education likely that the overwhelming majority and gain professional development and training. of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander as a psychologist.” students and staff would be unable to Yvonne says she hopes her experience undertake these programs.” will inspire other Indigenous people with Your support of scholarships will continue John wanted to remove the fi nancial travel aspirations. to help close the gap and support those barrier that prevents many from travel “I hope my achievements will enable that need it most. To fi nd out more visit but says there is still more to be done me to serve as a role model. It was a adelaide.edu.au/give/why in the fi ght for equality. dream to travel overseas as a child and “The bursary seeks to remove this no-one in my family had ever travelled so fi nancial impediment and thereby allow widely. I hope this shows that it is within those selected to be chosen solely on many people’s reach to travel overseas academic merit,” he says. if they want to pursue it.” `“Ultimately, I hope that, with the aid of The Taplin name has long been this bursary and through other means, associated with helping Indigenous a new generation of Indigenous leaders South Australians. Professor Taplin’s will emerge who can demonstrate to great grandfather, Rev George Taplin the rest of the world that Australia is, in lived and worked with the Ngarrindjeri every sense, a multicultural country of people at Raukkan on the shores equal opportunity.” of Lake Alexandrina from 1860 until Yvonne Clark was awarded a Taplin his death in 1879. grant in 2014 to assist with travel costs John sees the bursary as a way to attend the International Congress of to recognise the pioneering work Applied Psychology (ICAP) in Paris. She is of his family. a lecturer in the School of Psychology and “Through his close association with this a current PhD candidate. Indigenous community during a critical Yvonne presented three papers at period, he provided some of the earliest the conference on mental health issues ethnographic and linguistic insights into concerning Indigenous Australians. Aboriginal life in Australia,” says John. Left: Yvonne Clark and “I was able to provide and share “George Taplin was also a courageous Emeritus Professor John Taplin information about Australian Indigenous advocate for and on behalf of the Photo by Russell Millard

22 Lumen | Summer 2017 Ultimately, I hope that, with the aid of this bursary and through other means, a new generation of Indigenous leaders will emerge who can demonstrate to the rest of the world that Australia is, in every sense, a multicultural country of equal opportunity.

Th e University of Adelaide | Alumni Magazine 23 A legacy fi ghting the war on superbugs

When Helga ‘Bertha’ Sudholz passed away in 1960, she made it clear where she wanted to make a diff erence. She bequeathed £2000 to the University of Adelaide to fund a scholarship for students presenting a thesis that covers diseases of the ear, nose and throat.

Katharina Richter Photo by Russell Millard

24 Lumen | Summer 2017 story by Renée Capps

ifty-fi ve years later, her bequest is “This is a two-pronged strategy where “Due to their tiny size, the nanoparticles still making a difference through we introduce a compound that will are able to penetrate the biofi lm, then Fsupport for Katharina Richter, the deplete nutrients and starve bacteria so react with the bacteria and kill them.” 2015 scholarship recipient who is fi ghting they become vulnerable. The second Katharina hopes the two treatments the war on superbugs. compound mimics their food source and, will improve the quality of life for people German-born Katharina is a PhD once taken up by hungry bacteria, the suffering from chronic nasal infections and student from the Discipline of Surgery, compound exhibits toxic effects,” she says. extend their symptom-free period. and the Ear, Nose and Throat Surgery The compounds will be placed into The Bertha Sudholz scholarship allowed Department at The Queen Elizabeth wound healing gel that is clinically used Katharina to attend a conference about Hospital. She is researching promising after surgery. The gel’s wound healing biofi lms in Chicago where she established new treatments targeting severe and properties are then complemented with international collaborations. recurring sinus infections. These infections antibacterial activity. As the gel is applied “It was a very productive conference. are caused by bacteria that are frequently directly to the site of infection it will fi ght the I met and discussed my work with resistant to antibiotics. bacteria more effi ciently and prevent severe international experts in the fi eld, With her pharmaceutical background side effects throughout the body. generating new ideas and getting and expertise in drug delivery and drug Katharina anticipates clinical trials for this inspiration for the future direction of my targeting, Katharina has the ideal skillset treatment will begin in 2017. research to strengthen our fi ght against to develop treatments to fi ght superbugs. Clinical trials are currently underway superbugs,” she says. “A major threat to human health is the for the second treatment which is based The scholarship has grown to an rise of superbugs, when microorganisms on silver nanoparticles. Invisible to the endowment fund now standing at almost like Golden Staph become resistant to naked eye, they are 1/1000 the width of $120,000 and has helped 27 people antibiotics,” she says. human hair and are given to the patient since it was introduced. “Through my work as a pharmacist I in a nasal fl ush. saw fi rst hand the increasing problems “Severe and chronic infections present with antibiotic resistant bacteria, people’s as a cluster of bacteria covered in a slimy Scholarships, like this one, have not only had devastating conditions and the lack of matrix called biofi lms,” says Katharina. impacts on the students’ lives, but are impacting effective therapies.” “Biofi lms act like an armour and the world through research outcomes. Katharina is researching two alternative protect the bacteria from the immune For further information on bequests or to treatments to antibiotics. The fi rst system and medications – the thicker arrange a confi dential discussion visit www.adelaide.edu.au/give/how/bequests or approach aims to destroy the bacteria the biofi lm, the less likely antibiotics will contact Sue Fox on +61 8 8313 3234 or email through their nutrient pathways. work and the easier it is for bacteria [email protected] to establish resistance.

