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Staff Awards 2014 - Winners Gallery

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Page 1: Staff Awards 2014 - Winners Gallery
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Please tell us when you first joined the Murdoch community. How would you describe your role at Murdoch? What contribution does your role make to the university as a whole? I joined Murdoch in 1985 and for my first eight years occupied a normal research and teaching position. I then took on the role of programme chair in Environmental Science for another eight years. This was a highly rewarding time as I could follow students from their first day enrolling in the Gym through to graduation night. Over the next eight years I was 50% seconded to chair the Conservation Commission of WA returning to take up the position of School Dean in Environmental Science in 2009. Since then I have been just a little busy with MUCC work, firstly as a member and then as the Chair of the Implementation Steering Group.

CONGRATULATIONS!Associate Professor John Bailey

2013 SENATE MEDALfor exceptional service to the University

Associate Professor John BaileyAssociate Dean Learning and Teaching

School of Veterinary and Life Sciences

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And then my two terms on Academic Council and now as the Chair of the Implementation Steering Group for the MUCC have provided me with an opportunity to help in the crafting of a new Murdoch that old Murdoch can be proud of.

Is there anyone from your team and the Murdoch community you’d like to acknowledge for your success? What have they done to help you?

This is easy – Assoc Professor Bev Thiele, my life partner and, although she will deny it, my mentor. Her selfless devotion to Murdoch in all of its dimensions has been a daunting act to emulate, but I have tried.

What kind of achievements would you like to see from the Murdoch community in the next 3-5 years?

Three things: thing one would be an integrated undergraduate curriculum with research and breadth units in place with a national reputation, and with the majors working well with strong vertical and horizontal links. Thing two would be a diverse array of postgraduate courses employing a wide range of educational approaches – both technological and small group. Thing three would be to see the research-teaching nexus become a clearly perceived reality so that the one supports the other.

CONGRATULATIONS!Associate Professor John Bailey

2013 Senate Medalfor exceptional service to the University

You’ve won a 2013 Senate medal. Please tell us about what inspires you to go beyond the call of duty in your role at Murdoch.

It is a privilege to have worked at Murdoch for almost 30 years; a privilege that derives from working with staff and students alike. It is remarkable that what attracted me to Murdoch in the first place is still alive and strong in 2014 – I refer to the real connection that I see between staff, both academic and professional, and our students. The dedication of the former to the latter and the loyalty of the latter to the former is what makes us different and special.

As programme chair my focus was on our students, as School Dean I added a focus on our academic and professional staff. In both cases the only inspiration needed was the opportunity to support people in their time at Murdoch. 

 

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Please tell us when you first joined the Murdoch community. How would you describe your role at Murdoch? What contribution does your role make to the university as a whole?

I started as a temp at Unicredit in June 1983 it was to be for 3 months - how time flew, 30 years later…1984 Saw me take over the Murdoch branch that opened 12 hours a week, thanks to the amazing support from staff and students it quickly grew to a busy office opening full time with 2 staff.

My role at Unicredit was to provide financial services.  My favourite part however was getting to know members and their families and  sharing the arrival of children, grandchildren and pets.I hope my role at Unicredit made all financial matters helpful and easy to understand.

The most rewarding work was that done was for charities; the support from the  community was overwhelming.  The World Vision knitting in particular had knitters busy in lunch rooms, everyone was talking about it, the Unicredit office looked like a clothes shop.  We helped other charities but this was the biggest with all ages contributing.  This highlighted  the true Murdoch community spirit.

CONGRATULATIONS!Hazel Collier

2013 SENATE MEDALfor exceptional service to the University

Hazel CollierManager (Retired)

Unicredit

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Is there anyone from your team and the Murdoch community you’d like to acknowledge for your success? What have they done to help you?

I was in the most fortunate position at Unicredit to meet thousands of people from all different departments and countries, many have influenced my life.  I would like to thank every single person I have met. All have given me friendship and shared their families with me. It's been an amazing journey.

