Staff awards 2011_powerpoint_presentation_2011-winnersgalleryfinal_28.04.2011

Congratulations ! Robert Fawcett 2010 Senate Medal for exceptional service to the University Robert Fawcett Technical Officer – Farm School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences 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? My association with Murdoch first started about 30 years ago when vets and students studied “Herd Health” on a property I was Managing. I joined the Murdoch community about 8 years ago doing general farm work and filling in when the Farm Manager and staff went on leave. I see my role as a land, animal carer and student advisor. We train students to be Vets and I believe my contribution is to provide knowledge, healthy animals, and a clean safe and happy environment all of which is under the direction of the Farm Manager. You’ve won a 2010 Senate Medal. Please tell us what inspires you to go beyond the call of duty in your role at Murdoch? I simply love what I do. I work mostly in the great outdoors.

Congratulations! Robert Fawcett 2010 Senate Medal for exceptional service to the University 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? I am very fortunate to have an understanding, passionate boss. Job satisfaction to me is a priority and Kim Thomas is a fair boss who is always willing to listen. He will ask how I am going and whether something is bothering me or if something can be provided to make my job easier. What kind of achievements would you like to see from the Murdoch community in the next 3 -5 years? Murdoch has achieved so much and is a provider of so many things. I hope the public see Murdoch as a great achiever which it is.

Congratulations ! Maxine Fielder 2010 Senate Medal for exceptional service to the University Maxine Fielder Laboratory Technician – Chemistry School of Chemical and Mathematical Sciences Please tell us when you first joined the Murdoch community and how would you describe your role? What contribution does your role make to the university as a whole? I first joined Murdoch University in 1993. My role at Murdoch University is to prepare experiments and service laboratories in first year chemistry, contributing to the delivery of first year practical chemistry to a wide variety of programs. You’ve won a 2010 Senate Medal. Please tell us what inspires you to go beyond the call of duty in your role at Murdoch? Knowing that I am contributing to the education of our future scientists. I garner great satisfaction in coming to work as I find working with the Chemistry staff enjoyable.

Congratulations! Maxine Fielder 2010 Senate Medal for exceptional service to the University 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? I would like to especially thank Doug Clarke, Andrew Foreman, Sanda Cricelli and Tom Osborne for all their support in my early years in Chemistry. I would also like to thank the current Chemistry Technical group of Stacey Ferguson, Saijel Jani and Tina Oteri for their day to day assistance. What kind of achievements would you like to see from the Murdoch community in the next 3 -5 years? An even more vibrant Murdoch commercial precinct.

Congratulations ! Anne Randell 2010 Senate Medal for exceptional service to the University Anne Randell Strategic Advisor Vice Chancellery Please tell us when you first joined the Murdoch community and how would you describe your role? What contribution does your role make to the university as a whole? I joined Murdoch in September 1985 and have had several roles here. I was employed originally at Murdoch as Records Manager. From there, I moved into Postgraduate Research Management – heading up the Graduate Centre for nearly 15 years. To be able support our senior Academic research staff and our aspiring researchers (research students), has been the greatest privilege. Their enthusiasm for research, which is always new and adventurous, is contagious. For 2.5 years (2007/08/09) I was lucky to be employed with the Innovative Research Universities Group, of which Murdoch is a member. I learnt a great deal about Higher Education Policy, Politics and the mechanics of government as it relates to Universities. I was able to bring this new knowledge and skill-set back to the University, and it has become a vital ingredient in my role as Manager of the Vice Chancellor’s Office.

Congratulations! Anne Randell 2010 Senate Medal for exceptional service to the University 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? I would like to acknowledge Karen Olkowski, who was the Senior Administrator in the Graduate Centre for most of the time I was Manager. Karen is unendingly loyal to the University and its students. She helped make the Graduate Centre into a best practice operation – second only (in national surveys) to the University of Melbourne. Her excellent client service skills and student support approach is second to none. What kind of achievements would you like to see from the Murdoch community in the next 3 -5 years? As the drafter of the Strategic Plan 2010 – 2015, I have spent a lot of time thinking about the future of Murdoch. It is in a great place. I am keen to see us continue building on our social inclusion program, work towards expanding our internationalisation agenda and prepare to take advantage of our positioning in the Murdoch Activity Centre with Fiona Stanley Hospital and SJOG Murdoch. You’ve won a 2010 Senate Medal. Please tell us what inspires you to go beyond the call of duty in your role at Murdoch? In the role as Executive Officer for the IRU, I was privileged to work with the senior executives of 6 other Australian Universities. I had a privileged view of the mechanics, ethos and aspirations of these other universities. I’d always thought that Murdoch was a special place to work, but it was confirmed by this venture into other university cultures. I found I was unconsciously always using the ‘Murdoch benchmark’ when interacting with others. Some might say parochial – I’d say a very worthy touchstone. The spirit and people that make up Murdoch make it easy to go the extra mile.

