The newsletter of the Australian–American Fulbright Commission VOLUME 23 | NUMBER 1 | APR 2010 promoting educational and cultural exchange between Australia and the United States. the fulbrighter AUSTRALIA

The 2010 Fulbright Australian Scholars with Professor Glyn Davis, VC University of Melbourne (11th from left), Ambassador Jeffrey Bleich (13th from left), Dr Joe Hlubucek, Executive Director, Fulbright Commission (centre) and Mr Tom Pascarella, Chair, Fulbright Commission (13th from right). Presentation dinner photos: Timothy Burgess Fulbright presents the 2010 Australian Scholars Almost 300 people came to the National great alliance,” Ambassador Bleich said Gallery of Victoria for the Fulbright about the Australian-American program. 60th Anniversary Presentation Dinner He also presented the Scholars with their and the announcement of the twenty-five certificates, signed by himself and the Fulbright Australian Scholars for 2010, Prime Minister of Australia, the Hon Kevin on Thursday, 18 March 2010. Rudd, as the two honorary Co-Chairs for The Scholars will work in the U.S. on a the Commission. range of interesting Fulbright projects, Mr Tom Pascarella, Chair of the Fulbright inside including a non-invasive imaging system Commission Board presented the Scholars Executive Director’s Update 02 to screen newborn babies for sight with letters signed by the Prime Minister, threatening conditions, renewable energy and Dr Tony Worby, National President of Major genome breakthrough 03 technology, addressing fear of failure the Australian Fulbright Alumni Association for Fulbright Scholar for students, new ways to treat breast presented them with Fulbright pins. Queensland Fulbright Scholars 03 cancer, and improved security for portable American-born Fulbright Alumnus Dr Donna meet their community electronic devices. Coleman, an internationally recognised and 2010 Fulbright Australian 04-05 The event was co-hosted by awarded pianist, was the invited guest artist. Scholars Vice-Chancellor and President of She spoke about the significance of the The University of Melbourne, Professor Flinders awarded prestigious 06 Glyn Davis, and the recently arrived continued page 2 Fulbright Distinguished Chair U.S. Ambassador, Jeffrey Bleich, a in American Political Science special guest and Honorary U.S. Co-Chair Sustaining societies in the tropical 06 for the Australian-American Fulbright world – Fulbright Symposium Commission, gave the keynote speech. Fulbright Scholarship for the 07 Professor Davis highlighted the Northern Territory significance of the Fulbright Program over Anne Wexler Scholarships 07 its sixty years, and spoke about its value to The University of Melbourne and the International Fulbright Science 07 impressive number of graduates who had and Technology Awards been awarded Fulbright scholarships, and New Fulbright Scholarship in 07 the large number of U.S. Fulbrighters who Nuclear Science and Technology had come to the University. Events & dates for 2010 08 Ambassador Bleich congratulated this year’s Scholars and commented about the vision of Senator Fulbright in bringing people together to see the world in new ways. “Today, 60 years later, we celebrate the wisdom of that vision – which has Dr Donna Coleman performing at the dinner spawned 4600 scholars and produced our the fulbrighter | VOLUME 23 | NUMBER 1 | APRIL 2010

