Building a Healthier Future the University of Adelaide Alumni Magazine

The University of Adelaide | Alumni Magazine Summer 2014

Building a healthier future The University of Adelaide Alumni Magazine www.adelaide.edu.au/lumen

The Lumen masthead is Message from derived from the University of Adelaide motto “Sub Cruce Lumen” meaning ‘light the Vice-Chancellor under the [Southern] Cross’.

Today, almost 140 years mproving health care delivery through from different cultural backgrounds in the since our establishment, quality education and innovative University community. the University of Adelaide Iresearch has been a key focus of the Each year around 2500 international community is united in its University of Adelaide since our early students begin their studies at the quest for discovery and the foundation days. University of Adelaide and, like Lucky, In this edition of Lumen we look at they have a cultural transition to make. light of new knowledge. how our traditional medical teaching In 2014, we will be launching Experience model is evolving and feature some of Adelaide, a new program that will support the groundbreaking research areas being a personal and meaningful connection pursued by University alumni across a between our Adelaide alumni families wide range of health-related ﬁ elds. and our incoming international students. The new Clinical School building at the Having a host family can be a transforming West End Health Precinct marks a new experience for both the student and the era in the linking of medical science and alumni family. Alumni participation will be clinical practice and highlights how far crucial to the success of this program and we have come in our efforts to achieve a I look forward to your support. coordinated multidisciplinary program. Our alumni are making a difference locally and globally by applying their different specialist health-related skills. For example, Lucky Giirre, is using her double degree in Health Sciences and Law for an interdisciplinary approach to improving health at a population and community level. Hers is a remarkable story because Lucky is a Somali refugee who could only dream of attending university. She’s an Professor Warren Bebbington example of how many students we have Vice-Chancellor and President

An artist’s impression of the new Clinical School building

Image courtesy of Lyons architects Editor: Contents Summer 2014 Kim Harvey Sub Editor: Ian Williams

Editorial Committee: Peter Davies, Connie Dutton, Paul Finn, 7 Kim Harvey, Kate Husband, Robyn Mills, Joy Prior, 9 Genevieve Sanchez, Chris Tonkin. Contributors: Connie Dutton, Candy Gibson, Ben Osborne, Claire Richardson, Genevieve Sanchez, Ian Williams

Design: Chris Tonkin

Editorial Enquiries: 10 University Engagement Telephone: +61 8 8313 5800 Facsimile: +61 8 8313 5808 22 Circulation: 2 46,000 in print, 19,259 online subscriptions www.adelaide.edu.au/lumen

The University of Adelaide, SA 5005 Australia, CRICOS Provider Number 00123M

Copyright © 2013 13 The University of Adelaide ISSN 1320 0747 Registered by Australia Post No 56500/00097 16 Views expressed by contributors in Lumen are not necessarily endorsed by the University of Adelaide.

No responsibility is accepted by the University, Building a new era in health education Q&A: The new face of engagement editor or printer for the accuracy of information 2 16 contained in either the text or advertisements. A combined teaching facility in the Introducing Kate Robertson city’s West End Material may be reproduced without permission from Lumen with acknowledgment of its origin. 4 The Class of 1980 18 Celebrating our distinguished alumni Shaping the future of medical teaching Recognition for ﬁ ve outstanding alumni Front cover image: Professor Justin Beilby, Building pathways to good health Merging Chinese and western medicine Executive Dean of Health 6 22 Sciences, at the proposed Health Sciences high achievers Ground-breaking research site for the new Clinical School building. 7 Lucky develops a legal eye 24 Honouring a generous Photo by James Field for public health community of supporters Working to reduce social isolation The Hughes Bequest Society

8 Nola’s hands-on trauma 25 New program gives an Would you rather read Lumen online? training gets results Adelaide experience As part of the University’s commitment to Transforming medical emergency training Alumni connecting with international students sustainable practices we encourage you to receive Lumen online. 9 PhD breakthrough for brain 26 Colombo scholar celebrates golden tumour treatment reunion with gratitude To join our online mailing list please email [email protected] Dr Elizabeth Harford-Wright to hone her skills The 1963 graduates’ Golden Jubilee reunion 10 Rhodes Scholar still ﬂ ying high 28 Your support counts NASA comes knocking on Dr Tom Smith’s door Recognition and thanks to our donors

12 Easing the burden for rural 29 You can make a difference cancer patients Resthaven Incorporated scholarships 2013 Premier’s Young Achiever of the Year 13 Building a family dynasty 30 Alumni on the Move The Verco family connection Sharing alumni achievements

15 New body to boost Dental School 32 Between the lines Professional networking and fundraising The latest books by our alumni authors for dentistry 1652-5

Th e University of Adelaide | Alumni Magazine 1 Building a new era in health education

2 Lumen | Summer 2014 story by Claire Richardson

A combined teaching facility for the schools of Medicine and Nursing in the city’s West End is designed to place the University of Adelaide at the forefront of international health education.

he new Clinical School building “It is important for the success of the “Co-location in the building of different for Medicine and Nursing is precinct that there are strong design research groups and the close proximity Tbeing created in the heart of the linkages between the new RAH, the of the building with the new Royal South Australian Health and Biomedical South Australian Health and Medical Adelaide Hospital and SAHMRI will Precinct (SAHBP) and modelled on Research Institute (SAHMRI), the inevitably encourage cross fertilisation some of the world’s leading university University of Adelaide and UniSA, and that of ideas and increase interdisciplinary hospital precincts. there is a ﬂ ow that draws us all together— research,” he said. The initiative is helping to transform the not just as four separate buildings. “We strongly believe that the integration city’s West End in North Terrace into a “The West End may not have the of teaching and research is crucial for world-class clinical hub, building on more Botanic Gardens, but it will have the river our discovery-led medical program. Our than 130 years of collaboration with the and integration with North Terrace and the students will increasingly be exposed to Royal Adelaide Hospital (RAH). CBD which will enrich the life and activity world-beating clinical research, enhancing Faculty of Health Sciences Executive within the precinct.” their enthusiasm and involvement in Dean, Professor Justin Beilby, said He said the University is designing an translational medicine.” the West End development will take environment where health and medical The West End development will be the collaborative learning to the next level, research intersects with students and the largest of the seven Faculty of Health supporting over 1500 students and 1000 community, where researchers, clinicians Sciences’ seven precincts; the West End clinicians and researchers. and students bump into each other in precinct, Frome Road, North Terrace, the “While we have long moved away from shared spaces, cafes and facilities, and Women’s and Children’s Hospital, the Lyell the traditional health teaching model where the community is drawn in, not McEwin Hospital, the Queen Elizabeth to a curriculum that now links science shut out by a closed door. Hospital and Rural and Remote Areas. and clinical exposure up front, these “We are all excited by the opportunity The Federal Government is providing new facilities mean we can also, where to train students across disciplines in $60 million towards the cost of the project practical, link medicine and nursing to build a future-focused curriculum that will which will be ready for students in 2017. a team-based care system we want for the improve health and patient care in health system of the future,” he said. South Australia.” “It’s extremely important to us that Dean of Nursing, Professor Alison We are all excited by students and other key stakeholders Kitson, said the co-location will provide the opportunity to train continue to inform the co-creation process opportunity for high quality inter- to ensure we are building facilities that professional learning in key areas such students across disciplines will truly facilitate learning models that as clinical skills and simulation, and in a future-focused resonate with our students while still some common teaching of generic maintaining our famed academic rigour clinical knowledge. curriculum that will improve and ensuring our students are work-ready She stressed the importance of the health and patient care in prior to graduation.” West End development to work as an The Faculty of Health Sciences expects enabler for the more effective translation South Australia. to reap beneﬁ ts across all programs and of new knowledge into clinical practice. schools. Initiatives include: “Doctors and nurses work closely > The introduction of inter-professional together in clinical environments. Starting learning to improve outcomes in areas that networking during study and, where such as communication, infection appropriate, delivering learning and control, ethics and Indigenous health. simulated environments they are likely to > New teaching techniques involving experience in the workforce while still at online media, simulations and small University makes a lot of sense,” she said. group learning. “In the end it’s all about creating work- > State-of-the art wet and dry laboratory ready professionals who know how to use space with the ability to link new the best evidence in everyday practice.” research to clinical practice. Professor Alastair Burt, Dean of Professor Beilby said the University Medicine, said the new clinical skills is working hard on the West End training facilities, simulation capabilities Left (from left): Professor Alison Kitson, Professor development to ensure the recreation of and digital learning platforms for students, Justin Beilby and the positive culture that exists with the and the wet and dry laboratory facilities Professor Alistair Burt RAH in the current Frome Road precinct. for researchers, are all very exciting. Photo by James Field

Th e University of Adelaide | Alumni Magazine 3 Th e Class of 1980 Shaping the future of medical teaching

Former classmates Justin Beilby, Randall Faull, Guy Maddern and Bill Griggs could never have imagined 33 years ago that they would end up working together on one of the state’s largest and most signiﬁ cant transformations in medical training.

