Staff awards 2012- winners gallery v2

Congratulations!Louise Dixon

2011 Senate Medal for exceptional service to the University

Louise Dixon

Secretary to Academic Council Office of Legal and Governance

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

I first joined Murdoch in January 2002, as Administrative Assistant in the School of Education. I worked in the School for five years before moving to the Office of Legal and Governance to take up the position of Secretary to the Academic Policy Committee, then a sub-committee of Academic Council.

In October 2008, I was seconded as Secretary to Academic Council and took on this role permanently in November 2010. Academic Council is the senior decision-making body on academic matters within the University, and plays a key governance role at Murdoch. In supporting this significant Committee, the Secretary to Academic Council makes an important contribution to the University community.

Congratulations!Louise Dixon


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

My position as Secretary to Academic Council brings me into contact with both Academic and Professional staff in many parts of the University. I would firstly like to acknowledge the support I receive from my colleagues in the Office of Legal and Governance, and especially the Secretariat Team. In particular, Trudi McGlade and former Secretary to Academic Council, Tamara Martin.

The way that information and ideas are shared among the team makes a direct contribution to my ability to fulfill my role. In addition, the knowledge and support provided by Faculty Support Coordinators and members of the Systems Management Group is of great assistance. Finally, I would like to thank the present President of Academic Council, A/Prof David Holloway and former President of Academic Council, Prof Bev Thiele for their support.

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

The current climate of change provides both a challenge and an opportunity for Academic and Professional staff to work together to enhance the reputation and standing of our University. I believe that the Murdoch community can unify to ensure that the University achieves its full potential. From a Professional staff perspective, I would like to see Murdoch provide more opportunities for further education, training and skill development.

You’ve won a 2011 Senate Medal. Please tell us what inspires you to go beyond the call of duty in your role at Murdoch?

I believe that what inspires me in my work at Murdoch is that I find it both stimulating and enjoyable. It is important for me to be challenged at work, and my current role certainly provides that motivation. I care about the good reputation of the University, and believe that I have a role to play in contributing to that reputation.

The last position I held prior to joining Murdoch was quiet and uninteresting, and I found it difficult to be inspired under those circumstances. I promised myself that I would not complain about being too busy again, and I hope I manage this most of the time!

Congratulations!Vicky Dodds


Vicky Dodds

Director of DevelopmentOffice of Development


I joined Murdoch University in 2003 as the Director of Development and since then I’ve worked with a growing team of people in the Office of Development to increase support for the University and its work from our alumni, from leading businesses and from philanthropists. The Murdoch University Foundation has played an important role in that work and in the last 10 years has raised more than $20 million to help fund students scholarships and prizes, new buildings and equipment, staff positions, research projects and community initiatives.

You’ve won a 2011 Senate Medal. Please tell us what inspires you to go beyond the call of duty in your role at Murdoch?

It’s easy to stay committed to the University and its work when I know how important that work is. It always amazes me when I hear about the range of fascinating research topics our staff work on. I also have the pleasure of working with very generous local philanthropists who trust the University to help them achieve their aims. I have been inspired by so many of these people that I have met over the last 8 years.

Congratulations!Vicky Dodds



It is my privilege to work with a great team of people who all help to develop strong relationships with our University colleagues and people and companies outside the University who want to make a difference. Everyone in the Office of Development, and all of our University colleagues, help to make that happen. People don’t give money to us to help the University; they give money to us to help change the world!


As Murdoch heads towards its 40 year anniversary, I’d like to see more awareness of the University in the general community and in particular a greater understanding of how much is achieved by our staff in providing benefits back to the community through teaching, research and community projects.

Congratulations!Deborah Hamblin

2012 Vice Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Services

Deborah Hamblin

Library ManagerRockingham Regional Campus


I was employed by Murdoch University in 1978 so its been an eventful 34 years. During that time I have worked primarily in the University Library with secondments to Regional Development and Workplace Learning. When Rockingham opened I was the inaugural Library Manager and after a number of years out of libraries , I am now back as Manager of Regional Library Services looking after Rockingham and Peel.

