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GRIFFITHMAGAZINE2018

Griffith’s Planet Hunter Dr Jessie Christiansen a rising star in planet discovery

LEADING GRIFFITH’S TRANSFORMATIONVice Chancellor and President Ian O’Connor AC retires

GRIFFITH INSTITUTE FOR DRUG DISCOVERYGriffith continues to lead research towards a potential cure for spinal cord injury

Griffith Magazine is published by the Office of Marketing and Communications in partnership with the Office of Development and Alumni. Magazine compiled and edited by Very Media Pty Ltd. Editorial contributions from Mitch Knox, Stephen O’Grady, Deborah Marshall, Carley Rosengreen, Nick Nichols, Robert Kidd, Jane McCubbin and Ben Dobson.

Griffith University Nathan campus, 170 Kessels Road, Nathan, Qld 4111 Australia

Griffith University Gold Coast campus, Parklands Drive, Qld 4222 Australia

Enquiries: �Marketing and Communications, +61 7 3735 7818 griffith.edu.au/omc

COVER IMAGE: NASA scientist and Griffith graduate Dr Jessie Christiansen

MESSAGE FROM THE VICE CHANCELLORReflecting�on�the�highlights�of�another�momentous�year�for�Griffith�University,��we�can�feel�immense�collective�pride�in�the�achievements�of�the�Griffith�community—students,�staff�and�alumni.�There�is�a�palpable�sense�of�forward�momentum�across�the�University�as�Griffith�continues�to�build�its�reputation��as�one�of�Australia’s�leading�comprehensive�research�universities.�

Earlier�this�year�saw�the�staging�of�the�Gold�Coast�2018�Commonwealth�Games�(GC2018)�with�Griffith�playing�a�significant�part�in�contributing�to�the�event’s�success�as�a�major�partner.�The�Games�provided�a�unique�opportunity�for�our�staff�and�students�to�access�opportunities�including�internships,�secondments,�scholarships�and�the�participation�of�41�Griffith�community�members�as�athletes.

I�am�also�delighted�to�see�the�continual�rise�of�Griffith�up�the�global�university�rankings�with�our�programs,�teaching�and�research�outcomes�being�recognised�internationally.�The�University�was�recently�recognised�by�the�prestigious�journal�Nature�as�one�of�its�global�‘Rising�Stars’�for�2018.�Outcomes�such�as�this�see��the�University�now�ranked�in�the�top�300�on�four�major�international�rankings,�placing�Griffith�in�the�top�two�per�cent�of�higher�education�institutions�worldwide.

This�magazine�celebrates�the�stories�of�individual�and�group�achievement�leading�to�these�outstanding�successes,�including�our�remarkable�alumni�such�as�Dr�Jessie�Christiansen,�who�is�working�at�NASA�and�hunting�for�unknown�planets,�and�BAFTA�and�Academy�Award-nominee�film�producer�Angie�Fielder.�

It�covers�our�research�outcomes�including�the�groundbreaking�work�being�undertaken�at�Griffith�to�establish�the�timeline�for�the�world’s�oldest�known��fossil�found�outside�of�Africa,�the�quest�to�develop�an�effective�malaria�vaccine,�and�the�development�of�new�treatments�for�the�repair�of�spinal�cord�damage.

From�my�perspective,�it�has�been�an�honour�to�guide�the�University’s�transformation�over�the�past�14�years.�As�I�near�retirement,�I�am�deeply�satisfied�that�Griffith�has�never�strayed�from�its�mission�to�be�a�university�of�influence�making�a�major�contribution�to�society.

The�appointment�of�Professor�Carolyn�Evans�as�Griffith’s�fifth�Vice�Chancellor�and�President�from�February�2019�signals�a�new�chapter�in�the�Griffith�story�and�I�wish�Professor�Evans�all�the�best�as�she�steers�the�University�to�even�greater�success.

Professor Ian O’Connor ACVice Chancellor and President

COVER�STORYVice�Chancellor�and�President�Professor��Ian�O’Connor�AC�retires��PAGES 4–9

1� Career�journey�out�of�this�world

2� �Inaugural�awards�honour�outstanding��Griffith�alumni

3� Plants�may�hold�key�to�spinal�cord�repair

4� Leading�Griffith’s�transformation

9� New�Vice�Chancellor�announced

10� Lion-hearted�film�career�for�Angie

11� Rethinking�our�state�of�origin

12� Andrew�dining�out�on�business�success

13� Mikaela�on�a�medical�mission

14� Griffith�shines�at�GC2018

18� Jake’s�truly�a�school�skipper

19� Shubshri�finds�musical�magic�in�Aladdin

20� Shedding�light�on�sea�jellies

21� Personal�connection�inspires�spinal�research

22� Promising�progress�in�malaria�vaccine�trial

23� Glycomics�hosts�new�research�node

24� Climate�plan�is�a�gift�for�tourism

25� Jay�makes�a�quantum�leap�at�IBM

26� Thriving�community�the�reward�for�MP�Michael

27� Sam’s�a�star�at�the�crease�and�lecture�room

28� QCA�students�turn�a�lens�on�life

30� Spirits�soar�for�25�years�of�Griffith�Aviation

31� Rankings�confirm�global�leadership

32� The�conservation�crusader�

33� The�humble�humanitarian

34� Gender�policy�honour�for�Susan

35� �Griffith�scientists�shine�at�Young�Tall��Poppy�awards

36� Gold�Coast�tourism

37� Positive�diagnosis�for�partners�in�medicine

38� $1m�bequest�is�a�gift�for�the�gifted

39� Students�feel�the�impact�of�generous�donors

40� Message�from�the�Deputy�Vice�Chancellor

CAREER JOURNEY OUT OF THIS WORLD

An early passion for astrophysics continues to burn brightly for NASA scientist and Griffith graduate Dr Jessie Christiansen.

Then�came�the�call�from�a�NASA�colleague�about�a�role�that�eventually�prompted�Jessie�and�her�husband�to�move�to�Los�Angeles�and�take�up�their�current�roles��at�Caltech.

As�a�keen�advocate�for�citizen�science,�Jessie�said�sharing�her�work�with�the�public,�including�her�own�children,��keeps�the�seemingly�far-off�realms��of�space�within�reach.�

‘At�the�professional�astronomy�level,�everyone�is�so�accomplished,�so�driven,�so�results-focused,�that�I’m�surrounded�by�people�my�age�and�even�younger�who�are�achieving�amazing�things�every�day,’�she�said.�

‘It’s�easy�to�lose�perspective�when�you’re�in�a�bubble�like�that.�But�my�twins�tell�people�that�Mummy�hunts�for�planets�and�that�they�help.�So�I�am�glad�and�grateful�that�what�I�do�is�something��they�are�excited�about�as�well.’

NASA�scientist�and�Griffith�graduate�Dr�Jessie�Christiansen

‘Doing the Advanced Studies extension of the Bachelor of Science at Griffith was such an amazing opportunity to do research in a variety of labs and disciplines.’

Dr�Jessie�Christiansen�has�always�been�a�starry-eyed�dreamer.�

At�St�Mary’s�College�in�Ipswich,�she�helped�start�the�high�school’s�first�astronomy�club:�the�Zubenelgenubis.�That�early�passion�for�astrophysics�has�continued�to�burn�bright,�propelling�her�studies�and�research�into�a�stellar�career�that�has�landed�her�a�prized�role�in�her�field.

As�a�Staff�Scientist�at�NASA’s�Exoplanet�Science�Institute—based�at�the�California�Institute�of�Technology�(Caltech)—�Jessie�works�on�the�NASA�Exoplanet�Archive,�keeping�track�of�how�many�exoplanets�(planets�orbiting�stars��outside�our�solar�system)�have�been�found.�She�is�also�conducting�her�own��research�on�exoplanets.

‘Doing�the�Advanced�Studies�extension�of�the�Bachelor�of�Science�at�Griffith�was�such�an�amazing�opportunity�to�do�research�in�a�variety�of�labs�and�disciplines,’�said�Jessie,�who�in�2018�received�the�Outstanding�Young�Alumnus�Award�at�the�inaugural�Griffith�University�Outstanding�Alumni�Awards.

‘Working�with�a�different�faculty�member�each�semester�allowed�me�to�explore�many�subjects�and�types�of�research.�I�moved�atoms�around,�I�fired�proton�beams,�I�modelled�the�interiors�of�stars.’

After�completing�her�initial�studies�at�Griffith�in�2002,�Jessie�did�her�Honours�at�Australian�National�University�then�completed�her�PhD�at�the�University�of�New�South�Wales.�A�postdoctoral�fellowship�at�Harvard�University�saw��her�move�to�Boston.

Griffith Magazine | 2018 EDITION

1 OUT OF THIS WORLD

A�top�scientist�and�public�health�specialist,�Professor�Qiyong�Liu,�was�named�Outstanding International Alumnus Award.�Professor�Liu�is�internationally�renowned�for�his�research�addressing�climate�change�and�health,�devoting��30�years�to�combatting�health�threats��to�poor�and�vulnerable�communities.

NASA�astronomer�Dr�Jessie�Christiansen�received�the�Outstanding Young Alumnus Award.�Dr�Christiansen�spends�her�days�looking�for�planets�and�has�published�discoveries�on�several�exoplanets.�She�is�an�active�mentor�and�educator,�always�seeking�to�foster�women�and�under-represented�minorities�in�the�natural�sciences.

Twenty�exceptional�alumni�award�group�winners�in�Arts,�Education�and�Law,�Business,�Health�and�Sciences�were��also�recognised�at�the�awards�dinner.

Vice�Chancellor�and�President�Professor�Ian�O’Connor�AC�said�the�reach�and�influence�of�the�University’s�200,000�alumni�and�their�positive�impact�on�the�world�around�them�was�outstanding.

‘The�University�greatly�values�its�alumni�relationships�and�is�proud�of�the�amazing�things�you�do�each�day�to�make�a�difference.�I�would�like�to�thank�each�of�you�for�being�outstanding�ambassadors�for�the�University.’

Outstanding Alumnus AwardQueensland�Fire�and�Emergency�Services�Commissioner�Katarina�Carroll�APM

Outstanding First Peoples Alumnus AwardPsychologist�and�social�entrepreneur��Clinton�Schultz

Outstanding International Alumnus AwardScientist�and�public�health�specialist��Professor�Qiyong�Liu

Outstanding Young Alumnus AwardNASA�astronomer�Dr�Jessie�Christiansen

A�trailblazer�for�women�in�leadership,�a�NASA�astronomer,�a�top�public�health�scientist,�and�a�psychologist�and�entrepreneur�were�the�winners�of�the�inaugural�Griffith�University�Outstanding�Alumni�Awards,�announced�at�a�gala�dinner�in�Brisbane�in�September.

Queensland�Fire�and�Emergency�Services�Commissioner�Katarina�Carroll�APM�received�the�Griffith�University�Outstanding Alumnus Award.�

The�fourth�woman�and�the�first�mother�to�achieve�the�rank�of�Assistant�Commissioner�in�the�Queensland�Police�Service,�Commissioner�Carroll�became�Australia’s�first�female�fire�commissioner��in�2015.�She�has�been�a�pioneer�for�women�in�the�policing�and�fire�services,�and�a�role�model�to�women�and�girls�aspiring�to�similar�careers.

Psychologist�and�social�entrepreneur��Mr�Clinton�Schultz�received�the�Outstanding First Peoples Alumnus Award.�Mr�Schultz�founded�Marumali�Consultations,�providing�culturally�responsive�wellbeing�support�services�to�Aboriginal�and�Torres�Strait�Islander�communities.�

He�also�consults�on�organisational�and�cultural�responsiveness,�including�the�Queensland�Child�Deaths�Case�Review�Panel.�In�his�spare�time,�Mr�Schultz�founded�Clinto’s�Kupmurri�food�van,�providing�healthy�native-focused�food,�and�Sobah,�Australia’s�first�non-alcoholic�Aboriginal�craft�beer,�which�is�aligned�to�the�Sobah�Initiative.

INAUGURAL AWARDS HONOUR OUTSTANDING

GRIFFITH ALUMNI In 2018, Griffith University celebrated the exceptional contributions of its graduates at the inaugural Outstanding Alumni Awards.

L–R:�Dr�Jessie�Christiansen,�Professor�Qiyong�Liu,�Clinton�Schultz�and�Commissioner�Katarina�Carroll

Griffith Magazine | 2018 EDITION

2OUTSTANDING GRIFFITH ALUMNI

PLANTS MAY HOLD KEY TO SPINAL CORD REPAIR

Griffith University continues to lead research towards a cure for spinal cord injury.

The�unshakeable�quest�for�a�cure�for�spinal�cord�injury�is�taking�Griffith�researchers�to�the�far�reaches�of�the�Australian�continent.

In�an�exciting�development,�natural�compounds�derived�from�Australian��plants�have�been�found�to�stimulate��cells�useful�for�transplantation�to�repair�spinal�cord�injuries.

The�results�of�this�research�were�published�in�Scientific�Reports�by�a�team�of�scientists�based�at�the�Griffith�Institute�for�Drug�Discovery�(GRIDD)�and�Menzies�Health�Institute�Queensland�(MHIQ).

GRIDD�Senior�Researcher,�Associate�Professor�James�St�John,�said�the�two�compounds�were�sourced�from�the�Australian�desert�plant�Eremophila�microtheca�by�natural�product�chemist�Associate�Professor�Rohan�Davis.

‘We have an outstanding team of 30 researchers here at Griffith University who are all working on the spinal injury project, so we are very hopeful of getting good outcomes for the community as soon as possible.’

‘Identifying�natural�products�that�stimulate�the�body’s�natural�repair�mechanisms�is�an�exciting�area�of�research�and�has�great�potential�for�the�discovery�of�new�drugs,’�said�Associate�Professor�Davis,�who�heads�NatureBank,�a�vast�resource�of�Australian�natural�products�used�for�drug�discovery.

‘The�current�collaboration�between�GRIDD�and�MHIQ,�while�still�only�in�its�infancy,�is�gaining�traction,�and�the�recent�findings�are�very�encouraging.

‘Perhaps�most�exciting�is�that�the�natural�compounds�were�quite�specific�to�the�olfactory�cells�as�they�did�not�stimulate�other�closely�related�cells.’

Reparing�the�injured�spinal�cord�using�transplantation�of�olfactory�ensheathing�cells�(OECs)�is�a�promising�therapy�as��the�cells�can�assist�in�the�clean-up�of��the�injury�site�and�in�enhancing�nerve��cell�regeneration.

‘But�we�need�to�make�the�therapy�better�and�improve�the�function�of�the�transplanted�cells�so�they�can�do�their��job�more�effectively,’�said�Associate�Professor�St�John.

‘For�this,�we�turned�to�natural�product�drug�discovery�to�find�compounds�that�can�stimulate�the�cells�used�for�transplantation.’

‘We�are�now�looking�at�how�these�two�compounds�can�be�incorporated�into�the�cell�transplantation�process�to�improve�recovery�after�spinal�cord�injury.

‘We�have�an�outstanding�team�of�30�researchers�here�at�Griffith�University�who��are�all�working�on�the�spinal�injury�project,�so�we�are�very�hopeful�of�getting�good�outcomes�for�the�community�as�soon�as�possible.’

To�find�out�how�you�can�support�our�quest�to�cure�spinal�cord�injury,�please�contact�Michael�Brazier�on�m.brazier@griffith.edu.au

GRIDD�Senior�Researcher,�Associate�Professor�James�St�John

Griffith Magazine | 2018 EDITION

3 GRIDD

Professor�Ian�O’Connor�AC�(middle)�with�Griffith�Futures�Scholarship�recipients

Griffith Magazine | 2018 EDITION

4LEADING GRIFFITH’S TRANSFORMATION

In�2002,�the�world�was�a�markedly�different�place�than�today.�Release�of�the�first�iPhone�was�still�five�years�away�and�the�now�ubiquitous�Facebook�didn’t�exist.�Likewise,�the�multi-campus�Griffith�University,�with�little�more�than�26,000�students�and�an�incomplete�range�of�academic�programs,�would�progress�rapidly�to�become�regarded�as�one��of�Australia’s�most�comprehensive,�research-intensive�institutions.�

At�the�beginning�of�what�would�be�a�17-year�journey�with�Griffith�University,�Professor�Ian�O’Connor—the�newly�appointed�Deputy�Vice�Chancellor�(Teaching�and�Learning)—saw�nothing��but�potential.

The�University�spanned�the�urban�corridor�from�Brisbane�to�the�Gold�Coast,�regarded�as�one�of�the�most�diverse�university�catchments�in�Australia.�However,�Brisbane�was�yet�to�be�acclaimed�as�a�‘New�World�City’,�Logan�was�striving�to�forge�its�unique�identity,�and�the�Gold�Coast—already�a�world-renowned�tourist�destination—had�yet�to�fully�flourish�and�embrace�its�place�as�Australia’s�sixth�largest�city�and�largest�non-capital.�

After�stepping�into�the�Vice�Chancellor�role�in�early�2005,�Professor�Ian�O’Connor�AC�would�steer�Griffith�University�through�a�time�of�‘remarkable’�social,�cultural,�environmental�and�technological�change.�Against�an�environment�of�constant�tumult,�he�has�led�the�University’s�diverse�community�as�it�capitalised�on�a�raft�of�opportunities�and�achievements�across��a�range�of�disciplines.�

Looking�back,�Professor�O’Connor�believes�that�a�crucial�aspect�of�his�tenure�as�Vice�Chancellor�and�President�has�been�in�securing�Griffith’s�status�as�a�mainstay�of�the�Gold�Coast—its�community,�culture�and�future—while�reinforcing�the�University’s�historical�roots�in�Brisbane��and�strengthening�its�social�compact��with�Logan.�

He�recognised�the�City�of�Gold�Coast�needed�a�world-class�university�with�a�comprehensive�academic�profile.�

‘I�had�a�very�strong�view�from�when�I�was�appointed�that�a�major�part�of�the�future�of�the�University�was�the�Gold�Coast,’�explained�Professor�O’Connor.�

‘If�you�look�at�Griffith,�it�had�a�commitment�to�innovation,�equity,�and�to�provision�of�education�in�areas�where�it�hadn’t�been�provided�for.�And�Griffith�was�always�entrepreneurial�in�spirit,�and�the�Coast�has�a�very�entrepreneurial�culture.