3 Minute Thesis People’s Choice Award

Katharina recently presented her research in the 3 Minute Thesis (3MT) competition. She made it through to the fi nal and won the ‘People’s Choice Award’. 3MT requires researchers to explain their thesis project in just three minutes, using only one PowerPoint slide. The ability to effectively communicate research impact is a skill that all our researchers aim to develop.

Katharina's presentation Bug Wars - Battlefront Biofi lms can be viewed on the University of Adelaide YouTube channel

Th e University of Adelaide | Alumni Magazine 25 story by Renée Capps 1966 Golden Jubilee * SPECIAL *

Romance on campus

Flirtatious looks across the books in the e spoke to fi ve couples who Barr Smith Library, lingering conversations found their perfect match on Wthe grounds of the University in the science lab, sparks fl ying during of Adelaide. As they celebrate the year anatomy classes … While the class of 1966 of their Golden Jubilee, we asked them to reminisce about their university days was busy studying for their degrees and and romances on campus. PhDs, they were also falling in love.

26 Lumen | Summer 2017 Back in Adelaide Anne began her formal Mixed-up double date training in psychiatry. She is now a clinical Tony Williams and Anne Sved Williams, AM senior lecturer in psychiatry at the University of Adelaide and has been medical unit head Tony and Anne went on a double date with of Helen Mayo House for 29 years. some friends in their fi rst year of medicine – but they weren’t partnering each other. From this base of working with psychiatrically unwell postnatal women and their infants, It wasn’t until the beginning of second she has helped develop services in perinatal year their paths crossed again outside and infant mental health at the Women’s and the WEA book room – and this time Children’s Hospital, and through much of something clicked. South Australia. Anne remembers Tony had spent the Following graduation they were interns Tony has held senior positions at the Royal summer lumping wheat at his uncle’s at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, then GP Adelaide Hospital for many years. He was property and looked tanned and muscular. locums. They moved to the UK where Tony head of hepatobiliary surgery, and the clinical Anne had just returned from a trip to trained in surgery, and Anne worked in director of both gastrointestinal services and Melbourne and was glowing from her fi rst general practice, and they had two children, operating services. He is currently the clinical love affair with someone else! Sean and Dara. director of the hospital’s surgical specialties. Their friendship blossomed over games They returned to Adelaide for fi ve years Tony and Anne love to travel to Canberra of bridge in the common room at medical before moving to New York as Tony wanted and Stockholm where their children and fi ve school but it wasn’t until fourth year when to further specialise in hepatobiliary surgery. grandchildren live. things became serious. Anne had started working in psychiatry, By the end of the fi fth year Tony and Anne her “work-choice passion”, and studied Above left: Tony and Anne on their wedding day were married on her parents’ front lawn and family therapy at New York’s Ackerman Left: Tony Williams and Anne Sved Williams have had rewarding and stimulating lives Family Institute. Photo by Russell Millard together since.