Congratulations ! Gordon Thomson 2010 Senate Medal for exceptional service to the University Gordon Thomson Technical Manager School of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology Please tell us when you first joined the Murdoch community and how would you describe your role? What contribution does your role make to the university as a whole? I joined Murdoch University as a Lab Technician in October 1977 and my role in the Histology Lab was to provide microscope slides of plant and animal tissues for the undergraduate units within Biological Sciences. Over the years the role has expanded to include training of staff and students in methods of microscopy to assist in their teaching and research activities thereby raising the profile of Murdoch University. You’ve won a 2010 Senate Medal. Please tell us what inspires you to go beyond the call of duty in your role at Murdoch? It is my belief that education is the most important factor to contribute to the growth of any country. If I can assist in helping to increase the knowledge base of those who graduate from Murdoch I feel that I will have made a contribution towards not only the progress of the graduate but the community in general.

Congratulations! Gordon Thomson 2010 Senate Medal for exceptional service to the University 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? I am part of a team of technicians, senior technicians and lab assistants who make up The Teaching Support Group in Biological Sciences and Biotechnology. Each member of the team has shown the ability to work independently and when required, come together as a cohesive unit. The professional attitude and willingness to “get the work done” of the team has allowed me to minimize my administrative role and maximize my time in the lab to provide a service to the students, academic and other non-academic staff. What kind of achievements would you like to see from the Murdoch community in the next 3 -5 years? I would like to see Murdoch grow in strength and stature as an institution providing a balance of quality education and world class research.

Congratulations ! David Armstrong 2011 Vice Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Support Services David Armstrong Secretariat Manager School of Social Sciences and Humanities ACICIS 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 began with Murdoch as a part time mature age external student in 1983, became a full time internal student in 2000, and was awarded my degree, BAsian Studies (Specialist), in 2007. I started working for Murdoch in November 2002, with ACICIS. I have worked there since then, apart for a year’s break in 2006 to finish my degree. It is an honour to be part of what must be a very small group – those who have received a Murdoch University Vice Chancellor’s Commendation for Academic Excellence Award as a student (2000) and also as a staff member (2010). You’ve won an award for Excellence in Support Services. Please tell us what you enjoy most about your role at Murdoch? I very much enjoy working at Murdoch University, particularly in the area of study abroad (with ACICIS). It is very fulfilling to be able to help young (and not so young) people to have what is often a life-changing experience.

Congratulations! David Armstrong 2011 Vice Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Support Services Even great individuals usually have a team behind them. Is there anyone from your team and the Murdoch community you’d like to acknowledge for your success? What have they done to help you? Professor David Hill Ms Claire Harding Ms Megan McPherson It is wonderful to be part of a great team. It makes it easy to get up in the morning and come to work. What kind of achievements would you like to see from the Murdoch community in the next 3 -5 years? I’d like to see every Australian student do at least one semester study abroad.

Congratulations ! Dr Lambert Brau 2011 Vice Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching (Early Career Teaching) Dr Lambert Brau Lecturer-Biochemistry/Microbiology School of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology 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 started working at Murdoch University in 1998 as a research fellow and began full time teaching in 2005. I teach Cell Biology, which is a large first year unit servicing many programs across the university and teach Biochemistry and Microbiology in second and third year. I am an active researcher within the Centre for Rhizobium Studies, as part of the Crops and Plant Sciences research institute and supervise a number of Honours, Masters and PhD students. You’ve won an award for Excellence in Enhancing Learning. Please tell us what you enjoy most about helping people to learn. What I enjoy most about helping people to learn is helping to build confidence in students. I try to put myself in the shoes in of the student and use an engaging and supportive teaching style to communicate complex concepts and ideas. Undergraduate students are exposed to a large body of knowledge and my aim is to work together to identify how to assimilate this in a manner that allows students to not only meet the course objectives, but to enjoy the experience of learning.