‘I�saw�a�great�opportunity�to�substantially�grow�the�University�and�essentially�build��a�truly�world-class�university�campus.��I�also�believed�that�one�of�my�key�roles�was�to�strengthen�the�bond�of�mutual�respect�between�the�University�and�the�Gold�Coast�community.’�

Ongoing�initiatives�supported�those�goals,�including�investments�across�an�expanded�range�of�programs�from�performing�and�creative�arts,�engineering�and�technology,�to�medical�and�health�sciences;�and�engaging�heavily�with�the�community�in�diverse�areas�such�as�environmental�engineering,�tourism�management,��and�health�care�services.�

The retirement of Vice Chancellor and President Professor Ian O’Connor AC closes a truly profound chapter in the history of Griffith University. Here, Professor O’Connor looks back at the aspirations, challenges, growth and achievements during his time, and ponders what he believes to be a stellar future for the University.

LEADING GRIFFITH’S TRANSFORMATION

Griffith Magazine | 2018 EDITION

5 LEADING GRIFFITH’S TRANSFORMATION

The�relocation�of�the�Chancellery�to�the�Gold�Coast�provided�perhaps�the�most�tangible�statement�of�the�University’s�intent�to�build�trust�with�its�community.�Momentum�and�milestones�have�been�pronounced�in�recent�years,�including�development�of�the�Gold�Coast�University�Hospital,�the�arrival�of�the�light�rail�network,�partnering�in�the�Gold�Coast�2018�Commonwealth�Games�and�the�evolving�Health�and�Knowledge�Precinct.

‘With�support�from�all�tiers�of�government,�industry�and�the�local�community,�we�have�built�recognition�that�the�presence�of�a�world-class�university�campus�offers�major�opportunities�for�the�city,�both�in�terms�of�education�and�broadening�the�knowledge-based�economy�on�the��Gold�Coast,’�said�Professor�O’Connor.

The�Commonwealth�Games�was�a�particularly�memorable�experience.�In�addition�to�its�role�as�an�Official�Partner�of�the�biggest�event�in�Australia�this�decade,�Griffith�University�made�a�major�contribution�to�the�Games�through�provision�of�the�rare�opportunity�for�students�and�graduates�to�work�as�interns�and�employees�for�groups�including�the�Games’�organising�body,�GOLDOC,�as�well�as�via�volunteer�opportunities.�Also,�41�students,�staff�and�alumni�represented�Australia�and�several�other�nations�as�athletes.

‘From�the�moment�there�was�any�consideration�of�the�Commonwealth�Games�coming�to�Queensland—coming�to�the�Gold�Coast—I�was�a�very�strong�supporter,’�said�Professor�O’Connor.�‘I�did�that�for�a�couple�of�reasons,�firstly�because�it�would�be�the�major�event�in�the�country�for�a�decade�and�would�provide�an�important�opportunity�to�provide�the�world�with�a�different�view�of�the�Gold�Coast.�

‘People�often�see�the�Gold�Coast�just�in�terms�of�tourism,�which�is�important,�but�it’s�a�much�broader�economy�than�that.�Also,�I�knew�the�Games�would�drive�infrastructure.�If�you�think�about�it�even�in�the�short-term,�the�light�rail�connectivity�and�other�vital�infrastructure�make�the�Gold�Coast�a�much�more�attractive�place�for�people�to�live�and�work.�

‘The�Games�provided�an�extraordinary�opportunity�for�our�students�by�providing�a�foothold�into�the�labour�market�and�a�model�which�we�will�use�for�future�work�integrated�learning�arrangements.�For�both�students�and�staff,�the�experience�of�being�a�part�of�a�major�event�was�significant.’

In�addition�to�the�University’s�growth�and�success�on�the�Gold�Coast,�Professor�O’Connor�has�ensured�Griffith’s�four�other�campuses—Nathan,�Mt�Gravatt,�Logan�and�South�Bank—have�continued�to�evolve�and�become�more�distinctive.�He�is�buoyant�about�the�ways�in�which�the�University��has�been�able�to�regenerate�itself�into��the�social�make-up�of�its�varied�locales.�

‘That’s what this University is for me. It’s the people who work, live, learn here, often forming a life-long connection with this truly remarkable institution.’

Griffith Magazine | 2018 EDITION

6LEADING GRIFFITH’S TRANSFORMATION

‘A�modern�public�university�needs�porous�boundaries�between�a�campus�and�that�which�surrounds�it,’�he�said.�‘Boundaries�between�what’s�a�university,�what’s�public,�what’s�private,�what’s�commercial,�who�works�for�who,�should�be�pretty�fuzzy.’

Once�again,�he�turns�to�the�Gold�Coast�as�an�exemplar:�‘In�one�sense,�what�happened�by�having�the�Gold�Coast�University�Hospital�built�there�is�that�it�created�an�environment�where�there�are�literally�thousands�of�knowledge-based�workers�cheek-by-jowl,�and�with�numerous�reasons�for�workers�to�interact.�The�hospital�development�meant�that�the�private�hospital�also�came,�and�that�meant�the�light�rail�came,�and�on�and�on.�

‘So,�there�was�an�incredibly�virtuous�circle�and,�within�a�relatively�short�period�of�time,�you�had�billions�of�dollars�of�investment�surrounding�it,�and�that�provided�the�basis�for�the�Commonwealth�Games�Village,�and�on�it�goes.�

Along�with�that,�what�I�like�is�when�you�walk�around�the�campus�and�there�are�people�from�all�over�the�place—not�necessarily�university�employees�or�university�students—and�I�think�that’s�really�important.’

Professor�O’Connor�believes�South�Bank’s�campus�also�embodies�the�ideal�of�blurred�boundaries;�a�perfect�example�of�a�permeable�campus,�with�the�Queensland�College�of�Art,�the�Griffith�Film�School�and�the�Queensland�Conservatorium�contributing�in�an�essential�way�to�the�success�of�the�South�Bank�cultural�precinct,�while�also�providing�Queensland�with�flagship�creative�and�performing�arts�institutions.�

Similarly,�the�Logan�campus�plays�a�pivotal�role�in�the�development�of�one�of�Australia’s�most�culturally�diverse�cities,�home�to�more�than�215�ethnic�groups.�

Through�provision�of�university�pathway�strategies�beginning�with�early�childhood�development,�building�regional�educational�capability,�strengthening�community�partnerships�and�engaging�with�key�partners�such�as�the�Logan�Hospital�and�Logan�TAFE�(Queensland),�the�Logan�campus�has�become�a�catalyst�for�building�a�resilient�and�innovative�region.�

Meanwhile,�the�co-located�Nathan�and�Mt�Gravatt�campuses�have�become�home�to�several�of�Australia’s�leading�centres�of�scholarship�and�research�across�a�range�of�areas,�including�criminology,�suicide�prevention,�education,�nursing,�political�science�and�international�relations,�drug�discovery,�environmental�and�water�sciences.�Construction�of�facilities�including�the�landmark�Sir�Samuel�Griffith�Centre�and�the�recent�campus�regeneration�programs�have�ensured�that�the�largest�of�the�Brisbane�campuses�remain�attractive�for�staff�and�students.

Griffith Magazine | 2018 EDITION

7 LEADING GRIFFITH’S TRANSFORMATION

‘In�fact,�early�aspirations�to�be�regarded�as�a�national�leader�in�some�disciplines�have�been�well�exceeded,�with�several�disciplines�across�Griffith�now�renowned�for�their�global�leadership,’�remarked�Professor�O’Connor.

‘One�of�the�opportunities�and�challenges�at�Griffith�has�been�trying�to�ascertain�what�unites�the�University.�It’s�united,�essentially,�by�its�focus�on�research�and�teaching�and�that�underlying�commitment�to�social�justice.�But�it�has�very�different�manifestations�in�different�locations.�Each�campus�retains�its�distinctive�identity�which�is�one�of�the�most�appealing�characteristics�of�Griffith.�

‘I’m�quite�sure�that�the�new�Vice�Chancellor�will�maintain�the�continuous�focus�on�campus�development�to�further�define�Griffith’s�distinctiveness.’

Even�so,�the�very�notion�of�what�constitutes�a�campus�is�changing.��As�our�lives�increasingly�entwine�with��the�digital�space,�educational�pursuits�should�too.�It’s�a�reality�not�lost�on�Professor�O’Connor,�a�long-time�champion�of�technological�innovation,�most�recently�exemplified�by�the�launch�of�Griffith’s�Digital�Campus—our�sixth�and�third�largest�campus.

‘Because�of�the�nature�of�life,�many�of�our�students�are�working,�so�people�expect�more�flexibility;�they�expect�to�be�able�to�customise�courses�and�programs�to�their�particular�set�of�interests,’�he�said.�

‘The�Digital�Campus�takes�seriously�that�the�way�in�which�people�are�studying�is�changing.�It�is�really�a�way�of�stepping�up�our�engagement�in�that�space.’

Elsewhere,�the�future�of�higher�education�remains�ever�unpredictable,�although�Professor�O’Connor�dismisses�the�idea�that�modern�universities�are�places�out�of�time.�

Griffith Magazine | 2018 EDITION

8LEADING GRIFFITH’S TRANSFORMATION

‘The�biggest�opportunities�for�universities�are�that�in�the�increasingly�knowledge-based�economy�we’re�moving�to,�and�in�a�world�which�has�a�whole�range�of�challenges�in�relation�to�security,�environment,�and�sustainability—universities�are�home�to�the�people��who�are�going�to�play�a�major�role�in�developing�the�solutions�for�those,’��he�said.�‘Universities�can�be�the�model��of�civil�society.�

‘I’m�always�quite�deeply�moved�when�I�get�to�a�graduation�ceremony,�because�you�see�all�these�extraordinary�things�that�come�together�and�reinforce�what�we�do.�I’m�always�excited�when�I�meet�students�and�graduates�all�over�the�world,�and�I�find�it�quite�stunning�as�to�what�people�have�actually�done�with�themselves.�

‘One�of�the�things�about�universities�is�that�you�have�the�great�privilege�of�working�with�really�clever,�really�motivated�people�who�are�trying�to�do�good.�In�whatever�field�that’s�happening,�I�find�that�greatly�reaffirming�of�the�human�spirit.’

Although�his�time�as�Vice�Chancellor�is�coming�to�an�end,�Professor�O’Connor�isn’t�planning�on�leaving�higher�education.�For�example,�he�will�remain�active�with�a�number�of�appointments,�including�his�chairmanship�of�both�the�Higher�Education�Standards�Panel�and�the�Queensland�Art�Gallery�Board�of�Trustees.

In�an�era�in�which�Australian�universities�are�often�decried�for�being�too�similar,�Griffith�University�is�truly�distinct�from��its�peers.

‘I’d�like�to�be�remembered�in�terms�of�delivering�on�the�promise�that�the�University�made�to�the�Gold�Coast�community;�developing�a�truly�world-class�university�campus�and�program�offerings�which�has�become�the�university�of�first�choice�for�prospective�students,’�concluded�Professor�O’Connor.

‘I’d�like�to�be�remembered�for�enabling�the�Brisbane�and�Logan�campuses�to�grow�their�own�distinctive�profiles,�and�for�creating�a�university�in�which�people��are�respectful�of�each�other.

‘I’m�also�proud�that�Griffith�has�built�a�reputation�that�continues�to�attract�so�many�fantastic�staff�from�all�corners��of�the�globe.’

‘That’s�what�this�University�is�for�me.��It’s�the�people�who�work,�live,�learn�here,�often�forming�a�life-long�connection�with�this�truly�remarkable�institution.’�

Professor�Carolyn�Evans�(pictured�below)�has�been�appointed�Griffith�University’s�fifth�Vice�Chancellor�and�President.

Announced�in�September�2018,�Professor�Evans�most�recently�was�the�Deputy�Vice�Chancellor�(Graduate�and�International)�and�Deputy�Provost�at�the�University��of�Melbourne.

She�holds�a�doctorate�from�Oxford�University,�where�she�studied�as�a�Rhodes�Scholar�and�was�also�the�recipient�of�a�prestigious�Fulbright�Senior�Scholarship.

Professor�Evans�is�an�internationally�recognised�expert�on�religious�freedom�and�the�relationship�between�law�and�religion,�and�is�a�barrister�and�solicitor��of�the�Supreme�Court�of�Victoria.

Professor�Evans�said�she�was�honoured�to�be�appointed�to�lead�one�of�Australia’s�most�innovative�universities.

NEW VICE CHANCELLOR ANNOUNCED

‘I�am�committed�to�continuing��Griffith’s�distinctive�traditions�of��inter-disciplinarity,�innovation,�excellence�and�social�justice,�which�have�allowed��it�to�be�recognised�as�one�of�the�top��50�international�universities�under��50�years�old.

‘The�University�is�in�a�very�strong�position�and�ambitious�to�continue��to�improve�the�lives�of�those�influenced�by�its�teaching,�research�and�community�engagement.

‘I�look�forward�to�working�with�the�remarkable�staff,�students,�alumni��and�supporters�who�make�up�the��Griffith�community.’

University�Chancellor�Henry�Smerdon�AM�DUniv�congratulated�Professor�Evans�on�her�appointment.�‘Griffith�University�has�seen�a�remarkable�ascension�in�global�rankings�and�is�now�in�the�top�two�per�cent�of�institutions�worldwide,’�he�said.�‘Professor�Evans�is�a�dynamic,�experienced�and�outstanding�university�leader�with�the�drive�to�take�Griffith��into�the�future.’

‘I look forward to working with the remarkable staff, students, alumni and supporters who make up the Griffith community.’

9

Griffith�Magazine��|��2018 EDITION

LEADING GRIFFITH’S TRANSFORMATION

LION-HEARTED FILM CAREER FOR ANGIE

Film producer Angie Fielder continues to forge a lights, camera and action-packed career in the international movie industry.

Queensland�College�of�Art�and�Griffith�Film�School�graduate�Angie�Fielder�is�holding�a�creative�lens�to�the�world.�

Following�the�global�success�of�the�Academy�Award-nominated�feature�film�Lion—which�she�produced�through�her�company�Aquarius�Films—Angie�has�worked�on�several�notable�projects.

These�include�the�psychological�horror-thriller�Berlin Syndrome,�the�acclaimed�documentary�Roller Dreams,�and�the�comedy�series�The Other Guy.�Aquarius�Films�is�currently�adapting�Australian�author�Tim�Winton’s�award-winning��novel�Dirt Music.

However,�it�was�Lion�that�truly�brought�Angie�to�world�attention.�Starring�Dev�Patel�and�Nicole�Kidman,�it�told�the�moving�story�of�an�Indian�boy�who�is�adopted�by�an�Australian�couple,�then�25�years�later�returns�to�India�to�find�his�family.

In�2017,�Lion�was�nominated�for�six�Oscars,�including�best�film,�then�went�on�to�win�a�staggering�12�awards�from�12�nominations�at�the�2017�Australian�Academy�of�Cinema�and�Television�Arts�Awards.�Lion�also�broke�box-office�records�for�independent�Australian�film,�picked�up�Golden�Globes�and�Screen�Actors�Guild�nominations,�and�won�two�British�Academy�Awards.

Before�becoming�a�professional�producer,�Angie�graduated�from�the�Queensland�College�of�Art�in�1996.�In�2012,�she�was�named�the�Griffith�Film�School’s�Graduate�of�the�Year.

‘What�was�great�about�the�course�was�that�it�offered�a�really�well-rounded�overview�of�filmmaking—you�got�to�do��a�bit�of�directing,�production,�writing,’��she�said.

‘Being�thrown�together�with�your�peers�and�creating�films�was�a�great�foundation�for�life�in�the�industry.’

After�completing�her�studies,�Angie��went�to�the�UK�to�work�for�the�British��Film�Institute�and�the�London�Film�Festival.�Returning�to�Australia,�she�co-founded�Aquarius�Films�with�fellow�filmmaker��Polly�Staniford.

‘Across�our�slate,�we�have�championed�female�filmmakers�and�diverse�stories,’�said�Angie.�‘We�are�really�busy�and�we�have�a�big�slate,�but�we�try�to�give�people�a�go—whether�it’s�supporting�emerging�writers,�or�giving�someone�a�step�up.’

Queensland�College�of�Art�and�Griffith�Film�School�graduate�Angie�Fielder

Griffith Magazine | 2018 EDITION

10LION-HEARTED

The�Misliya�Fossil�found�in�Israel�which�has�reshaped�the�timeline�for�modern�human�migration

Griffith’s�Australian�Research�Centre�for�Human�Evolution�(ARCHE)�Professor�Rainer�Grün

Research�from�Griffith�University�is�helping�to�rewrite�the�timeline�of�human�evolution.

In�January�2018,�it�was�announced�that�scientists�from�Griffith’s�Australian�Research�Centre�for�Human�Evolution�(ARCHE)�had�made�a�crucial�contribution�revising�understanding�about�the�migration�of�modern�humans�out�of�Africa.

While�previously�accepted�that�Homo sapiens�had�moved�out�of�Africa�between�90,000�and�120,000�years�ago,�discovery�of�the�earliest-ever�human�fossil�found�outside�the�continent�pushed�back�that�timeline�by�50,000�to�60,000�years.

The�tooth�fossil�was�initially�found�in�the�sedimentary�deposits�of�Misliya�Cave,�on�the�edge�of�Israel’s�Mount�Carmel�in�2002.

ARCHE�researchers�led�by�Professor�Rainer�Grün�and�Dr�Mathieu�Duval�conducted�a�range�of�dating�methods�on�the�fossil.�

‘Previous�finds�out�of�Africa,�in�the�Levantine�corridor�and�China,�dated�the�first�modern�humans�to�around�100,000�years,’�said�Professor�Grün.

‘Now�we�can�prove�through�our�dating�analysis�that�Homo sapiens�left�Africa�as�far�back�as�around�200,000�years�ago.’

Meanwhile,�ARCHE�research�made�international�headlines�again�in�May�2018�with�confirmation�of�the�great�antiquity��of�fossil�remains�attributed�to�a�species��of�human�called�Homo antecessor.

Found�at�the�Atapuerca�Gran�Dolina�archaeological�site�in�Spain,�the�fossil��has�been�directly�dated�to�between�772,000–949,000�years�ago,�which�is�consistent�with�previous�indirect�estimates�and�makes�it�the�oldest�known�fossil�human�species�in�Western�Europe.�

While�some�older�human�fossils�have�been�found�in�Western�Europe,�they�could�not�be�attributed�to�any�specific�species,�in�contrast�with�the�Gran�Dolina�remains.

HUMBLE BIN CHICKEN OR

EVOLUTIONARY WONDER?

It�was�voted�Australia’s�second-favourite�bird�in�2017�and�a�Griffith�University�researcher�has�confirmed�the�Ancient�Egyptians�were�also�big�fans�of�the�ibis,�aka�the�‘bin�chicken’.�They�even�mummified�millions�of�the�birds�for�placement�in�underground�catacombs.