The joint use Library at Rockingham is recognised internationally as “best practice”. Its contribution is critical to the Rockingham campus

Congratulations!Deborah Hamblin



I’ve been very fortunate to work with a great team at Rockingham and a very collaborative staff at South St. My library officers and Librarians will all go that extra mile and put up with my crazy plans for the future. I have a wonderful deputy Pim McCready who has worked with me at South St and at Rockingham…I can’t do it without her.

All the Rockingham staff, both academic and general all help each other out because of the remote location. I’m lucky to be part of such a great team.


There is an amazing amount of optimism this year and I’d really like to see that grow and be maintained. Id like to see us make the Rockingham campus a sustainable success and for Murdoch to be valued as a university that is prestigious and still values the people who are critical to its success.

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

I’ve always enjoyed the service element to Librarianship so the capacity to assist students and staff is the most enjoyable part of my job.

Many staff who have been at the university for a while become quite passionate about the university itself and as one of a smaller number of staff at the Rockingham campus I enjoy making sure that students get a great service that can encourage them to see the benefits of a smaller campus.

Congratulations!Sarah Gillett


Sarah Gillett

Personal Assistant School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences


I joined the Murdoch team in 1999 working in the On Campus Accommodation section of the University when it was then known as Student Village. During my time at the Village I worked in many different roles and it was a great experience as I got to meet and interact with students from all over the world who were coming to study at Murdoch and I am still friends with many of them today. In May 2007 I applied for an administrative role in the Veterinary Teaching Hospital and am lucky enough to have been here ever since. I consider myself extremely fortunate to have such a great place to come to work each day, as not everyone gets to cuddle puppies, kittens and maybe even a pony or two on a daily basis!

Congratulations!Sarah Gillett



The team of staff here at the Vet Hospital and School are amazing and I couldn’t do what I do without their continued support. I am privileged to work with such a dedicated, passionate and hardworking group of people who devote their lives to the welfare of animals and furthering the education of our Veterinary students.

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

I love my job here in the Veterinary Hospital as I get to see firsthand the amazing work that we do here.

Congratulations!Max Cake

2011 Vice Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching (General Teaching Excellence)

Max Cake

Associate Professor School of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology


I joined the School of Biological Sciences & Biotechnology in July 1978. For over 30+ years my main function has been to teach cell biology and biochemistry and to contribute to Murdoch’s research effort. I have served as Program Chair (several times), School Dean and as a member of the University Planning committee and Academic Council.

I have been a contributor to the development of a number of new courses now offered by the School and was instrumental in initiating an active international recruitment program that has, since 2000, resulted in an almost 10-fold increase in the number of international fee-paying students enrolling in courses offered by the School.

Congratulations!Max Cake

2011 Vice Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching

(General Teaching Excellence)


I’d like to thank my wife, Myra, for her constant support and encouragement. I am also grateful to all the academic, technical and administrative staff in the School of Biological Sciences & Biotechnology for providing such an enjoyable working environment and for developing a team-oriented approach in all that we do.


I’d like to see the continued development of a more inclusive interaction between the new administrative team and the staff and student body. I would be delighted if the achievements of the university and its staff were more highly valued in the community and I hope that the university continues to be recognised as an institution that cares for individuals.

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

I remember early in my academic career reading a statement on a colleague’s coffee cup. It read: “A student’s future is built upon the lessons taught by a few outstanding teachers”. I think we can all relate to our own student days when one or two outstanding teachers either enthused us to really engage with a subject or, in some cases, actually influenced our own career choice. Whilst I would not claim to be an outstanding teacher I have tried to be a positive influence for students during my time at Murdoch.

I have particularly enjoyed my interactions with both undergraduate and graduate students and have been privileged to see many of them make important contributions to this university and the community at large through their chosen endeavours.

Congratulations!Helen Davis



Helen Davis

Acting School Dean School of Psychology


I first came to Murdoch as an Associate Lecturer in Psychology in 1997. I am a Senior lecturer and Acting Dean of Psychology now. I have had two main roles as a teacher. The first is equipping students with a scientific research toolkit to enable them to identify and answer important questions about human minds and behaviour.

The second is building an understanding of the complex factors involved in constructing a human being, through my teaching in Developmental Psychology. I have also contributed over the years to Murdoch’s teaching-related policies and practices through various roles including academic chair, faculty and university learning and teaching committees.