Refectory aff air Kenneth and Gwenyth Moxham (nee Pope)

Gwen fi rst caught Ken’s eye while she was boarding at Adelaide Miethke House, a grand old home built by the Holden family. Ken attended nearby Prince Alfred College, a school devoid of any girls so there was a keen interest in the girls boarding nearby.

Gwen studied a Bachelor of Arts across three campuses but managed to rearrange her timetable to have some time on North Terrace where Ken was doing a Bachelor of Engineering. They joked it was often the refectory where you could fi nd them, “we both did refectory I, refectory II and refectory III”.

Following his undergraduate degree, Ken was offered both a Commonwealth Overseas Scholarship and the single Australian Shell Scholarship. The couple Ken joined the University of Adelaide in the Their family has continued a connection married soon after graduation before moving then Civil Engineering Department, where with the University of Adelaide with both to England where Ken went up to Clare he was also the Dean of Engineering. Gwen their children graduating – Catriona (MBBS College Cambridge and read for a PhD. taught for 14 years at Seymour College and 1994) and James (MBBS 1994) – while their He worked as an engineer in London while 20 years at St Peter’s College in Adelaide. grandson is currently studying engineering. Gwen taught in schools, before they moved to Melbourne and eventually back Adelaide Fifty years on and they are still happily married Above: Gwen and Ken Moxham where they have lived for the past 43 years. with two children and six grandchildren. Photo by Russell Millard

Th e University of Adelaide | Alumni Magazine 27 The couple moved to the central coast of Teeing off together New South Wales in 1972 where they have Glen and Deborah Wright (nee Harris) lived ever since. Glen continued working in pharmacy and Deborah took time off work The Wrights were studying at the University to look after their three children. of Adelaide at the same time in different disciplines – Glen in pharmacy and Deborah In 1987, they departed from their academic in law. Their paths didn’t offi cially cross until fi elds and opened a fi nancial planning offi ce. shortly after graduation when they were This change of direction required mature fi nally introduced by their brothers. age study, which they say was a shock to the system after 21 years, but resulted With a shared interest in sport, in particular in a harmonious and fulfi lling business golf, they were both members of Glenelg partnership of 17 years. Golf Club and also played inter varsity golf The couple married in March 1968. Glen at university, with Deborah achieving a opened a pharmacy in Fairview Park the day “It goes without saying that we have half blue. after he graduated followed by a second continued our golfi ng recreation uninterrupted pharmacy at St Agnes Shopping Centre, and our interest and ability has been passed “A mutual love of the game, to which we where he pioneered Australia’s fi rst self-serve down to our children and some of our seven were both introduced at about the age of supermarket-style pharmacy. grandchildren,” says Deborah. “Life has been eight or nine by our respective parents, very good to us but our educational grounding is one of the factors in our having spent Deborah worked at the Supreme Court in at both school and university in Adelaide has the last 48 years of married life together,” Adelaide as an associate to Justice Hogarth been invaluable in our attaining this.” says Deborah. and then to Chief Justice, Dr Bray.

Romantic road trip Helmut and Jo Weigold (nee Thomas)

Both science students, Jo and Helmut became acquainted during their honours year in the Physical and Inorganic Chemistry Department. They were part of a group of 10 students – Jo the only woman.