A�scientific�paper�co-authored�by�Professor�David�Lambert,�from��Griffith’s�Australian�Research�Centre��for�Human�Evolution�(ARCHE),�has�revealed�more�than�eight�catacomb��sites�in�Egypt�as�the�final�resting�places�for�millions�of�sacrificed�ibises.

Though�commonly�derided�in�Australia,�the�ibis�was�sacred�in�Ancient�Egypt��and�sacrifices�served�as�an�homage�to�the�god�of�wisdom�and�writing,�Thoth.

Professor�Lambert,�an�expert�in�genomics�who�performed�the�research�in�a�bid�to�see�how�the�species�had�changed�over�time,�said�the�fact�that�millions�of�ibises�were�found�proved�they�were�a�highly�valued�bird�to�the�Ancient�Egyptians.�However,�the�discovery�also�raised�questions.�‘How�did�they�get�their�hands�on�so�many�birds?�Did�they�farm�them?’��he�asked.

Griffith�University�PhD�student��Dr�Sally�Wasef�came�from�Egypt�to��study�this�problem.�She�now�works��as�a�postdoctoral�fellow�at�ARCHE�and��a�lot�of�her�genome�work�is�striving�to�learn�if�the�birds�found�in�these�sites��are�genetically�variant.

Professor�Lambert’s�research,�published�in�PLOS Biology in�September�2018,�places�the�discoveries�at�the�heart��of�a�historic�debate�on�the�theory��of�evolution.

Fifty�years�before�Charles�Darwin’s��On the Origin of Species�was�published�in�1859,�two�French�naturalists—Georges�Cuvier�and�Jean-Baptiste�Lamarck—were�at�odds�over�whether�evolutionary�change�could�have�been�detected�by�comparing�the�approximately�3000-year-old�birds�with�modern��birds�of�the�same�species.

Cuvier�declared�that�evolution�had�not�occurred,�but�Lamarck�was�convinced��it�was�a�reality�and�recognised�many�of�the�major�principles�of�evolution�that��are�accepted�today.

RETHINKING OUR STATE OF ORIGIN

Griffith Magazine | 2018 EDITION

11 STATE OF ORIGIN

ANDREW DINING OUT ON BUSINESS SUCCESS

Long�before�adding�a�Griffith�MBA�to�his�list�of�achievements�in�2015,�Andrew�Hosaka-Zaniewski�was�driven�by�an�unwavering�entrepreneurial�spirit.

Having�tried�his�hand�at�roles�across�a�diversity�of�industries,�Andrew—then�a�fresh-faced�Bachelor�of�Commerce�graduate—was�striving�for�success�as�an�aspiring�restaurateur�in�Surfers�Paradise.

It�was�then�he�stumbled�upon�a�major�gap�in�the�market.�Andrew�became�acutely�aware�that�the�Responsible�Service�of�Alcohol�certificate—a�requirement�for�anyone�working�in�Australia’s�hospitality�sector—was�at�that�time�only�offered�in�English.

‘My�mother’s�side�of�the�family�is�Japanese�and�I�had�international�friends�either�on�student�visas�or�on�working�holidays,’��said�Andrew.

‘While�a�lot�of�them�would�have�an�RSA,�they�also�had�zero�understanding�of�what�the�registration�requirements�actually�were.�They�had�somehow�coasted�through.

‘At�the�time�I�thought,�‘Oh,�that’s�a�bit�of�a�risk’.�If�I�hired�someone�who�had�the�qualification,�but�didn’t�understand�it,�and�then�they�were�to�do�something�wrong,�that’s�a�$60,000�fine.�So�I�started�exploring�a�new�option.

‘That’s�what�my�company�does�now—�online�RSA�training�in�languages�other�than�English.�It�was�serendipitous�in�that�it�sort�of�brought�together�my�client�consulting�background,�hospitality�and�the�international�education�and�other�industries�I�had�been�exposed�to.’

Andrew’s�entrepreneurial�spirit�has�continued�to�shine�in�the�years�since�founding�A�to�Z�Education�in�2013.��After�completing�his�MBA,�he�returned��to�Griffith�as�a�sessional�lecturer�and,�in�2017,�served�as�mentor�for�the�University’s�Global�Business�Challenge�team.�

More�recently,�he�launched�Australia’s�first�outlets�for�Japanese�food�franchise�Ramen�Danbo,�with�two�restaurants�now�operating�on�the�Gold�Coast.�

While�Andrew’s�success�owes�much�to�his�own�tireless�effort,�he�acknowledges�the�role�Griffith�played�in�shaping�his�professional�values.�He�also�identifies��the�University’s�push�towards�integrating�sustainability�into�business�practices�as�something�that�has�guided�his�work�focus.�

‘The�Griffith�Business�School�was�great�at�bringing�together�sustainability�and�conventional�business,’�he�explained.�

‘It�really�makes�a�lot�of�sense.�Griffith�looks�into�long-term�sustainability—financial,�social�and�environmental—and�these�are�what�makes�a�business�truly�sustainable.�

‘The�University�really�focuses�in�a�corporate�sense,�thinking�of�the�bottom�line�of�the�shareholder�at�the�same�time�as�being�socially�responsible.�In�teaching�how�to�create�that�balance�leads�to�great�knowledge�to�have�in�the�business�world.’

Andrew�Hosaka-Zaniewski

IN THE SPIRIT OF SOCIAL ENTERPRISEThe�entrepreneurial�spirit�is�being�embraced�in�a�new�social�enterprise�program�launched�by�the�Griffith��Business�School�and�the�Yunus��Social�Business�Centre.

Social�Entrepreneurs�in�Residence��will�become�an�ongoing�program��in�2019�and�will�benefit�from�the�influence�of�four�high-achieving�social�entrepreneurs�who�formed�a�pilot��cohort�and�were�welcomed�to�the�University�in�June�2018.

This�innovative�‘Executive-in-residence’�program�featured:

Ms�Anna�Guenther,�the�co-founder�of�PledgeMe,�New�Zealand’s�first�crowdfunding�platform,�which�launched��six�years�ago�and�has�since�seen�more��than�1200�campaigns�raise�more�than��$26�million.

Mr�Tom�Allen,�founder�and�chief�executive�of�social�enterprise�Impact�Boom,�who�has�great�experience�in�helping�entrepreneurs�realise�their�potential.

Mr�Tony�Sharp,�founder�of�Logan-based�organisation�Substation33,�which�provides�meaningful�work�and�skills�development�for�volunteers�and�employees.

Ms�Emma-Kate�Rose,�whose�skills�span�research,�lecturing,�management�and�enterprise�development�fields.�She�currently�serves�as�the�General�Happiness�Manager�of�Food�Connect�and�is�Chair�of�the�Queensland�Social�Enterprise�Council.

Help�social�entrepreneurs�grow�an�inclusive�and�sustainable�economy�by�making�a�donation�at�griffith.edu.au/donate-yunus

Griffith Magazine | 2018 EDITION

12BUSINESS SUCCESS

MIKAELA ON A MEDICAL MISSION

Dr Mikaela Seymour’s dedication to healthcare has seen her named 2018 Australian Medical Association Doctor in Training of the Year.

For�Dr�Mikaela�Seymour,�there�is�no�higher�calling�than�giving�back�to�her�community.

Graduating�in�2015,�the�Griffith�University�alumnus�has�already�scaled�significant�career�heights,�with�the�latest�being�named�the�2018�Australian�Medical�Association’s�Doctor�in�Training�of�the�Year.

The�award�follows�a�string�of�impressive�early�highlights,�including�stints�as�President�and�Treasurer�of�the�Griffith�Medical�Society.�However,�Mikaela�remains�the�essence�of�humility�and�generosity.

‘I�certainly�love�giving�back;�there’s�definitely�a�pleasure�in�hard�work.�At�the�end�of�the�day,�if�there’s�an�opportunity�to�serve,�I�just�put�my�hand�up�and�say�yes,’�she�said.

‘If�I’ve�got�the�skills,�and�if�I’m�going�to�make�something�better�or�create�some�benefit,�then�I�want�to�do�it;�I�want�to�be�there.’

During�her�degree,�an�international�placement�through�Griffith�saw�Mikaela�visit�Papua�New�Guinea’s�Western��Province,�where�she�gathered�insight��into�the�health�and�medical�needs�of��the�South�Pacific�region.

‘Since�then,�I’ve�been�able�to�go�back�a�number�of�times�in�a�volunteering�capacity,�providing�primary�healthcare.�But�what�they�really�need�is�just�hands�on�the�ground.�There’s�just�not�enough�healthcare�workers�to�go�around.’

Mikaela�is�also�a�Captain�in�the�Australian�Army’s�2nd�Health�Support�Company�at�Gallipoli�Barracks�in�Brisbane.

‘I�was�always�interested�in�doing�something�more;�in�serving�my�country,’�she�said.��‘My�parents�were�born�overseas�and�they�have�a�great�love�for�Australia,�as�do�I,��so�I�just�wanted�to�serve�my�community.

‘As�a�doctor,�there�are�heaps�of�opportunities�to�do�that�in�the�military.�It�was�just�an�opportunity�to�give�back�a�little�bit.’

While�Mikaela’s�successes�are�her�own,�she�is�quick�to�acknowledge�the�support�and�expertise�that�helped�so�much�during�her�time�at�Griffith.

‘Griffith�University’s�School�of�Medicine�really�sets�you�up�with�an�amazing�wealth�of�knowledge.�Being�able�to�give�that�back,�to�contribute�to�the�bigger�picture�and�improve�the�whole�community,�is�fantastic.’

Mikaela�Seymour�was�named�the�2018�Australian�Medical�Association’s�Doctor�in�Training�of�the�Year

Griffith Magazine | 2018 EDITION

13 MEDICAL MISSION

GC2018: OPPORTUNITY, EXPERIENCE, LEGACY

As�the�curtain�came�down�on�the�single�biggest�sporting�event�in�Australia�this�decade,�Griffith�University�could�reflect�on�a�job�well�done�and�an�official�partnership�with�the�Gold�Coast�2018�Commonwealth�Games�(GC2018)�that��will�continue�to�reap�rewards�across��the�community�for�years�to�come.

From�unique�research�projects�to�unprecedented�student�experiences,�Griffith’s�association�with�GC2018�opened�the�doors�to�a�world�of�opportunity�which�invigorated�and�inspired�staff,�students�and�alumni.

For�up�to�240�students,�the�chance�to�complete�internships�at�GOLDOC—the�corporation�charged�with�delivering�the�Games�from�4–15�April�2018—proved��an�immensely�rewarding,�once-in-a-lifetime�experience.

More�than�130�would�go�on�to�play�their�part�in�the�staging�of�the�Games�at�venues�ranging�from�Carrara�Stadium�and�the�Optus�Aquatic�Centre�on�the�Gold�Coast��to�the�Anna�Meares�Velodrome�in�Brisbane.

Bachelor�of�Mechanical�Engineering�student�Dylan�Fyffe�worked�on�optimising�air�movement�inside�the�velodrome:��‘This�was�a�unique�experience�and�I�think�it�will�benefit�my�future�career.�To�have�it�on�my�resume,�to�say�I’ve�worked�at�the�velodrome,�is�pretty�unique.’

A�further�35�journalism�students�and�five�photojournalism�students�gained�unique�access�to�the�GC2018�Games�Village,�where�they�worked�on�the�GOLDOC�publication,�The Village Source.

While�the�Games�leaves�a�treasure�chest�of�remarkable�memories,�the�event�also�points�towards�an�exciting�future�for�the�Queensland�community.�

Griffith�researchers�are�already�analysing�and�evaluating�the�impact�of�GC2018�on�the�region,�not�least�that�which�Professor�Ned�Pankhurst�called�‘a�potential�city-changing�legacy’�to�sweep�across�the��Gold�Coast.

Photos�above�by�Bachelor�of�Photography�students�Dylan�Crawford,�Cathy�Ross,�Carlo�Oliaro�and��Daniel�McCormack�and�lecturer�Heather�Faulkner.

AT THE GOLD COAST 2018 COMMONWEALTH GAMES VILLAGE

Griffith Magazine | 2018 EDITION

14GC2018

Madi Spedding GOLDOC InternshipBachelor�of�Journalism�graduate�Madi�Spedding�(pictured�left)�completed�an�internship�at�the�Games�News�Service�of�Gold�Coast�2018�Commonwealth�Games�Corporation.�During�this�12-week�period�she�was�part�of�the�Press�Operations�team,�compiling�biographies�and�background�information�on�athletes,�coaches�and�teams�attending�the�Games.�

This�experience�led�to�employment�at�GOLDOC�in�the�immediate�build-up�to�GC2018,�where�she�worked�first�as�a�Netball�and�Lawn�Bowls�Sport�Administration�Assistant�before�taking�on�the�role�of�Netball�Coordinator.�

In�turn,�this�standout�experience�paved�the�way�to�employment�after��the�Games�as�a�Game�Development�Officer�at�NSW�Touch�Football.��‘I�also�plan�delivery�of�development�and�education�programs�for�players,�coaches,�referees�and�selectors�throughout�the�state,�and�also�manage�and�administer�a�number�of�NSW�Touch�Football�school�events�around�the�state,’�said�Madi.�‘My�experience�in�both�the�media/communications�and�sport�management�industries�proved�my�versatility.�

GRIFFITH GAMES MEMORIES

Dylan Crawford Student Media CentreBachelor�of�Photography�student�Dylan�Crawford�(pictured�left)�was�among�five�photojournalism�students�who�gained�unique�access�to�the�GC2018�Games�Village,�where�they�worked�on�the�GOLDOC�publication,�The Village Source.�He�also�found�himself�photographing�the�dramatic�final�stages�of�the�Marathon�event�on�the�closing�day�of�competition.�

On�top�of�all�this,�Dylan’s�photojournalism�essay�depicting�Indigenous�protesters�at�the�Games�caught�the�attention�of�two�prestigious�judging�panels.�He�was�nominated�for�a�Mid-Year�Walkley�Student�Journalist�of��the�Year�Award�and�a�Queensland�Clarion�Award�for�this�work.

‘When�the�opportunity�to�work�in�the�Griffith�Student�Media�Centre�at�the�Commonwealth�Games�came�up,�I�jumped�on�it�as�I�knew�it�was�my�best�chance�to�showcase�my�work,’�said�Dylan.�‘I�want�to�travel�the�world,�documenting�people�and�places�that�mean�something,�and�hopefully�make��a�difference�with�my�photography.�If�I�can�do�that�I’ll�be�happy.’�

Harry Rodgers GOLDOC InternshipSports�and�Events�Professional�Harry�Rodgers�(pictured�left)�jumped�from�the�Gold�Coast�to�Glasgow�after�a�GOLDOC�internship�catapulted�his�early�career�onto�an�exciting�trajectory.�

A�Bachelor�of�Business�student�who�is�also�studying�a�Diploma�of�Languages�(Japanese),�Harry�took�on�a�Spectator�Services�Deployment�Supervisor�internship�as�part��

of�the�last�group�of�Griffith�interns�to�enter�GOLDOC�early�in�2018.�

This�role�saw�him�in�a�busy�pre-Games�workplace�supporting�the�Spectator�Services�training�manager.�He�worked�on�planning�and�coordinating�venue�specific�team�training,�and�led�and�managed�volunteer�deployment�during�the�event.�

‘Griffith�offered�this�once-in-a-lifetime�opportunity�and,�as�sport�is�my�passion,�I�didn’t�want�to�miss�this�chance�to�use�what�I’ve�learned�in�the�classroom�in�a�real�practical�work�environment,’�said�Harry.

In�the�Games�aftermath,�the�Sport�Management�and�Marketing�major�seized�the�opportunity�to�work�overseas�in�a�Spectator�Services�role��at�the�Glasgow�2018�European�Championships.�

Lisa Sealey GOLDOC SecondmentFor�Lisa�Sealey�(pictured�left),�an�Events�Coordinator�at�Griffith’s�Development�and��Alumni�Office,�the�opportunity�to�be�involved��with�the�Gold�Coast�2018�Commonwealth�Games�was�too�good�to�pass�up.

After�graduating�from�Griffith�with�a�double�degree�in�event�management�and�marketing,��she�had�advanced�her�career�working�with��

Events�Management�Queensland.�There,�she�gained�industry�experience�on�events�like�the�Gold�Coast�Marathon�and�Pan�Pacific�Master�Games.�Taking�up�a�secondment�as�a�project�officer�with�GOLDOC’s�Venue�Technology�Services�team�seemed�a�natural�progression.�

‘As�an�events�professional,�getting�to�work�on�an�event�of�that�magnitude�is��a�dream,�and�having�it�pop�up�in�our�own�backyard�made�it�even�more�special,’�said�Lisa.�‘Understanding�the�nature�of�a�major�event—the�immovable�deadline,�the�need�to�be�resilient�and�adapt�to�curveballs—enabled�me�to�negotiate��my�way.’

Lisa�became�Deputy�Venue�Technology�Manager�for�the�Gold�Coast��Hockey�Centre.�

288 DAYSINTERNATIONALLY

QUEEN’S BATON RELAYAUSTRALIA WON 137 MEDALS IN GLASGOW 49 GOLD

GRIFFITH STUDENTS

250 STUDENTS

UNDERTOOK A 12-WEEK INTENSIVE INTERNSHIP WITH GOLDOC

UP TO

150 STUDENTS

UNDERTOOK AN INTERNSHIP DURING GAMES TIME

UP TO

Griffith Magazine | 2018 EDITION

15 GC2018

INNOVATION, INSPIRATION FOR OCEANIA

ATHLETESIn�the�build-up�to�the�Games,�Griffith�University’s�innovative�and�inspirational�GAPS�Program�(Gather,�Adjust,��Prepare,�Sustain)�gave�athletes�from�across�Oceania�an�opportunity�for��self-improvement�and�development.

The�Director�of�Griffith�Sports�College,�Duncan�Free�OAM,�and�Associate�Professor�Clare�Minahan—lead�academic�in�Griffith’s�Sports�Physiology�and�Performance�group—led�the�development�and�delivery�of�the�program�which�aimed�to�generate�pathways�to�major�sport�events��for�high-performing�athletes.

The�project�bore�historic�fruit��when�the�Cook�Islands�and�Vanuatu��claimed�their�first-ever�medals��at�a�Commonwealth�Games.

In�the�Lawn�Bowls�Men’s�Pairs,�Taiki�Paniani�was�one�half�of�the�Cook��Islands�team�to�win�bronze,�while��Friana�Kwevira�also�secured�bronze��for�Vanuatu�in�the�F46�Javelin�Throw.