Congratulations!Helen Davis




My whole family are educators – albeit in very different fields and with diverse approaches. I have been very fortunate to be surrounded by such creative, reflective and argumentative sources of inspiration. I must also acknowledge the School of Psychology for providing me with an abundance of opportunities to practice, refine and extend my teaching philosophy and techniques, and the students and tutors who have taken the trouble to share their constructive feedback and ideas. I am particularly grateful to Angela O’Brien-Malone, formerly of Psychology, and Marian Kemp, of the Student Learning Centre, for their mentoring and support.


One of the hallmarks of a great university is its ability to transform its students from consumers to producers of knowledge. I would love to see Murdoch converting more of its student talent into new discovery. I would also love to see Murdoch developing its systems and structures in ways that diminish the impediments faced by students and academics to gaining knowledge, thinking deeply about it and discussing their ideas.

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

I enjoy the challenge of taking a difficult concept and thinking up different ways of presenting it until it finally makes sense to everyone. It is rewarding to supervise or mark the research projects that students undertake at the end of their degrees and to see the concepts I taught back in their first year coming to life and helping to answer new questions.

It is also rewarding to see students whom I know have come from disadvantaged backgrounds using their university education and the course content they are learning to start solving problems and steering their lives in a positive direction.

Congratulations!Wayne Greene



Wayne Greene

Associate Professor in Molecular Genetics School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences


I joined Murdoch in late 1998 and currently contribute to the University in three major ways. As Academic Chair of the Biomedical Science course, I play a strategic, multi-faceted role that includes providing day-to-day help and advice to students. I also teach molecular genetics and aspects of development and cancer biology to Biomedical and Veterinary Science students.

Last, but not least, I conduct biomedical research into lymphoid cancers, specifically human leukemia and canine lymphoma. I also have a strong theoretical interest in the molecular basis of evolution, which has recently yielded several publications in peer-reviewed and popular science journals.

Congratulations!Wayne Greene




The innovative unit “Advances in Medical Science” that I coordinate would not be possible without the tremendous teaching contributions provided by academic colleagues within the School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, as well as from scientists from various medical research institutes around Perth. In addition, the laboratory and workshop sessions in all my teaching units receive excellent technical support within the School.


I would like to see continued emphasis on high quality teaching and research, because if we get those things right, everything else will look after itself. Being in the Biomedical field, I certainly would like to see the eventual establishment of a Murdoch Medical School, which I believe would provide manifold benefits and opportunities to the University.


I’m a firm believer in the adage that “Education is not filling a bucket, but lighting a fire”. Thus, the thing I most enjoy about teaching is wowing students with amazing and relevant examples that illustrate the scientific concepts being covered in class. It brings great satisfaction to observe how initially reluctant students can become intensely interested in the subject matter as the semester progresses.

Congratulations!Tanya McGill



Tanya McGill

Associate ProfessorSchool of Information Technology


I have been at Murdoch University since 1990. I have taught a wide range of units at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The main units that I currently teach relate to either developing information systems or to conducting research.

I have also supervised quite a few research students and have undertaken various administrative roles in the School of Information Technology such as Academic Chair for Information Systems and Academic Chair for Postgraduate Studies. I am currently Chair of the Murdoch Human Research Ethics Committee. I find my various roles synergistic.

Congratulations!Tanya McGill




The staff from the School of Information Technology have developed a strong set of related majors that allow students to gain the core knowledge and skills needed to obtain a wide range of jobs, but also to specialize in their areas of interest. I appreciate being part of that team.


After over 20 years teaching, I still really enjoy helping students to learn. My teaching style as learner-centred. I aim to be a facilitator or guide assisting students in their learning, rather than the source of all knowledge. I find this style of teaching very rewarding. I am constantly learning new things, and find the interaction with my students very satisfying. I particularly enjoy meeting up with past students you are now making great contributions to the ICT industry.

Congratulations!Denise Groves


(Indigenous Teaching)

Denise GrovesLecturer - Australian Indigenous Studies Program


I joined Murdoch University in 1996, as a lecturer with the Aboriginal and Islander Studies Program, now known as the Australian Indigenous Studies program. I appreciate that many students initially take Indigenous studies to learn about one of the world’s oldest cultures. However, I’d like to point out that Indigenous cultures and politics are dynamic, and are in constant engagement of many areas with our community.