Romance was slow to develop and Jo remembers that “even at the end of honours’ They married in January 1963, in the chapel Library liaisons year neither of us would have imagined at Lincoln College and left Adelaide in 1965 Peter and Felicia Mitchell (nee Smith) what was in our future”. to take up post doctoral positions. Helmut held a CSIRO post doctoral scholarship Peter and Felicia fi rst met while playing A trip to Brisbane for a conference in May and Jo had a George Murray fellowship at together in Burnside Orchestra, but it was 1961 was the catalyst for a change. Helmut the University of Manchester in England. amongst the books in the Barr Smith Library and two other postgraduate colleagues Late in 1966 Helmut moved to a fellowship that they really got to know each other. drove up, while Jo fl ew there but was invited to join the men for the journey in the USA at Case Western Reserve Peter was completing his PhD in the back to Adelaide. University, Ohio. Department of Physics and Felicia was They returned to Australia in late 1967 studying part time while working in the She remembers the discomfort of Helmut and Helmut joined the CSIRO Division of library. They connected over music with and the other guys who thought her Applied Organic Chemistry in Melbourne as both playing in the student orchestras presence was likely to be restrictive. But as a research scientist, working on a range of in their spare time. they slowly progressed down the east coast, the social dynamics between Helmut and projects until his retirement in 2004. After university Felicia continued to work Jo altered signifi cantly. Jo was employed in the Chemistry at the Barr Smith Library and Peter Department at Monash University, initially as became a physics lecturer at the University. By the time they arrived in Canberra there a demonstrator, then in the nuclear magnetic Their careers took them to Reading and were defi nite sparks of interest which resonance laboratory until 2003. Manchester in UK before they returned blossomed into a relationship that continues to Australia and settled in Sydney. 55 years later. The couple has three children (who all received university degrees before Married in 1966, Peter and Felicia The couple received a lot of ribbing from travelling and working overseas) and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary their colleagues in the department – with six grandchildren. this year. They have two daughters and their engagement announced several times fi ve grandchildren. before it actually occurred.

28 Lumen | Summer 2017 Distinguished Alumni Awards

From a pioneer in Fighting for equal rights Probing the multisensory communication Jane Sloane structure of matter to the Head of State (BA (Hons) 1985) Dr Wolodymyr ‘Wally’ An exceptional Melnitchouk Opera in South Australia, (BSc (Hons) 1989, humanitarian, Jane is a PhD (Sc) 1984) this year’s Distinguished multiple award winner who has dedicated much Wally is an internationally Alumni Awards showcase renowned scientist in of her life to advancing nuclear and particle achievements of our alumni women’s human rights physics. in diverse fi elds and from and the rights of marginalised people around the globe. and populations. Currently senior theoretical nuclear physicist at Jefferson Lab in Virginia, USA, he is She is currently vice-president of programs recognised worldwide for his work dedicated he awards are in recognition with the Global Fund for Women in to understanding the structure of matter at of alumni who have enhanced San Francisco. its most fundamental level. Tthe reputation of the University She has been a dedicated leader for various In 1994, Wally’s research was recognised of Adelaide through outstanding humanitarian organisations including World with the Bragg Gold Medal by the service to the community or who have Vision Australia, Women’s World Banking, Australian Institute of Physics and in 2006 made an outstanding contribution in Social Entrepreneurs Network and the he was elected a Fellow of the American their chosen fi elds. International Women’s Development Agency. Physical Society.

Advancing the arts Tireless community worker Innovation in mixed reality Timothy Sexton Dr Kenneth Collins, AM Professor Adrian Cheok (BMus (Hons) 1985, (MBBS 1960) (BE (Elec) 1994, PhD 1999) Grad Dip Ed 1988) For most of his life A pioneer in mixed Timothy is head of the Kenneth has been reality and multisensory State Opera of South dedicated to helping communication, Adrian Australia and one of others as a medical has been recognised Australia’s foremost practitioner and through internationally through musicians and innovative extensive community multiple awards for his artistic directors. service in a range of civic organisations. innovation and leadership. His varied career has encompassed public For 31 years he has been involved The founder of the Imagineering Institute speaking, conducting and performing, continuously with Rotary’s Polio Eradication in Malaysia and the Mixed Reality Lab in radio broadcasting for the ABC and music Campaign which has seen the incidence Singapore, some of his ground breaking works include innovative and interactive composition, most notably for children’s of polio reduced from 500,000 cases in games such as 3dlive, Human Pacman theatre and vocal works. 150 countries in 1985 to 23 cases in three and Huggy Pajama. His contribution to music in this State was countries to the end of August 2016. Through recognised in 2008 with the Premier’s Ruby Rotary and community service involvement, Adrian also invented the world’s fi rst electric and thermal taste machine, which produces Award for Sustained Contribution to the Arts he has made an impact to the lives of millions virtual tastes with electric current and by an Individual. The following year he was of people directly or in directly. thermal energy. named the SA Great South Australian of the His service has extended to numerous Year in the arts category. overseas humanitarian projects and To see more about our distinguished alumni innumerable committees and organisations. visit adelaide.edu.au/alumni/recognised