Vanuatu�then�doubled�its�medal�haul�with�another�bronze�in�Beach�Volleyball,�while�there�were�medals�for�Fiji�(bronze)�in�Boxing,�and�Guyana�(gold)��in�the�Men’s�Triple�Jump.

All�of�these�medal-winning�athletes�had�participated�in�the�GAPS�Program�leading�up�to�the�Games,�gaining�valuable�access�to�university�sports�experts�and�facilities�not�readily�available�in�their�homelands.�

They�were�among�a�wider�group�of�able-bodied�athletes�and�para-athletes�from�Fiji,�Papua�New�Guinea,�Solomon�Islands,�Vanuatu,�Cook�Islands,�Samoa,�Tonga�and�Niue�who�took�part�in��the�program.

The�GAPS�Program�also�informed�a�new�Massive�Online�Open�Course�(MOOC)�called�Major�Sport�Event:�Winning�through�Diversity�and�Inclusion,�developed�with�FutureLearn.

On�31�March�2018,�the�Queen’s�Baton�proudly�returned�to�the�Nathan�campus,��36�years�after�it�had�first�visited�ahead��of�the�1982�Commonwealth�Games��in�Brisbane.

The�2017�Australian�of�the�Year,�Professor�Alan�Mackay-Sim,�and�fellow�Professor�Emeritus�Colin�Mackerras�AO�were�part�of�the�Nathan�leg�of�the�relay,�which�attracted�a�wonderfully�enthusiastic�crowd�on�Easter�Saturday.

Professor�Emeritus�Alan�Mackay-Sim

L–R:�Bianca�Archer,�Professor�Mark�von�Itzstein��and�Krystal�Lockwood

BATON RELAY AT GRIFFITH

The�Gold�Coast�campus�then�took�centre�stage�on�4�April,�with�the�relay�making�one�of�its�final�stops�on�the�morning�of�the�day�of�the�Opening�Ceremony.

Institute�for�Glycomics�Director�Professor�Mark�von�Itzstein�was�one�of�three�Griffith�representatives�who�ran�the�relay,�which�ended�outside�the�main�library.

Griffith�was�also�represented�by�John�Graham,�who�formally�received�the�Baton�handover�in�New�Zealand�on�behalf�of�the�Coast’s�traditional�owners,�the�Yugambeh�people.

For more than a year, the Queen’s Baton Relay traversed 230,000km across all Commonwealth nations and territories. For two of those days, Griffith University shared the spotlight.

Griffith Magazine | 2018 EDITION

16GC2018

MICHAEL AND MADISON: OUR MARVELS IN THE LONG RUN

A marathon double provided one of the standout moments for Griffith University at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games on a searing Sunday morning in April.

Michael�Shelley�(pictured�bottom�left)�and�Madison�de�Rozario�(pictured�bottom�right)�powered�to�the�finish�line�at�Southport�Broadwater�Parklands�to�claim�scintillating�victories�on�the�final�day�of�competition.

Their�success�was�all�the�more�fitting�with�Griffith�University�being�the�Presenting�Partner�of�a�community�event�that�took�a�world-class�field�almost�the�full�length�of�the�Gold�Coast.�Chancellor�Henry�Smerdon�AM�DUniv�also�presented�the�medals��to�the�winners�in�the�Women’s�Marathon.

Michael�Shelley,�a�34-year-old�Bachelor�of�Business�graduate,�successfully�defended�the�Men’s�event�in�dramatic�fashion.�The�Gold�Coast�local�capitalised�when�long-time�race�leader�Callum�Hawkins�collapsed�in�the�April�heat�less�than�a�kilometre�from�the�finish�line.

Bachelor�of�Business�student�Madison�de�Rozario�confirmed�her�pedigree�with�a�powerhouse�finish�to�the�Women’s�T54�(Wheelchair)�Marathon,�where�she�had��13�seconds�to�spare�over�Australian�teammate�Eliza�Ault-Connell.

Michael�and�Madison�were�among�40�athletes�with�a�connection�to�Griffith�University�that�competed�at�GC2018.�Team�Griffith�was�made�up�of�24�current�students,�12�alumni,�two�members��of�staff�and�three�from�the�Griffith�swim�club�coached�by�Michael�Bohl.

After�11�days�of�competition,�the�team�completed�the�Games�with�a�haul�of�23�gold,�seven�silver�and�10�bronze�medals,��a�40-medal�total�which�surpassed�the��22�medals�won�in�Glasgow�in�2014.

Photos�above�by�Dylan�Crawford,�Bachelor�of�Photography�student�at�Queensland�College�of�Art

Griffith Magazine | 2018 EDITION

17 GC2018

JAKE’S TRULY A SCHOOL SKIPPERWorld skipping champion and primary school teacher Jake Eve is using his unique talent to engage his young students.

Jake�Eve�(pictured�above)�was�never�one�to�skip�school,�but�he�certainly�skipped��at�school.

The�2018�world�skipping�champion�has�been�skipping�competitively�since�he�was�nine�years�old.�

Now�a�Year�3�teacher�at�Bardon�State�School�in�Brisbane,�he�has�a�unique�way��of�engaging�his�students�in�learning,�teaching�them�how�to�skip�with�a�focus��on�goal-setting.�

‘The�students�love�it�and�my�class�was�super�excited�when�I�brought�my�medals��in�when�I�came�home�from�the�world�titles�in�Shanghai,�China.’�

After�he�finished�Year�12,�Jake�took��a�gap�year�because�he�was�unsure�of��a�career�direction.

During�this�time�he�worked�closely�with��his�skipping�coach�who,�serendipitously��as�it�turned�out,�was�also�a�primary��school�teacher.�

‘I�helped�her�with�some�choreography�for�her�class�play�and�school�musical,’�said�Jake.�

‘She�recommended�I�study�primary�education,�so�I�applied�to�Griffith.��The�rest�is�history.’

Jake�said�he�chose�Griffith�University�because�of�its�reputation.�

‘I�decided�to�study�at�Griffith�because�I�heard�it�was�a�great�university�for�education�degrees,’�he�said.�

It�was�a�bit�of�a�juggling�act,�but�Jake�credits�the�Griffith�Sports�College�with�helping�to�balance�his�university�work��and�sporting�commitments.

‘The�college�was�brilliant�in�helping�me�balance�both,’�he�said.

‘Having�a�great�group�of�friends�in�classes�and�supportive�tutors�definitely�helped�my�study.�The�range�of�practical�placements�across�multiple�year�levels�was�also�another�great�aspect�of�the�degree.’

Griffith Magazine | 2018 EDITION

18SCHOOL SKIPPER

SHUBSHRI FINDS MUSICAL MAGIC IN ALADDIN

Musical�theatre�graduate�Shubshri��Kandiah�has�had�all�her�wishes�granted�after�touring�Australia�in�the�starring�role�of�Princess�Jasmine�in�Disney’s�smash-hit�musical,�Aladdin.

The�highly�coveted�role�marked�Shubshri’s�professional�musical�theatre�debut,�with�hardly�any�time�between�graduating�from�the�Queensland�Conservatorium�in�2017�and�wowing�audiences�in�the�huge�production.

Originally�from�Perth,�Shubshri��was�relaxing�at�home�when�the��life-changing�news�came�through:��‘I�was�pouring�honey�into�my�chai�when�my�agent�broke�the�news�and�the�honey�just�went�all�over�the�table.�I�was�excited,�but�a�part�of�me�didn’t�really�believe�it.’

Shubshri�has�always�been�a�fan�of�Disney’s�classic�musicals,�and�even��had�a�special�connection�to�Aladdin.

‘It�was�the�first�film�with�a�princess�on�screen�who�looked�like�me.�And�now�to�bring�that�character�to�life�on�stage�is�an�incredible�experience,’�she�said.

‘As�a�kid,�I�saw�Jasmine�and�wanted�to�be�like�her�because�she�was�a�beautiful�Disney�princess.�

‘As�an�adult,�I�really�admire�her�strength,�intelligence�and�that�she��is�never�afraid�to�voice�her�opinion.��She�is�what�I�see�a�strong�woman�to�be.’

Shubshri�began�performing�as�a�child,�learning�classical�Indian�dance,�ballet�and�violin.�She�moved�across�the�country�from�Perth�after�being�accepted�into�the�Queensland�Conservatorium.

During�her�studies,�Shubshri�dazzled�audiences�in�productions�such�as�Sweet Charity�and�West Side Story,�and�was�a�featured�vocalist�with�the�Queensland�Pops�Orchestra.

Shortly�before�graduating,�she�performed�the�role�of�Ayah�in�Opera�Queensland’s�The Pearlfishers,�and�also�sang�with�Broadway�legend�Liz�Callaway�at�the�Queensland�Performing�Arts�Centre.

Shubshri�is�optimistic�about�the�opportunities�for�actors�of�ethnic�background�in�Australia,�saying�in�one��media�interview:�‘I�think�that�people�of�ethnic�background�have�something�special�to�offer�...�never�stop�working�hard�or�let�anybody�tell�you�that�it’s�not�achievable�because,�in�the�end,��if�you�want�something,�you�can�do�it.’

Shubshri�Kandiah�as�Princess�Jasmine�in�Aladdin—photo�by�James�Green

‘It was the first film with a princess on screen who looked like me. And now to bring that character to life on stage is an incredible experience.’

Shubshri Kandiah found a whole new world of success when she landed the leading role of Princess Jasmine in the Disney musical Aladdin.

Griffith Magazine | 2018 EDITION

19 MUSICAL MAGIC

SHEDDING LIGHT ON SEA JELLIES

Griffith�University�has�cemented�its�partnership�with�iconic�Gold�Coast�theme�park�Sea�World�with�the�opening�of��Sea�Jellies�Illuminated.�

The�exhibit�gives�visitors�a�close-range��and�educational�perspective�of�different�sea�jelly�species�via�eye-catching,�illuminated�displays.

Also�incorporated�is�a�working�research�laboratory�for�Griffith�students�undertaking�research�into�the�fascinating�underwater�world�of�sea�jellies.�

Griffith’s�Head�of�Marine�Science,�Associate�Professor�Kylie�Pitt,�said�the�University�was�extremely�excited�to�partner�with�Sea�World.

‘The�new�Griffith�Sea�Jellies�Research�Laboratory�is�a�state-of-the-art�facility�which�places�Griffith�University�at�the�forefront�of�jellyfish�research�internationally,’�she�said.�

‘The�laboratory�provides�an�amazing�opportunity�for�the�public�to�see�research�being�done�and�to�gain�greater�understanding�of�what�scientists�do,�why�research�is�important�and�how�research�benefits�the�environment�and�society.’�

Varieties�of�Australian�species�in�the�exhibit�include�the�Blue�Blubber�(Catostylus�sp.),�the�Moon�jelly�(Aurelia�aurita)�and�Upside�Down�jellies�(Cassiopea�sp.).

Griffith�University�Senior�Deputy�Vice�Chancellor�Ned�Pankhurst�said�not�only�will�the�partnership�encourage�students�into�marine�science�and�biology�degrees,�it�would�enhance�Griffith’s�research�capabilities.

‘This�exciting�partnership�provides�substantial�expansion�of�our�research�infrastructure�and�a�demonstrable�commercial�impact�of�our�work�that��will�lead�to�increased�public�education�and�awareness�of�the�important�work�undertaken�by�both�organisations,’�he�said.

Griffith Magazine | 2018 EDITION

20SEA JELLIES

PERSONAL CONNECTION INSPIRES SPINAL RESEARCH

From�neighbours�to�colleagues�and�from�friends�to�Griffith�University�researchers,�Dr�Dinesh�Palipana�and�Dr�Claudio�Pizzolato�make�a�formidable�team�in��the�battle�against�spinal�cord�trauma.

United�by�a�single�goal�to�restore�movement�in�patients,�the�two�doctors�have�developed�rehabilitation�techniques�that�are�earning�global�interest�from�industry�and�the�medical�profession.

For�Dr�Pizzolato,�a�Research�Fellow�at�Griffith�University,�it’s�the�culmination��of�years�of�work�in�the�biomedical�field.�For�Dr�Palipana,�a�quadriplegic�since�a�car�crash�in�2010,�this�journey�also�carries�a�decidedly�personal�context.

‘My�dirty�little�secret�is�that�I�want�to�cure�myself�one�day,’�said�Dr�Palipana,�who�is�a�lecturer�at�the�Griffith�School�of�Medicine,�a�Research�Fellow�at�Menzies�Health�Institute�Queensland�and�a�junior�doctor�at�Gold�Coast�University�Hospital.

‘The�potential�for�this�kind�of�work�to�restore�function�in�those�with�paralysis�is�huge�and�that’s�what�we’re�excited�about.’

The�two�researchers—who�were�once�neighbours,�albeit�with�no�idea�their�paths�would�lead�to�working�together��in�such�an�important�field—are�supported�by�Griffith�University’s�Advanced�Design�and�Prototype�Technologies�Institute�(ADaPT),�

which�was�established�within�the�Gold�Coast�Health�and�Knowledge�Precinct�to�integrate�all�the�University’s�key�R&D�equipment�and�to�design�and�manufacture�high�technology�devices.

Dr�Palipana’s�condition�has�been�a�major�focus�of�the�spinal�cord�program�through�which�the�team�is�testing�the�power�of�neural�patterns�to�trigger�muscle�activation�otherwise�lost�to�trauma.

In�creating�a�highly�accurate�digital�duplicate�of�the�body—external�and�internal—the�distinctive�traits�of�a�person’s�bones,�muscles�and�joints�can�be�mapped.�Data�is�then�used�to�engineer�a�patient-specific�medical�implant�or�wearable�device,�or�to�create�a�rehabilitation�program�aligned�with�a�person’s�unique�physiology.

While�digital�twins�are�not�new,�the�ADaPT�research�team’s�approach�is�unique�because�of�the�real-time�analysis�of�movements�in�the�spinal�cord�patient.��

Potential�benefits�include�significantly�reducing�costs�for�surgery�and�rehabilitation,�as�well�as�improving�patient�outcomes.

To�find�out�more�and�support��the�Menzies�Health�Institute��Queensland�by�making�a�donation��visit�griffith.edu.au/giving

SUNSHINE COAST MEDICAL SCHOOL

LAUNCHThe�new�Griffith�University�School�of�Medicine�at�the�Sunshine�Coast�will�welcome�its�first�student�intake�in�2019.

Based�at�the�Sunshine�Coast�Health�Institute�(SCHI),�the�new�school�is��co-located�with�Sunshine�Coast�University�Hospital�as�part�of�Griffith�University’s�School�of�Medicine.�

Associate�Professor�Jennifer�Williams,�a�Sunshine�Coast�local�who�is�also�an�emergency�physician�at�the�Sunshine�Coast�University�Hospital,�has�been�appointed�Deputy�Head�of�the��new�school.

‘This�is�an�exciting�opportunity�for�students�to�undertake�the�Doctor�of�Medicine�program�in�a�state-of-the-art�facility�in�one�of�the�fastest-growing�regions�in�the�country,’�she�said.

SCHI�is�a�premier�education,�training�and�research�facility�on�the�Sunshine�Coast�and�is�a�joint�venture�between�Sunshine�Coast�Hospital�and�Health�Service,�Griffith�University,�the�University�of�the�Sunshine�Coast�and�TAFE�Queensland�East�Coast.

Griffith�University’s�medical�program�has�been�training�the�doctors�of�the�future�on�the�Gold�Coast�since�its�inception�in�2005.�Now�for�the�first�time,�Sunshine�Coast�students�can�complete�their�medical�studies�in�their�local�region,��then�practice�locally�in�the�community.

L–R:�Associate�Professor�Jennifer�Williams,�PVC�(Health)�Professor�Sheena�Reilly�and��Professor�David�Ellwood

L–R:�Dr�Claudio�Pizzolato,�Dr�Dinesh�Palipana�and�Professor�David�LloydGriffith Magazine | 2018 EDITION

21 SPINAL RESEARCH

• Approximately 3.2 billion people living in malaria endemic countries worldwide

• 500,000 sufferers die annually

• 80 per cent of victims are young children

Institute�for�Glycomics’�Professor�Michael�Good�AO�and�Dr�Danielle�Stanisic

A�completely�effective�vaccine�for�malaria�remains�the�‘holy�grail’�for�researchers�around�the�globe.�In�October�2018,�Griffith�University’s�Institute�for�Glycomics�delivered�results�of�a�highly�promising�human�clinical�trial.��

In�a�world�first,�Institute�researchers�trialled�the�use�of�a�whole�parasite��blood-stage�malaria�vaccine�in�human�volunteers�that�has�yielded�safe�and�immunogenic�outcomes.�The�study��team�also�included�clinicians�from�the��Gold�Coast�University�Hospital.�

A�single�dose�of�the�trial�vaccine�was�administered�to�volunteers�who�were�healthy,�malarial-naive�males�aged�18–60.�This�induced�a�broad�parasite-specific�cellular�immune�response�that�recognised�different�malaria�parasites�and�did�not�adversely�affect�the�volunteers.�

Professor�Michael�Good�AO�and�Dr�Danielle�Stanisic�have�been�developing��this�novel�malaria�vaccine�since�2010.�

World-first human clinical trials are creating new hope for a vaccine for malaria, one of the world’s most devastating diseases.

PROMISING PROGRESS IN MALARIA VACCINE TRIAL

‘We�are�hopeful�that�the�immune�response�induced�by�the�vaccine�would�be�able��to�kill�the�parasite�if�recipients�were�exposed�to�the�parasite�out�in�the�field,’�said�Dr�Stanisic.

She�added�that�previous�trials�of�sub-unit�malaria�vaccines�have�often�included�a�limited�number�of�proteins�from�the�malaria�parasite,�and�these�proteins�are�often�variable�between�different�parasite�strains�present�in�the�field.�

‘When�sub-unit�malaria�vaccines�have�been�tested�in�the�field,�because�of�the�variability�in�the�vaccine�proteins�between�parasite�strains,�up�until�now�they�have�shown�limited�or�no�efficacy,’�said��Dr�Stanisic.

‘So�the�idea�behind�a�whole�parasite�vaccine�is�that�you’ve�got�thousands�of�proteins�in�the�vaccine,�some�of�which�are�going�to�be�the�same�between�different�parasite�strains,�so�hopefully�these�proteins�would�be�the�target�of�protective�immune�responses�and�the�vaccine�would�provide�broader�coverage�and�protection�when�it’s�tested�in�the�field.’�

The�next�stage�in�the�trial�process�is�to�determine�if�the�immune�response�from�the�vaccine�can�actually�kill�the�parasites�in�humans,�as�it�has�been�shown�to�do�in�laboratory�animals.�Once�established�that�it�is�safe�and�effective�in�human�volunteers,�the�vaccine�would�be�trialled�in�a�malaria-endemic�area,�then�across�multiple�sites�in�multiple�countries.�

Professor�Good�expressed�great�thanks��to�the�volunteers�and�praised�the�hard�work�of�the�team�over�many�years�to�get�to�this�point.