4 Lumen | Summer 2014 story by Claire Richardson

ogether, these University of Adelaide graduates are helping Tto shape the historic move of the Schools of Medicine and Nursing to the new South Australian Health and Biomedical Precinct (SAHBP) in the city’s West End. After graduating, all four went on to further study and research in different areas, and between them they have earned countless awards and recognition for their work. Today, they hold multiple senior roles in clinical practice as well as at the University. They also share the desire to create the best possible health care system for South Australia and are passionately Consultant in Nephrology at the Royal Medicine and Nursing in the new SAHBP pursuing this goal. Adelaide Hospital (RAH). has the potential to be an internationally Professor Beilby specialised in general While all took different career paths after recognised, true academic precinct and practice and health system reform and is graduation, Professor Faull remembers centre for excellence, and will transform still consulting today. He was one of ten that as students they were all “studious, healthcare, research and education in commissioners in the National Hospital actively involved in University life and South Australia. and Health Reform Commission in slightly mischievous, but not naughty “People from all over the world want 2008–09. or notorious.” to go to some institutions...to work or to He is also the Executive Dean for the When commenting on how the Bachelor study because they know they’re great Faculty of Health Sciences, overseeing of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) places to be and if we can pull that off, teaching and research across medicine, program had changed since 1980, that would be a fantastic outcome,” medical sciences, nursing, dentistry, Associate Professor Griggs said: “It was Professor Faull said. health sciences, psychology and easier then because they hadn’t invented Professor Maddern said the public health. as much medicine.” development gives the University an Associate Professor Griggs, inspired Professor Maddern said in 1980 the opportunity to redesign the way it interacts through his work as a paramedic environment was a lot less regulated with with the Royal Adelaide Hospital and throughout his degree, specialised in fewer rules, no police checks and less be the principal driver of improvements anaesthesia, intensive care and aviation complex bureaucracies. “Students are in healthcare. medicine which led him into trauma, now more focused on getting academic “At the moment there is no large retrieval and disaster recovery. outcomes and a little less focused on hospital in Australia that can claim to be He is now the Director of Trauma soaking up the student experience. a truly academic hospital, so we have the Services and Senior Consultant at the “It was much more of a group opportunity to set up the right approaches RAH, Director, Retrieval Coordination for experience; we were thrown in it together and the right people to make us unique.” MedSTAR Emergency Medical Retrieval, and often had long periods of time Professor Beilby said building a new the South Australian State Controller where we virtually lived in the hospitals integrated facility is a unique opportunity (Health and Medical) for disasters, and a during our training, which seems to have and he is excited by the vision. Group Captain in the Royal Australian Air changed a lot.” “There will be over 1000 students Force Specialist Reserve (Medical). Professor Faull said there have been coming in and out of the building having Professor Maddern also continued in positive changes in the way students cups of coffee and conversations about academia after his ﬁ rst degree before interact within the course, including how their shared teaching across Medicine and being appointed Chair of Surgery at The they relate to each other. Nursing and they’ll see the new building Queen Elizabeth Hospital. “We hardly had anything to do with as their home,” he said. He is currently Director of the Basil people in years above or below...apart “And they will bump into the key Hetzel Research Institute and Director of from playing football or similar, whereas research leaders who are working there Surgery at the QEH and the RAH, Head of now the students have a lot more or in SAHMRI, as well as their parents, Surgery and Coordinator of Rural Surgical interaction between years, not just socially friends and the community. Services at the University of Adelaide, and but they actually teach each other and “The University of Adelaide will Surgical Director, Australian Safety and provide a lot of support,” he said. be very much a part of this precinct Efﬁ cacy Register of New Interventional “Back in our day, the thought that a with our stamp on its research and Procedures—Surgical, at the Royal student would sit on a committee and teaching prowess.” Australasian College of Surgeons. help decide how the course is run was Professor Faull specialised in completely foreign. Now they have Left (from left): Associate Professor Bill Griggs, Professor Randall nephrological practice with a particular much more involvement and can help Faull, Professor Guy Maddern interest in kidney transplantation. He make changes.” and Professor Justin Beilby is now Deputy Dean and Director of Professor Faull said the University’s Photo by James Field the Medical Program and is a Senior planned new building for the Schools of Above: The class of 1980

Th e University of Adelaide | Alumni Magazine 5 Building pathways to good health

Students graduating with n this issue we take a look at the Tom Smith, an Oxford-based aerospace a qualifi cation from the achievements of fi ve Medicine and medical specialist, has undertaken IHealth Sciences graduates who have research in the world’s highest town to University of Adelaide’s found success in distinctly different fi elds. look at the impact of low oxygen levels on health and medical Lucky Giirre has combined her studies the heart and lungs. in Health Sciences with a Law degree to And Kate Gunn has developed a cancer disciplines embark on a pursue work in reducing social isolation support website to help people in rural vast array of pathways faced by Muslim and refugee communities areas affected by the disease. She works in South Australia. closely with cancer patients and their across the health sector. Nola Pearce took her experience as a families in her role as a psychologist. critical care nurse to the world of trauma This varied group of outstanding alumni simulation training where she provides demonstrates a commitment to new realistic injury make-up for emergency and knowledge that is having a direct impact combat scenarios. on the lives of many. Elizabeth Harford-Wright turned a Health Sciences degree into PhD research with ground-breaking results—a discovery that will improve the quality of life for brain tumour patients.

6 Lumen | Summer 2014 Lucky develops a story by Connie Dutton legal eye for public health

A campus tour of the University of Adelaide and meeting other students from refugee backgrounds was enough for Lucky Giirre to realise that her dream of attending university could become a reality.

ome 10 years later, Lucky, a recharged me and my initiative to continue Somali refugee, has a double working to make our world a better Sdegree in Health Sciences and place for all.” Law and is working towards her goal of As well as running the Muslim Girls achieving an interdisciplinary approach Kollective, Lucky is also employed as a to improving health at a population and legal advocate with the National Union of community level. Workers and credits her university degrees “My health sciences degree was with giving her a good foundation for the reason that I became interested in pursuing her career goals. pursuing a law degree,” Lucky says. “I developed transferable skills such as “While I was learning about proximal excellent research skills, attention to detail and distal determinants of health, I and being able to write project proposals realised that there needs to be a holistic and funding applications, which gave me approach to good health. It shaped how the practical skills to be able to effectively I saw the problems of social isolation and implement my initiatives,” Lucky says. other issues in the diverse Muslim and “I consider myself a lifelong learner and refugee communities in South Australia.” I hope to pursue postgraduate study in This passion for public health also the legal ﬁ eld in the future.” led Lucky to establish the Muslim Girls Kollective—a grass-roots initiative in Th e work that I do its ﬁ fth year of operation that provides opportunities and activities aimed at with the girls’ group young Muslim and refugee women in aims to build resilience South Australia. “The work that I do with the girls’ and empower young group aims to build resilience and women to change empower young women to change their own situation as well as reducing social their own situation isolation,” Lucky says. as well as reducing In August 2013, Lucky travelled to New York to attend The United Nations social isolation. Alliance of Civilizations and Education Lucky Giirre First (UNAOC-EF) Summer School Photo by Chris Tonkin where she represented Australia as a youth ambassador. She describes it as a life-changing experience and an amazing privilege and opportunity. “The UNAOC-EF Summer School will forever stay with me as one of my most profound and impactful life experiences,” Lucky says. “Making friendships with 100 activists and global leaders has broadened my world view and my understanding of what it means to be human in our diverse and complex world. The experience has

Th e University of Adelaide | Alumni Magazine 7 story by Genevieve Sanchez Nola’s hands-on trauma training gets results

Graduating in 1997 among the ﬁ rst group of critical care nurses to be trained at the University of Adelaide, Nola Pearce has gone on to apply her skills in a very unique ﬁ eld.

hrough the use of trauma make- up (moulage), special effects and Tprops, Nola creates realistic training scenarios to prepare medical and military personnel for emergency situations. Having enjoyed her fi rst attempts at basic moulage using play-dough and fake blood as a young St John Ambulance cadet, Nola later used similar techniques when training fi rst aiders and medics. But a lack of realism in emergency medical training in Australia led Nola to travel to the United States to undertake trauma simulation training. She was taught by experienced Hollywood special effects artists, moulage technicians and army medics. “The US takes trauma simulation very seriously,” says Nola. “Hospital funding is linked to their staff undertaking a required amount of scenario training activities “For a middle-aged petite woman “I love that my work is kind of weird each year, both internally and within who had previously worked in the air- and gross to many people but I do the community.” conditioned comfort of the public hospital believe that it makes a huge difference Returning to Australia, Nola founded system, this was a very major change.” in emergency training. TraumaSim, a company offering trauma Working as an intensive care nurse I’ve met up with many soldiers who after simulation training. for many years before and after her their time in Afghanistan have said that we “Over the past three years I have had graduation, Nola says that her nursing really did prepare them well.” the amazing experience of providing career and university qualifi cation moulage and medical training equipment continue to help in her career. to the Australian Army,” she says. “This work requires a thorough These mission-rehearsal exercises understanding of the human body, illness typically lasted for around three weeks and injury,” says Nola. “My medical with soldiers training in a partially background is a large point of difference scripted scenario. between TraumaSim and other special “The challenge for the military contractor effects make-up artists.” was to get us into the scenario without Nola’s other role is in research and the trainees realising what was about to development—creating new training aids Above: Nola Pearce happen. For example, something may and different ways to simulate wounds, applying moulage to a ‘SimMan’ manikin for be going to explode and injure people,” and learning new techniques from the an Army training activity she says. special effects world. in Queensland