Th e University of Adelaide | Alumni Magazine 29 story by Ian Williams

21-year milestone for Adelaide Nursing School

The University of Adelaide’s fter a low-key launch delivering “But for a number of years now we’ve nursing program has travelled courses to postgraduates in 1995, been ranked the number one or two Ait has been transformed into one of nursing school in terms of employability a long way in its fi rst 21 years. Australia’s most highly rated teaching and and satisfaction with the program. research schools of nursing. Employers frequently comment on the “We began small and it took three quality of our graduates.” to four years before most people in The University fi rst began its the University even knew we existed,” involvement in nursing after winning a says Lecturer Dr David Foley. tender to teach postgraduate courses –

1995 1996 2011 Following a review of the The discipline was renamed education of nurses at the the School of Nursing. Royal Adelaide Hospital, the University set up a Department of Clinical Nursing in collaboration The Joanna Briggs with the hospital. Institute of Evidence Five registered nurses Based Nursing and 1999 2002 2009 working in staff Midwifery was established Mary FitzGerald took over The fi rst professional Current Head, Alison Kitson, development were to close the gap between as Head of Department. doctoral program in was appointed Professor seconded to the University research and practice Australia was established Head of the Discipline to set up and coordinate and offers a research and in the discipline. and then Head of School Iain Everett was the new programs. education services for in 2011. offi cially endorsed as nursing students. Professor Alan Pearson 2006 Over one thousand students the fi rst Master of Nurse was appointed inaugural Today the Institute is a have now graduated from Practitioner graduate. Professor of Nursing and thriving hub of activity The clinically focused the nursing program with Head of Department. with a staff that has Bachelor of Nursing many working in lead grown from six to 40. program was fi rst offered ADELAIDE NURSING SCHOOL TIMELINE positions in clinical practice. with 35 students.

30 Lumen | Summer 2017 graduate diplomas, masters and honours The teaching spaces have been degrees and PhD studies. designed to encourage small-group The next major step came in 2005 interactive teaching which is very much when the University responded to student centred. health industry feedback about the way A key feature of the new building is undergraduates were being prepared a state-of-the-art skills laboratory and for nursing. simulation centre to recreate a variety of After a series of focus groups healthcare environments from emergency involving local hospitals and other health and outpatient departments to wards professionals, Adelaide Nursing School’s and GP clinics. fi rst undergraduate course was created. This will be one of the most “The course was unusual and quite technologically advanced laboratories of innovative in that it had a very strong its kind in Australia and will allow medical focus on an integrated clinical experience and nursing students to operate in teams program,” says David. to gain experience in tackling a range of “For the fi rst time students were simulated health events. Meet our oldest involved in two days of class time and Lecturer Alison Walsh knows as well three days of placement each week to as anyone the importance of such volunteer ensure they were are well prepared for infrastructure. Alison is a past and practice. Traditionally clinical time and current student at the school, studying When Jeanette ‘Nettie’ Davidson’s course work was separated into blocks an oncology graduate diploma in 2006. husband passed away three years ago, she of several weeks.” She’s now doing a masters in clinical decided she wanted to keep his tradition Associate Professor Judy Magarey, the nursing specialising in oncology and has of volunteering at the Waite Campus alive Deputy Head of Nursing, helped write the plans for a PhD. and stepped into his shoes. curriculum for the undergraduate program “Even though a lot of the course is Nettie is the University’s oldest volunteer, which started with 35 students and has online, the practical study is interactive a very spritely 90 year old. She visits the grown to an annual intake of about 200. and I have the opportunity to really extend Waite gardens once a week to prune The postgraduate program is also myself,” says Alison. the roses and weed the gardens, just strong with nearly 500 students, “Oncology is an area that’s progressing as her husband Torben had done for including 20 PhD students. rapidly with all the research, so as a 18 years before her. Early next year nursing will celebrate student and lecturer I need to be on top another milestone when it moves into of all the changes and how they translate Torben was an active volunteer when he a new purpose-built school within into clinical practice.” passed away at 91 and Nettie remembers the Adelaide Health and Medical Adelaide Nursing School also has a how much joy he got from volunteering Sciences building near the new Royal strong research culture and boasts two “He used to come home and say, ‘they are Adelaide Hospital. professors listed among the world’s most so lovely, such a lovely group’,” says Nettie. Judy says the teaching staff have highly cited researchers – Head of School “Some months after he died I thought, been closely involved in the design of Alison Kitson and Professorial Research ‘I need to take his place now’ and I have the new facilities. Fellow Gill Harvey. been coming here ever since.” “It’s been a collaborative process right In its three surveys since 2010, from the beginning – it’s going to be a Excellence in Research for Australia has Torben had a long connection to the Waite wonderful teaching space with the most given the school a top fi ve-point rating as his father, Professor James Davidson, up-to-date facilities,” says Judy. every time – a score achieved by only two was the fi rst Professor of Entomology at “We’re closely located with medicine other Australian nursing schools. the campus. which means there will be more This is well above world standard and With fond memories of picnics with her opportunities for both academics places it among the top international husband and grandchildren in the gardens, and students in nursing and medicine nursing schools in terms of impact Nettie says she is happy to spend time to interact.” and reputation. volunteering in the beautiful surroundings.