‘It�is�wonderful�to�have�the�community�so�much�behind�this�important�project.�We�all�realise�what�a�devastating�disease�malaria�is�for�so�many�people�around�the�world,’�he�said.�

Professor�Mark�von�Itzstein,�the�Director�of�the�Institute�for�Glycomics,�said�he�was�delighted�with�this�significant�milestone�in�the�development�of�the�world’s�first�blood-stage�malaria�vaccine.��

‘This�is�a�tremendous�advance�in�the�development�of�a�blood-stage�malaria�vaccine�and,�as�the�Director�of�the�Institute,�I�am�thrilled�to�see�this�very�important�study�now�published,’�he�said.

Make�an�impact�on�this�important�research.�To�learn�more�visit�malariavaccineproject.com

Griffith Magazine | 2018 EDITION

22INSTITUTE FOR GLYCOMICS

A HELPING HAND TO FIGHT DISEASEGriffith�University’s�Institute�for�Glycomics�will�partner�with�China�to�create�a�world-first�drug�to�treat�children�infected�with�Hand,�Foot�and�Mouth�Disease�(HFMD).

The�General�Manager�of�the�Institute�for�Glycomics,�Dr�Chris�Davis,�was�among�38�researchers�and�commercialisation�professionals�across�Australia�to�receive�Priming�Grants�through�the�Federal�Government�in�2018.

‘HFMD�is�a�widespread�virus�across�the�Asia-Pacific�region,�causing�death�and�an�economic�burden,�so�there�is�high�demand�for�a�drug�that�will�treat�the�disease,’�said�Dr�Davis.

‘We�have�the�resources�and�knowledge�at�the�Institute�for�Glycomics�to�develop�this�potential�drug�to�human�clinical�trials;�we�just�need�the�investment,�complementary�expertise�and�capability�from�industry�in�China�to�commercialise�the�technology.’

The�Director�of�the�Institute�for�Glycomics�and�Group�Leader�of�the�HFMD�project,�Professor�Mark�von�Itzstein,�said�the�translations�and�commercialisation�of�the�Institute’s�research�was�essential�for�success�in�fighting�diseases�of�global�impact.

GLYCOMICS HOSTS NEW RESEARCH NODE

Griffith�University�has�become�a�collaborating�partner�with�the�ARC�Centre�of�Excellence�for�Nanoscale�BioPhotonics�(CNBP),�which�will�host�a�CNBP�research�node�at�the�Institute�for�Glycomics�on�the�Gold�Coast.

Announced�in�May�2018,�Griffith�has�joined�the�University�of�Adelaide,�Macquarie�University�and�RMIT�University�as�a�core�member�of�the�Centre�of�Excellence.

The�Griffith�node,�headed�by�Associate�Professor�Daniel�Kolarich,�will�add�to�CNBP’s�research�capability�in�the�development�of�next-generation,��light-based�tools�that�can�sense�and�image�at�cellular�and�molecular�levels.

‘Our�team�has�specialised�glycan�knowledge�and�expertise�that�will�aid�the�Centre�in�its�objectives�of�improving�understanding�and�knowledge�of�cell�communication�and�the�nanoscale�molecular�interactions�in�the�living�body,’�said�Associate�Professor�Kolarich.

‘Glycans�(sugar�chains�attached�to��proteins�and�lipids�on�the�cell�surface)��are�intricately�involved�in�bacterial�and�viral�infection,�immune�responses,��cancers,�lung�disease,�brain�function,�fertilisation,�cardiovascular�disease��and�a�host�of�other�cellular�activities.

‘We�will�be�working�to�extend�our�knowledge�of�these�sugars�to�better�sense�and�image�their�interactions,�as�well�as�to�understand�how�they�function�at�the�molecular�level,�and�ultimately�how�they�shape�the�health�and�wellbeing�of�an�individual.’

The�Griffith-based�CNBP�research�node�is�headed�by�Associate�Professor�Daniel�Kolarich�from�the�Institute�for�Glycomics�

Griffith Magazine | 2018 EDITION

23 INSTITUTE FOR GLYCOMICS

CLIMATE PLAN IS A GIFT FOR TOURISM

Griffith�University�is�playing�a�pivotal�role�in�the�future�of�tourism�in�Queensland,�especially�regarding�adaptation�to��climate�change.

Griffith�Institute�for�Tourism�Director�Professor�Susanne�Becken�is�the�primary�author�of�the�Queensland�Tourism��Climate�Change�Response�Plan,��unveiled�in�May�2018.

Drawing�on�20�years�of�research�into�climate�change�and�tourism,�the�report�examines�the�opportunities�and�challenges�for�operators,�travellers�and�other�tourism�stakeholders�in�navigating�a�changing�world.

The�plan�considers�short�and�medium-term�time�frames�(2030),�and�accounts�for�long-term�goals�to�meet�the�state’s�zero-net-emissions�target�by�2050.

Led�by�the�Queensland�Tourism�Industry�Council�and�drafted�in�partnership�with�the�Department�of�Environment�and�Science,�the�strategy�identifies�physical�impacts—including�floods,�cyclones�and�rising�sea�levels—as�the�biggest�climate�change-related�risks�facing�the�local�tourism�market.

However,�Professor�Becken�said�there�would�be�new�opportunities�to�improve�tourism’s�long-term�resilience�through�initiatives�such�as�low-carbon�technologies�and�building�designs,�and�increased�use�of�renewable�energy.

Professor�Becken�said�the�strategy�would�be�a�“gold�standard”�for�tourism�destination�climate�plans�in�future.�

Griffith�Institute�for�Tourism�Director��Professor�Susanne�Becken

COUPLE A PERFECT FIT FOR FITNESSGreg�and�Sheree�Young�(pictured�right)�launched�their�Body�Science�health�and�nutrition�brand�in�a�suburban�garage.�The�rise�to�what�today�is�a�multi�million-dollar�company�is�testament�to�staying�true�to�one’s�dreams�and�values.

Partners�in�life�and�business,�Griffith�University�graduates�Greg�and�Sheree�established�Body�Science�in�1999.�The�Gold�Coast-based�company�now�employs�40�staff�under�the�guidance�of�Greg�as�Product�and�Marketing�Director�and�Sheree�as�General�Manager�and�Chief�Financial�Officer.

‘Customers�know�they�can�put�their�faith�in�our�brand,’�said�Sheree.�‘Our�health�is�one�of�the�most�valuable�things�we�have,�and�people�know�they�can’t�just�put�that�in�the�hands�of�anyone.’

Sheree�completed�a�Bachelor�of�Business�(Accounting)�at�Griffith�University�in�1990,�and�spent�the�early�years�of�her�career�in�Chartered�Accounting.�Greg�completed�a�Bachelor�of�Arts�(Social�Sciences)�at�Griffith�in�2002.

Their�connection�to�Griffith�doesn’t�end�there.�Body�Science�sponsors�the�University’s�Women’s�Rugby�7s�and�is�currently�assisting�a�PhD�student�using�its�compression�garments�in�the�area�of�musculoskeletal�research.�Their�eldest�daughter�is�a�student�at�Griffith.

Greg�said�Body�Science�was�established�to�fill�a�market�niche�for�innovative�and�effective�health�and�nutritional�supplements.�It�is�based�on�a�philosophy�strongly�focused�on�results�and�ethics.

Griffith Magazine | 2018 EDITION

24A GIFT FOR TOURISM

JAY MAKES A QUANTUM LEAP AT IBM

Dr�Jay�Gambetta�grew�up�surfing�along��the�southern�Queensland�coastline.��Now�he�is�riding�a�different�kind�of�wave.

The�Griffith�University�alumnus�is�one�of�the�world’s�leading�minds�in�quantum�computing,�a�branch�of�quantum�theory�that�promises�to�fundamentally�change�the�way�we�solve�humanity’s�most�pressing�problems.

As�Manager,�Theory�of�Quantum�Computing�and�Information,�at�international�technology�giant�IBM,�Dr�Gambetta�helps�spearhead�the�company’s�drive�to�build�a�universal�quantum�computer.�Capable�of�solving�complex�equations�beyond�the�scope�of�classical�computers,�a�universal�quantum�computer�would�revolutionise�research�in�many�fields.

‘Think�of�quantum�computing�as�a�new�model�of�computation,�one�that�doesn’t�obey�the�same�laws�as�every�other�computer�out�there,’�he�said.

‘Those�computers�are�bound�by�the�laws�of�physics�in�what�they�can�do.�Quantum�obeys�a�new�set�of�laws�and�those�laws�allow�for�something�called�quantum�randomness—where�something�can�be�in�a�definite�state,�but�still�behave�randomly.

‘Then�there�is�the�concept�of�entanglement,�where�particles�individually�look�random�but,�when�you�look�at�the�whole,�they�have�correlations.�So�there’s�more�information�in�the�whole�than�there�is�in�the�parts.�

‘Putting�things�together�gives�you�access�to�far�more�information�than�you�would�understand�in�classic�computing.�It�gives�us�a�chance�to�probe�nature�in�a�way�we’ve�never�probed�it�before.’

Raised�in�the�Brisbane�seaside�suburb�of�Redcliffe,�Dr�Gambetta�spent�summers�probing�nature�via�surfing�the�breaks�of�Queensland�and�NSW.

‘I�wouldn’t�say�I�planned�to�be�a��scientist�from�a�young�age,’�he�said.��‘I�had�planned�to�do�something�with��my�hands,�either�working�with�wood��or�on�cars.�As�I�got�more�into�education,�I�found�I�really�loved�science.’

Dr�Gambetta�studied�a�Bachelor�of�Science�(Physics)�with�Honours�at�Griffith,�graduating�in�1999.�Along�the�way,�he�became�intrigued�by�quantum�theory.

Since�Griffith’s�earliest�days,�its�researchers�have�explored�quantum�dynamics�and�tackled�difficult�conceptual�problems�in�quantum�physics.�With�the�establishment�of�the�Centre�for�Quantum�Dynamics�in�2003—led�by�Professor�Howard�Wiseman—Griffith�is�at�the�forefront�of�exploring,�explaining�and�exploiting�the�quantum�world.

After�Griffith,�Dr�Gambetta�took�a�postdoctoral�position�at�Yale�University�in�the�US,�followed�by�research�roles�at�the�University�of�Waterloo’s�Institute�of�Quantum�Computing,�in�Canada.�He�joined�IBM�in�January�2011�and�is�based�in�New�York.

As�the�principal�theoretical�scientist�behind�IBM’s�quantum�computing�effort,�Dr�Gambetta�led�the�IBM�Q�Experience,�a�project�enabling�public�exploration�of�quantum�computing.

One�of�the�biggest�challenges�is�working�out�how�to�effectively�harness�the�immense�potential�of��quantum�computing.

‘A�big�question�I�work�on�is:�how�do�you�turn�this�resource�into�what�we�like�to�call�a�“quantum�advantage”?�Discovering�this�advantage�and�learning�how�to�use�this�advantage�in�real-life�applications�is�a�big�part�of�my�day-to-day�work.’

In�April�2018,�Dr�Gambetta�was�named�an�IBM�“fellow”�in�recognition�of�his�work�with�the�107-year-old�company.�IBM�appoints�a�select�number�of�fellows�each�year�from�its�staff�of�more�than�360,000.

And�despite�its�steep�learning�curve,��Dr�Gambetta�said�the�quantum��world�offers�plenty�of�opportunity�for�young�scientists.

‘This�is�definitely�emerging�as�a�new�technology�and�it’s�still�in�its�early�days.�If�you�like�math�and�you�like�tinkering,�I�definitely�would�encourage�people�to�do�it.’

SULTAN’S SPACE MISSIONGriffith�University�PhD�graduate�Sultan�Al�Niyadi�is�one�of�the�first�two�representatives�from�the�United�Arab�Emirates�vying�to�travel�to�the�International�Space�Station.�

He�will�undergo�training�at�the�Yuri�Gagarin�Cosmonaut�Training�Centre�outside�Moscow�and�will�know�early�in�2019�whether�he�will�make�the�journey�into�space.

Sultan’s�PhD�Supervisor,�Associate�Professor�Vallipuram�Muthukkumarasamy,�from�Griffith’s�School�of�Information�and�Communication�Technology,�said�Sultan�had�shown�exceptional�leadership�skills�during�his�time�at�the�University.

‘It’s�wonderful�news�and�I�offer�Sultan�my�best�wishes�for�the�exciting�journey�that�awaits�him,’�said�Associate�Professor�Muthukkumarasamy.

‘When�he�finished�his�PhD�in�2016,�he�walked�into�my�office�and�said,�‘I�know�you�don’t�accept�any�presents�from�students,�but�I’m�no�longer�your�student�now,’�and�he�gave�me�a�wonderful�book�on�network�security.

‘I�asked�him�how�and�why�he�chose�Griffith�for�his�postgraduate�studies.�He�said�he�had�looked�for�network�security�programs�and�Griffith�had�stood�out�from�the�rest�with�what�it�offered�in�this�field�of�study.’

Sultan’s�PhD�focused�on�data�leakage�prevention.�

In the fascinating field of quantum computing, Griffith graduate and IBM Fellow Dr Jay Gambetta is leading revolutionary research.

Dr�Jay�Gambetta,�Manager,�Theory�of�Quantum�Computing�and�Information

Griffith Magazine | 2018 EDITION

25 QUANTUM LEAP

THRIVING COMMUNITY THE REWARD FOR

MP MICHAEL

Surviving�10�years�in�politics�is�a�feat�in�its�own�right,�but�for�Michael�Crandon�(pictured�below)�it’s�the�success�and�growth�he’s�seen�in�his�community�that��is�the�best�reward.

Since�his�election�to�the�Queensland�Parliament�in�March�2009�as�the�Liberal�National�Party�Member�for�Coomera,��Mr�Crandon�has�seen�the�northern��Gold�Coast�prosper�at�a�remarkable�rate.

For�example,�the�Griffith�University�dual�graduate�has�seen�10�new�schools�built,�including�a�50�per�cent�increase�in�student�numbers�in�the�past�five�years,�rising�from�10,200�in�2013�to�15,600�in�2018.��

There�has�also�been�a�new�TAFE�campus�developed,�upgrades�to�the�M1�Motorway�fought�for�and�completed,�and�annual�residential�growth�of�20�per�cent.

‘The�massive�growth�in�my�community��over�the�past�decade�took�government��by�surprise,’�he�said.

‘Demographics�have�changed�dramatically,�from�rural�living�to�high-density�living,�and�our�roads,�public�transport�systems�and�police�numbers�haven’t�kept�up.�

‘But�we’ve�also�had�many�successes,�such�as�the�upgrading�of�Exit�54�on�the�M1�in�2016,�the�opening�of�the�long-awaited�Coomera�Town�Centre�in�October�2018,�and�securing�the�land�and�funding�for�a�dredge�spoil�facility�adjacent�to�the�Coomera�Marine�Precinct.’

The�marine�precinct�is�the�largest�in�the�Southern�Hemisphere.�A�dredge�spoil�facility�will�enable�the�dredging�of�the�Coomera�River,�which,�in�turn,�will�allow�much�larger�vessels�to�access�the�precinct�for�refits.�Such�work�could�bring�in�millions�of�dollars.�

Mr�Crandon�began�his�career�in�financial�planning,�an�area�that�he�says�offered��great�insight�into�understanding�people.

‘My�industry�experience�commenced�in�June�1987,�so�I�was�there�during�the�shock�of�October�’87�when�world�stock�markets�went�into�meltdown.�Some�very�important�lessons�were�learnt�in�that�time,’�he�said.

Later,�he�completed�a�Masters�in�Business�Administration�(Finance)�in�1998�at�Griffith�University,�then�returned�to�study�a�Master�of�Arts�(Journalism�and�Mass�Communication)�in�2005.�

‘As�it�turned�out,�I�didn’t�take�a�journalism�path,�but�the�skills�and�lessons�I�learnt�have�been�very�useful�in�my�work�as�an�MP.’

Mr�Crandon’s�introduction�to�politics�all�came�down�to�good�timing.�‘I�sold�my�financial�planning�practice�in�February�2008�and�later�that�year�my�wife�and�I�took�a�well-earned�10-week�holiday�overseas,’�he�said.

‘On�our�return,�I�discovered�that�a�redistribution�of�electoral�boundaries��had�occurred,�with�the�new�state�seat��of�Coomera�being�established.�

‘At�the�same�time,�the�LNP�was�formed�from�the�merger�of�the�Liberal�Party�and�National�Party.�I�had�been�a�member�of��the�Liberal�party�for�several�years.�

‘Having�lived�locally�since�1978,�it�seemed�logical�that,�given�all�of�my�experiences�across�all�facets�of�life,�this�was�an�opportunity�to�better�serve�my�community.’

Mr�Crandon�said�that�he�remains�more�motivated�than�ever.�‘I�recognise�the�things�that�impact�people’s�lives�every�day,�and�what�affects�their�wellbeing,’�he�said.

‘I’ve�said�that�the�people�are�my�passion,�and�to�me�that�translates�into�fighting�for�the�delivery�of�the�social�infrastructure�they�need�and�deserve,�so�that�their�lives�are�that�little�bit�better.�That�is�what�motivates�me.’

MP MEAGHAN MAKES

PARLIAMENTARY HISTORY

Meaghan�Scanlon�was�just�24�when�she�created�history�as�the�youngest�female�elected�to�the�Queensland�Parliament.�As�her�term�unfolds,��she�remains�firmly�focused�on�her�goals�and�what�it�means�to�represent�her�community.

‘I�became�involved�in�politics�because�I�thought�I�could�change�the�world,’�she�said.�‘And�while�I�still�think�that,�I�acknowledge�that�reform�is�hard�and�it�takes�time.�It�is�not�easy�to�change�people’s�minds�and�it�is�not�easy�to�change�institutions�or�laws.�However,�hard�work,�compassion�and�dedication�create�success�and�I’ll�keep�striving�to�make�a�difference.’

Ms�Scanlon�graduated�from�Griffith�University�with�a�Bachelor�of�Laws�in�2014.�Elected�as�the�Labor�Party�Member�for�Gaven�at�the�November�2017�State�Election,�she�became�Assistant�Minister�for�Tourism�Industry�Development.�

Not�only�is�she�the�youngest�woman�to�sit�in�the�State�Parliament,�she�is�Queensland’s�second-youngest�MP�ever,�after�former�Opposition�Leader�Lawrence�Springborg,�who�was�just�21�when�elected�in�1989.