It is because of this, that I encourage students to major in Indigenous Studies, or to consider complimenting their degrees with a minor in Indigenous Studies –particular those students who are studying law, politics, media, community development, and education.

Congratulations!Denise Groves


(Indigenous Teaching)


I would like to acknowledge Professor Rhonda Marriott in playing an important role in enabling me to receive this award. In 2011 Professor Marriott became the Director of the Kulbardi Aboriginal Centre. During this time, Professor Marriott recognised my teaching abilities, and agreed to be one of her referees for the Excellence in Teaching Award. Professor Marriott also encouraged me in my pursuit of PhD studies, and invited me to join her research team. I am very grateful for her support and encouragement.


Over the next 3-5 years I encourage the Murdoch community to continue to support the Australian Indigenous Studies program. I would like to see this support in terms of more resources to be attached to the program, to enable it be recognised as one of Australia’s finest Indigenous Studies programs.


I believe it is a privilege to be a teacher. Over the years I have had the opportunity to teach many students from all over the world. I value their decision to enroll in Indigenous Studies. Watching students emerge as confident human beings, changed from their university experience, and excited about wanting to change the world to be a better place, is deeply rewarding.

Congratulations!Sarah Etherington

2012 Vice Chancellor’s Citations for Excellence in Enhancing Learning

Sarah Etherington

Senior Lecturer in Physiology School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences


I have been teaching physiology (the science of how bodies work) at Murdoch since late 2008. As physiology has wide-reaching relevance, I teach students from a range of science-based degree programs, including veterinary, biomedical, chiropractic, forensic and sports science.

As a biomedical researcher, I also make a particular contribution to strengthening links between Murdoch biomedical science students and the wider health science community in Western Australia. These links are giving our Murdoch research students access to a variety of opportunities to tackle the medical challenges facing our growing (and ageing) global population.

Congratulations!Sarah Etherington



Units in the School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences are commonly taught by a team of subject-specialists, so the support and input of my colleagues has been critical in allowing me to implement strategies for improving our teaching. In particular, I have received outstanding mentorship from Associate Professor John Bolton.

From my first day at Murdoch (in my first academic appointment!), he has shown unwavering respect for my professional opinion and has shared my passion for promoting quality learning. The depth of his experience has transformed some of my more ‘off-the-wall’ suggestions into effective innovations that have enhanced the student experience.


As a Murdoch community, I feel we are moving towards strengthening the links between our research and our teaching. This will enhance the richness of the educational experience for, and the achievements of, staff and students alike.

You’ve won an award for Excellence in Enhancing Learning. Please tell us what you enjoy most about helping people to learn?

For me, the most enjoyable aspect of helping people to learn is the people. Teaching in relatively large first and second year units, I meet hundreds of new students every year. Our Murdoch students are a truly remarkable group, with such a diversity of experience and perspectives.

I relish the opportunity to get to know these students, as they open my mind to what is possible, personally and professionally. Their wonder at understanding a body they have lived with for so many years is infectious, and I have the satisfaction of knowing that they will be empowered by this knowledge to make healthy choices well beyond graduation.

Congratulations!Gael Gibbs


Gael Gibbs

Lecturer (Equity)Office of Student Life and Learning


I first joined the staff at Murdoch University in 2008 as a Disability Support Officer in the Equity, Access and Diversity Office. I took up an academic role in 2010 initially as the Regional Facilitator of Enabling programs and since mid 2011 as Equity Lecturer and OnTrack Coordinator. In my current role I coordinate the OnTrack program. OnTrack is an enabling program that provides an alternative pathway into Murdoch University for students from recognised equity groups and other non-traditional backgrounds. It enrolls approximately 200 students per semester across all three of the University’s domestic campuses.


I enjoy seeing students who come from non-traditional backgrounds, many who are the first in their immediate family to undertake university study, engage with university learning, life and culture. I have the privilege of sharing the journey with students, as they become critical thinkers and active citizens. I get to experience how this journey empowers and motivates students to reach out to and inspire others to follow in their footsteps.