“We are so fortunate to have the arboretum, 2012 2013 2015 2017 why wouldn’t you want to volunteer in The Robin Warren Adelaide Nursing Students’ The School of Nursing was New Adelaide Health and such a serene and beautiful place?” she Clinical Skills Laboratory Society (ANSS) formed. ranked the top Nursing Medical Sciences building says. “It’s amazing how many people fi rst opened. Nursing New Adelaide Health School in Australia for scheduled to open students use the lab to Simulation & Skills Centre satisfaction. February 2017. don’t know it’s here.” familiarise themselves Website launched. with a typical hospital Now a great grandmother, when she’s not environment and practise nursing care. volunteering Nettie keeps herself busy with her family and weaving, calling herself a ‘crazy weaver’.

2016 Her thoughts on the title of ‘oldest’ Nursing graduate volunteer? “I don’t really feel like I’m 90 but Nursing Graduate and Candace Bavaresco wins ANSS Committee the Australian Primary I suppose it must be true!” member Crystal Tudo. Healthcare Nurses Association ‘Nurse of the Year’ Award. Photo by: Russell Millard

Th e University of Adelaide | Alumni Magazine 31 story by James Litt Dean of Law’s Fund Reaches a Milestone

When Professor John Williams, the former Dean of the Adelaide Law School, fi rst came up with the idea of creating a fund to assist fi nancially disadvantaged undergraduate law students, he was unsure it would ever become reality.

ut after three years of promotion also by helping to create greater and lobbying he has successfully awareness of the fund among the legal Breached the target of $100,000. profession,” says John. “It is largely due This means the fund can now be to her efforts that we have achieved endowed in perpetuity to provide ongoing our goal in only three years.” fi nancial support to students in need. To date, more than 200 donors have “It has been a very important initiative made over 300 gifts toward the fund and to benefi t generations of law students,” 23 students have received support. said John. Now endowed in perpetuity, the fund Elise Thomson was one of the fi rst will create an enduring legacy capable students to receive assistance from the of supporting future generations of fund in 2014 after her employer passed law students experiencing signifi cant away, putting enormous fi nancial strain fi nancial stress. on her ability to meet the ongoing costs of her law degree. A single mother of four teenagers, Elise had the added costs of raising a family. “Not having to worry about whether I could afford text books removed some He paid particular tribute to the Dean of the fi nancial burdens relating to of Law’s Fund committee. Chaired by university life,” says Elise. the Justice Margaret Nyland, AM, the “These types of grants for assistance committee consists of Barrister Robert are particularly important for single parents Cameron, Emeritus Professor Ivan who are studying as they are often not Shearer, AM, and David Meyer. eligible for other scholarships or funds.” “Margaret has been an outstanding Elise is now employed as a lawyer and advocate for the fund, not only in wants to help others who fi nd themselves encouraging fi nancial support but in a similar situation. Above: Professor John Williams “I have graduated with my law degree Right: Child Protection Systems Royal and my fi nancial situation has greatly Commissioner Margaret Nyland, AM. improved in recent months and, as such, Photo by Jennie Groom I have made a contribution to the Dean of Law’s Fund in appreciation,” she says. John says he could not have achieved such a wonderful outcome without the support of alumni, colleagues and members of the profession. “Those who supported the fund inevitably pointed to the importance of education and their commitment to the next generation of students,” he says.