8 Lumen | Summer 2014 story by Genevieve Sanchez PhD breakthrough for brain tumour treatment

PhD graduate Elizabeth er three-year PhD study into “In conditions such as traumatic brain Harford-Wright is neuropeptides has received injury and stroke, it contributes to swelling Hwidespread attention and will be of the brain and increased permeability of planning to hone her used by other PhD and Honours students the blood vessels,” says Elizabeth. research skills in Paris at the University of Adelaide to explore “We discovered that this peptide was possible brain tumour treatments. increased in different tumour types so we after a breakthrough Elizabeth arrived at the University thought that it might be playing a role in that has the potential to nearly 10 years ago with an interest in tumour growth.” psychology before enrolling in a Bachelor Elizabeth used an antagonist drug improve the quality of life of Health Sciences. called Emend®—normally used to help for brain tumour patients. “I had access to a broad range of patients with chemotherapy-induced subjects and academics—it made me nausea—to block substance P. think about career paths that I would “When we blocked it, it reduced never have thought of before,” she said. the viability of these tumour cells and Elizabeth’s PhD focused on the stopped the tumours themselves from relationship between brain tumours and a growing. It was pretty exciting stuff,” Below: Dr Elizabeth Harford-Wright neuropeptide called substance P which is says Elizabeth. Photo by David Ellis associated with infl ammation in the brain. “When you hear from people who are having a really tough time it feels pretty good that you’re doing something that might help so many.” Professor Robert Vink, Head of School, Medical Sciences and NRF Chair of Neurosurgical Research, says Elizabeth’s research is the fi rst study to show what role the neuropeptide might play in brain tumour growth. “This is a remarkable fi nding that has the clear potential to signifi cantly improve the quality of life in brain tumour patients,” he says. “Our research in brain tumours is supported by funding from the Neurosurgical Research Foundation (NRF). Without this support, it would not have been possible for Elizabeth and the other young researchers in my laboratory to pursue these studies.” Elizabeth is looking forward to the next phase of her career—a postdoctoral position at the Institut Cochin in Paris. Her research will involve looking at molecular and cellular interactions in a type of brain tumour, glioblastoma. “I think it’s an integral part of a research career to see what skills and techniques they have in other places,” she says. “I am very excited as it will allow me to build upon the skills I developed during my PhD in an area I am very passionate about, as well as looking forward to the opportunity to live and work in Paris!”

Th e University of Adelaide | Alumni Magazine 9 Rhodes Scholar still flying high

10 Lumen | Summer 2014 story by Candy Gibson

Commercial ﬂ ying has become a routine mode of travel for millions of people around the world – but have you NASA comes ever wondered what happens to your physiological knocking on make-up when you board that ﬂ ight? Tom’s door

erospace medical specialist and physiology. Study participants in London The world’s leading space agency— Oxford-based researcher Dr Tom are being infused with ascorbate while NASA—has contracted Adelaide ASmith has devoted his career to enclosed in a large altitude chamber to medical graduate Dr Tom Smith to that very question. test body responses to low oxygen. undertake a research project measuring The 2000 medical graduate, 2003 When it comes to air travel, the good tissue oxygen levels in weightlessness. Rhodes Scholar and NASA-trained news is that the risks appear to be clinician-scientist has scaled some relatively low for healthy people. The Oxford-based aerospace medical lofty heights over the past 12 years, “Oxygen is only mildly reduced specialist will test a new monitor in researching the impact of low oxygen during commercial airline fl ights,” a series of parabolic fl ight profi les levels at high altitudes on the heart Tom said. “However, for medically- to mimic a weightless environment, and lungs. susceptible passengers with certain identical to that encountered in space. His fi eld research has taken him to lung diseases, airline travel can be the Peruvian Andes for experiments with potentially dangerous.” “The program with NASA is intended residents living in the world’s highest town, Tom graduated with an MBBS from to support the human space fl ight Cerro de Pasco situated at 4340 metres the University of Adelaide in 2000. In program to see if it is helpful for their above sea level, and comparing their 2002, he won a Churchill Fellowship to astronauts,” Dr Smith said. heart and lung physiology with sea-level study aerospace medicine at NASA’s dwellers from Lima. Kennedy Space Centre in the United “There is already some evidence to Many of Cerro de Pasco’s residents live States. He completed his PhD at the suggest that oxygen levels are a bit with chronic mountain sickness because University of Oxford where he is now lower in the body in a weightless of their failure to adjust to low oxygen based, working as an academic clinical environment and that may not be a levels. They develop problems such as lecturer and researcher. good thing,” he said. excessive production of red blood cells (polycythaemia) and excessive lung As part of the experiment, Dr Smith blood pressure (pulmonary hypertension), Tom Smith’s fi eld will conduct measurements during resulting in a shorter life span. research has taken him parabolic aircraft fl ights with NASA The Peruvian study confi rmed earlier in 2014. laboratory tests which revealed the to the Peruvian Andes important role of iron in maintaining for experiments with To hear Dr Tom Smith talk about this healthy lungs by moderating blood project, his education at the University pressure increases when oxygen residents living in the of Adelaide and his current work at levels are low. world’s highest town. the University of Oxford, go to: “If iron levels are low, this can increase www.alumni.adelaide.edu.au/tomvideo the risk on individuals at high altitudes,” Tom said. “Volunteers from the mountain community whose iron levels were reduced via blood donations experienced a signifi cant increase in blood pressure in their lungs. “The healthy volunteers from Lima, however, who received intravenous iron had the opposite effect. The iron reversed much of the increase in lung blood pressure that was caused by the low oxygen.” Clinical trials are now under way to determine whether patients with certain lung diseases can benefi t from treatment with iron. In another study, Tom is currently investigating whether a similar link exists Dr Thomas Smith Image courtesy between Vitamin C levels and lung Photo by Barnabas Smith of NASA

Th e University of Adelaide | Alumni Magazine 11 story by Connie Dutton Easing the burden for rural cancer patients

Cancer sufferers and their ate’s passion for assisting people This led to the development of www. carers from remote areas diagnosed with the disease in countrycancersupport.com.au which is Krural communities prompted her now run by Cancer Council SA. of South Australia are to develop the Country Cancer Support Kate’s had a busy few years. In- website as part of her PhD. between attending and presenting at receiving vital information “I grew up on a sheep, wheat and international conferences in Brisbane, and support online thanks barley property in South Australia, 650 Budapest and Berlin, spending time at the kilometres from Adelaide,” says Kate. United Kingdom’s major cancer support to a clever initiative “From that community I watched people service in London and completing clinical developed by PhD struggle with the challenges a diagnosis placements in Clare and Melbourne, she graduate, Dr Kate Gunn. of cancer brings, particularly when it is has managed to complete a Master of accompanied by isolation and the need Psychology (Clinical) and a PhD. to travel for medical treatment. She was awarded a Dean’s “With these experiences in mind, I Commendation for her PhD research, she chose to conduct my PhD research on was the mace bearer at her graduation how the social, emotional and practical ceremony in September and also won the needs of rural cancer patients could Rural Doctors Workforce Agency Rural be better addressed.” Health Award. Then, to add to her growing list of accomplishments, Kate received the prestigious 2013 Premier’s Young Achiever of the Year Award for South Australia. “Being nominated was a great honour, and then to go on and win the award from such a strong ﬁ eld of nominees was, and continues to be, a real thrill,” she says. Kate splits her time working at both the Royal Adelaide Hospital Cancer Centre and Cancer Council SA. “My role as a psychologist in the RAH Cancer Centre is to help support people affected by cancer to cope with the many challenges that it often brings,” she says. “This includes things like adjusting to the news of their diagnosis, how to speak to family about their condition, how to With these experiences cope with the emotional side of treatment in mind, I chose to conduct and how to manage feelings of grief and loss.” my PhD research on how In her other role as a Research Project the social, emotional and Coordinator at Cancer Council SA, Kate is working on a randomised control trial to practical needs of rural test the effectiveness of telephone-based cancer patients could be intervention to support the carers of cancer patients. better addressed. “I see it as a real privilege to be able to work with people through what is often a very challenging period of their Dr Kate Gunn lives and ﬁ nd doing so both rewarding Photo by Chris Tonkin and uplifting.”

12 Lumen | Summer 2014 Building a family dynasty

For more than 100 years the Verco family—headed by Sir Joseph Cooke Verco—has been a towering inﬂ uence on medicine, dentistry and the University of Adelaide.