On a very personal note I would like to thank Penhale Martin who upon hearing I was going to be a grandparent encouraged me to produce a Beatrix Potter cross stitch even though I couldn't sew.  At first I had said no but she brought in everything I would need for this monumental task so now my two sons (yes I did 2) have a masterpiece for their children to enjoy.

I have truly learnt some of life's lessons, you can achieve anything with the right encouragement and if you try hard enough, your mind stays young forever, it's good to give to others and never say no to Penhale.

What kind of achievements would you like to see from the Murdoch community in the next 3-5 years?

The Murdoch community has shown when working together it can achieve amazing things. Murdoch is a very special place where  when people retire they continue to support the University.

I hope this continues in the future.

CONGRATULATIONS!Hazel Collier

2013 Senate Medalfor exceptional service to the University

You’ve won a 2013 Senate medal. Please tell us about what inspires you to go beyond the call of duty in your role at Murdoch.

Truly, I never felt I was going beyond the call of duty.  I loved every moment and thought of everyone as my Murdoch work family we all shared high and low times together. I really enjoyed the international students and loved hearing about their different cultures. I learnt it was easy to say hello and welcome in any language - just smile.

 

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Please tell us when you first joined the Murdoch community and how would you describe your role? What contribution does your role make to the university as a whole?

I completed my Bachelors in Commerce in 2001 and joined Murdoch as a member of staff in 2005 after 3 years in industry. During the past 9 years I have held several roles in the Research and Development office before joining the newly established Management Information and Planning team in 2013. In my role as Manager Analytics and Reporting my team is responsible for providing decision support information to stakeholders.

You’ve won an award for Excellence in Professional Services. Please tell us what you enjoy most about your role in the University.

Working with a team to help develop a culture of information based decision making has been a rewarding experience. I have also enjoyed working in various roles that have given me a diverse range of skills. In particular developing new tools, like the research dashboard, to help people better understand the university environment.

CONGRATULATIONS!Alasdair MacDonald

2013 VICE CHANCELLOR’S AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Alasdair MacDonaldManager, Analytics and Reporting

Management Information and Planning

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What kind of achievements would you like to see from the Murdoch community in the next 3-5 years?

As a 1970’s University, Murdoch has been built on the foundation of great research. I would like to see Murdoch further strengthen its research portfolio while maintaining its outstanding teaching through the use of new technologies.

CONGRATULATIONS!Alasdair MacDonald

2013 Vice Chancellor’s Award for Professional Services

Even great individuals usually have a team behind them. Is there anyone from your team and the Murdoch community you’d like to acknowledge for your success? What have they done to help you?

During my past 9 years at Murdoch I have worked with many great teams that have helped me achieve my success. I would like to acknowledge the Research and Development Office and the Management Information and planning team. 

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Please tell us when you first joined the Murdoch community and how would you describe your role? What contribution does your role make to the university as a whole?

I first joined Murdoch University in 1991 and my role has changed a few times since then, but I am passionately committed to helping students find their way, their own place in “Science”, so that when they leave Murdoch they take a passion for good science with them. I hope to make a difference to the learning journey that students are on by unpacking some of the more complex challenges in academia.

You’ve won an award for Teaching Excellence. Please tell us what you enjoy most about helping people learn.

The most enjoyable part of helping people learn is watching them when they have that “AHA” moment because they have discovered something for themselves. Something that they had not thought about previously. Being present at that particular moment in a student’s life is not only humbling but also magic.

CONGRATULATIONS!Dr Karin Strehlow

2013 VICE CHANCELLOR’S AWARD FOR TEACHING EXCELLENCE

(General Teaching Excellence in a Discipline)

Dr Karin StrehlowLecturer

Professional Services

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What kind of achievements would you like to see from the Murdoch community in the next 3-5 years?

I would like the Murdoch community to make sure that the caring heart that has been beating here for the past thirty years keeps on going. It is what makes a difference to both staff and students. Ultimately, it is what has shaped our identity as a community.