Congratulations! Dr Lambert Brau 2011 Vice Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching (Early Career Teaching) 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? I have been fortunate to have worked with an experienced and passionate teaching team in the School, in particular Carolyn Jones, Max Cake, Wayne Reeve, Graham O’Hara and Bob Mead. I have had enormous support from my colleagues and have always been able to bounce ideas of them, seek advice or inspiration. What kind of achievements would you like to see from the Murdoch community in the next 3 -5 years? I would like the Murdoch community to maintain and continue to build on its strength of teaching excellence, particularly in the face of the challenges that the university sector currently faces. We also have a strong and vibrant research community and I would like to see a closer relationship between teaching and research being developed. Congratulations! Dr Randy Beck Who has also been awarded 2011 Vice Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching (Early Career Teaching)

Congratulations ! Dr Alexander S. Jensen 2011 Vice Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching (General Teaching Excellence) Dr Alexander S. Jensen Senior Lecturer - Systematic Theology School of Social Sciences and Humanities 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 2005. I am lecturing (first as Lecturer, now as Senior Lecturer) in Systematic Theology. In addition, I am the principal of the Perth Theological Hall, which is one of the ‘industry partners’ of the theology programme. So working with outside stakeholders is an important part of my work here. You’ve won an award for Excellence in Teaching. Please tell us what you enjoy most about helping people to learn? Most of all, I enjoy sharing my passion for my subject. There is nothing quite like it. So if I see a similar passion developing in students, that’s probably the most rewarding thing that can happen. In addition, the academic study of theology often touches students’ long held religious presuppositions. Helping students to see the value in examining these critically, even if this is not always comfortable, is something very gratifying, because it goes beyond factual learning and addresses the whole person. Finally, as my students will probably confirm, I love interesting and amusing tangents.

Congratulations! Dr Alexander S. Jensen 2011 Vice Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching (General Teaching Excellence) 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 colleagues in the theology programme. Over the years, excellence in teaching has always been a focus of our team, not necessarily explicitly, but as an underlying cultural assumption. So conversations about theological pedagogy or issues related to student learning are very common. The fact that two other colleagues from theology are recognised for their achievements— one with a teaching award, the other with a citation—bears witness to this culture. What kind of achievements would you like to see from the Murdoch community in the next 3 -5 years? I would like to continue to see great teaching by great teachers, who bring their own scholarship into the classroom in order to inspire a new generation of Murdoch graduates.

Congratulations ! Dr James Trotter 2011 Vice Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching (General Teaching Excellence) Dr James Trotter Lecturer – Theology School of Social Sciences and Humanities Please tell us when you first joined the Murdoch community and how would you describe your role? What contribution does your role make to the university as a whole? I joined the Murdoch staff in August 1994. I have lectured in the area of Hebrew Bible during that time. I am currently Academic Chair of Theology and I serve on the Faculty of Arts Education and Creative Media Learning and Teaching Committee and the School of Social Sciences and Humanities Learning and Teaching Committee. I have been an academic representative on the Murdoch Academic Council since 2009. You’ve won an award for Excellence in Teaching. Please tell us what you enjoy most about helping people to learn? One aspect of my teaching that is both challenging and enjoyable is the presentation of new perspectives to students on texts that they think they already know. This can be challenging because these texts are often integral to students’ world views, so this process must be done with care. There is often a moment of insight for students when the new ways of looking at the texts suddenly begin to fall into place and make sense. It is always an exciting moment.

Congratulations! Dr James Trotter 2011 Vice Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching (General Teaching Excellence) 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? I have been very fortunate to have excellent colleagues both in my discipline and in the School of Social Sciences and Humanities. I have often found that our conversations have stimulated new insights about teaching and have encouraged me to think in new ways about the way in which I approach teaching. What kind of achievements would you like to see from the Murdoch community in the next 3 -5 years? Murdoch is a university that is well-known for its excellence in teaching. The academic staff of the university has an unusually large number of passionate and innovative teachers. I think this will be to our benefit in the new national regulatory framework in which there will be an increasing emphasis on the quality of teaching in higher education. I would certainly like to see us develop this vital aspect of the university community.