Th e University of Adelaide | Alumni Magazine 13 story by Ben Osborne

n 1840, a young stonemason named Adelaide in 1878 to pursue his career—a Joe is also the only dentist to have been James Crabb Verco arrived in Adelaide move that coincided with the rise of the awarded a Baillieu Medical Research Ito help build the new colony of newly formed University. Grant for postgraduate work. South Australia. In 1885, along with Edward Stirling, he His two brothers, Christopher and Nearly 175 years later, his contribution helped found the University of Adelaide William, both have medical qualifi cations to the State can be measured in far more Medical School, a move made possible from the University—Medicine and than mere bricks and mortar. He began a with funding from Sir Thomas Elder Dentistry respectively—while his son Sam family dynasty which over the generations and Mr J.H. Angas. also obtained a dental and medical degree has made a huge contribution to South Sir Joseph’s nephew, William Alfred, and is now specialising in oral and maxillo- Australia through its strong links with was one of the fi rst graduates from facial surgery. the University of Adelaide. the new Medical School in 1890. But “We are obviously proud of our name More than 15 direct descendants have reprising his family’s masonry past, in and those that have come before us, earned qualifi cations from the University, 1912 he helped build the fi rst pre-stressed and that there are expectations,” with the majority of those coming from the concrete building in Adelaide, with the Joe Verco said. fi elds of medicine and dentistry. engineer being none other than General “But I think it’s equally as gratifying that The broader family contains many other Sir John Monash. we can give back in other ways. Three distinguished Adelaide names including Located at the corner of North Terrace generations of Vercos served across the Margarey, McMichael and Ludbrook, and Stephens Place, the Verco Building Australian Defence Forces in the major and not least of all J. Robin Warren, was six stories high and remained wars of the 20th century. who graduated in medicine in 1961 Adelaide’s tallest building for some 20 “Some of our patients have also gone before going on to win the Nobel Prize years. Sir Joseph also played a major on to become doctors and dentists. It is in Medicine in 2005. role in establishing the University’s Dental gratifying to see that for those who follow, James’ fourth son, Sir Joseph Cooke School after World War I, acting as Dean we can help to shape their professional Verco, was closely involved with the from 1920 to 1928. At the time he was career paths.” University through his involvement in both also Dean of Medicine. medicine and dentistry. These twin streams of medicine and But it was a contribution that nearly did dentistry have continued to intertwine with Below left (from left): not happen: he left school at the age of 16 the Verco family ever since. brothers Chris, Joe and and began work as a clerk in the railways Several of James Crabb Verco’s William (right) Verco with Joe’s son, Sam (second at Kapunda. grandchildren went on to make signifi cant from right)

He quickly realised it was not the contributions in both ﬁ elds. Stanley and Below: The Verco family type of career he had envisaged and Peter Verco were pioneers in radiology, at the dinner to celebrate the 125th anniversary of returned to school and studied classics and Dr Peter Joseph Willis (Joe) Verco the University’s Medical before matriculating. was the ﬁ rst graduate of the University in School in 2010: MaryLou, Annette, Joe, Sam, After studying medicine in London the specialty of Paediatric Dentistry, and William, Patty, and Rose for most of the 1870s, he returned to just the second in Australia. and Roger Boucaut

14 Lumen | Summer 2014 New body to boost Dental School

A new professional networking and fundraising arm for dentistry has been established through a partnership involving the Faculty of Health Sciences, the Dental School, University Engagement and South Australia’s dental profession.

The Dental Research and Education Fund (DREF) replaces the former SA Foundation for Dental Education and Research (SAFDER). Vercos with University of Over the past 21 years, SAFDER has Adelaide qualiﬁ cations* raised more than $4 million for the Dental School through donations from dentists, Sir Joseph Cooke Verco, co-founder of Adelaide Medical and Dental Schools dental supply industry groups and the South Australian Government. Dr William A Verco (MBBS 1890) Earlier this year, DREF members were Dr Reginald John Verco (MBBS 1907) given a glimpse of the future of dental Dr J Stanley Verco (MBSS 1913) education when Federal MP Kate Ellis

Dr Ron Verco (MBBS 1928) opened the University’s new $6-million Dental Simulation Clinic. Dr Geoffrey Verco (MBBS 1937) The group reconvened in Hub Central to Dr Luke Verco (MBBS 1940) hear Professors Justin Beilby (Executive Dr Peter W. Verco (MBBS 1940, MD 1942) Dean, Health Sciences) and Johann de Vries (Dean of Dentistry) celebrate the Dr Patricia Verco Wyllie (MBBS 1965) past achievements of SAFDER and to Dr Christopher J Verco (MBBS 1972) welcome the new DREF.

Dr P Joseph W Verco (BDS 1973, BSc (Dent) For more information visit Hons. 1975, MDS 1977) http://ow.ly/pPoq8 Dr William J Verco (BDS 1976) Below: Federal MP Kate Ellis Dr Rose Verco (M Pub Hlth 1993) talks to a student at the opening of the Dental Simulation Clinic Dr Samuel Joseph Verco (BDS 2001)

Penny Verco (B Ag Sc – Hons 2002)

Annabel Verco (B Com (Acc) 2003, LLB Hons. 2005)

Susanna Verco (B Ag Sc 2006, Grad Dip Ed 2007)

This list is a representation of Verco graduates and is not a complete listing.

Top: Joseph Stanley Verco (far right)—nephew of Sir Joseph Cooke, and grandfather of Joe, Chris, William and Rose—pictured with his graduating University of Adelaide medical class in 1913.

Above left: Dr Joe Verco presenting Isaac Liau with the 2010 Sir Joseph Verco Memorial Prize, which is awarded annually to a ﬁ nal year Bachelor of Dental Surgery student who has made an outstanding contribution to the School as an undergraduate.

Th e University of Adelaide | Alumni Magazine 15 Q&A Th e new face of engagement

16 Lumen | Summer 2014 story by Genevieve Sanchez

Kate Robertson’s appointment to the new position of Chief Engagement Ofﬁ cer is part of the University of Adelaide’s commitment to strengthen connections with our alumni and the community.

n her previous role, Kate led the The challenge will be to have a degree of A: The underlying idea for Life Cycle was University of Nottingham’s biggest ever objectivity and focus in the face of a job to do something that was a stretch and Ifundraising campaign which has so where the boundaries and priorities could demonstrated a commitment beyond the far raised almost United Kingdom £100 easily become diffuse—there is no end day job. In this case, giving up valuable million ($172 million) including a gift of to the possibilities of what we could do time and agreeing to undergo a physically UK£12 million ($18 million), the largest to better engage with our stakeholders demanding challenge to raise money corporate gift for higher education in the but it’s right that we should be focused for one of our priority projects turned UK outside Oxford and Cambridge. and savvy with the resources we out to be one of the most important In this Q&A, Kate talks about her desire have available. communication assets that we had. It to build thriving relationships between the said, almost literally, ‘We’re willing to University of Adelaide and its supporters Q: As Director of the Campaign and go the extra mile for this cause. Will and how ‘giving back’ can come in Alumni Relations Offi ce at the University you?’ We also raised a lot of money: many forms. of Nottingham for the past four £750,000 across three bike rides (and years, what have been some of your 3500 miles!)—a wonderful outcome for Q: What attracted you to this position greatest successes? all that effort. and the University of Adelaide? A: Somebody said to me that my Q: What do you think is the importance A: The ambition set out in the Strategic contribution had been around normalising of the University engaging with alumni Plan really caught my attention—this is a philanthropy—I think I made it comfortable and the wider community? University and a Vice-Chancellor with a and acceptable to talk about and engage real sense of direction. with philanthropy. It changed from being A: Our alumni can be found in all corners an area that few people were involved of the globe and are among our most To call a team an Engagement Branch with, to something that the wider valuable ambassadors. They have also appealed to me—it seems a institution really embraced. That shift a vested interest in the University, its very innovative route to take: a whole was very gratifying. reputation and its future and play a vital branch that focuses on engagement. role in upholding the institution’s values, Fundraising is part of it, but it’s a structure We also diversifi ed the ways in which traditions and contributing to its rich that recognises that many things are people could get involved with giving and history. But they also play an important important, not just fundraising. tried to shift the balance from an over- role in shaping our future. Engaging with emphasis on the University’s perspective, our alumni and the wider community adds Q: The Chief Engagement Offi cer is a to thinking more about what is important enormous insight, leverage and value to newly created position at the University; to alumni and donors. We focused on our activities. Advice, advocacy, infl uence, how would you describe the role? what the impact of giving would be and networks, time, fi nancial support—these unsurprisingly, the numbers and diversity are all business-critical contributions that A: At its heart it’s about building mutually of donors increased. For the fi rst time, are entirely in tune with the University’s benefi cial relationships—those where staff-giving really took off too. Beacon strategy. the University can have infl uence and a positive impact on people’s lives. It’s also I care really passionately about the fact Visit the University Engagement Website about seeking to engage with others that giving can come in lots of different at www.alumni.adelaide.edu.au who can add value and impact on the forms—advice, advocacy, time, infl uence, University and its future. in-kind—we need to give as much attention and care to all of those things If we can fi nd and develop relationships as we do to the way in which we conduct that can do both at the same time then ourselves in relation to philanthropic gifts. we’ll be on a win-win basis. Q: As an active member of the Q: What will be your fi rst point Life Cycle team at the University of business? of Nottingham, you raised funds to support major causes such as Stroke A: Listening—I really want to get out Rehabilitation Research. How does and meet people and hear their thoughts this kind of initiative help you achieve and aspirations both within but more your campaign goals? Left: Kate Robertson importantly, outside the organisation. Photo by James Field

Th e University of Adelaide | Alumni Magazine 17 Celebrating our Distinguished Alumni Award distinguished alumni Making of a future Former Prime Minister Julia Gillard heads Prime Minister an impressive list of Newly appointed Visiting University of Adelaide er fi rst year was spent studying Honourable Professor for her law and arts degree and alumni recognised in Hquietly soaking up university life. in Politics, Julia Gillard, “It was a big thing for me because I the 2013 Distinguished admits she was nervous came from a family which didn’t have a family culture of going to university,” Alumni Awards. and a tad overawed when says the former Prime Minister. she fi rst stepped foot on But it was not long before the intellectual and political pursuits of The awards are held each year campus at the University university took hold. Her father was to acknowledge the successes of Adelaide back in 1979. a keen Labor man and her arrival at of former and current students university coincided with Malcolm and staff who have made Fraser’s ‘razor gang’ cuts which were outstanding contributions in targeting education. their particular fi elds.