CONGRATULATIONS!Dr Karin Strehlow

2013 Vice Chancellor’s Award for Teaching Excellence(General Teaching Excellence in a Discipline)

Is there anyone from your team and/or the Murdoch community you’d like to acknowledge for your success? What have they done to help you?

I would like to acknowledge everyone at Murdoch. We all work together as a team, we all hold each other together, and together we make this University what it is. Probably most importantly, I can only be a good teacher because of the quality and commitment of Murdoch students. They are always willing to come along on the creative learning journey of discovering how exciting science really is!

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Please tell us when you first joined the Murdoch community and how would you describe your role? What contribution does your role make to the university as a whole?

I joined Murdoch University in 1990 as a Post-Doctoral fellow at the Centre for Rhizobium Studies. Although I was appointed as a researcher, I expressed my interest in teaching to my then supervisors Prof Mike Dilworth and Prof Andrew Glen. I am really thankful to both for providing me an opportunity to give lectures and teach in lab classes. Later in 2000, I joined as a tenured academic staff. My aim of teaching has always been to teach in a very simple way so that even the poorest of the students could understand the subject. I have always been developing my teaching methods to achieve my aims.As an Academic chair my role keeps me involved with the progress of students and their journey at Murdoch University. I have worked in designing courses and developing articulations with overseas institutions.

You’ve won an award for Teaching Excellence. Please tell us what you enjoy most about helping people learn.

Coming from a developing nation, I have seen inequalities in the world based on race, religion, gender, wealth and socioeconomic status. It is my strongest belief that the key to solving these issues lies first and foremost in education – and it is this which motivates and drives me to excel as a teacher. By helping students, I develop their interest in education. Once they are interested, they started asking questions. It gives me a great pleasure seeing students getting interested in learning.

CONGRATULATIONS!Dr Ravi Tiwari

2013 VICE CHANCELLOR’S AWARD FOR TEACHING EXCELLENCE

(General Teaching Excellence in a Discipline)

Dr Ravi TiwariSenior Lecturer in Molecular Biology

School of Veterinary and Life Sciences

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What kind of achievements would you like to see from the Murdoch community in the next 3-5 years?

I wish for the University to keep recognizing good teaching practices.

CONGRATULATIONS!Dr Ravi Tiwari

2013 Vice Chancellor’s Award for Teaching Excellence(General Teaching Excellence in a Discipline)

Is there anyone from your team and/or the Murdoch community you’d like to acknowledge for your success? What have they done to help you?

There have been many staff members from whom I have learnt a number of teaching strategies but I would like to acknowledge the motivation and encouragement from A/Prof Robert Mead. Bob as a head of the department was very supportive and always passed all the encouraging comments from students to me, regarding my teaching. These comments assured me that whatever I was doing in teaching was helping and being recognized by students.

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Please tell us when you first joined the Murdoch community and how would you describe your role? What contribution does your role make to the university as a whole?

I joined the Murdoch community in 1997 as an undergraduate in Law. I didn’t finish my law degree – a guest lecturer from Politics revealed to me what I wanted to do with my life – be an academic. I have taught in Politics since 2004 and am now moving into Unit Co-ordination roles. I have a fantastic part time role in the Sir Walter Murdoch School of Public Policy and International Affairs, in which I teach in a very broad unit (what a privilege to learn so many new interesting fields) and assist students in choosing their Capstone options. I also build relationships with external providers for research internships.

You’ve won an award for Teaching Excellence. Please tell us what you enjoy most about helping people learn.

Understanding theory and the world around us is such a buzz. I really enjoy facilitating students’ engagement and theories to the important issues facing us in the contemporary world. When it all comes together, it is as much a buzz for the students as it is for me. I come from a family of teachers – my great grandfather was a university lecturer, and my grandfather and father were both teachers. My mum is an adult educator and my brother is a deputy principal. I can’t seem to help myself – I teach all the time, from my own young children (until my five-year-old exclaims: “Boring!”) to the wonderful young and mature students with whom I work. It’s in my blood.