The 25 scholars are a very impressive scholarship, for a Fulbright Professional group with broad interests ranging from or Senior Scholar for study or research medicine, science, technology, law, and in nuclear science and technology music, and I encourage you to review their applications. There are more details profiles on our website. about these new scholarships on We were very pleased to have the new pages 6 and 7. U.S. Ambassador to Australia, Jeffrey Bleich, Another new development is that we have as a guest of honour at the event, along with selected Flinders University in Adelaide our co-host for the evening, Professor Glyn as host and co-sponsor for the Fulbright Davis AC, Vice-Chancellor and Principal Distinguished Chair in American Political of The University of Melbourne. Science for five years from 2011. Almost 300 people attended the dinner, Our events and celebrations to mark our including sponsors, senior university and 60th Anniversary Year are also continuing. federal and state government representatives, The Fulbright event scheduled for the Scholars and their families, and Fulbright visit by the U.S. Secretary of State Hillary ED’s Update Alumni. The evening also included an Clinton was cancelled because she accomplished piano recital by Dr Donna had to return to the U.S. before coming Coleman. Donna came to Australia as an to Australia following the disastrous American Fulbright Senior Scholar in 1992. earthquake in Haiti. The past few months have been In 1995 she joined the Victorian College of One of the highlights for me at this time busy and productive for the the Arts as Head of Keyboard. She is of the year is meeting many Scholars, Fulbright Commission. now Coordinator of Masters and PhD in the Alumni and friends of Fulbright at the Faculty of the VCA and Music (Southbank), annual university presentations, and Highlights have been the establishment The University of Melbourne. of several new sponsored Scholarships, receptions and events in the capital cities the arrangements for the Fulbright The Australian-American Fulbright Program generously co-hosted by universities Presentation Dinner and announcement is in the process of establishing several new and the U.S. Consul-Generals. This year of the 2010 Fulbright Australian Scholars, exciting scholarships for both Australian and we will sadly farewell Mrs Judith Fergin and the Orientation Program for the American scholars. In February the Fulbright and Dr Ken Chern, the U.S. Consul- Australian Scholars, and arrangements Northern Territory Scholarship was launched Generals in Sydney and Perth respectively. for celebrating the 60th Anniversary. to provide a special opportunity for residents We will miss their valuable support and of the Northern Territory for study or research contributions but look forward The Fulbright Australian Scholars were in the U.S. as part of the Fulbright program. to remaining in contact. announced at the Presentation Dinner on 18 March 2010 at a gala evening at the I am also pleased to announce that the spectacular National Gallery of Victoria. Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Joe Hlubucek Organisation (ANSTO) is to sponsor a Executive Director

US Ambassador, Jeffrey Bleich, speaking at the dinner

continued FROM page 1 and opportunities, and 2010 Fulbright Victoria Scholar, Dr Elgene Lim, responded Fulbright experience which brought eloquently on behalf of the Scholars: her to Australia, and then entertained “We represent a diverse group of individuals and impressed the audience with two from various cultural and professional piano pieces selected for the evening: backgrounds, but are united in our gratitude Lullaby, from Tribute to Foster by Percy at being given this lifetime opportunity, and Aldridge Grainger, and Le banjo, Grotesque humbled to join the ranks of the Fulbright Fantasie (esquisse amèricaine) community, many who are world leaders by Louis Moreau Gottschalk. in their respective fields.” Mr Pascarella also spoke about the The photographs from the evening can be impact of a Fulbright on the lives of viewed online, contact commsmanager@ Scholars in terms of new directions fulbright.com.au for details.

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Above: Professor Stephan Schuster, Mrs Tutu, Dr Vanessa Hayes and Archbishop Tutu.

Left: Dr Hayes used genetic material from a number of Bushmen from the Kalahari Desert, as well as the Archbishop Desmond Tutu as representative of Southern African Bantu for the project.

Major genome breakthrough for Fulbright Scholar

Dr Vanessa Hayes, (2009 Australian The work ran as the cover story in Nature on Dr Vanessa Hayes is Group Leader of Cancer Professional Scholar) recently co-led a 18 February 2010. It was also celebrated at Genetics at the Children’s Cancer Institute team that created the first complete human an event in Namibia, involving the the Right Australia, University of New South Wales. reference genome of indigenous persons. Honourable Prime Minister Nahas Angula “It is truly exciting to see a spin-off of Dr Hayes was on her Fulbright Scholarship of Namibia with the special guests including this magnitude from one of our Fulbright at Pennsylvania State University in Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Scholars. It shows the power of collaboration 2009 working on a project applying next The discovery has significant implications and proves the benefits of programs such generation genome sequencing techniques for medical research and will help to develop as the Fulbright program in giving Scholars to examine human genomes, and prostate new tools to fight diseases. the opportunity to cross-fertilise with others cancer genomes. “This work will greatly assist medical efforts to in their research areas overseas,” said the Her scholarship gave her the opportunity to combat complex common diseases, including Fulbright Commission’s Executive Director, also collaborate on the indigenous genome cancer research. It means that we can assess Dr Joe Hlubucek. project with her U.S. host and co-leader, disease risk and responses to drugs among Professor Stephan C. Schuster. different genetic groups,” Dr Hayes said.