Congratulations!Gael Gibbs



Many people have helped, encouraged and motivated me in my time at Murdoch University. The staff in Equity, Access and Diversity have supported me in all my roles, particularly Gerri Box as my manager, mentor and ALLY buddy. More recently I have enjoyed the collegiality and encouragement of the Student Learning Centre staff. Most importantly, and particularly over this last year I have valued the endless support and motivation offered by my colleagues in OnTrack. The OnTrack facilitators and Administrative Support staff, Penelope Loois, Daniel McGill and Tania Saetta, have been infinitely supportive and encouraging in ways too numerous to mention.


I would like to see the Murdoch community continue to pursue social justice through social inclusion. As a community we have embraced diversity and it is my hope that we will be increasingly resourced and enabled to rise to the challenge of enrolling all students who have the desire and capacity for University study.

Congratulations!Terri Trireksani


Terri Trireksani

Lecturer in Accounting School of Business


I joined Murdoch Business School (MBS) in early 2010 as a lecturer in accounting. My main roles are to teach accounting units at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, and to actively contribute in research activities within the school. Since joining Murdoch, I have been actively engaged in promoting student learning by means of interactive teaching, actively produced refereed publications and jointly obtained a research grant.

I have also made contributions to the administration of learning and teaching in the school by taking on the roles of Deputy Academic Chair (UG) and a member of MBS Learning and Teaching Committee. In addition, I coordinate the MBS Working Paper Series.

Congratulations!Terri Trireksani



I am a supporter of good teamwork and collaborative work. I recognise that synergy could be and should be built from mutual interests and trust. I feel that we at MBS work in a collegial and supportive environment, and that has helped greatly in terms of developing my skill set, finding my inner strength and focusing on the areas that I need to develop further. I appreciate the executive support, and always enjoy the informal corridor conversation which is fun and valuable.


I would like to see Murdoch University continuing to enhance its profile as a quality provider of higher education. At MBS particularly, I would like to see development of curriculums that can enhance the quality and increase the ratings of our courses, more PhD students and graduates, building of a stronger research capacity, and more research output.


I feel enjoyment when I see that I can provide students with an environment that enables them to rejoice in the learning process and at the same time inspire students’ inbuilt curiosity and challenge them to go the distance. To witness that the students can experience the joyfulness in studying an accounting unit and flourish in their learning journey is very satisfying. I

recognise the diversities of students and take those into account in my approaches to teaching. I believe that all students can be encouraged to achieve success in their learning irrespective of their diversities.

Congratulations!Shahar Hameiri

2012 Vice Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Research

(Early Career Development and Achievement)

Shahar Hameiri

Senior Lecturer in International PoliticsAsia Research Centre


I have been part of the Murdoch community since my undergraduate days in 2003, going on to do a PhD at the Asia Research Centre in 2006 and joining the faculty in August 2009. I am currently an Australian Research Council Postdoctoral Fellow at the Asia Research Centre and Senior Lecturer in International Politics in the School of Social Sciences and Humanities.

I am also the coordinator of postgraduate studies at the Asia Research Centre, a role which involves me in the research training of PhD candidates at the Centre through our Postgraduate Seminar Series, as well as in coordinating the application process for prospective candidates.

Congratulations!Shahar Hameiri




The Asia Research Centre at Murdoch University has been my intellectual home since 2005. It is a truly remarkable Centre in which research excellence and collegiality are interwoven seamlessly. Many in the Asia Research Centre have over the years been both mentors and friends, and I would not have won this award without them.

In particular, I would like to acknowledge Professor Garry Rodan and Dr Kanishka Jayasuriya (now in Adelaide University), my former PhD supervisors, as well as the Asia Research Centre’s Director Associate Professor Caroline Hughes and Emeritus Professor Richard Robison. These individuals and others at the Centre regularly read and comment on my draft manuscripts and grant applications. Their high scholarly standards and drive inspire me daily to aim for international excellence in everything I do.

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

I enjoy research for two main reasons. First, as my research often engages issues of national or international importance, such as cross-border security and development aid interventions, I find it rewarding to know that my work, whether published in academic or popular media publications, contributes to and hopefully influences political and policy responses. Second, I thoroughly enjoy the intellectual challenges provided by research. I love to work through problems and apply theoretical and conceptual frameworks to important issues. I also enjoy debating these issues with other scholars, whether they are sympathetic or not to my position.