CONGRATULATIONS!Dr Katie Attwell

2013 VICE CHANCELLOR’S AWARD FOR TEACHING EXCELLENCE

(Early Career Teaching)

Dr Katie AttwellCapstone Coordinator

Sir Walter Murdoch School of Public Policy and International Affairs

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What kind of achievements would you like to see from the Murdoch community in the next 3-5 years?

The Sir Walter Murdoch school is an exciting opportunity for staff and students to engage deeply with contemporary political and public policy issues. I would love to see some of our students contributing in these spheres, and I’m sure that this will be the case. I want to see our new School to become a leader not just in Australia but the world. We have great staff involved and this is an exciting time to be working in my discipline.

CONGRATULATIONS!Dr Katie Attwell

2013 Vice Chancellor’s Award for Teaching Excellence(Early Career Teaching)

Is there anyone from your team and/or the Murdoch community you’d like to acknowledge for your success? What have they done to help you?

Ian Cook taught me how to teach students in a Foundation Unit and I still use those study skills interventions today, especially planning and structuring work. Jane Hutchison and Janice Dudley believed in me and mentored me over many years. Other colleagues have been generous with their time and support in building my career, including Yvonne Haigh, Diane Stone, Shahar Hameiri and Garry Rodan. My research supervisor David Brown was the best teacher I’ve ever had and is the reason I’m here. Benjamin Reilly has given me an amazing opportunity in the SWMS to start my post-PhD career, continue my love of teaching and develop my own learning, as well as progress my research career.

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Please tell us when you first joined the Murdoch community and how would you describe your role? What contribution does your role make to the university as a whole?

In 2009, I was appointed as Lecturer to the School of Education. My teaching duties have included coordinating twelve units and tutoring fifteen curriculum units at the undergraduate and graduate level. In 2010, I was appointed Academic Program Advisor, and later in 2013, the Academic Chair for Early Childhood Education undergraduate and graduate students. In 2011, I became the School Proposal Champion for the Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care and the Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care. I subsequently designed four units for these courses, which I now coordinate and teach. Late 2011, I was promoted to Senior Lecturer.

You’ve won an award for Teaching Excellence. Please tell us what you enjoy most about helping people learn.

In the field of education, a pedagogy of multiliteracies is a major theoretical development that invites teachers to reflect critically on how different curricular, pedagogical and classroom designs motivate and achieve different sorts of learning, how students’ cultural and linguistic diversity is accommodated, and how these designs support 21st century modes of communications . Shortly after completing my PhD, which examined the integral relationship of a pedagogy of multiliteracies and information and communication technologies (ICT) in Early Childhood Education, I commenced teaching at Murdoch. I was eager to transfer the social constructivist educational principles embedded in a pedagogy of multiliteracies to Higher Education, and curious to learn how I could integrate ICT in my teaching units to help people to learn.

CONGRATULATIONS!Dr Sandra Hesterman

2013 VICE CHANCELLOR’S AWARD FOR TEACHING EXCELLENCE

(Early Career Teaching)

Dr Sandra HestermanSenior Lecturer

School of Education

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What kind of achievements would you like to see from the Murdoch community in the next 3-5 years?

Students across the education spectrum need to be equipped with skills necessary to meet the challenging and diverse demands of different forms of communication created by new technologies. These skills include the ability to interpret knowledge presented in multimedia communications; to exchange knowledge across a global community; and to generate knowledge. To this end, support from the Murdoch Community to provide opportunities for students to design and communicate personal meaning using multiple modes of representation…much broader than language alone would not only deepen students independent learning of multiliteracies, but also build their confidence to integrate ICT in their learning (at university and in future workplace environments). Additional ‘on-the-spot’ ICT support for Murdoch University teachers and students are fundamental to these innovative processes.

CONGRATULATIONS!Dr Sandra Hesterman

2013 Vice Chancellor’s Award for Teaching Excellence(Early Career Teaching)

Is there anyone from your team and/or the Murdoch community you’d like to acknowledge for your success? What have they done to help you?