Ms�Scanlon�grew�up�in�Nerang,�where�her�parents�owned�a�small�business.�At�13,�she�tragically�lost�her�father�to�melanoma.�Her�younger�brother�Callum�has�Down�Syndrome�and�Ms�Scanlon�helps��her�mother�with�Callum’s�care.

Through�such�experience,�she�is�keenly�aware�of�how�crucial�it�is�to�have�affordable�and�accessible�healthcare—and�how�investing��in�medical�research�is�vital.

Though�still�at�the�start�of�her�political�career,�Ms�Scanlon�said�she�feels�privileged�to�advocate�for�the�people�in�her�electorate�and�to�champion�reform�that�improves�the�lives�of�Queenslanders.

Griffith Magazine | 2018 EDITION

26THRIVING COMMUNITY

SAM’S A STAR AT THE CREASE AND

LECTURE ROOMQueensland Bulls cricketer Sam Heazlett is combining sport and study for success on and off the field.

Tipped�as�a�rising�star�in�Australian�cricket�since�bursting�onto�the�first-class�scene�with�a�debut�century�in�2015,�Sam�Heazlett�is�wise�enough�not�to�count�on�elite�sport�as�a�sole�career�option.

After�graduating�from�Sheldon�College�in�the�Redland�Shire�between�the�Gold�Coast�and�Brisbane,�Sam�had�the�opportunity�to�immerse�himself�in�full-time�cricket.�However,�he�also�wanted�to�pursue�his��love�of�science�and,�more�specifically,��the�mechanics�of�the�human�body.

‘Combining�my�two�passions�helped�me�decide�to�do�a�Bachelor�of�Exercise�Science�degree.�The�fact�that�the�course�was�based�at�the�Gold�Coast�was�also�attractive,�as�my�other�love�is�surfing,’�he�said.

Sam�completed�his�degree�in�2017�and�is�now�studying�for�a�master’s�in�Physiotherapy,�on�offer�for�the�first�time��at�Nathan�campus.

‘Being�able�to�study�in�Brisbane�and�continue�my�cricket�duties�with�the�Queensland�Bulls�and�T20�team�The��Heat�has�been�a�godsend,’�said�Sam.

Combining�study�and�cricket�has�also�bowled�over�teammates,�who�are�constantly�asking�him�for�massages��and�chasing�answers�to�their�niggles,��aches�and�pains.

‘I�can�usually�give�them�a�basic�diagnosis,�but�I�leave�the�big�stuff�to�the�team’s�physio,�who�is�former�Test�batsman�and�Bulls�batting�legend�Martin�Love.

‘He’s�a�great�sounding�board�because,�like�me,�he�combined�cricket�with�physio�studies�and�also�I�can�see�what�he�does�with�the�players�and�we�can�talk�on�a�number�of�physio-related�topics.’

The�23-year-old�batsman�credits�the�Griffith�Sports�College�and�Griffith�Honours�College�as�being�pivotal�in�helping�him�succeed�on�and�off�the�pitch�since�commencing�studies�at�Griffith�in�2013.

‘The�Sports�College�and�its�support�network�in�helping�me�balance�my�sport�and�study�goals�has�been�exceptional,�as�has�Griffith�Honours�College,�which�has�helped�me�learn�new�skills�like�leadership�and�community�networking,’�he�said.

With�Australian�cricket�undergoing�a�transition,�the�experts�reckon�Sam�is��on�the�radar�for�higher�honours.

Representing�Australia�in�a�One�Day�International�in�New�Zealand�in�2017�was�a�dream�realised,�but�the�likeable�left-handed�opener�is�eyeing�off�his�first�‘baggy�green’�Test�cap.

‘It’s�every�kid’s�dream,�isn’t�it?�I�first�have�to�consolidate�a�spot�in�the�Bulls�team�and�keep�scoring�runs,�while�also�keeping�up��my�studies�with�an�eye�to�graduating�in�a�few�years.’���

Sam�Heazlett�working�on�a�Bulls�teammate

‘The Sports College and its support network in helping me balance my sport and study goals has been exceptional, as has Griffith Honours College...’

Cricket�Australia/Getty�Images

Griffith Magazine | 2018 EDITION

27 RISING STAR

QCA STUDENTS TURN A LENS ON LIFE

Whether using images to discover the magic of Cambodia or turning a lens on life in rural Queensland, students from the Queensland College of Art are testament to the fact that every picture indeed tells a story.

Six�hours’�drive�west�of�Brisbane,�Roma�is�the�gateway�to�the�Outback�and�Carnarvon�Gorge,�and�is�a�town�famed�for�its�cattle�saleyards�and�country�hospitality.

Fourteen�Queensland�College�of�Art�photography�students�recently�spent�a�week�in�Roma�as�part�of�an�in-field�excursion�to�explore�regional�Queensland—a�program�the�QCA�has�run�for�the�past�25�years.�The�theme�of�the�2018�project�was�Community�Life:�An�Inner�Perspective,�Connecting�through�Story.

The�result�was�a�stunning�documentary�photography�exhibition,�Roma Revealed,�staged�at�the�ABC�Studios�at�South�Bank��in�August.

Students�captured�a�range�of�stories,�including�life�on�the�land,�the�Men’s�Shed�and�the�local�knitting�circle.

Bachelor�of�Photography�student�Emilie�Ledwidge,�who�spent�several�days�photographing�the�rehabilitation�of�an�orphaned�joey�kangaroo,�said�the�trip�had�been�a�chance�to�rediscover�her�rural�roots.

‘I�loved�it�out�in�Roma.�I’ve�spent�most�of�my�life�in�small�rural�towns�and�I�love�the�sense�of�community,’�she�said.

‘I�spent�a�lot�of�time�with�one�of�the�locals,�Mitch,�who�had�rescued�an�orphaned�joey.��I�think�he�fell�in�love�with�her,�and�she�was�part�of�the�family—he�hand-fed�her�and�made�her�little�pillowcase�pouches�to�sleep�in.

‘Documentary�photography�is�all�about�creating�a�compelling�story,�and�the�closer�you�get�to�your�subject,�the�better�you�can�tell�that�story.’

QCA�photography�students Photo�by�Joshua�Prieto

Photo�by�Alexandra�Gieb Photo�by�Laura�Bean

Griffith Magazine | 2018 EDITION

28QCA PHOTOGRAPHY STUDENTS

Also�in�2018,�photography,�film�and�journalism�students�travelled�to�Cambodia�for�a�three-week�study�tour,�spending�time�on�assignment�with�local�NGOs�to�capture�some�of�the�country’s�untold�stories.

The�tour�involved�workshops�by�renowned�photographer�John�Rodsted,�followed��by�intensive�storytelling�projects�which�gave�students�the�opportunity�to�work��in�local�communities.

QCA�Senior�Lecturer�in�Photography��Dr�Heather�Faulkner�said�the�study�tour��was�designed�to�help�students�enhance�their�documentary�storytelling�skills.

‘They�are�charged�with�making�their�own�connections�with�local�NGOs�in�Cambodia�and�documenting�their�work,’�she�said.

‘Students�work�in�small�teams�to�produce�stories�through�text,�photo�and�video,�which�are�published�when�they�return.

‘This�is�our�fifth�trip�to�Cambodia,�and�we�keep�going�back�because�the�students�get�so�much�out�of�it.’

Photo�by�Levi�Bell

Image�from�a�testimonial�therapy�session�of�survivors�of�the�Khmer�Rouge��with�TPO�Transcultural�Psychosocial�Organisation�–�photo�by�Joshua�Prieto

Photo�by�Amy�Hall

‘I loved it out in Roma. I’ve spent most of my life in small rural towns and I love the sense of community.’

Griffith Magazine | 2018 EDITION

29 QCA PHOTOGRAPHY STUDENTS

SPIRITS SOAR FOR 25 YEARS OF

GRIFFITH AVIATION

A�group�of�Griffith�University�aviation�students�took�to�the�skies�in�2018,�broadening�their�horizons�with�the��Royal�Australian�Air�Force.

The�five�students�from�various�disciplines�were�among�17�women�selected�from�around�Australia�to�take�part�in�the�Air�Force�Aviation�Camp�for�Women,�held�at�the�Amberley�RAAF�base,�west�of�Brisbane.�

The�camp�seeks�to�boost�capability�through�diversity�by�increasing�female�participation�in�aviation�roles.�Women�currently�represent�less�than�15�per�cent�of�the�workforce.�

First-year�Bachelor�of�Aviation�student�Alexandra�Speakman,�who�has�her�sights�set�on�becoming�an�RAAF�pilot,�said�the�camp�was�a�fantastic�way�to�get�a�taste��for�a�career�in�the�Air�Force.�

‘It�was�probably�one�of�the�most�amazing�experiences�of�my�life,’�she�said.�‘Our�timetable�was�packed�with�leadership�and�team-building�activities,�squadron�visits,�mentoring�sessions,�simulator�experiences�and,�of�course,�a�tactical�flight�in�a�C-17.�

‘This�was�a�highlight�for�me.�It’s�definitely�up�there�on�the�list�of�aircraft�I�would�love�to�fly;�their�capability�is�amazing.’�

Participants�stayed�on�base,�ate�in�the�mess�hall,�met�the�Senior�Australian�Defence�Force�Officer�of�RAAF�Amberley,�took�part�in�pre-fitness�assessment�and�conditioning,�and�networked�with�female�pilots,�mission�crew,�controllers,�engineers�and�technicians.�

RAAF�flight�and�technical�camps�for�young�women�have�been�running�since�2013�and�have�produced�positive�results,�with�76�per�cent�of�participants�actively�pursuing�ADF�careers�through�Defence�Force�Recruiting.�

L-R:�Griffith�University�students�Bethany�Irvine,�Sascha�Smith,�Sonya�Wurst,�Alexandra�Speakman�and�Matilda�Rois�O’Kelly-Wooller��at�the�Air�Force�Aviation�Camp�for�Women

Spirits�soared�at�Griffith�Aviation’s�25th-anniversary�celebration,�as�the�University�commemorated�the�graduation�of�its�first�aviation�students�in�1993.�

Current�Aviation�staff,�alumni�and�industry�partners—including�Qantas,�Virgin,�Boeing�and�BASAIR—attended�the�evening�event�in�August�2018�at�Rydges�South�Bank.

The�Head�of�Aviation,�Associate�Professor�Gui�Lohmann,�highlighted�the�achievements�over�the�past�25�years��and�future�plans�for�the�discipline.

‘This�celebration�marks�25�years�of�the�strong�reputation�that�Griffith�University�has�built�within�the�aviation�industry,��both�in�Australia�and�overseas,’�he�said.

Griffith�Aviation�25th-anniversary�awards�were�presented�to:

•� Kahlie�Jensen�–�Bachelor�of�Aviation

•� Danica�Henderson�–�Graduate�Diploma�in�Flight�Management�Award

•� Captain�Adrian�Young�–��Graduate�Certificate�in�Aviation�Management�Award

•� Dennis�Chant�and�Craig�Shaw�–�Queensland�Airport�Limited�Graduate�Certificate�in�Airport�Management�Award

•� Rod�Stone�and�Caitlin�Stephenson�–�Master�Aviation�in�Management�Award

Today,�there�are�more�than�1500�Griffith�Aviation�alumni�working�across�the�sector,�supporting�major�airlines�and�airports�in�Australia�and�overseas.

In�last�year’s�Virgin�Cadetship�recruitment�exercise,�Griffith�students�secured�three�of�the�10�available�positions�from�more�than�3000�applications.�

Of�the�500�pilots�Qantas�has�recruited�in�the�past�10�years,�20�per�cent�were�Griffith�alumni.�Furthermore,�in�the�recent�rounds�of�the�Qantas�Future�Pilot�Program,�Griffith�students�secured�five�of�the�six�student�places.�

Griffith�Aviation�lecturer�Peter�Bryant�presents�an�award�to�Captain�Adrian�Young�from�the�Griffith�Aviation�Industry�Advisory�Board

FEMALES FLYING HIGH

AT RAAF CAMP

Griffith Magazine | 2018 EDITION

30GRIFFITH AVIATION

NATURE INDEX HONOURS GRIFFITH

RESEARCHGriffith�University�has�been�named�by�Nature�Index�as�its�Rising�Star�for�the�Oceania�region�in�2018.

This�significant�recognition�for�science�researchers�at�Griffith,�announced�in�September,�follows�a�rise�of�more�than��80�per�cent�in�Griffith�University’s�output�since�2015.�This�makes�Griffith�the�fastest-rising�Australian�institution�in�Nature�Index,��a�supplement�published�in�Nature,�the�world’s�leading�multidisciplinary�science�journal.

Griffith�University�was�one�of�16�global�institutions�featured�in�the�supplement��that�identifies�the�countries�and�institutions�showing�the�most�significant�growth��in�high-quality�research�output�using��the�power�of�the�Nature�Index,�which��tracks�the�research�of�more�than�8,000�global�institutions.�

Senior�Deputy�Vice�Chancellor�Professor�Ned�Pankhurst�described�the�announcement�as�compelling�acknowledgement�of�the�scientific�and�societal�impact�of�research��by�scientists�at�Griffith�University.

‘These�endeavours�are�consistent�and�sustained�across�a�range�of�scientific�fields,�including�clean�energy,�human�evolution�and�quantum�physics.�Recognition�as�the�Nature�Index�Rising�Star�2018�acknowledges�that�Griffith�University�researchers�are�providing��far-reaching�solutions�to�global�challenges,’�said�Professor�Pankhurst.

Professor�Pankhurst�highlighted�the�work�of�Professor�Huijun�Zhao,�who�is�leading�the�development�of�advanced�clean�energy�technologies�at�Griffith’s�Centre�for�Clean�Environment�and�Energy.

‘He�is�among�those�at�Griffith�who�make�a�difference,�those�who�capture�opportunity,�apply�expertise�and�continue�to�challenge�themselves,’�said�Professor�Pankhurst.�‘His�program�of�research�enables�the�use�of�science�and�technology�to�meet�and�address�major�challenges�of�energy�and�environmental�sustainability.’

RANKINGS CONFIRM GLOBAL LEADERSHIP

Griffith�University�continues�to�assert�its�place�as�one�of�the�world’s�leading�universities,�earning�“remarkable”�results�in�prestigious�global�rankings�released�in�2018.

In�July,�the�2018�ShanghaiRanking�Global�Ranking�of�Academic�Subjects�ranked�Griffith�at�No.�1�in�Australia�and�No.�2�in�the�world�for�Hospitality�and�Tourism.�Griffith�also�topped�the�nation�for�Law�(including�Criminology),�which�earned�a�No.�33�result�globally.��

There�were�other�standout�results�on�the�ShanghaiRanking�list.�Nursing�(including�Midwifery)�was�ranked�No.1�in�Queensland�and�eleventh�worldwide,�while�Civil�Engineering�shared�the�state’s�highest�ranking�with�Queensland�University�of�Technology.

Griffith�improved�its�performance�across�the�board,�with�36�subjects�making�the�cut�in�2018.�This�was�an�increase�from�30�in�2017,�driving�the�University�to�a�shared�No.9�in�Australia�for�subjects�ranked,�alongside�QUT.

This�year’s�ranking�also�saw�Griffith�land�10�subjects�in�the�top�100,�up�from�eight�in�2017�and�including�Public�Health�and�Education,�which�advanced�from�the�top�150.

In�June,�Griffith�was�ranked�in�the�top�10�of�Australian�institutions�according�to�a�new�performance�measure�ranking�universities�on�a�range�of�published�research�criteria.

The�University�Ranking�of�Academic�Performance�lists�universities�on�criteria�including�citation,�impact�and�journal�standing.

Griffith�University�was�ranked�the�10th-best�performer�on�a�national�level�and�sits�inside�the�top�300�on�world�rankings.

Ranked�in�39�of�the�61�subjects�and�disciplines,�Griffith�University�was�placed�in�the�global�top�100�in�Nursing�(11),�Commerce�Management,�Tourism�and�Services�(29),�Law�&�Legal�Studies�(36),��International�Relations�(37),�Marine�Sciences�(48),�Education�(53),�Sociology�(53),�Studies�in�Human�Society�(57),�Human�Movement�&�Sports�Sciences�(58),�Business�(69),�Environmental�Sciences�(78),�and�Environmental�Engineering�(92).

In�other�news,�Griffith�University�earned�a�top-50�placing�in�the�Times Higher Education�Asia–Pacific�University�Rankings�2018.

The�Asia–Pacific�rankings�were�first�introduced�in�2017�and�consider�the�research�and�teaching�efforts�of�more�than�250�leading�universities�from�the�region,�with�Griffith�consolidating�its�position�at�43rd�in�2018.

Then�in�September,�The Australian�Higher�Education�Supplement�produced�rankings�identifying�the�top�Australian�universities�for�leadership�across�250�individual�research�fields�and�the�leading�researchers�within�those�fields.�Griffith�was�ranked�at�seventh�in�Australia�on�both�tables—demonstrating�leadership�in�10�research�fields�and�having�10�researchers�who�are�leaders�in�their�respective�fields.

The�University�also�maintained�its�251–300�ranking�in�the�Times�HE�World�University�Rankings�released�in�September,�achieving�its�highest-�ever�total�score�while�improving�on�all�five�main�indicators:�teaching;�research;�citations;�international�outlook;�and�industry�income.�

‘These�results�are�reflective�of�the�world-class�expertise�and�dedicated�work�ethic�that�blooms�in�abundance�across�our�schools�and�research�and�academic�centres,’�said�Vice�Chancellor�and�President�Professor�Ian�O’Connor�AC.‘Recognition as the Nature Index

Rising Star 2018 acknowledges that Griffith University researchers are providing far-reaching solutions to global challenges.’

Griffith Magazine | 2018 EDITION

31 GRIFFITH RESEARCH

THE CONSERVATION CRUSADER

Dr�Gurung�received�a�PhD�(Conservation�Tourism�and�Protected�Areas)�from�Griffith�University�in�2008.�Previously�he�completed�bachelor’s�and�master’s�(Hons)�degrees—specialising�in�Parks,�Recreation�and�Tourism—at�Lincoln�University�in�New�Zealand.�In�2014,�he�received�the�Australian�Alumni�Award�for�Community�Service�in�the�Austrade�Nepal�Australia�Alumni�Excellence�Awards.�

He�retains�fond�memories�of�Griffith,�where�he�was�president�of�the�Griffith�University�Nepal�Club�and�a�member�of�the�Nepalese�Association�of�Queensland.�He�maintains�a�strong�relationship�with�the�University�via�field�courses�in�both�ecotourism�and�conservation�biology�in�Nepal.