Ms Gillard is joined in this year’s awards by another former politician, Natasha Stott Despoja, researchers Professor Roger Byard and Professor Oliver Mayo, and travel industry leader Phil Hoffmann.

18 Lumen | Summer 2014 story by Ian Williams

Raising travel sector standards

That, coupled with a new friendship Phil Hoffmann has become a national icon of the with political activist Amanda Cornwall, Australian travel industry over the past 30 years, daughter of future State Labor Minister John Cornwall, seeded a passion for building his own thriving business and fi ghting to politics which shaped her future. improve best practice across the sector globally. “I got involved with the campaign against the cutbacks and we had a little bit of success around the country e graduated from the University always been passionate about staff with the cuts somewhat moderated as with a Bachelor of Science development, which has helped in the a result,” says Ms Gillard. “That was HHonours in 1968 and returned success of Phil Hoffmann Travel.” my fi rst involvement and cutting of to undertake a Diploma of Education. Mr Hoffmann’s vision for the industry teeth in politics.” It was an academic journey which has seen him elevated to leadership She became the fi rst student president impressed on him the importance of positions on various national travel of the Adelaide University Union and her education and professionalism. and tourism bodies, including national campaigning took her to Melbourne where Early in his career he recognised president of AFTA for six years and she became President of the Australian the need for formal qualifi cations for four terms as chairman of the South Union of Students. the many thousands of people in the Australian Tourism Commission. After an early career in law, Ms Gillard travel industry and became the driving In 1990, he established Phil Hoffmann was elected to Parliament in 1998 force behind the establishment of the Travel and has overseen its dynamic and 12 years later was Australia’s fi rst Australian Federation of Travel Agents growth. Today the company employs female Prime Minister. Training System and College. 165 people at eight branches with She now plans to share her enormous “It was the disciplined learning of an annual turnover of more than wealth of experience on the international science that helped me stay very $120 million. political stage in her new position as focused with continuous training and Visiting Professor in Politics at the education for the travel industry,” University of Adelaide. says Mr Hoffmann. “I’m looking forward to doing some “Several lecturers and professors guest lecturing and hopefully I’ll be able to at university infl uenced my direction provide some insights into the active world in life and that made me seek out of Australian politics from the perspective I my true passion. had as Prime Minister,” says Ms Gillard. “I fought hard for the industry to “Over time I also defi nitely want to have good qualifi cations and I’ve develop some sort of student internship, a program where someone can come and work with me in my capacity as a former Prime Minister at my co-located offi ce Right: Phil and at the University. Alison Hoffmann “And occasionally I’ll be involved in activities that take me overseas and I’ll be able to take the University’s case with me: ‘What a great University this is and what a great place to come and study’.”

Left: The Honourable Julia Gillard with Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Warren Bebbington

Photo by David Marks

Th e University of Adelaide | Alumni Magazine 19 A research and Pioneer o mentoring passion population

Professor Roger Byard is one of the world’s leading Professor Oliver Mayo is experts in forensic pathology, with one of the highest one of those rare intellectual citation rates for any individual researcher in his fi eld. talents capable of applying his formidable analytical large body of his work has involved Widely published, his passion exploring issues related to sudden for research, mentoring and overall skills across a multitude of Aunexpected death at all stages of contribution to his profession has scientifi c problems. life, particularly in infancy and childhood. resulted in numerous awards and Initially graduating at the University appointments. He is a Foundation Fellow of Tasmania in 1978, he moved to of forensic pathology in colleges in the trained statistician and geneticist, Adelaide as a paediatric pathologist after United Kingdom and Australia, and is a he has worked in human, postgraduate training in Canada and Registered Expert with the International Aplant and animal genetics, was awarded his Doctor of Medicine Criminal Court in The Hague. achieving signifi cant breakthroughs in and Master of Medical Science at the In 2004, Professor Byard was all disciplines. University of Adelaide in the 1990s. awarded the Public Service Medal Professor Mayo has maintained Professor Byard is currently the George (PSM) for outstanding public service links with the University of Adelaide Richard Marks Chair of Pathology at the to paediatric pathology and earlier this throughout his career since graduating University and also a Senior Specialist year he was appointed an Offi cer of the in 1964 with a Bachelor of Science First Forensic Pathologist at Forensic Order of Australia (AO) for distinguished Class Honours degree. Science SA. service to medicine in the fi eld of He returned to undertake a PhD in forensic pathology as an academic, 1967 and pursued various other studies researcher and practitioner, and through over the years, including a Bachelor of contributions to professional committees Arts in 2008. He has taken his research and organisations. to several leading universities, including “I have always had a commitment Oxford, and also the CSIRO. to academic forensic pathology and In recent years, he headed a feasibility feel that we have an obligation to take study which proved the viability of the messages learnt in the mortuary back new School of Animal and Veterinary to the community, so that many of these Sciences at the University’s Roseworthy tragic events can be prevented,” says campus and he has since helped with Professor Byard. the accreditation process. “This is particularly so with babies and “It was an activity which was great children. For this reason I have worked fun and intellectually demanding, for many years in establishing ‘preventive and absolutely worthwhile in an pathology’ as a recognised fi eld.” educational and scientifi c sense,” Community work also takes up much says Professor Mayo. of his time through involvement in “I was deeply enthusiastic about the numerous committees and his role as vet school because it’s an opportunity medical advisor to SIDS and KIDS SA. to build a wonderful campus for the He was on the disaster victim future with a high status central activity, identifi cation teams after the 2002 Bali building on existing research strengths bombings and in Thailand after the in animal science and the fact that it’s an 2004 tsunami, services that earned agricultural-related campus historically.” him the Humanitarian Overseas Service By coincidence, one of the fi rst Medal and the Australian Federal Police graduates from the new school is a Operations Medal. young cousin, Esther Mayo, who is following a long family tradition at the University. Medical practitioner George Mayo was associated with the University Left: Professor Roger Byard in its early years and the Mayo Refectory Photo by Chris Tonkin is named after benefactor Helen Mayo.

20 Lumen | Summer 2014 stories by Ian Williams f Removing barriers genetics to education

Quality education for everyone—no matter what their background—has been a key motivator for Natasha Stott Despoja for as long as she can remember.

t’s a subject which fi red her initial foray female student of academic merit to into politics at high school when she study humanities full-time. Ico-founded the fi rst State Council of She was appointed Member of the Students, and as a young Bachelor of Arts Order of Australia (AM) in 2011. student at the University of Adelaide when higher education charges and HECS fees To hear Natasha Stott Despoja talk were being introduced. about the scholarship she funds Through her campaigning she became and how it is benefi ting one of the President of the University’s Students’ recipients, go to: www.alumni. Association—and has been fi ghting for adelaide.edu.au/natashavideo just causes ever since. At 26 she became the youngest woman Below: Natasha Stott Despoja ever to enter the Australian Parliament Photo by David Marks and was the longest serving Democrat Senator in the party’s history before leaving in 2008 after almost 13 years. “University was a very fertile political environment for me and in many respects George and Jean Mayo, Professor a springboard into my political career,” Mayo’s uncle and aunt, were says Ms Stott Despoja. “As a child, my long-standing members of the mother imbued in me that there should be Genetics Department. no fi nancial disincentives to education and Variously described as a ‘polymath’ that’s always been one of my passions.” and ‘Renaissance man’ by former As a politician, Ms Stott Despoja made colleagues, Professor Mayo’s main a strong contribution in many policy areas career achievements relate to and has continued her active public life evolutionary population genetics. as a board member of various non-profi t Other credits include helping to organisations and through her media solve a long-standing controversy in work. Most recently she was appointed statistics leading to global advances national Chair of the Foundation to in the precision of fi eld trials for Prevent Violence Against Women plant breeding. and Their Children. After retiring as Head of CSIRO She has also renewed her Animal Production in 2000, he has connection with the University remained active as an Honorary of Adelaide since 2008, as an Research Fellow at the CSIRO and Honorary Visiting Research Adjunct Professor of Biometry at the Fellow and teaching politics University of Adelaide. He is currently at the Winter School with Treasurer of the Australian Academy former Foreign Affairs Minister of Science. Alexander Downer. And her commitment to education for everyone remains as strong as ever. For the past fi ve years she has funded Above: Professor Oliver Mayo an undergraduate scholarship to Photo by Chris Tonkin support a fi nancially disadvantaged