I have had incredible collegial support in my time at Murdoch and I am really fortunate to work with colleagues who inspire me with their work in Education. My PhD supervisors Associate Professors Renato Schibeci and Libby Lee-Hammond, in particular, have provided me with critical feedback on aspects of academia; my teaching, research, and writing endeavours. They have generously given me timely insights into ways I could respond to a rapidly changing professional landscape in early childhood education. Professor Jan Herrington and Mr. Dani Boase-Jelinek have also provided me with much needed support when trialing and expanding the integration of ICT in my units to promote multiliteracies and authentic learning.

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Please tell us when you first joined the Murdoch community and how would you describe your role? What contribution does your role make to the university as a whole?

I have been part of the Murdoch community as a student or staff member since 1997. My teaching experience has been varied and interesting. I have taught in the Murdoch University International Study Centre in Dubai, worked on numerous foundation units, including the highly successful Creativity and Innovation, and now teach a range of Communication and Media Studies units across multiple offerings, campuses and cohorts. Overall, my multifaceted teaching experience enables me to use a range of tools and strategies to encourage Communication Studies students to develop foundational knowledge and skills.

You’ve won an award for Teaching Excellence. Please tell us what you enjoy most about helping people learn.

Most of all I love to see students reap the benefits of hard work and persistence. Some of the units I teach are challenging in terms of their workload and content. It is immensely rewarding to witness students rising to the challenge of such units, developing their skills and abilities, and then ultimately succeeding in their pursuits. As well, I enjoy encouraging students to think of themselves as knowledge-makers capable of bringing creative and innovative ideas to contemporary problems and issues.

CONGRATULATIONS!Lauren O’Mahony

2013 VICE CHANCELLOR’S AWARD FOR TEACHING EXCELLENCE

(Early Career Teaching)

Lauren O’MahonyLecturer

School of Arts

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What kind of achievements would you like to see from the Murdoch community in the next 3-5 years? In the short term future, I would like to see Murdoch continuing to excel at providing a student centered environment. Since I first stepped onto the South street campus, I have found that one of Murdoch’s strengths is the way it embraces people from a variety of backgrounds and supports them on their journey of learning. I hope that Murdoch continues to be a community that generously offers time, patience and support to all students.

CONGRATULATIONS!Lauren O’Mahony

2013 Vice Chancellor’s Award for Teaching Excellence (Early Career Teaching)

Is there anyone from your team and/or the Murdoch community you’d like to acknowledge for your success? What have they done to help you?

I have been fortunate to have worked with a number of amazing and hard working colleagues. In particular, Kathryn Trees has been a generous mentor, assisting me with the development of my own research and writing. Collaborating with Sharon Delmege has enabled me to refine my organizational and curriculum development skills. Chris Smyth, as the dean of Media and Communications Studies, encouraged me to seek out new challenges and opportunities in my teaching and research. He also encouraged me to pursue a range of service opportunities that have allowed me to contribute to Murdoch’s broader picture.

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Katie facilitates deep learning by encouraging personal connection to intellectual content, building upon the academic and ontological starting-point of each student. She consistently invests time and energy into students requiring support and direction to achieve their goals, and demonstrates skill and adaptability in responding to the unexpected. Mindful of Murdoch’s graduate attributes, she works closely with external and OUA students to address potential shortfalls in their experience and ensure that they can also ‘catch fire’.

Dr Katie Attwell is also a winner of the 2013 Vice Chancellor’s Award for Teaching Excellence

CONGRATULATIONS!Dr Katie Attwell

2014 VICE CHANCELLOR’S CITATIONS FOR EXCELLENCE IN ENHANCING LEARNING

Dr Katie AttwellCapstone Coordinator

Sir Walter Murdoch School of Public Policy and International Affairs

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Dr Sandra Hesterman is a highly committed teacher who has taught extensively in early childhood and primary education prior to her appointment to Murdoch University in 2009. She is passionate about motivating students to learn in ways that have a sustained, substantial and positive influence on their future classroom teaching, and on their own quest for excellence. Sandra uses her knowledge of multiliteracies and social constructivist educational principles to inspire student learning and accommodate cultural and linguistic diversity in authentic ways.