Congratulations ! Dr Nancy Ault 2011 Vice Chancellor’s Citations for Excellence in Enhancing Learning Dr Nancy Ault Lecturer - Practical Theology School of Social Sciences and Humanities 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? Theology at Murdoch University is an industrial partnership between Murdoch University (0.4) and the Perth College of Divinity and its member churches (0.6). I have held an appointment at Murdoch University under this arrangement since 1999. I lecture across several disciplines—Practical Theology, Community Development and Religious Studies. In addition to teaching, I have and continue to participate on different University committees. I am the University’s representative on the Curriculum Council and the Advisory and Management Committee for Clinical Pastoral Education at Royal Perth Hospital. I am also highly involved in professional and community education in the wider community

Congratulations! Dr Nancy Ault 2011 Vice Chancellor’s Citations for Excellence in Enhancing Learning 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? The support of the administrative staff for the School of Social Sciences and Humanities has enabled me to focus upon my teaching. Their help has been invaluable over the past years. Similarly, my colleagues in the School of Social Sciences and Humanities have critiqued and challenged my practices and thinking and have acted as mentors and guides. Their encouragement and humour have contributed to my ongoing development as an effective university lecturer. What kind of achievements would you like to see from the Murdoch community in the next 3 -5 years? With the increasing quantification of society and the loss of humanity below the bottom line, the challenge for Murdoch will be to create an environment where excellence in teaching can be sustained and developed and where the Social Sciences and Humanities can continue to contribute to the formation of future students. You’ve won an award for Excellence in Enhancing Learning. Please tell us what you enjoy most about helping people to learn? One of the challenges which students face is the integration of theory and practice. Critical reflection is a tool which can enable students to successfully bridge this gap. Therefore, in all my units, I aim to encourage learning which moves from the acquisition of information to the transformation of the students’ horizons and practice. Through the practice of critical reflection, students can learn to examine their past behaviours in a particular situation, identify alternative behaviours for future action and through this process learn to reflect-in action. Facilitating integration through critical reflection is both the challenge and the reward of teaching.

Congratulations ! Pamela Martin-Lynch 2011 Vice Chancellor’s Citations for Excellence in Enhancing Learning Pamela Martin-Lynch Lecturer – Student Learning Centre Student Services, Marketing and Development 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 came to Murdoch as a part time mature aged external student in 1993. I commenced Honours in 2001 and have been here since then. My role at the moment is Lecturer in the Student Learning Centre and I focus on issues of transition and retention. I coordinate a program of study for students who have been identified as at risk. Not only does my work benefit Murdoch in fiscal terms, but it also does so in terms of the moral and ethical agenda and our aim of social inclusion and social justice. You’ve won an award for Excellence in Enhancing Learning. Please tell us what you enjoy most about helping people to learn? Helping students from diverse backgrounds gain confidence and a sense of achievement. It’s the relationships with students that make it all worthwhile.

Congratulations! Pamela Martin-Lynch 2011 Vice Chancellor’s Citations for Excellence in Enhancing Learning 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? So many people…Cecily Scutt who pushed me to get the application in, Darren Munday and Marian Kemp for giving me the opportunity to work in this area, Craig Whitsed for his wonderful reference, Liz Nedella for being a constant source of support (and fun), my PhD supervisor, Ingrid Richardson for understanding when work gets in the way of the thesis and all the wonderful people in Student Life and Learning, Domestic Liaison and Recruitment and Murdoch generally. Thank you all for your wonderful support and congratulations messages. What kind of achievements would you like to see from the Murdoch community in the next 3 -5 years? I’d like to see Murdoch excel in social inclusion and support for all students regardless of their ethnic, cultural, socio-economic or educational background. Furthermore, I’d like to see Murdoch’s excellent research record (including the scholarship of teaching) continue and gain even more impetus. Ultimately though, I’d like to see many more students gain the benefits of higher education. The value of an education is paramount, and it should be available to all who have the desire and capacity to undertake it.

Congratulations ! Sonia Walker 2011 Vice Chancellor’s Citations for Excellence in Enhancing Learning Sonia Walker Lecturer School of Law 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 as an undergraduate BA student studying History in 1983. I went on to study Law as a foundation student of the School of Law at Murdoch in 1990. After graduation, I spent a brief time away from Murdoch completing postgraduate qualifications and working at another University, before returning to work as a lecturer in the Law School. I contribute to the University as a whole by delivering learning opportunities for students that reflect the University’s commitment to providing an excellent teaching and learning environment for students. You’ve won an award for Excellence in Enhancing Learning. Please tell us what you enjoy most about helping people to learn? I enjoy watching students develop into confident independent learners who have the necessary skills to participate effectively in the legal profession. I particularly enjoy helping students to discover that they can be effective learners.