Th e University of Adelaide | Alumni Magazine 21 Merging Chinese and western medicine

22 Lumen | Summer 2014 story by Ian Williams

For thousands of years, the Chinese have been using an extraordinary range of traditional medicines to treat everything from backache to cancer.

umerous clinical studies in China with his family for about 20 years and has In addition to working together on indicate that these various been Head of the School of Molecular both research areas, the partnership also Nherbal remedies work. But until and Biomedical Science at the University extends to training. now, no-one has gone to the trouble of of Adelaide since 2007. Next year, Associate Professor Du Hong fi nding out how. His initial research priorities at the from the Beijing University of Chinese That groundbreaking task has fallen to new Zhendong centre involve studies Medicine is expected to receive a visiting Professor David Adelson and his team of Chinese treatments for cancer and science scholarship for 12 months, at the University of Adelaide in a unique Type 2 diabetes. Until now no-one has and Dr Wang Wei, a scientist from the partnership with the Shanxi College of investigated either treatments from a Zhendong Pharmaceutical Company, will Traditional Chinese Medicine and the systems biology approach. also undertake work in Adelaide. Zhendong Pharmaceutical Company. One area of research involves “The learning is two-way and as we For the fi rst time Chinese and western Compound Kushen Injection, a complex progress it will become more bi-directional scientists are combining their different mixture of plant compounds produced by and we expect our researchers will work areas of expertise to study how individual the Zhendong Pharmaceutical Company in Ch ina,” says Professor Adelson. herbal compounds might be affecting the for treating bowel and liver cancer. “At the same time we are in the body at the molecular level and if there is Extensive literature published in China process of organising four fully funded any placebo effect. indicates the compound has a palliative PhD students from China and Australia The ultimate aim is a merging of effect for patients. to begin research at the centre. That’s western and traditional Chinese medicine “It certainly seems to be doing in addition to visitors and other students (TCM) and new ways of fi ghting disease. something, but the question is whether it’s coming to us from normal routes. Professor Adelson is Director of the causing the tumour to shrink and the pain “It’s an exciting venture and offers Zhendong Australia – China Centre for to decrease, is it reducing infl ammation tremendous opportunities for creative Molecular Traditional Chinese Medicine and causing pain to decrease, or is it research and new discoveries.” which has received millions of dollars doing something completely different in funding to pursue different lines and causing the pain to decrease,” of research. says Professor Adelson. “In China, they don’t have the same Preliminary data indicate elements in polarised viewpoints that we have in the the mixture can infl uence key cancer west,” says Professor Adelson. “They may pathways but because there are multiple not know how traditional medicine works, compounds it’s diffi cult to know if they are but if they have evidence it does work doing different things or acting together. they’ll use it. The other area of research involves “It’s partly a cultural thing and partly the a plant commonly used in TCM for fact that people have been using these treating various ailments including Type remedies all their lives from their relatives 2 diabetes, a huge problem in both the or physicians.” west and China. Signifi cantly, western-trained doctors in Evidence suggests that components China see no confl ict in using both types extracted from the plant—which cannot of medicine and seem quite happy to be identifi ed for commercial reasons— work alongside their TCM counterparts. can affect pathways involved in impaired “In the west we can’t just use glucose coma. something if we don’t know what it’s “This is the fi rst stage of Type 2 doing,” says Professor Adelson. “Our diabetes where you essentially cannot regulatory mechanisms state that we have regulate glucose levels properly because to be able to state if and how it works and the insulin response is affected,” says what are the side effects. Professor Adelson. “This joint venture will provide us with “We’re very interested in trying a robust and scientifi c way of testing to identify the particular pathways precisely that.” that this extract might be acting on Originally from the United States, and formulating a drug that can be Left: Professor David Adelson Professor Adelson has lived in Australia used therapeutically.” Photo by Chris Tonkin

Th e University of Adelaide | Alumni Magazine 23 story by Genevieve Sanchez

Honouring a generous community of supporters

Gifts have played a of acknowledging donors during their “There is a collegiality developing in fundamental role in the own lifetime. the Hughes Bequest Society—we are “The Hughes Bequest Society not only colleagues with a shared interest in giving University of Adelaide’s says ‘thank you’ for bequestors’ support, to an institution which has been a formative development from its but also highlights the vital impact that part of our own lives.” their generosity has on the University,” Through the visionary support of donors early beginnings nearly says Ms Fox. such as Mr Routley, the University can 140 years ago. “While donors may have planned their continue to fulfi l its research and teaching gift now, the University will not receive aspirations into the future. or sometimes even be aware of their “Remembering the University of Adelaide ith an endowment of £20,000 generosity until some time in the future. with a bequest from your estate provides in 1872, Sir Walter Watson Knowing about these gifts gives us the a permanent legacy which will enable WHughes helped establish the opportunity to say thank you now.” the University to address immediate and University of Adelaide and his legacy is Peter Routley, Chairman of the Hughes changing needs,” says Ms Fox. recognised today by the Hughes Bequest Bequest Society Committee, graduated “If you include the University in your Society which was founded in 2008. from the University of Adelaide with a will, we encourage you to let us know so The Society acknowledges the Bachelor of Arts degree in 1959 and a that we can express our thanks during generosity of friends and alumni who Diploma in Primary Education in 1960. your lifetime. remember the University in their will by Continuing the proud tradition of giving, “Your generosity may contribute to recognising their gift of education while Mr Routley is following generations of groundbreaking research and will help they are still alive. people who have left the University gifts prepare our students to become the Managed by University Engagement, and legacies in their will. educated leaders of tomorrow.” the Society shows its appreciation of He sees lifetime recognition as bequestors in many ways, including essential in making the best use of For more information about the Hughes invitations to exclusive events, people who have made a commitment Bequest Society contact Sue Fox, Planned presentations, group tours, gold passes to the University. Giving Offi cer: Phone +61 8 8313 3234 to Elder Hall lunchtime concerts and an “The Society is important to the Email [email protected] annual lunch with the Vice-Chancellor. University not only in recognising www.alumni.adelaide.edu.au/hughes Sue Fox, Planned Giving Offi cer at the bequestors, but it is also a body of Above: Peter Routley University of Adelaide, says the Hughes ‘devotees’ ready to spread the word and Sue Fox Bequest Society is an important way about bequests,” says Mr Routley. Photo by Chris Tonkin

24 Lumen | Summer 2014 story by Ben Osborne New program gives an Adelaide experience

International students will soon be able to connect more closely with Adelaide’s way of life thanks to a new program involving our alumni.

xperience Adelaide is being “Interacting with international students If you would like to be a part of this exciting launched in March 2014 with the is good for them and for us,” says Kirsty. new program then please complete the Eaim of connecting all international “A familiar face and a friendly person is Registration Form located at www.alumni. students at the University of Adelaide with what they want most. adelaide.edu.au/experienceadelaide or contact a local family and its activities. “It makes me appreciate what I have. the Program Manager Annette Wheatley at Project manager Annette Wheatley says I am proud of this country, city and [email protected] the interaction will come in many forms, University, and I’m quite passionate or call +61 8 8313 2284. with the ultimate aim of making their time about it.” in a new country that little bit easier. June, a Master of Finance and Further information will be available at an “It could be something as simple as Accounting student from China, is among Information Session to be held at the including the student in a family meal, or the overseas students to receive a friendly University of Adelaide in February 2014. going on a sightseeing tour,” she says. welcome from Kirsty. She says having Annette says the program will provide someone in Adelaide to help her adjust to Below: Kirsty and June students and alumni with a genuine a new culture was invaluable. Photo by Ben Osborne cultural exchange with the aim to foster “This experience made me feel like I longer-term friendships. have another family in Australia, which is Professor Warren Bebbington, Vice important for an international student.” Chancellor and President said: “Many years ago now when I was a young Fulbright Scholar in New York City, I was paired with a local family who invited me into their home to experience America. “Those occasional visits to their family home for a cup of tea and a Thanksgiving dinner connected me to the US and left lasting ties I maintain today.” Over the years, many alumni have connected with international students and the experience has been mutually beneﬁ cial. Kirsty Burns has been welcoming students since graduating with a Social Science degree in 2006.

Th e University of Adelaide | Alumni Magazine 25 Colombo scholar celebrates golden reunion with gratitude Leading Asian businessman and University of Adelaide graduate Dr Cheong Choong Kong has celebrated the 50th anniversary of his 1963 graduation with more than 130 fellow classmates at the annual Golden Jubilee reunion.