Dr Sandra Hesterman is also a winner of the 2013 Vice Chancellor’s Award for Teaching Excellence

CONGRATULATIONS!Dr Sandra Hesterman

2014 VICE CHANCELLOR’S CITATIONS FOR EXCELLENCE IN ENHANCING LEARNING

Dr Sandra HestermanSenior Lecturer

School of Education

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Please tell us when you first joined the Murdoch community and how would you describe your role? What contribution does your role make to the university as a whole?

I joined the Law School at Murdoch in July, 2010. I have taught and co-ordinated several units, but my passion is for Equity and Trusts and for Property Law. These are compulsory components of our law degree, so no law student escapes me! Seriously though, these units are fundamental building blocks of a sound legal education.

You’ve won a Citation for Excellence in Enhancing Learning. Please tell us what you enjoy most about helping people learn.

Helping others to conquer difficult legal material (and, hopefully, making the exercise stimulating and enjoyable) is always gratifying. However, I consider that the greatest privilege of being a teacher at university is that I have the opportunity to look at the subjects that I love afresh each year through the bright eyes of students who are keen to learn. I have been teaching Equity for 25 years and still I am regularly surprised by things that I have learned from my students.

CONGRATULATIONS!Robyn Honey

2014 VICE CHANCELLOR’S CITATIONS FOR EXCELLENCE IN ENHANCING LEARNING

Robyn HoneySenior Lecturer School of Law

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CONGRATULATIONS!Robyn Honey

2014 Vice Chancellor’s Citation for Excellence in Enhancing Learning

Is there anyone from your team and the Murdoch community you’d like to acknowledge for your success? What have they done to help you?

I have been blessed to have great mentors in Professor Phil Evans and Dr Michelle Evans. We have a wonderful team of committed teachers at the Law School. If ever I am musing about how to tackle a teaching issue or I need a ‘sounding board’ for my own ideas, I have the benefit of helpful advice of my colleagues, including: Sarah Withnall Howe, Dr Kate Lewins, Prof Lisa Young, Lorraine Finlay, Sonia Walker, Dr Jo Goodie, Dr Jaime Zander and Dr Augusto Zimmerman. Teachers at our Law School are also very fortunate to have a very diligent and creative Teaching and Learning Committee (chaired by Professor Neil McLeod). The support given to the teachers at our Law School makes for an enriching professional life.

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Dr Tiwari has taught molecular biology and biochemistry units to second and third year undergraduate students at Murdoch University for 14 years. He increases students’ curiosity, and enhances student learning by using his own research examples and engaging students with the practical application of cutting-edge research. He further generates interest in the subject with contextual teaching using hot topics and humour.

Dr Ravi Tiwari is also a winner of the 2013 Vice Chancellor’s Award for Teaching Excellence

CONGRATULATIONS!Dr Ravi Tiwari

2014 VICE CHANCELLOR’S CITATIONS FOR EXCELLENCE IN ENHANCING LEARNING

Dr Ravi TiwariSenior Lecturer in Molecular Biology

School of Veterinary and Life Sciences

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Please tell us when you first joined the Murdoch community and how would you describe your role? What contribution does your role make to the university as a whole?

I joined the (then) School of Nursing at Murdoch University in 2011 after a long and varied career nursing in various hospitals and facilities around Australia.To be able to teach and share my experiences with the next generation of Registered Nurses is a privilege. It is also a great responsibility, as nurses are highly respected by the community and we need to develop Registered Nurses who are well prepared to meet these high standards.

You’ve won a Citation for Excellence in Enhancing Learning. Please tell us what you enjoy most about helping people learn.

I have a passion for nursing and teaching. I enjoy being able to pass on my experiences to the students who enroll in our School. To take part in the student’s journeys from their first orientation day to the time of their graduation is a privilege. I enjoy using different approaches to teaching, to have some fun, to make it enjoyable for both the students and myself. Assisting the students to grow and develop, overcome hurdles, and finally achieve their dreams gives me great pleasure.