Queensland Fulbright Scholars meet their community

The annual Queensland reception for 2010 Fulbright Australian Scholars, Ms Elizabeth Webb also talked about Queensland-based Fulbright Scholars Mr Craig Costello, Mr Mark Harris, Dr Hilary their projects in Australia. Two and Alumni was hosted by the University Hughes, Mr Steven Kenway, Dr Shevarl Fulbright Alumni, Mr John Swinson, of Queensland (UQ) this year at Customs MacNamara and Mr Sam Nester all spoke (1990 Aus Scholar) and Ms Eliza Matthews House in Brisbane. briefly about their projects. Fulbright 2009 (2005 Aus Scholar) also spoke about Professor Michael Keniger, Acting U.S. Scholars, Dr James Blackman and their Fulbright experiences. Vice-Chancellor, UQ, opened the event, briefly outlining the history and place of the Fulbright Program in U.S.– Australian relations, particularly in the QLD context, and introduced the Scholars. As part of the 60th Anniversary celebrations, Fulbright pins were presented to earlier Fulbright Alumni whose scholarships took place before pins were issued. Two-time Fulbright Alumnus and former Fulbright Commission Board Chair, Professor Peter Coaldrake, Vice Chancellor of Queensland University of Technology, presented the pins Dr Shevarl MacNamara, speaking Professor Peter Coaldrake presents a pin to Fulbright U.S. Scholar Elizabeth to nine Fulbright Alumni, and Dr Hlubucek at the reception. Fulbright Alumnus, Professor Helen Ross Webb addresses the reception presented one to Professor Coaldrake. Photos: Stewart Gould, University of QLD

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2010 Fulbright Australian Scholars

Senior Scholars

Associate Professor Professor Carolyn Evans Professor Yogesan Professor Robert Park Graham Edgar Law. Melbourne Law School. Kanagasingam Plant Pathology. The University Fulbright Tasmania Scholar Researching the role of consent Medical Informatics/ of Sydney. Research on the in limiting religious freedom genetic basis of resistance to Marine Ecology. The University Opthalmology. The Australian at Washington College of the fungal disease stem rust in of Tasmania. Research on the e-Health Research Centre at the Law at American University wheat, barley and oats at the effectiveness of marine protected CSIRO. Research at Stanford and Emory University. Cereal Disease Laboratory, areas as a tool for biodiversity University School of Medicine St Paul, USDA. conservation at the Centre for to develop and validate a new Applied Biodiversity Science, “non-invasive” imaging system Conservation International in for telemedicine-based screening Arlington, Virginia. of newborn babies for sight threatening conditions such as Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP). Professional Scholars

Dr James Curran Mr Simon Gamble Dr Mary Haines Mr Mark Harris Fulbright Professional Scholar Fulbright Tasmania Scholar Health Services. Sax Institute Fulbright Professional Scholar in in Australia-U.S. Alliance Studies Natural Resource Management. in NSW and the University Vocational Education and Training sponsored by the Department Hydro Tasmania. Studying of Sydney. Research on the (VET) sponsored by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade the integration of renewable effectiveness of health care of Education, Employment and History. The University of energy technology in modern reforms at the Veterans Health Workplace Relations Sydney. Researching on the power systems, to support the Administration, the UCLA School Human Resource Management. history of Australian/American development of a renewable of Public Health and the RAND Queensland Department of relations,1969-1983, Georgetown energy power system and Corporation in Los Angeles. Education and Training. Examining University, Washington. research facility for the Bass vocational education and training Strait Islands, with the National to help improve VET workforce Renewable Energy Laboratory development with the State (NREL). University of New York in Oswego.