His�professional�career�began�in�1986,�when�he�served�as�a�Conservation�Officer�and�later�Conservation�Education�and�Extension�Officer�for�ACAP,�under�the�auspices�of�the�National�Trust�for�Nature�Conservation�in�Nepal.�ACAP�has�received�several�major�awards�for�its�work�in�the�fragile�Himalayan�environment.

From�1997–2004,�Dr�Gurung�worked�for�the�United�Nations�Development�Program�as�its�National�Program�Manager�of�the�Sustainable�Community�Development�Program,�otherwise�known�as�Nepal�Capacity�21.�He�was�also�instrumental�in�the�formulation�of�the�Sustainable�Development�Agenda�for�Nepal�at�the�National�Planning�Commission,�chaired��by�the�Prime�Minister�of�Nepal.

Dr�Gurung�was�CEO�of�Bird�Conservation�Nepal�from�2009–12�before�forming�the�Himalayan�Sustainable�Future�Foundation.�He�has�worked�on�a�number�of�projects��for�the�Government�of�Nepal.

‘One�of�my�roles�has�been�to�provide�leadership�on�resource�management�between�villages,’�said�Dr�Gurung.��‘This�involves�preservation�and�cultivation�processes,�as�well�as�moves�to�cater��for�the�influx�and�impact�of�tens�of�thousands�of�tourists�each�year.�

‘We’ve�also�introduced�innovations�such��as�micro-power�stations,�and�we�continue�to�lead�education�and�research�programs.’

Since�September�2015,�Dr�Gurung�has�been�Network�&�Partner�Development�Manager�for�BirdLife�International,�based�in�Singapore�and�supporting�BirdLife�Asia’s�partners�in�16�countries.

He�is�also�Asia�Coordinator�for�Forests�of�Hope,�a�landscape�level�conservation�program�operating�in�Cambodia,�Indonesia,�Malaysia,�the�Philippines�and�Vietnam.�Furthermore,�he�has�made�impressive�contributions�to�the�UN�Convention�on�Biological�Diversity�and�the�UN�Framework�Convention�on�Climate�Change.

‘Climate�change�is�the�most�challenging�issue�facing�our�mountain�areas,’�said��Dr�Gurung.�‘We�need�to�adapt�to�ensure�the�continued�balance�of�nature�conservation�and�the�local�community.’

The�beautiful�Nepali�village�of�Sikles�sits�at�an�elevation�of�about�2000�metres�and�is�backdropped�by�the�spectacular�Himalayan�peaks�of�Annapurna�II�and�Lamjung�Himal.�It’s�also�the�birthplace�of�esteemed�international�environmentalist�and�Griffith�University�alumnus�Dr�Hum�Gurung.

Only�the�third�person�in�this�village�of�4000�to�receive�a�PhD,�Dr�Gurung�has�dedicated�his�professional�life�to�environmental�conservation.�Yet�for�one�who�has�achieved�so�much�in�his�field,��it’s�difficult�to�imagine�Dr�Gurung�may�have�pursued�a�career�as�a�soldier.

‘My�childhood�dream,�like�so�many�other�‘hill�boys’�in�Nepal,�was�to�become�a�Gurkha�soldier.�The�Gurkhas�have�such�a�formidable�reputation�at�home�and�internationally.��It�would�have�been�a�great�honour�to�serve,’�he�said.

‘However,�after�high�school�I�studied�civil�engineering�in�Kathmandu�and�that�was�where�I�saw�a�notice�about�the�Annapurna�Conservation�Area�Project�(ACAP).��My�conservation�ideas�and�ideals�really�began�at�that�point.’

From a tiny village in Nepal to major projects throughout the world, Dr Hum Gurung has dedicated his life to environmental conservation.

Dr�Hum�Gurung�has�dedicated�his�professional�life�to�wide-ranging�issues�around�the�environment�and�sustainability

‘We’ve also introduced innovations such as micro-power stations, and we continue to lead education and research programs.’

Griffith Magazine | 2018 EDITION

32CONSERVATION CRUSADER

In�an�interview�for�Griffith�University’s�Health Check�monthly�publication,�Ajitha�Naidu�Sugnanam�(pictured�below)�spoke�with�humility�and�determination�about�her�desire�to�enable�healthier,�happier�lives.

As�a�dentist�working�in�the�military,�and�as�a�health�services�volunteer,�Ajitha�has�been�able�to�ease�the�pain�and�improve�health�conditions�for�thousands�of�people�in�Australia�and�internationally.

‘I�wanted�a�career�as�a�health�clinician�to�help�alleviate�people’s�pain,�so�I�accepted�a�late�scholarship�with�the�Australian�Defence�Force�(ADF)�to�complete�dentistry,’�she�said.

Her�commitment�has�continued,�so�much�so�that�in�2016�Ajitha�was�named�Griffith�Health’s�Outstanding�Alumnus�of�the�Year,�while�in�2018�she�was�a�finalist�in�the�Outstanding�Young�Alumnus�category�of�the�inaugural�Griffith�University�Outstanding�Alumni�Awards.

Ajitha�graduated�with�a�Bachelor�of�Oral�Health�in�Dental�Science�in�2008�and�a�Graduate�Diploma�of�Dentistry�in�2010.

Her�altruistic�qualities�were�quickly�apparent�at�Griffith,�where�she�represented�the�Hope4Health�student�initiative�that�raises�money�and�promotes�health�equality�for�all,�especially�in�areas�of�greatest�need.

After�joining�the�ADF,�Ajitha�was�deployed�to�clinics�both�nationally�and�abroad.�These�included�a�stint�in�Fregon,�South�Australia,�where�she�was�part�of�the�Army�Aboriginal�Community�Assistance�Program.

‘After�completing�my�minimum�period�of�service�to�the�ADF,�I�decided�to�stay�on�because�although�my�work�is�sometimes�challenging,�it�is�always�incredibly�rewarding,’�she�said.

Now�a�Squadron�Leader—and�one�of�only�a�handful�of�dentists�Australia-wide�to�have�attained�the�rank—Ajitha�strives�for�excellence�in�her�chosen�profession�of�dentistry.�At�the�same�time,�she�continues�to�instigate�important�humanitarian�work.

THE HUMBLE HUMANITARIANFrom�2011–2013,�Ajitha�volunteered�in�Vietnam,�India�and�Cambodia,�where,�in�conjunction�with�NGOs,�she�assessed�and�treated�hundreds�of�children.�She�has�returned�to�India�annually�on�self-funded�expeditions,�maximising�exposure�to�basic�healthcare�in�remote�areas.

In�2014,�Ajitha�took�part�in�a�humanitarian�mission�to�Nepal,�teaching�dental�procedures�to�medical�interns.�The�following�year,�she�spent�her�annual�leave�establishing�a�temporary�community�health�camp�in�Nizamabad,�India,�where�15�clinicians�and�60�volunteers�provided�free�medical�and�dental�services�to�more�than�2500�people.

Then�in�2016,�Ajitha�provided�a�similar�service�in�Bantumilli,�India,�to�offer��medical�and�dental�care�to�more�than�3000�patients.

Ajitha�said�her�humanitarian�journey,��as�well�as�her�professional�career,��began�at�Griffith.�And�she�remains�humble�to�the�last,�with�her�inspirational�actions�best�demonstrating�Ajitha’s�dedication��to�helping�others�and�making�a�real�difference�in�the�world.

‘I wanted a career as a health clinician to help alleviate people’s pain...’

Griffith Magazine | 2018 EDITION

33 HUMBLE HUMANITARIAN

GENDER POLICY HONOUR FOR SUSAN

Associate�Professor�Susan�Harris-Rimmer’s�(pictured�left)�commitment�to�improving�the�rights�and�opportunities�of�women�and�girls�was�honoured�in�2018�when�she�was�named�in�Apolitical’s�list�of�the�world’s�100�Most�Influential�People�in�Gender�Policy.

The�list�honours�and�celebrates�women�and�men�making�the�world�more�equitable,�whether�they�exert�influence�through�policymaking,�research�or�advocacy.

Growing�up�in�the�the�small�rural�NSW�town�of�Coonabarabran,�the�young�Susan�had�no�knowledge�of�university�life�or�the�business�of�government.

‘Education�transformed�my�life.�I�want�to�help�other�rural�girls�achieve�whatever�they�can�imagine,�to�open�up�horizons�of�choice�and�ambition,’�she�said.

‘My�research�and�policy�work�is�grounded�in�the�women’s�movement�in�Australia�and�the�region.�I�want�my�work�to�be�connected,�useful,�and�to�generate�ideas�for�advocacy.

‘It�is�a�privilege�to�make�sure�the�experience�of�women�and�girls�surviving�conflict,�building�peace�and�seeking��justice�is�recorded,�analysed�and,�above��all,�celebrated.’

Susan�is�an�Associate�Professor�with�the�Griffith�Law�School�and�an�Australian�Research�Council�Future�Fellow.�

She�has�worked�for�the�UN�Women�National�Committee�Australia�and�is�currently�on�the�board�of�the�Refugee�Council�of�Australia.

Apolitical�is�a�renowned�global�platform�and�its�annual�list�acknowledges�pioneering�people�across�seven�categories:�Public�Service,�Politics,�Academia,�Philanthropy,�International�organisations,�NGOs��and�Advocacy.

Since�2001,�Griffith�University�has�been�recognised�by�the�Australian�Government�as�an�Employer�of�Choice�for�Women,�thus�acknowledging�its�commitment�to,�and�best�practice�in,�promoting�gender�equality.

JOURNALIST OF THE FUTURE THRIVES ON DIVERSITYIn�a�world�of�constant�change,�Amy�Mitchell-Whittington�(pictured�right)�has�some�words�of�advice�for�the�journalists�of�the�future.�‘Diversity�is�key.�Don’t�be�concerned�by�the�negative�chatter�about�the�state�of�journalism,’�she�said.�

‘Our�world�is�in�a�constant�state�of�change,�we�just�have�to�be�adaptable�enough�to�change�with�it.�Embrace�it,�learn�from�it,�and�use�it�to�make�yourself�a�better�journalist.’

Such�motivation�has�helped�build�Amy’s�promising�career�since�she�graduated�with�a�Bachelor�of�Journalism�from�Griffith�University�just�four�years�ago,�so�much�so�that�she�was�named�New�Journalist�of�the�Year�at�the�2018�Queensland�Clarion�Awards�for�her�work�as�a�journalist�at�the�Brisbane�Times.�

The�award�follows�the�success�of�fellow�Griffith�graduate�Chris�McMahon,�who�was�named�New�Journalist�of�the�Year�in�2017�for�his�series�of�exposes�on�Queensland’s�parole�and�probation�system.��

Amy,�who�is�currently�freelancing�in�Berlin,�said�she�decided�to�study�journalism�because�she�loved�listening�to�other�people’s�stories.�‘I�initially�wanted�to�turn�those�stories�into�short�films,�which�is�why�I�completed�my�first�degree�in�Film�and�Screen�Media�(at�Griffith�in�2007),’�she�said.�‘I�can’t�say�what�made�me�exactly�want�to�study�journalism,�but�I�was�hooked�from�my�very�first�class.

Amy�says�it’s�people�that�keep�her�motivated�at�a�journalist.�‘The�people�I�write�for,�the�people�I�write�about�and�the�people�I�write�with,’�she�said.�

‘All�of�my�interviews�are�memorable�in�some�way�or�another.�From�parents�who’ve�just�lost�their�child,�to�domestic�violence�survivors�speaking�out�against�the�pain�to�communities�banding��together�to�make�their�plot�better.�Working�as�a�journalist�has�taught��me�to�never�presume�to�know�how��a�story�will�turn�out,�what�path�an�interview�will�take,�what�will�happen��once�someone�opens�their�mouth��or�picks�up�the�phone.’

Griffith Magazine | 2018 EDITION

34GENDER EQUALITY

GRIFFITH SCIENTISTS SHINE AT YOUNG TALL

POPPY AWARDS

‘It’s wonderful to be recognised for the effort that goes into our research.’

Emerging�scientists�at�Griffith�University�have�been�recognised�as�winners�at�the�Queensland�Young�Tall�Poppy�Science�Awards�for�2018.

Three�researchers�based�at�Griffith�Science�and�another�at�Griffith�Health�received�their�awards�from�the�Queensland�Chief�Scientist.

The�four�academics�recognised�were�Dr�Michelle�Langley,�Dr�Qilin�Wang,�Dr�Roisin�McMahon�and�Dr�Michael�Simmonds.

The�Young�Tall�Poppy�Awards�were�initiated�by�the�Australian�Institute��of�Policy�and�Science�to�promote�excellence�in�research,�innovation��and�the�communication�of�science.

Dr�Michelle�Langley�is�an�Australian�Research�Centre�for�Human�Evolution�archaeologist�and�a�DECRA�Research�Fellow�at�the�Environmental�Futures�Research�Institute�(EFRI).�Her�research�focuses�on�bone�technology�and�learning�more�about�children�of�the�Ice�Age.

‘It’s�wonderful�to�be�recognised�for�the�effort�that�goes�into�our�research�and��the�role�in�communicating�that�work��to�the�public’,�she�said.

Innovative�technologies�for�urban�water�and�wastewater�management�represent�the�core�area�of�Dr�Qilin�Wang’s�work�at�the�School�of�Engineering,�Centre�for�Clean�Environment�and�EFRI.

Dr�Roisin�McMahon�works�on�drug�resistance�and�infectious�diseases�at�the�Griffith�Institute�for�Drug�Discovery,�where�her�passion�is�in�targeting��proteins�in�bacterial�pathogenesis��to�develop�new�antimicrobial�drugs��for�life-threatening�infections.

‘I�love�sharing�my�research�through�storytelling,�and�so�to�be�recognised�for�both�my�science�and�my�role�as�a�communicator�is�an�absolute�honour,’��she�said.

Award�winner�Dr�Michael�Simmonds,�Head�of�Griffith’s�Biorheology�Research�Laboratory,�is�researching�the�biophysical�and�biochemical�properties�of�blood�cells,�and�how�artificial�medical�devices�affect�the�property�of�bloods�and�ultimately�disrupt�blood�flow�in�the�body.

HIGH-TECH HELP FOR

BRAIN TUMOUR PATIENTS

Griffith�University�researchers�are�studying�the�latest�“telehealth”�technology�to�offer�psychological�support�to�people�with�brain�tumours�and�their�loved�ones.

Jointly�funded�by�the�National�Health�and�Medical�Research�Council�and�Cancer�Council�Queensland,�the�world-first�study�is�led�by�Professor�Tamara�Ownsworth�at�Griffith’s�Menzies�Health�Institute�Queensland.

With�“telehealth”�technology,�people�with�brain�tumours�can�receive�tailored�counselling�in��the�comfort�of�their�own�homes.

The�Making�Sense�of�Brain�Tumour�(MAST)�program�employs�Zoom�video-conferencing�technology�to�enable�clinical�psychologists�to�provide�targeted�support�for�people�with�brain�tumours�and��their�families,�addressing�the�specific�issues�they�face.

On�average,�six�Australians�are�diagnosed�each�day�with�brain�and�other�central�nervous�system�cancers.�Brain�cancer�currently�has�a�five-year�survival�rate�of�only��25�per�cent�and�has�the�largest�lifetime�cost—$1.9�million�per�person—of�any�cancer�in�Australia.

‘Cancer�or�tumours�in�the�brain�pose�a�double�threat�to�one’s�survival�and�sense�of�self,�with�threat�and�uncertainty�often�being�at�the�centre�of�people’s�distress,’�said�Professor�Ownsworth.

The�study�aims�to�recruit�120�participants�with�a�primary�brain�tumour�aged�between�18–75.�

‘This�telehealth�intervention�will�take�a�person-centered�approach,’�said�Professor�Ownsworth.�‘Every�person�is�different�when�they�have�a�brain�tumour,�and�our�intervention�aims�to�really�explore�the�impact�that�the�illness�has�on�everyday�life�and�what�matters�most�to�those�affected.’

L–R:�Dr�Qilin�Wang,�Professor�Rod�Barrett,�Professor�Jenny�Martin�AO,�Dr�Roisin�McMahon,�Professor�David�Lloyd,�Dr�Michelle�Langley,�Professor�Andrew�Smith�and�Dr�Michael�Simmonds

Griffith Magazine | 2018 EDITION

35 GRIFFITH SCIENTISTS SHINE

GOLD COAST TOURISMBikash�Randhawa�(pictured�above)�describes�tourism�as�a�race�with�no�finishing�line.�Even�so,�it’s�better�to��be�out�in�front.

In�the�past�25�years,�mainly�through�his�association�with�Sea�World�Resort,��Bikash�has�become�one�of�the�Gold�Coast’s�most�avid,�loyal�and�influential�advocates.�The�irony�is�he�once�may�not�have�come�here�at�all.

Born�in�the�Indian�city�of�Kolkata,�Bikash�initially�planned�to�pursue�a�career�in�the�US.�That�was�when�his�brother-in-law�stepped�in.

‘He�said�South-East�Queensland�was�going�to�be�incredible�and�that�I�should�come��to�Australia�first.�He�talked�about�the�air,�the�lifestyle,�the�potential�and�the�cricket,�the�cricket,�the�cricket.�I�was�persuaded,’�said�Bikash,�who,�just�to�dispel�any�lingering�doubt,�loves�cricket.

‘However,�the�drive�from�the�airport�that�first�day�wasn’t�very�inspiring�as�far�as�first�impressions�go.�I�even�called�my�parents�back�in�India�to�suggest�I�might�have�made�the�wrong�decision.�They�said�to�give�it�time�and�I’m�so�glad�I�did.�This�city�has�been�the�making�of�me.’

Bikash’s�Gold�Coast�story�is�a�quintessential�example�of�success�built�from�the�ground�up,�beginning�with�studying�a�Bachelor�of�Hotel�Management�at�Griffith�University.�He�graduated�in�1996.

Having�joined�Sea�World�Resort�in�1995��as�a�casual�waiter�in�the�Food�and�Beverage�section,�there�were�some�awkward�moments�as�Bikash�took�his�first�steps�on�the�corporate�ladder.�A�dropped�tray�of�champagne�flutes�at�a�wedding�was�one�mishap;�slipping�over�and�ending�up�beneath�a�tray�of�lobsters�was�another.

Still,�over�the�years,�a�combination�of�resolve,�self-belief�and�willingness�to�learn�saw�Bikash�given�increasingly�challenging�roles�at�Sea�World,�including�Food�and�Beverage�Manager,�Executive�Assistant�Manager�and�Resort�Manager.