26 Lumen | Summer 2014 story by Genevieve Sanchez

ne of the many success stories College where he immersed himself Fifty years is a long to emerge from the 1950s’ in Australian culture. time, but the few years OColombo Plan*, Dr Cheong has “The wealth of the country and the been Chairman of the Oversea-Chinese wellbeing of its people were awesome to before that last half-century Banking Corporation in Singapore a young man from a poor family in a poor were among my happiest since 2003 and is a former CEO of country newly emerged from colonial Singapore Airlines. rule,” he said. and most memorable. He was part of the largest group to “Fifty years is a long time, but ever attend the annual Golden Jubilee the few years before that last half- reunion—an event that includes a century were among my happiest “The Golden Jubilee was a wonderful commemoration ceremony in Bonython and most memorable.” way to bring together friends who have Hall to give alumni the chance of reliving Dr Cheong is proud that his daughter, not seen one another for a long time. It the thrill of graduation day. Sha-Nin Cheong also chose to study was great to catch up with old friends Born in Malaysia, Dr Cheong came to at the University of Adelaide. Now and have drinks at the pub like in the the University of Adelaide as a Colombo in her second year of a Bachelor of old days.” Plan Scholar and graduated with First Psychological Science, Sha-Nin was His advice to current students: “Keep Class Honours in Mathematics (Bachelor pleased to share the Golden Jubilee an open mind—don’t let your fi eld of study of Science) in 1963. He then took his PhD experience with her father. constrain you to any particular career path in Mathematics at ANU in Canberra. “In my understanding, the Colombo or lifestyle and stay mentally young and Dr Cheong taught mathematics at the Plan opened a world of opportunities adventurous throughout life.” University of Malaya and was an Associate for my father and I think for that, he is Professor before leaving the academic very grateful.” To view photos from the 1963 Golden Jubilee world to join Singapore Airlines in 1974. Commenting on the fact that the reunion and register your interest in the 50th He stayed with the airline for 29 years, University of Adelaide has produced anniversary of your own graduation, visit eventually becoming the company’s two Presidents of the Republic of www.alumni.adelaide.edu.au/goldenjubilee CEO. In 1998, Fortune named him Asian Singapore—the late Mr Ong Teng Businessman of the Year, noting that Cheong and current President Dr Tony * The Colombo Plan was a Commonwealth initiative, Singapore Airlines had an ‘unbroken Tan Keng Yam—Dr Cheong said that established in 1950, which provided bilateral aid to developing countries in South and Southeast Asia. 27-year record of profi tability through there are countless other graduates who turbulent economic times.’ have become major contributors to their His distinguished career includes a country and internationally. multitude of other corporate positions and “Some of them are benefi ciaries of the he is the Patron of the Movement for the Colombo Plan and other scholarships Mentally Disabled in Singapore. and they, like me, owe an enormous He is also a part-time actor, having debt of gratitude to the generosity starred as a taxi driver in a Singaporean of Australia.” sitcom, The Yang Sisters. Dr Cheong remains connected with As keynote speaker at the Golden Australia through friends and relatives Jubilee event, Dr Cheong shared some living here. He also stays in touch with Left: Dr Cheong Choong Kong and daughter Sha-nin reminiscences of his time at the University, the University through alumni events in Below: The graduates of 1963 recalling fond memories of inspirational Singapore and was thrilled to travel to outside Bonython Hall teachers and fun times at Lincoln Adelaide for this once-in-a-lifetime event. Photos by Jo-Anna Robinson

Th e University of Adelaide | Alumni Magazine 27 story by Connie Dutton Your support counts Supporters of the University of Adelaide, like our students, come from a wide range of backgrounds. The University appreciates each generous donation and acknowledges all who offer their support, often in a variety of ways.

ratitude for the great opportunities Annual Appeals 2013 (as of 29 October 2013) a university degree has given Gthem is a common reason why many donors choose the University as the 4.4% benefi ciary of their goodwill. Often they want to support disadvantaged students. 7.0% Clive Brooks, a 1967 law graduate who 38.3% Scholarships for students $116,890.33 returned to study for a Graduate Certifi cate of disadvantage 14.0% in Management in 1995, has supported the University of Adelaide Appeal and been Barr Smith Library $110,768.00 a volunteer in the University Engagement University’s $42,814.60 Offi ce for the past 11 years. Highest Priorities “I have greatly benefi ted from my 2013 university education in terms of career Cutting-edge research $21,270.00 ANNUAL APPEALS experience, and am aware that the University needs the support of its Elder Hall $13,420.33 graduates,” Clive said. His sentiments are echoed by Professor Total $305,163.26* Richard Blandy, a Bachelor of Economics Honours graduate in 1962, who has given 36.3% to University of Adelaide appeals over a number of years. “I give to the University of Adelaide because it had a profound and positive impact on my life and I am very grateful,” Richard said. Professor Warren Bebbington, Vice- I have greatly benefi ted It’s often a connection with a special Chancellor and President, said: “Donors place within the University that prompts can provide invaluable support to students from my university education some donors to give back. and play an important role in ensuring in terms of career experience, This was the case for Yoshie Furusawa, these students continue to gain access to and am aware that the who studied for a Diploma in Wine a university education, regardless of their Marketing in 2000, when she chose to fi nancial circumstances.” University needs the support donate to the Barr Smith Library Appeal. of its graduates. “I really liked the Barr Smith Reading To fi nd out more about the 2013 University Room. It was a very peaceful and beautiful of Adelaide Appeal, or to make a donation, place and the perfect spot for a power phone +61 8 8313 5800 or visit www.alumni. nap,” Yoshie said. adelaide.edu.au/university_appeal “I know that to maintain and update the library resources is very expensive, More than 850 people have given to the so I wanted to help future students as University of Adelaide’s annual appeals somebody did for us in the past.” over the last 12 months. If you were The University’s belief in providing among these generous donors, please educational opportunities to fi nancially take a moment to look for your name * Total philanthropic disadvantaged students is demonstrated on our acknowledgement web page at contribution for the full fi nancial year will through its well-established pathway www.alumni.adelaide.edu.au/donors be reported in the programs and donated scholarships. next issue of Lumen.

28 Lumen | Summer 2014 story by Ben Osborne

You can make a diff erence By providing a range of undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships, Resthaven Incorporated is helping to prepare a new generation of nursing staff.

o recognise its 75th anniversary, the The nursing scholarships are “I really enjoy working with older organisation funded 10 scholarships an important part of the ongoing people—it’s different to a hospital where Tbetween 2011 and 2014 for full- relationship between the University of often you don’t have the time to talk to time nursing students—the ﬁ rst for the Adelaide and Resthaven, which also patients and you’re not seeing them at University’s Discipline of Nursing program. includes student placements and joint their best. A not-for-proﬁ t aged care community research initiatives. “Here at Resthaven, I get to spend more service of the Uniting Church, Resthaven Final-year undergraduate nursing time talking to the residents and getting has 10 residential and 20 community care student Barnaby Corfe is one of the to know them. For me, it’s a more holistic and other associated facilities throughout scholarship recipients. way of helping people and I’m grateful that South Australia. After working in the hospitality the scholarship gives me the opportunity According to Wendy Morey, Executive industry for nearly 10 years and teaching to pursue this.” Manager Workforce Development, English in Japan for another two, he Resthaven is committed to providing the returned to Australia in 2011 to begin his best care and service possible to residents, nursing studies. clients and carers. Earlier this year, he received the sole “To do this, we need a capable and Resthaven scholarship available to third- caring workforce.” she says. “By providing year students. scholarships for undergraduate nursing “The scholarship means I can put Above: Barnaby Corfe students, we are investing in the future of everything into nursing and that I don’t with Resthaven Malvern nursing. We recognise the important role have to work on weekends just to resident, Jo Posa nurses play in ensuring quality outcomes.” get by,” he said. Photo by Ben Osborne

Th e University of Adelaide | Alumni Magazine 29 Alumni story by Genevieve Sanchez on the move

If you have recently celebrated a Smithsonian promotion or career achievement, a scientist discovers change of jobs or won a major prize, we want to hear about it! Share your good new mammal news with your fellow alumni by emailing us your story, including your name, Internationally renowned mammalogist Kristofer Helgen (PhD 2007) graduation year and degree. has discovered the newest rare mammal species, the Olinguito.

Send it to [email protected] Kris is a research scientist and head of mammals at the Smithsonian or call +61 8 8313 5800 National Museum of Natural History, the largest collection of mammals in the world.

His discovery of the Olinguito—a small carnivorous mammal in the raccoon family—marks the ﬁ rst time in 35 years that a new mammal species has been discovered in the Americas.

Studying the evolution of mammals on the island of New Guinea for his PhD at the University of Adelaide and graduating in 2007, Kris has gone on to work as a zoologist in 50 countries and discovered 100 species of living mammals.

“My work focuses especially on biological expeditions to the tropics and historical research in museum collections to document mammalian biodiversity and to study environmental change,” says Kris.

“The Olinguito is a great indicator of how much more life on our planet remains to be documented, and how discoveries often arise from just looking a little more closely at what we think we know.”

Originally from Minnesota, Kris now lives in Virginia with his wife Lauren Helgen, also a zoologist and graduate of the University of Adelaide (BSC (Hons) 2002).

2010s • Ashley Chadwick (BE (Mech & Aero) 2012) led a global team of accomplished international students to victory at the 2013 Caltech Space Challenge in Pasadena, California. • Sarah Hibbard (B Jur, B HSc (Hons) 2011) has been awarded the prestigious Crown Princess Mary Scholarship for 2013 to assist with her exchange studies at the University of Copenhagen. 2000s • Nicole Graham (MBA 2009) won the Telstra Young Business Women’s Award and the Community and Government Award at the 2013 Telstra Business Women’s Awards. As Chief Executive of the Spastic Centres of South Australia (scosa), Nicole oversees 200 highly trained staff delivering 10,000 hours of support and respite care to 350 people with a disability across SA.