Scholar-in-residence Postdoctoral Scholars

A/Prof Steven Lapidge Dr Hilary Hughes Dr Elgene Lim Dr Shevarl MacNamara Fulbright Professional Business/ Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence Fulbright Victoria Scholar Mathematics. The University Industry (Coral Sea) Scholar Education. Queensland Oncology. The Peter MacCallum of Queensland. The Application Zoology. Invasive Animals CRC, University of Technology. Cancer Centre and the Walter of mathematical and University of Canberra, furthering Developing an inclusive informed & Eliza Hall Institute. Research computational principles to his research into using sodium learning approach for student on novel ways to treat breast biology at the Massachusetts nitrite, a food preservative, as a academic success in culturally cancer, particularly sub-types Institute of Technology (MIT) humane pesticide for feral pigs diverse contexts at the University resistant to conventional Department of Mathematics. and other species, USDA National of Colorado in Denver. therapies at the Dana Faber Wildlife Research Centre, Colorado. Cancer Institute and Harvard University. 4 Postgraduate Scholars

Ms Tammy Broom Dr James Chong Ms Krista Clews De Mr Craig Costello Fulbright Indigenous Scholar Fulbright NSW Scholar Castella Fulbright Postgraduate Human geography. Macquarie Cardiology. Victor Chang Psychology. Australian Scholar in Technology and University. A review of Cardiac Research Institute. National University. Exploring Communications sponsored Indigenous community Investigating possible new the way fears and false beliefs by Telstra economic development in the therapies for heart failure in students lead to negative Mathematics. Queensland southwest US at the University using stem cells at the self-fulfilling prophecies and University of Technology. of Arizona. University of Washington, educational inequalities, host Research into new techniques Seattle. to be confirmed. for security on computer and telecommunications devices at the University of California Irvine.

Ms Sarah Ms Elizabeth Jens Dr Cameron Keating Mr Steven Kenway Ms Angela Langdon Holland-Batt Fulbright Postgraduate Medicine. St Vincent’s Fulbright Queensland Maths/Neuroscience. Fulbright Postgraduate Scholar in Science and Hospital. Research on Scholar University of New South Alumni (WG Walker) Engineering, sponsored novel techniques for Natural Resource Wales. Developing a Scholar by BHP Billiton peripheral nerve repair Management. University mathematical model at the Plastic Surgery of the brain that can Poetry. Queensland Engineering and Science. of Queensland and the Research Laboratory in give insight into brain University of Technology. LEK Consulting. Urban Water Security Massachusetts General function at the Centre for A Master of Fine Arts in A one-year Masters Research Alliance. Hospital and Harvard Neural Science, New York poetry, focusing on by coursework in Research on linkages Medical School. University. Dante’s account of Paolo aeronautical and between water use, energy and Francesca in the astronautical engineering and greenhouse gases Inferno. at Stanford University. at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratories and the University of California Berkeley.

Mr Matthew Lee Ms Kathryn Napier Mr Sam Nester Mr Lewis Tunstall Fulbright Postgraduate Alumni Fulbright Western Australia Music. The Western Fulbright South Australia Scholar (WG Walker) Scholar Scholar Australian Academy of the Physics. The University of Law. The South Australian Crown Biomedical Sciences. Murdoch Performing Arts. A Master of Adelaide. Research aiming Solicitor’s Office and the University University. Research on the Music, in Classical Trumpet, provide a solution to one of the of Adelaide Law School. American relationship between birds and in the U.S. outstanding problems within approaches to water law, mistletoes in Western Australia, the Standard Model of particle natural resources regulation at the University of Wyoming. physics at the University of and international environmental California, Berkeley. law, host to be confirmed.

5 the fulbrighter | VOLUME 23 | NUMBER 1 | APRIL 2010

Flinders awarded prestigious Fulbright Distinguished Chair in American Political Science

The Australian-American Fulbright Commission has selected Flinders University, in Adelaide, South Australia, to host the prestigious Fulbright Distinguished Chair in American Political Science, following a national, competitive selection process. Flinders University, as a co-sponsor, will host the Chair for five years from 2011.

Through the Chair, distinguished US Scholars will be based at Flinders, to undertake collaborative research into key political issues affecting both countries, and also undertake a national lecture tour. This Distinguished Chair was established in 2005 by the Australian-American Fulbright Commission and The Australian National University, and ANU is the current host for 2005-2010.