CONGRATULATIONS!Peter Wall

2014 VICE CHANCELLOR’S CITATIONS FOR EXCELLENCE IN ENHANCING LEARNING

Peter WallLecturer

School of Health Professions, Nursing

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What kind of achievements would you like to see from the Murdoch community in the next 3-5 years?

I look forward to the future research and teaching achievements of the Murdoch community.The ongoing growth and development of the School of Health Professions as a dual campus School is exciting, with the commissioning of Fiona Stanley Hospital potentially a great learning opportunity for our students. I anticipate the ongoing development of the Peel campus with excitement, as we continue to teach and produce Registered Nurses of a high standard.

CONGRATULATIONS!Peter Wall

2014 Vice Chancellor’s Citation for Excellence in Enhancing Learning

Is there anyone from your team and the Murdoch community you’d like to acknowledge for your success? What have they done to help you?

I enjoy a lot of support within the School of Health Professions. I would especially like to acknowledge Professor Paul Morrison and Prue Andrus for giving me the initial opportunities within the School, and their ongoing support. I would like to thank Assoc. Professor Catherine Fetherston and Caroline Browne for their current assistance and encouragement. I would also like to thank Martin Hopkins for his continued mentoring support and friendship.

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Please tell us when you first joined the Murdoch community and how would you describe your role? What contribution does your role make to the university as a whole?

I joined Murdoch in 2001 as a PhD candidate. I finished my PhD in 2005. I then moved to Melbourne working for industry until 2008. I then moved back to Murdoch as a Senior Research Fellow in late 2008. I am currently a senior lecturer at VLS and am also managing Algae R&D Centre. In my role, I teach several units, conducting research and supervising masters and PhD students. I am enjoying both teaching and research and am trying to bring my research into teaching which is very exciting.

You’ve won an award for Excellence in Research. Please tell us what you enjoy most about your research. .

I am working in a multidisciplinary field of biomass production as a source of food, feed and energy. This is an extremely exciting and challenging field which combines biology, chemistry, physics and engineering. I enjoy developing some novel technologies at our laboratories. I specifically enjoy building a collaborative team between School of Veterinary and Life Science and School of Engineering and Information Technology. Our team has been working on some of the most fundamental research questions in algal biomass production field which can be game changing.

CONGRATULATIONS!Dr Navid Moheimani

2014 VICE CHANCELLOR’S AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN RESEARCH

(Early Career Development and Achievement)

Dr Navid MoheimaniSenior Lecturer

School of Veterinary and Life Sciences

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What kind of achievements would you like to see from the Murdoch community in the next 3-5 years?

We are developing a few novel technologies. My main research target for the next few years is to get these technologies to industry. I have also been working hard in building some international collaboration. In general, I would like us to be in forefront of research in our field in the world.

CONGRATULATIONS!Dr Navid Moheimani

2014 Vice Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Research(Early Career Development and Achievement)

Is there anyone from your team and the Murdoch community you’d like to acknowledge for your success? What have they done to help you?

There are many people that I would like to thank. Prof Borowitzka has been my mentor since 2001. Michael has always been supporting my research. I would also like to thank my colleagues at VLS especially Dr van Keulen, A/Prof Calver and Dr cord-Ruwisch. They are always there to help. I have also built a wonderful collaboration with Prof Bahri and Dr Parlevliet at E&IT. I appreciate all the help and support I have been receiving from both of them for the last couple of years.

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Please tell us when you first joined the Murdoch community and how would you describe your role? What contribution does your role make to the university as a whole?

I came to Murdoch as a PhD student over 20 years ago and after several years as a post-doctoral research fellow, I returned firstly to a research position and then, in 2010 ,as a lecturer in Plant Biology. Although the research-only position allowed me to dedicate my time to building a research career, I now feel more integrated into the Murdoch community in my current position. My research field is the biology, ecology and genetics of beneficial and detrimental microorganisms in natural ecosystems, plantation forestry and horticulture, with a focus on biodiversity and biosecurity issues. More recently my research focus has focused on the molecular systematics and evolutionary biology of Phytophthora. Over the years I have built a research network through collaboration nationally and internationally, especially with the University of Pretoria in South Africa. These collaborations have provided opportunities for some exciting projects and also for post-graduate student exchanges.