In�December�2011,�he�became�General�Manager�for�Village�Roadshow�Theme�Parks.�Then�in�June�2017,�Bikash�was�appointed�Village�Roadshow’s�Executive�General�Manager�(Hospitality,�Sales�and�Marketing),�Business�Development�and�Resort.�In�2018,�he�became�Chief�Operating�Officer�for�Village�Roadshow�Theme�Parks�and�Resort�for�Australia.

It’s�a�vital�position�in�an�iconic�company,�and�is�particularly�relevant�to�the�Gold�Coast�as�it�continues�to�mature.�

‘The�Gold�Coast�has�matured,�is�maturing,�and�this�ongoing�journey�will�be�exciting,’�he�said.�‘However,�it�also�important�for��the�city�to�retain�its�unique�charisma,��its�warmth�and�sense�of�welcome.�

‘Those�are�the�qualities�that�kept�me�here�in�the�first�place,�and�they�simply�do�not�get�old�or�go�out�of�date.’

DIGITAL CAMPUS MEETS GROWING NEEDIn�meeting�the�needs�of�a�rapidly�changing�world,�Griffith�University�has�launched�a�Digital�campus.

Already�the�University’s�third-largest�campus,�the�Digital�campus�builds�on�Griffith’s�extensive�presence�across�Southeast�Queensland.

‘During�the�past�10�years,�the�world�has�seen�a�rapid�uptake�of�online�learning�and�Griffith�University�has�been�to�the�forefront�of�this�educational�revolution�in�Australia,’�said�Professor�Debra�Henly,��Deputy�Vice�Chancellor�(Academic).

The�educational�infrastructure��of�Griffith�University�has�been�consistently�updated�to�meet��the�new�and�emerging�needs��of�the�21st-century�student,�culminating�with�the�launch��of�the�Digital�campus.

This�sixth�campus�is�focusing�on�and�catering�for�modern�students�undertaking�online�programs.�The�particular�needs�of�part-time�students,�for�example,�will�inform�the�design�and�delivery�of�new�and�current�programs�on�offer�through�the�Digital�campus.�

Griffith Magazine | 2018 EDITION

36GOLD COAST TOURISM

POSITIVE DIAGNOSIS FOR PARTNERS IN MEDICINE

INDIGENOUS STUDY TOUR INSPIRES REBECCAA�passion�for�working�in�complex�trauma�populations�was�affirmed�when�Griffith�University�Bachelor�of�Psychology�graduate�Rebecca�Simpson�completed�the�Aurora�Indigenous�Scholars�International�Study�Tour.

Rebecca�visited�some�of�the�world’s�most�prestigious�universities,�including�Oxford�and�Cambridge�in�the�UK,��and�Harvard�and�Stanford�in�the�US,�all�part�of�an�initiative�that�encourages�high-achieving�Indigenous�students.

Though�based�on�the�Gold�Coast,�Rebecca�is�part�of�South�Australia’s�Indigenous�Kaurna�community.�She�said�the�Aurora�tour�was�an�exceptional�opportunity,�one�of�many�made�available�during�her�time�at�Griffith.�

Along�the�way�she�has�built�up�her�work�experience�with�placements�in�areas�including�gender-based�violence,��human�trafficking,�asylum�seeker��and�refugee�issues.

‘In�2015,�I�completed�a�three-month�internship�as�an�International�Humanitarian�Aid�Worker�with�Red�Cross�International,�working�in�conjunction��with�the�UN�Women�on�a�project�to�eliminate�gender-based�violence.

‘Then�in�June�2017,�I�travelled�to�Mexico�City�to�take�part�in�the�Immigration�and�Human�Rights�in�Society�course�at�La�Salle�University,�to�learn�about�the�human�rights�issues�and�violations�being�experienced�in�Mexico.�More�specifically,�issues�facing�migrants,�refugees,�asylum�seekers�and�victims�of�human�trafficking.

‘I�am�forever�changed�by�these�experiences.�I�approach�psychology�and�psychological�research�with�an�intellectual�humility�that�drives�me�to�understand�the�issues�specific�to�each�and�every�country�and�community��I�encounter,�including�my�own.’

Marriage�and�studying�together�have�created�the�perfect�prescription�for�Griffith�University�medical�students�Michael�and�Carissa�Holland�(pictured�right).

The�newlyweds�from�the�Gold�Coast�are�both�studying�a�Doctor�of�Medicine�and�are�passionate�about�their�chosen�profession.�

Taking�part�in�a�year-long�placement�at�the�Kingaroy�Hospital�on�Queensland’s�Darling�Downs—as�part�of�the�rural�Longlook�program—the�couple�quickly�grew�accustomed�to�running�into�each�other�during�rotations.

‘The�great�thing�about�doing�a�rural�placement�is�that�you�get�lots�of�real�hands-on�experience�with�our�own�assigned�patients�and�thinking�of�our��own�management�and�treatment�plans,’�said�Michael.�‘You�don’t�always�get�that�working�as�a�student�doctor�in�the�more�metropolitan�hospitals.�

Here�we�have�the�good�fortune�to�be�one-on-one�with�our�supervisors�and�can�undertake�lots�of�patient�interaction,�which�is�great.’

Carissa�said�she�relished�the�experience��of�working�in�a�rural�community.�‘I�am��very�passionate�about�mental�health�and�am�interested�in�a�career�in�psychiatry,’��she�said.�

‘Working�in�Kingaroy�has�deepened�my�awareness�of�the�many�factors�influencing�mental�health�within�a�rural�setting.’

Michael�and�Carissa�met�during�the��first�year�of�their�respective�undergraduate�programs.�‘Coming�to�Griffith�to�study�medicine�is�a�fantastic�opportunity��for�Carissa�and�me,’�said�Michael.�

‘We�have�different�strengths�which�allow�us�to�support�one�another�through�the�challenges�we�face.’

Griffith�University�Bachelor�of�Psychology�graduate�Rebecca�Simpson

Griffith Magazine | 2018 EDITION

37 PERFECT PRESCRIPTION

$1M BEQUEST IS A GIFT FOR THE GIFTED

Emily�Reinhardt’s�gift�has�established�an�annual�piano�scholarship�and�is�a�remarkable�indication�of�her�passion�for�music�education�and�for�supporting�the�great�musicians�of�the�future.

Emily’s�husband,�Peter,�came�from�a�famous�artistic�family�in�Austria.�Founders�of�the�famed�Salzburg�Festival�and�involved�in�film�and�theatre,�they�also�shared�the�family�castle�as�a�meeting�place�for�writers,�actors�and�composers.�The�castle�later�provided�the�setting�for�the�iconic�film�The Sound of Music.

Like�many�people�of�Jewish�descent,�Peter�was�forced�to�flee�Austria�during�WWII.�He�found�refuge�in�the�Netherlands,�where�he�met�Emily.�The�couple�migrated�to�Australia�in�1950�and�started�a�new�life�on�the�Gold�Coast.

After�the�fall�of�the�Berlin�Wall,�the�German�government�compensated�the�Reinhardt�family.�Emily�and�Peter�decided�to�gift�their�share�of�the�inheritance�to�help�foster�the�careers�of�young�musicians.

‘This�gift�will�create�opportunities�for�the�most�talented�musicians�in�Australia�to�pursue�their�studies�at�Griffith,’�said�Griffith�University�Deputy�Vice�Chancellor�(Engagement)�Professor�Martin�Betts.

‘This�generous�endowment�will�benefit��many�generations�of�piano�students�and�reflects�the�importance�of�the�arts�to��our�donors�and�the�broader�community.’

The�scholarship�is�open�to�entrance-�level�undergraduate�students�and�provides�an�annual�stipend�for�the�duration�of�their�study.�

Queensland�Conservatorium�Director�Professor�Scott�Harrison�said�the�gift�would�be�life-changing�for�students�of�the�Conservatorium:�‘Music�played�an�incredibly�important�role�in�Emily�Reinhardt’s�life.�Her�generous�gift�will�have�a�very�real�impact�on�our�students.’

Find�out�how�to�create�a�lasting�legacy�through�your�will�at�griffith.edu.au/giving

REUNION MARKS 40 YEARS OF

GRIFFITH PHDSForty�years�of�PhDs�at�Griffith�University�and�70�years�of�PhDs�in�Australia�inspired��a�dual�celebration�in�September�2018.

In�Brisbane,�PhD�and�Higher�Degree�Research�(HDR)�alumni�gathered�to�mark�the�University’s�achievements�and�its�growing�status�as�a�research�institute.

Among�the�guests�was�Griffith’s�first�PhD�graduate,�Professor�Peter�Coaldrake�AO�DUniv,�who�recalled�academic�life�as�a�doctoral�student�at�the�University’s��Nathan�campus�some�40�years�ago.

‘I�had�a�great�supervisor,�Arthur�Brownlea,�who�was�diligent�and�gave�me�some�really�good�advice.�I�wrote�my�PhD�in�about��two-and-a-half�years�and�finished�it�just�before�Christmas�Day,’�he�said.

‘I�showed�Arthur�the�last�three�pages�and�he�said:�‘It’s�rubbish,�you’re�exhausted,�go�away,�have�a�break�and�then�come�back�after�New�Year�and�finish�it.’�When�I�returned,�I�managed�to�work�through�some�of�the�difficulties�in�my�paper�and�thank�Arthur�for�it,�because�we�all�know�how�important�supervisors�are�and�should�be.’

Professor�Coaldrake�went�on�to�have�a�long�and�successful�career�and�until�recently�was�Vice�Chancellor�of�Queensland�University�of�Technology.�He�is�also�a�dual�Fulbright�scholar,�an�Order�of�Australia�recipient,�Queensland�Great�and�author.

Since�Professor�Coaldrake’s�inaugural�PhD,�today�Griffith�awards�an�average�of�320�PhDs�each�year.

Griffith�University’s�Vice�Chancellor�and�President�Professor�Ian�O’Connor�AC�said�he�was�proud�of�the�University’s�record,�and�Griffith’s�PhD�and�HDR�alumni�were�proof�of�its�achievements.

L-R:�Vice�Chancellor�and�President�Professor�Ian�O’Connor�AC,�Professor�Peter�Coaldrake�AO�DUniv�and�Deputy�Vice�Chancellor�(Engagement)�Professor�Martin�Betts

In an extraordinary act of generosity, a $1 million bequest to the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University will benefit generations of gifted young musicians.

Emily�and�Peter�Reinhardt

Griffith Magazine | 2018 EDITION

38ALUMNI

STAY CONNECTEDGriffith University’s alumni are found throughout the world and are succeeding in all areas of life.

Maintaining�connections�with�our�alumni,�students,�industry�partners�and�many�other�friends�affirms�that�university�degrees�are�not�just�an�education,��but�are�the�foundation�of�a�partnership�that�continues�for�life.�

Each�year,�Griffith�University�hosts�alumni�networking�events�to�engage�with�graduates,�staff�and�friends�across�the�world.�In�recent�times,�we�have�visited�cities�including�Jakarta,�Singapore,�Los�Angeles,�Hong�Kong,�Beijing,�Sydney,�Melbourne�and�Canberra.

Through�the�Development�and�Alumni�Office,�we�encourage�you�to�update�your�details�to�ensure�you�stay�in�touch,�and�stay�connected,�with�Griffith�University.

There are several convenient communications options:

P�(07)�5552�7218E�alumni@griffith.edu.auW griffith.edu.au/development-alumni�

�� facebook.com/griffithalumni�

� twitter.com/griffithalumni�

� instagram.com/griffithalumni

� linkedin.com/groups/104312�

STUDENTS FEEL THE IMPACT OF GENEROUS DONORS

A trip to Bank Australia’s Gold Coast campus reinforced the importance of investing in the future of Griffith University students.

Help�is�on�its�way�for�six�more�students�after�Bank�Australia�doubled�its�donation�to�Griffith�University’s�Students’�Future�Fund.�

The�$5000-a-year�donation�will�enable�students�to�pay�for�the�essentials�of�university�and�daily�life,�allowing�them�to�concentrate�on�their�studies�and�pursue�their�dreams.�

Bank�Australia’s�Gold�Coast�Campus�Service�Centre�Manager,�Rob�Patterson,�said�it�was�important�to�support�local�students,�also�reflecting�the�bank’s�ongoing�support�of�Griffith�University.

‘We�are�very�happy�to�continue�our�support�of�the�program�and�are�always�pleased�to�hear�how�our�contribution�helps�students,’�he�said.

Griffith�scholarship�recipients�Maylea�Moreno-Uccetta�and�Zakarye�Dib�recently�met�the�Gold�Coast-based�team.�They�talked�about�how�the�scholarship�helped�them�continue�their�education�and�excel�in�their�studies.�

Maylea�said�the�scholarship�had�an�enormous�impact�on�her�life.

‘Receiving�a�scholarship�through�the�Students’�Future�Fund�has�really�helped�me�with�my�living�expenses,�as�I�had�to�take�time�off�work�to�look�after�my�grandfather�who�was�diagnosed�with�cancer�last�year,’�she�said.

The�Bank�Australia�donation�provides�two�students�with�a�full�scholarship�each�year�for�the�next�three�years.

Zakarye�said�it�was�difficult�to�quantify�the�different�ways�the�scholarship�helped�him,�and�he�hoped�to�become�a�donor�himself�one�day.

‘The�impact�goes�so�much�further�than�anyone�knows,’�he�said.

‘It�has�been�a�great�help�to�me�with�the�circumstances�I�face�and�has�made�a�huge�change�to�my�future—reminding�me�there�are�people�who�want�to�help,�and�my�efforts�will�not�go�unrewarded.’

Griffith�scholarship�recipients�Zakarye�Dib�and�Maylea�Moreno-Uccetta�receive�a�donation�from�Bank�Australia’s�Rob�Patterson

Find out how to support students like Maylea and Zakarye by visiting griffith.edu.au/annual-appeal

Griffith Magazine | 2018 EDITION

39 ALUMNI

MESSAGE FROM THE DEPUTY VICE CHANCELLOR

MESSAGE FROM THE DEPUTY VICE CHANCELLOR

2018 has been another extraordinary year and it’s been wonderful to revisit the highlights in our annual community magazine.

Griffith’s�history-making�official�partnership�with�the�Gold�Coast�2018�Commonwealth�Games�was�unforgettable.�Team�Griffith�performed�brilliantly,�with�our�students�and�alumni�collecting�a�record�40�medals.�Away�from�competition,�more�than�500�of�our�students�and�so�many�of�our�staff�were�afforded�unique�career�and�study�opportunities�during�our�three-year�relationship�with�GOLDOC,�the�event’s�organising�committee.

As�I�visit�our�campuses,�it’s�clear�the�University�is�very�well�engaged�externally,�including�with�the�community.�Meanwhile,�continuing�to�embrace�our�alumni,�industry�partners,�stakeholders�and�supporters�yields�outstanding�friendships,�partnerships�and�affiliations.

Engaging�with�more�than�200,000�of�our�alumni�in�more�than�145�countries,�our�events�and�initiatives�empower�them�to�connect�with�each�other�and�the�University,�and�to�share�and�celebrate�their�stories.�And�we�are�now�recognising�their�remarkable�achievements�through�our�University-wide�Outstanding�Alumni�Awards�program.

It�is�also�truly�inspiring�to�see�first-hand�the�remarkable�spirit�of�generosity�that�is�helping�produce�such�positive�outcomes�for�our�students�challenged�by�personal��or�financial�hardships.

To�that�end,�I’m�delighted�to�report�that,�through�the�generosity�of�our�community,�the�University�has�raised�a�record�$115,000�so�far�this�year�through�its�Annual�Appeal.�This�means�that�in�2019,�a�record�number�of�life-changing�scholarships�will�be�possible�through�the�support�of�230�exceptional�donors�to��our�Annual�Appeal�and�the�fast-growing�Staff�Giving�Program,�which�now�has��more�than�250�donors.

Professor�Martin�Betts,�Deputy�Vice�Chancellor�(Engagement)

The�generosity�of�our�donors�and�supporters�helps�us�do�the�remarkable�every�day.�Whether�it�is�funding�invaluable�research,�supporting�students�or�investing�in�educational�initiatives,�our�donors�make�dreams�a�reality�and�change�lives.�

Only�this�year,�the�Queensland�Conservatorium�Griffith�University�received�a�$1�million�bequest�from��Emily�and�Peter�Reinhardt,�and�our�total�funds�raised�will�be�at�record�levels�for��the�fourth�consecutive�year.�

The�generosity�of�the�Reinhardts�will�ensure�the�future�of�young�musicians�for�generations,�and�we�are�incredibly�grateful,�as�we�are�to�all�of�our�donors,��big�and�small.�Their�generosity�and�belief��in�the�University,�its�staff�and�students,��is�truly�remarkable.

In�closing,�once�again�I�have�enjoyed�meeting�so�many�proud�alumni�and�friends�at�the�many�events�during�the�year.��I�look�forward�to�meeting�many�more�in�what�I�know�will�be�an�even�more�remarkable�2019.

Griffith Magazine | 2018 EDITION

40

griffithreview.com

Griffith Review 62: All Being EqualThe sixth novella project explores the texture of equality in all its forms, bringing to life some of the big issues in the national narrative and the stories around them—stories about people, and purpose, and love.

Griffith Review 63: Writing the CountryPlace. Land. Country. Home. These words frame how we think about Australia’s vast raft of environments: how these places are changing and what they might become; what is flourishing and what is at risk.

Griffith Review 64: The New DisruptorsWhat are the consequences of digital disruption? Take a wide-ranging look at some of the upheavals and interruptions that have come with our increasingly technological world.

Griffith Review 65: Crimes and PunishmentsStories that brush with the law: from felons to forensics, from true crime to social justice, from corruption and criminology to Koori courts and other revolutionary reforms.

‘This is commentary of a high order. The prose is unfailingly polished; the knowledge and expertise of the writers impressive.’– Roy Williams, The Sydney Morning Herald

‘…an eclectic, thought-provoking and uniformly well-written collection.’– Justin Burke, The Australian

Look forward to 2019 with Griffith Review

Don’t miss out: subscribe now at griffithreview.com and save on the RRP!

Griffith’s Advanced Design and Prototyping Technologies Institute (ADaPT) is using world-first digital body twin research to improve spinal and neurological rehabilitation.

Pictured is Dr Dinesh Palipana, a Griffith medical graduate and Queensland’s first quadriplegic doctor, who is involved in the research project as both patient and researcher.

CRIC

OS�

No.

�002

33E�

�ISSN

�183

9-40

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