32 Lumen | Summer 2017 Alumni on the Move

Frances Adamson Eight alumni were elected at Simon Birmingham was re-appointed (BEc 1985) the recent Federal election Minister for Education and Training Secretary of the Department of Elected to the Senate: Christopher Pyne was appointed Foreign Affairs and Trade > Don Farrell Minister for Defence Industry (LLB 1977) Geoff Harcourt, AO Justice Martin Hinton (LLB Hons) 1989, BA (Jur) FASSA FAcSS FRSN (M Ec 1959) Re-elected to the Australian Parliament: 1989 LLM (Gen St) 1990) Has been elected a Fellow of the Royal > Simon Birmingham Society of New South Wales (FRSN). (MBA 2008) Was appointed to the South Australian Supreme Court. > Mark Butler Professor Deep Saini (BA (Jur) 1991, LLB (Hons) 1993) (PhD (Ag & Nat Res Sc) 1983) > Sarah Hanson-Young Justice Margaret White Has been appointed Vice-Chancellor of (B Soc Sc 2002) (LLB 1967, LLD 2014) University of Canberra, Australia. > Christopher Pyne Was appointed to the Australian (LLB 1989) Government’s Royal Commission into the Professor Roger Byard Northern Territory’s youth detention system. (MD 1994, M Med Sc 1997) > Amanda Rishworth (M Clin Psych 2005) Received the ISPID Distinguished Researcher Award for outstanding > Penny Wong (BA (Jur) 1993, LLB (Hons) 1993 contributions to SIDS research. > Nick Xenophon Colin Murray-Wallace (LLB 1981) (BA (Hons) 1984, PhD 1998, DSc 2010) Awarded the Mawson Medal from the Australia Academy of Science. University News Annual Meeting of the University Professor Alan Cooper named University of Adelaide climbs 30 Community 2017 SA Scientist of the Year places in international rankings On 13 February 2017, the University The University of Adelaide’s Professor Alan University of Adelaide jumped 30 places, Council will convene the Annual Meeting of Cooper is 2016 South Australian Scientist from 169 to 139 in the Academic Ranking the University Community comprising the of the Year. of World Universities (Shanghai Jiao staff, students and alumni. Tong University). Professor Cooper is founder and Director of The meeting is convened by the University the Australian Centre for Ancient DNA at the The University has also risen in the Council pursuant to section 18 of the University of Adelaide, a leading research prestigious Times Higher Education University of Adelaide Act 1971. centre studying issues ranging from rankings, jumping seven spots to be Aboriginal genetic heritage to the impacts The annual meeting is your opportunity 142nd in the world. of environmental change and the evolution to ask questions about your University of human diseases. and to hear from the Vice-Chancellor Librarian of the future at the and the Chancellor. University of Adelaide The meeting will be streamed live at New University professorial www.adelaide.edu.au/live. appointment at Lyell McEwin Teresa Chitty has been appointed as University Librarian to help drive Following the meeting, a light lunch will be Professor Mark Boyd has been appointed the transformation of the University’s provided in the foyer. All welcome to attend. Chair of Medicine based at the Lyell McEwin library services. Hospital in a joint appointment with the Time: 12.00pm – 1.00pm Teresa will lead the development and Northern Adelaide Local Health Network. Date: Monday 13 February 2017 implementation of the University’s Library Professor Boyd will provide leadership in of the Future plan, a roadmap for a bold Location: The Braggs lecture theatre, teaching and research, promote a culture of and agile libraries service to support ground fl oor, The Braggs building research and teaching excellence, as well the University’s research, teaching and as undertake clinical duties and supervise student success. junior medical staff. Carols on Campus A celebration of Christmas

Free Community Event Thursday 15 December 2016 at 7pm Bonython Hall, North Terrace campus We invite you to bring a book or a toy for the gifting tree, in support of The Smith Family. www.adelaide.edu.au/carols 2746-2