In my view, the quality of public debate in Australia has been declining in recent years. I would like to see Murdoch University researchers become more publicly involved in areas of national and international significance. We should endeavour to capitalise on our research expertise in a variety of fields to enrich political and policy debates. This is the true role of a public university. We should also seek to cement our position as one of Australia’s leading research universities.

Congratulations!Augusto Zimmermann



Augusto Zimmerman

Senior Lecturer School of Law


I have worked at Murdoch University since January 2007. During this time my teaching duties have included lecturing, tutoring and preparation of materials for units as varied as Australian Legal System, Employment Relations Law, Legal Research and Writing, Constitutional Law, and Legal Theory. As Research Law Dean I am interested that research activities and outcomes are a priority for the Law School. As HDR Director I am the principal contact point for HDR students and potential applications.

I have also contributed to research at Murdoch as a member of the Research Degree and Scholarships Committee, which plays a fundamental role in research policy, evaluation of research outcomes and in scholarship matters. From 2008 to 2011 I was a member of the Vice Chancellor’s Awards and Citations Committee, which accesses VC’s and ALTC Citation applications for teaching and learning awards against the relevant criteria.

Congratulations!Augusto Zimmermann




I would not have won this award were it not for the generous support of my colleagues in the Law School. I wish in particular to thank Professor Gabriel Moens for providing a remarkable example of academic integrity and leadership. I also wish to very deeply thank my colleague Michelle Evans. Michelle and I teach constitutional law and over these years we have developed many exciting research projects in common. Professor Philip Evans has also been extremely supportive of my research. Indeed, we have been extremely fortunate for the level of academic leadership provided by our last two Deans. The recent appointment of Professor Jurgen Brohmer only confirms this tradition! Finally, please allow me to fully acknowledge the support of my wife Flavia, who has always supported and encouraged me throughout my whole academic career.


I would like to see Murdoch further enhancing its national and international reputation as a leading research institution. I wish to see Murdoch internationally recognised not only as an effective innovator in teaching and learning, but also one that is broadly recognised for its true research excellence. As for my School I wish to see it further developing a range of domestic and international opportunities for students. I also envisage the Law School building on the practical legal experience available to our students, including preserving the School’s quite impressive participation at mooting competitions.


I have a very strong passion and commitment to research. I really love doing research and help the community with my research findings. To be engaged in high quality research provides an opportunity to establish excellent contacts and to meet numerous interesting people.

I wish very much to strengthen my position as a leading expert in some of my areas of legal expertise. An important career goal of mine is to be a researcher who deeply inspires his colleagues and students to research excellence.

Congratulations!Peter Drummond


(Outstanding Research Development)

Peter Drummond

Professor in Psychology


I first joined the Murdoch community as a lecturer in 1987. My role now involves undergraduate and postgraduate teaching and in the psychology program, supervising clinical psychology trainees in their practical placements, and postgraduate research supervision. I am also director of the newly-established Centre for Research on Neuropathic Pain and Inflammatory Diseases, and chief investigator on projects supported by the National Health and Medical Research Council, the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists, and industry partners.


It is very rewarding to contribute to scientific knowledge and to see the subsequent application of this knowledge. I also enjoy the intellectual challenge that research provides, being able to work at my own pace on something that interests me, and working closely with others who share these interests.

Congratulations!Peter Drummond




I would first like to thank Dr Philip Finch for the many years of enjoyable collaboration. Phil is an adjunct professor in Health Sciences and a pain specialist in private practice. Many years ago Phil alerted me to the need to clarify mechanisms of chronic pain after nerve and tissue injury, and he has been a source of motivation and inspiration ever since. I would also like to thank my research collaborators, post-doctoral researchers and postgraduate students for helping to establish the Pain Research Centre.


I would like our university to consolidate research partnerships with local universities, government departments and private industry so that we can attract support from the State Government to move our research effort forward in a coordinated way. The construction of the Fiona Stanley hospital presents us with an exceptional opportunity to establish these links in the next few years.