Sustaining societies in the tropical world – Fulbright Symposium

Early bird registrations are now open for the 2010 Fulbright 60th Anniversary Symposium in Cairns in August. To be hosted by James Cook University, »» Tropical Health and Medicine – solutions »» Strengthening Communities – the Symposium is expected to attract about for under-served populations in tropical sustainable industries for developing 200 people from throughout Australia, New nations, tropical diseases, public health, tropical nations, protecting Indigenous Zealand, the Pacific and the United States. health work-force development, disaster traditional knowledge, art and culture, urbanisation, tropical architecture, Dr Michael Birt, Executive Director of the health and bio-security, philanthropic disaster management, foreign aid and Pacific Health Summit, and Dr Paul Zorner, involvement food security. CEO of Hawaii Bio Energy, are confirmed »» Environmental Sustainability – as keynote speakers, and Queensland’s ecological and social impacts of climate The Symposium is being held at the Hilton Chief Scientist Paul Andrews has agreed change, renewable energy sources, Cairns on August 19 and 20. It will not have to facilitate one of the four themes for the sustainable agriculture, water quality a traditional conference format, but rather Symposium. and management, US Tropical Forestry be structured around several keynote Within the overall theme of “Sustaining Conservation Act presentations, by high profile experts, Societies in the Tropical World” and how »» Economic and Political Development – followed by facilitated discussion panels. the US and Australia can tackle poverty sustainable industries and economies, More information about the Fulbright and health issues in the tropics, the 60th human rights, social and political 60th Anniversary Symposium is available Anniversary Fulbright Symposium will focus dimensions of poverty, legal systems, and registrations can be made at: on four key areas: micro-credit, finance and banking www.jcu.edu.au/fulbrightsymposium/

6 Fulbright Scholarship for the Northern Territory Blackboard Asia Pacific; and Chief Executive of the Department of Education The Australian-American Fulbright and Training, Mr Gary Barnes. Commission is pleased to announce that a The scholarship will be funded jointly for Fulbright Northern Territory Scholarship three years by Charles Darwin University, has been established to enable talented NT the Northern Territory Government, and a scholars, researchers, and professionals to corporate sponsor, Blackboard Asia Pacific. study in the US for up to 12 months. The annual scholarship is valued at up to The Fulbright Northern Territory Scholarship $46,000, with the first applications to be was launched at a reception at Charles invited in June this year. The successful Darwin University (CDU) on 16 February 2010, candidate will be selected on the basis of hosted by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Chief Executive of the Department of Education and Training, merit and the significance of the project Mr Gary Barnes; Mr Zach Johnston, Regional Vice President, Barney Glover. The special guests included to the Northern Territory, and the inaugural Blackboard Asia Pacific;U.S. Consul General Michael Thurston, a US Consul-General Michael Thurston; member of the Australian-American Fulbright Commission Board; Fulbright NT Scholar will be announced and CDU Vice-Chancellor Professor Barney Glover at the launch. Mr Zach Johnson, Regional Vice President, in March 2011.

International Fulbright Science Anne Wexler Scholarships and Technology Awards The Australian-American Fulbright The Australian-American Fulbright to two years , and valued at up to $140,000 Commission is seeking applications this Commission is to administer a major each to attract outstanding candidates. year for the International Fulbright Science new scholarship program in honour of and Technology Awards in 2011, the U.S. Mrs Anne Wexler. The inaugural scholarships for 2011 will Government’s most prestigious and valuable be awarded on merit and for research into education scholarship program. These The creation of the prestigious Anne topics which reflect Mrs Wexler’s interests awards are for promising graduate students Wexler Scholarships was announced by and matters of binational interest, such to undertake PhD study at a U.S. university in Prime Minister Kevin Rudd on 15 August as public policy projects in key areas of fields of science, technology or engineering. 2009, in a speech to the Australian- health, sustainability, energy, climate American Leadership Dialogue, in change, regional security, political science About 40 scholarships are offered annually Melbourne, to commemorate her many and history, or government relations. to graduate students from around the world contributions for progressing Australian- who can demonstrate outstanding aptitude American relations. Anne Wexler was a successful Washington and innovation in science, technology or U.S. lobbyist, who had a long interest in engineering. The scholarships for 3 years The Anne Wexler Scholarships are part Australia. She was a senior official with are valued at up to $300,000 and include of the Australian Government’s Australia the US Department of Commerce before monthly living allowance, travel, tuition, Awards Program and funded through the embarking on her lobbying career, and book and other allowances. Department of Education, Employment a democrat whose career highlights Applications opened in February and and Workplace Relations (DEEWR). included working for President Jimmy close on 1 May 2010, and there has been Two Anne Wexler Scholarships will be Carter. She was awarded an Order keen interest in the awards. awarded each year, one for an Australian of Australia (AO) by the Australian Further information is available from scholar and one for an American scholar Government for her work on the Australia the Fulbright website at: www.fulbright. for study or research in the partner – United States Free Trade Agreement. com.au/scholarships/International country, towards a Masters degree for up She passed away on 7 August 2009. FulbrightScienceandTechnologyAwards.html