30 Lumen | Summer 2014 • Ben McGee (BSc (Hons) 2008) became the fi rst cotutelle student of • Associate Professor Carl Crossin OAM (B Mus (Hons) 1980), the University of Adelaide and the University of São Paulo to have Director, Elder Conservatorium led the Adelaide Chamber Singers his doctorate conferred. While studying geology abroad, McGee in a highly successful tour across Europe, including taking out the was inspired to develop his photography culminating in several Choir of the World award at the International Musical Eisteddfod in photographic exhibitions in Adelaide between 2010 and 2012. Llangollen, Wales on 13 July. • Jakub Gaudasinski (B Mus (Comp) 2007) has achieved international success with the global release of his electronic 1970s music record Entanglement. • Prof Philip Thompson AM (M B B S 1977) has been appointed • Aimee Butler (B Music Studies, 2005) received seven medals at the a member of the Order of Australia (AM) for signifi cant service Tasmanian National Dancing Association, Traditional Irish Dancing to neurology, particularly in the fi eld of Parkinson’s disease and Competition on 4 August 2013. movement disorders. • Christopher Wainwright (B Mus (Hons) 2001) General Manager • Albert Saychuan Cheok (B Ec (Hons) 1976) has been appointed of The Adelaide Youth Orchestras, was awarded a prestigious as chairman, independent non-executive director of New Smart Churchill Fellowship by The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust. Energy Group (Hong Kong). • Romesh Nalliah (BDS 2000) received a Harold Amos Faculty • Rosa Colanero OAM (B A 1974 Dip Ed, 1975) was awarded a Diversity Award at Harvard University for his service to minority Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to the community and under-served communities through his public dental as an advocate for women and multiculturalism. health outreach projects. • Dr Martin Dooland AM (B D S 1974) has been appointed a member of the Order of Australia (AM) for signifi cant service to 1990s public dental health. • Professor Dorothy Keefe PSM (M D 1999) was awarded a Public • Professor James Crawford SC AC (B A 1972, LL B (Hons) 1972) Service Medal (PSM) for outstanding public service in the areas of has been appointed a member of the Order of Australia (AC) public health, medical research and oncology. for eminent service to the law through signifi cant contributions • Nicole Williams (BSc 1998, MBA 2009), co-founder and director of to international and constitutional legal practice, reform and management advisory fi rm, BRS accepted the 2013 Telstra Small arbitration, and as a leading jurist, academic and author. Business of the Year (SA) award for her business, BRS. • Robert Croser OAM (LL B 1971) was awarded a Medal of • Associate Professor Meera Agar (MBBS 1997) was awarded the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to the arts through the European Association for Palliative Care Early Researcher contributions to amateur theatre as a director and mentor. Award 2013. • Dr David Caudrey PSM (B A (Hons) 1970) was awarded a • David Beaumont OAM (B Arch St 1996, B A 1997, B Arch St Public Service Medal (PSM) for outstanding public service to (Hons) 1998, B Arch 2000) was awarded a Medal of the Order of the disability sector. Australia (OAM) for service to the community, particularly through heritage organisations. 1960s • Dr Fiona McAlister (B Ag Sc (Hons) 1993) was named 2012 • Judge Geoffrey Muecke (LLB 1969), one of the state’s most Teacher of the Year by the Oklahoma Association for Career and senior and respected jurists, was named head of the District Court. Technical Education. • Colin Dunsford AM (B Ec 1969) has been appointed a member of • Gregory Parker PSM (LL B (Hons) 1990) was awarded a Public the Order of Australia (AM) for signifi cant service to the community Service Medal (PSM) for outstanding public service in the provision of South Australia, and to the accounting profession. of legal and industrial advice. • The Honourable Justice Dean Mildren AM RFD QC (B A 1966, LL B 1966) has been appointed a member of the Order of Australia 1980s (AM) for signifi cant service to the judiciary and to the law in the • Moya Dodd (LLB (Hons) 1988) has become Australia’s fi rst Northern Territory. representative on football’s world governing body, FIFA. • The Hon Robert Lunn AM (LL B 1965) has been appointed a • Justice Melissa Perry QC (LLB 1985) has been sworn in as the member of the Order of Australia (AM) for signifi cant service to newest judge of the Federal Court of Australia. the judiciary of South Australia, particularly as the author of texts • Jane Sloane (BA 1985) has published her fi rst book entitled relating to civil procedure and criminal law, and to the community. Transformative Citizenship in a Globalized World about her journey • Associate Professor Peter Brinkworth (BA (Hons) 1964) was as a global advocate for women’s and girls’ human rights. awarded, by the South Australian Genealogy and Heraldry • Dr Suzi Hutchings (BA (Hons) 1984), PhD (Arts) 1995, Academic Society Inc., the T T Reed Award 2012 for a family history book Coordinator, Wilto Yerlo, received an Endeavour Award for published in 2012. Indigenous Australians from the Australian Government. • Dr Alan Brissenden AM (Ph D 1963) was inducted into the • Dr Judith Lean (PhD 1982), Solar Physicist and Senior Scientist for Australian Dance Awards Hall of Fame for his distinguished career Sun-Earth System Research in the Space Science Division, Naval as a dance scholar and critic spanning some 60 years. Research Laboratory was elected as a member of the American Philosophical Society. • Claudia Cream OAM (LL B 1981, B A 1982, Dip Ed 1982) was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to the Chinese community of South Australia. • Dr Patrick O’Neill OAM (M B B S 1980) was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to medicine in far north Queensland.

Th e University of Adelaide | Alumni Magazine 31 Between the lines Between the Lines presents a selection of the latest books by our alumni authors.

SingSings, Sutures and Sorcery: It’s Blue with Five Petals a 50 year experience in PNG An-easy-to-use colour-coded fi eld guide The story covers a 50-year experience to the wildfl owers of the Adelaide Region in PNG from the author’s fi rst visit as a featuring up to date information about the medical student in the late 1950s. Going wildfl owers of the Adelaide region. on to establish training programs in rural medicine, Professor Radford served as the only doctor for 50,000 people and returned on numerous occasions as a consultant Professor Anthony over the next 40 years. Ann Prescott Radford (MBBS 1961) (B Sc (Hons) 1975)

Into the Sea Andrea Corsali : Fiorentino : Into the Sea is the ﬁ rst novel from Jay Laurie. a watcher of the Austral skies : Vividly and simply told, it is about growing the letter from India up behind the dunes, travelling into the In 1516, Andrea Corsali, a young Florentine unknown and living in rhythm with the sea. employed by the Medici family, sailed in a Portuguese caravel to their colonies in India. This letter contains an illustration and details of the Southern Cross, discovered, described and named by Corsali. Only ﬁ ve copies of the letter exist and two of these Jay Laurie Dr Sergio Sergi are in Australia; it has never before been (BA 1993) (BA (Hons) 1968) translated into English.

High Frequency Love from Eddie Over-the-Horizon Radar Love from Eddie tells the story of Edward This pioneering work describes the Cairns who was brought up in Ardrossan, fundamental principles of OTH radar South Australia and died at Gallipoli, aged design and operation, and then delves 21, in October 1915. His story is based into the mathematical modeling of HF on the war diary written on his journey to signals received by actual OTH radar the Great War. systems based on experimental data analysis. Numerous examples illustrate the practical application of modern adaptive Dr. Giuseppe Fabrizio signal processing techniques to real and Robert Kimber (B E (Elec) 1993, simulated OTH radar data. (BA 1960, Dip Sec PhD (E) 2000) Ed 1964)

To view more works by alumni authors, go to www.alumni.adelaide.edu.au/inprint

32 Lumen | Summer 2014 ALL WELCOME FREE COMMUNITY EVENT

A Short Introduction to Climate Change A Short Introduction to Climate Change, Carols on takes the claims and counterclaims of climate change scientists and sceptics alike and tests them against fundamental scientiﬁ c principles. Professor Eggleton uses the integrity of the scientiﬁ c data as the only true Campus and constant yardstick by which to measure Emeritus Professor the accuracy of competing arguments. Tony Eggleton (B Sc (Hons) 1960, D Sc 1999) Wednesday 18 December 2013 at 7pm

Place of Pines Bonython Hall, A historical ﬁ ction novel, Place of Pines begins in England in 1913, sweeps through North Terrace Campus, two generations, two World Wars, the University of Adelaide Depression in Australia and the Resistance in France during World War II. www.adelaide.edu.au/carols

We invite you to bring a book or toy for the Gifting Tree, in support By Judith Brown (BA (Hons) 2004) of The Smith Family.

Citizen Jane: transformative citizenship in a globalized world “If you really want to make a positive difference in the world, you should focus on conﬂ ict resolution and citizen led change.” Nelson Mandela’s advice to Jane helped shape her path and led her on a journey to become a global advocate for advancing women’s and girls’ human rights. Jane writes about being a participant in the rise Jane Sloane of a global women’s movement and a global (BA 1985) citizenship movement, and the opportunities and challenges inherent in this momentum for social change. CAN WE SECURE A HEALTHY FUTURE FOR OUR CHILDREN?