Congratulations!Susan Moore



Susan Moore

Associate Professor School of Environmental Science


I joined Murdoch University in 1995 to teach in the Environmental Science Masters program. Since then I’ve helped establish tourism as a teaching and research area at Murdoch, and currently lead (with colleague David Newsome) the Nature Based Tourism Research Group. I’m involved in collaborative research with colleagues in the Biological Sciences, Social Sciences, and the Asia Research Centre. In all cases, my passion and expertise is in bringing the social and natural sciences together.

Using social and political theories to help solve environmental problems is also a driving influence. My active role in postgraduate research includes membership of the University’s Research Degrees and Scholarships Committee and Postgraduate Director, School of Environmental Science.

Congratulations!Susan Moore




Research for me is about collaboration. The Nature Based Tourism Research Group functions well because of the strong research performance and collegiality of members such as David Newsome, Kate Rodger, Jim Macbeth and Diane Lee, plus excellent research students. Recent collaborations with Ross Taplin (Curtin University), Betty Weiler (Southern Cross University), and Ted Lefroy and Michael Lockwood (University of Tasmania) have added excitement and complementary skills to my research efforts. Ongoing collaboration with Lynnath Beckley has moved my work into the marine environment, remote sensing and new statistical methods, all contributing to high quality research.


Murdoch University has highly talented, committed and creative researchers. Supporting creativity and diversity is and will continue to be one of our great strengths. Providing a well-resourced, collegial environment for early career researchers will enable us to continue our international and national research efforts. Also critical is retaining high performing staff, building further expertise in well-performing areas, and being flexible and nimble enough to make the most of emerging and as yet unknown research opportunities.


Research is an ongoing process of discovery and just as importantly translating findings into action. I enjoy defining and refining the research questions that drive our research, very often a dynamic process undertaken with industry partners such as the WA Department of Environment and Conservation and Parks Victoria. Using previous theories and ideas, drawn from the philosophy of science through to systems thinking, continues to excite me in designing my research and then interpreting the findings. Collaboration continues to be one my favorite parts, bringing people together from different disciplines to address a shared problem, e.g. how do we ensure the political survival of national parks in a rapidly changing world?

Congratulations!Bernard Dell


(Distinguished and Sustained Achievement)

Bernard Dell

Research Institute Director Sustainable Ecosystems

School of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology


I joined Murdoch University in 1976 a few months after submitting my PhD and was immediately immersed in preparing units for the first crop of second year students in the School of Environmental and Life Sciences. Although the School was young, it had a great ethos for teaching and research, and this facilitated enormously the development of my career. Over time I became Head of Plant Sciences and in the past few years have worked as Research Director for the university.


Undertaking research is incredibly rewarding – I enjoy the opportunities of working on applied problems where solutions can make a real difference, such as improving the micronutrient content of rice, increasing the productivity of industrial tree plantations, and reforestation of degraded lands. Research has provided the chance to travel and to work with a wide range of partners in government, university and private sectors in many countries. I have had the privilege to work with and train PhD students in SE Asia and Australia. All of these people have enriched my life.

Congratulations!Bernard Dell


(Distinguished and Sustained Achievement)


I owe a great deal to the leading researchers who have inspired my career, like Emeritus Professor Arthur McComb (who set me on the road to research excellence), the late Emeritus Professor Jack Loneragan (who initiated my interests in micronutrients and jarrah dieback), Dr Nicholas Malajczuk (who introduced me to mycorrhizas and China), Professor Benjavan Rerkasem (who invited me into the world of upland agriculture in SE Asia) and Dr Jean Garbaye (who kindled my interest in wild and cultivated mushrooms), to name a few.


I would like to see core research areas strengthened so that they have increased capacity to undertake research of international excellence whilst at the same time providing practical outcomes for the local and international communities. I would like to see greater international engagement with more high quality partners. I would like MU to have a stronger visibility in the Indian-Ocean Rim and SE Asia in the future, and to strongly engage with MU Alumni in the region in this process. Finally, I would like to see the return of the right ethos for teaching and research so that early career academics have the same chance for pursuing research that I had 30 years ago.

Staff awards 2012- winners gallery v2

Education

Transcript of Staff awards 2012- winners gallery v2