New Fulbright Scholarship in Nuclear Science and Technology

A new Fulbright Scholarship in Nuclear Science and Technology was established in March 2010 sponsored by the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO). The scholarship, valued at $40,000, will support a Professional or Senior Scholar for up to six months research or study in the U.S. The scholarship will promote Australian- American research collaboration and training into the applications of nuclear science and

technology, such as materials, health, climate Dr Adi Paterson, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation shaking hands with change, mining and engineering. Dr Joe Hlubucek, Executive Director, Fulbright Commission.

7 the fulbrighter | VOLUME 23 | NUMBER 1 | APRIL 2010

The Fulbrighter is the newsletter of the Rosemary Schmedding Events & dates Australian-American Fulbright Commission. Communication Manager, Fulbright Commission We welcome your stories, photographs and email [email protected] comments. If you would like to contribute for 2010 telephone 02 6260 4460 to the newsletter, please contact: April Tuesday, 20 April South Australian State Reception, Applications are now invited to host University of Adelaide Friday, 23 April the 2011 Fulbright Symposium Western Australian State Reception, U.S. Consul-General’s residence, Perth Applications close on The Fulbright Commission annually 2 August 2010. provides a grant of $A30,000 to August support an Australian institution 19-20 August hosting a conference on a topic of Fulbright Symposium, Sustaining Societies in the Tropical World, bi-national relevance to Australia Hilton Hotel, Cairns and the United States. Thursday, 26 August Enrichment Program for U.S. Scholars, Brassey Hotel and For more information and an application form visit: Enrichment Dinner, the Boat House restaurant in Canberra www.fulbright.com.au

Continue to support future Fulbright Scholars through a tax-deductible donation

For tax deductibility in USA, please download the donation form at www.fulbright.com.au For tax deductibility in Australia please complete the form below: AUSTRALIAN ALUMNI (WG WALKER) SCHOLARSHIP Title Name U.S. ALUMNI SCHOLARSHIP EMAIL U.S. Visual and Performing Arts Scholarship aDDRESS Fulbright State Scholarship, please nominate state sTATE POSTCODE

Payment Cheque ($A only) Payable to: Australian - AMERICAN Fulbright COMMISSION FUND donATION AMOUNT $

Credit Card Mastercard V isa Card Total amount $ I understand that this is a recommendation only and that all donations made to the Australian-American Fulbright Commission Fund Cardholder’s Name Signature are at the sole and independent discretion of the Australian - American Fulbright Commission. Card No: Expiry Date / BEQUESTS – Please consider leaving a lasting legacy for the future generations of Fulbright Scholars. OFFICE USE ONLY yr (Sing/Mult) CC DBASE MYOB TxRec SubsRec For more information about how to make a bequest please contact the Executive Director. PO Box 9541, Deakin ACT 2601 | T:+61 262 604 460 | F:+61 262 604 461 | E:[email protected]

The Australian-American Fulbright Commission is supported by the Australian and United States governments, Australian Sponsors and United States universities, the Australian Fulbright Alumni Association (AFAA) and the following sponsors:

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Companies, state governments, universities, foundations, Fulbright Alumni and individuals have all made tax deductible donations to Donors support Fulbright Scholarships (see our web site for a list). If you would like to make a tax deductible donation to the Australian-American Fulbright Commission (in Australia or the United States) please download the appropriate donation form at www.fulbright.com.au.