CONGRATULATIONS!Associate Professor Treena Burgess

2014 VICE CHANCELLOR’S AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN RESEARCH

(Outstanding Research Development)

Associate Professor Treena BurgessAssociate Professor

School of Veterinary and Life Sciences

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Is there anyone from your team and the Murdoch community you’d like to acknowledge for your success? What have they done to help you?

I am extremely grateful for the support I have had over the years firstly in the School of Biological Sciences and now in VLS. The forest pathology group has built a strong international reputation over the past 20 years particularly through the leadership of Profs Giles Hardy and Bernie Dell both of whom are great role models and mentors who have always been very generous with their time. I personally could not have achieved my success without Mrs Diane White who works for us as a tireless Research Assistant; she runs the lab, shepherds the students and produces so much of the data that underpins our work. Within our group we bring different skill sets together which enables our group to flourish.

What kind of achievements would you like to see from the Murdoch community in the next 3-5 years?

In a connected world one of the most important attributes for an individual researcher and the University is to build an international reputation. A scientific reputation is based on how all of your research is received by your peers. One of the best ways to enhance reputation is networking through attendance and presentation at conferences, but also though engagement with online sites such as ResearchGate (http://www.researchgate.net) and Researcher ID (www.researcherid.com).

CONGRATULATIONS!Associate Professor Treena Burgess

2014 Vice Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Research(Outstanding Research Development)

You’ve won an award for Excellence in Research. Please tell us what you enjoy most about your research.

I am a puzzle person, I always have been, I enjoy the combination of logic and creativity and that is how I see research. You see a problem and you design an approach to try and understand, or even better, solve the problem. The best thing is when the results you get surprise you and ultimately lead to more questions and more pieces in the puzzle. In this way our work is never dull and there is never a point where you run out of questions. The mentoring of students and guiding their own discovery is very rewarding and probably the role that provides me the most satisfaction

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Please tell us when you first joined the Murdoch community and how would you describe your role? What contribution does your role make to the university as a whole?

I joined Murdoch in 1992 as the Alcoa Lecturer in Forest Pathology to specifically work on Phytophthora dieback in rehabilitated minesites and natural ecosystems. Since then I have developed research activities that are aimed at understanding how plant diseases impact on natural ecosystems and their health and function. I have tried to develop a multi-disciplinary approach as reflected in the State Centre of Excellence for Climate Change, Woodland and Forest Health.

You’ve won an award for Excellence in Research. Please tell us what you enjoy most about your research.

Working with undergraduate, postgraduate and research colleagues. There is huge enjoyment and satisfaction gained from working as a team. I really enjoy working across disciplines with colleagues and students, examples include the use of remote sensing tools for forest health, impact of diseases on vertebrate and invertebrate fauna, ecophysiology, mycology, entomology, molecular biology, disease control and policy. This diversity keeps me young at heart!

CONGRATULATIONS!Professor Giles Hardy

2014 VICE CHANCELLOR’S AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN RESEARCH

(Distinguished and Sustained Achievement)

Professor Giles HardyProfessor in Forest Pathology / Associate Dean Research

School of Veterinary and Life Sciences

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What kind of achievements would you like to see from the Murdoch community in the next 3-5 years?

Move back into the top 500 Universities in the world with an aim to being in the top 200.

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CONGRATULATIONS!Professor Giles Hardy

2014 Vice Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Research(Distinguished and Sustained Achievement)

Is there anyone from your team and the Murdoch community you’d like to acknowledge for your success? What have they done to help you?

All my Honours and PhD students, Postdocs, and scientific colleagues from Universities, Industry and Government Agencies have supported and contributed significantly to my research productivity. Research is very much a ‘team event’ and without good working collaborations it would be difficult to achieve strong beneficial outcomes to the wider community.

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