Congratulations! Sonia Walker 2011 Vice Chancellor’s Citations for Excellence in Enhancing Learning 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? There are a lot of people who have helped me at Murdoch. Within the School, I would like to acknowledge Steve Shaw and Assoc Professor Lisa Young who have been prepared to spend time sharing ideas about teaching, student learning and assessment. I would also like to acknowledge the assistance of the staff in Learning and Teaching who have over the years provided considerable support to my teaching by providing seminars and individual assistance when required. What kind of achievements would you like to see from the Murdoch community in the next 3 -5 years? I would like to see more work based placements incorporated into units of study to provide students with the opportunity to apply what they learn. Congratulations! Craig Whitsed Who has also been awarded 2011 Vice Chancellor’s Citations for Excellence in Enhancing Learning

Congratulations ! Dr Lars Bejder 2011 Vice Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Research (Early Career Development and Achievement) Dr Lars Bejder Research Fellow School of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology Please tell us when you first joined the Murdoch community and how would you describe your role? What contribution does your role make to the university as a whole? In 2006, I joined Murdoch University as a Research Leadership Fellowship to develop cetacean (whale and dolphin) research in the Centre for Fish, Fisheries and Aquatic Ecosystem Research, at the University. Today, the cetacean research group has been consolidated into a major focus under the MUCRU ( Murdoch University Cetacean Research Unit) . In a five-year time period, MUCRU has developed into one of Australia’s top two most productive marine mammal university research groups. I believe that the academic achievements of the research group (peer-reviewed publications, grants, establishment of national and international collaborations and attracting and hosting key workshops with national and international leaders in the field) coupled with the media exposure of cetacean research at Murdoch University have raised the profile of Murdoch University significantly.

Congratulations! Dr Lars Bejder 2011 Vice Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Research (Early Career Development and Achievement) 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? The success of MUCRU’s research activities is based upon the collaborative efforts of all members within the group. It has truly been a team effort with important contributions from Honours-, Masters-, PhD students, and Post-Doctoral fellows. In particular, I would like to acknowledge and thank Professor Neil Loneragan for his mentoring and leadership through the development of MUCRU. You’ve won an award for Excellence in Research. Please tell us what you enjoy most about research? While there are many facets, there are two things in particular that I enjoy about my research. Firstly, and most important from a conservation perspective, is experiencing when the many hours spent collecting, analyzing, and writing-up data, end up informing management for the conservation of the animals that I study. I take great pride and enjoy when my research is used to implement and inform conservation efforts. Secondly, I very much enjoy spending time on the ocean, carrying out field work, observing the animals that I study. This is what initially got me interested in marine science. While this aspect is the fun part, I believe it is important to keep remembering why one got involved in the research in the first place, otherwise one can very quickly removed from what inspired one in the first place.

Congratulations ! Dr Laura Perry 2011 Vice Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Research (Early Career Development and Achievement) Dr Laura Perry Senior Lecturer School of Education Please tell us when you first joined the Murdoch community and how would you describe your role? What contribution does your role make to the university as a whole? I came to Murdoch in late 2005. I teach across the areas of the social foundations of education, sociology of education, comparative education and education policy. In both my teaching and research I look at the “big picture” side of education. What is its role in society, how does society impact teaching and learning, why do some kids do better in school than others, and what can we do to ensure that all students are given the opportunity to fully develop their potential. As an academic with a strong liberal arts background and lots of international experiences and expertise, I think I am able to bring some new perspectives to the School of Education and hopefully to the university as well. You’ve won an award for Excellence in Research. Please tell us what you enjoy most about research? Research for me is a very creative endeavor. We get to think and read and analyse, look for patterns and holes and silences, make connections, and then develop something new which of course is building on the work of others. I love the planning phase of research projects and I love the Eureka moments when I come up with a new insight or idea for a research project. I like playing with details and nuances and complexities, and pushing the boundaries of our knowledge. And of course I love talking about all these things with my colleagues!

Congratulations! Dr Laura Perry 2011 Vice Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Research (Early Career Development and Achievement) 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? I am indebted to my research partner, Dr Andrew McConney, also in the School of Education. We have been collaborating together for the last few years. My achievements so far would not have been possible without his support and collaboration. Together we make a really good team. I am also indebted to my research assistant, Leonie Southwell, with whom I have been working for the last few years. Leonie has an amazing set of skills and is able to support me in lots of different ways. She is the perfect “right hand” person for me. I definitely can get a lot more done because of her support. What kind of achievements would you like to see from the Murdoch community in the next 3 -5 years? I would love for Murdoch researchers to continue to make advances to knowledge and theory that are relevant for researchers and communities all over the world. At the same time, I’d like to see Murdoch deepen its engagement with the local community.

Congratulations ! Professor Goen Eng Ho 2011 Vice Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Research (Distinguished and Sustained Achievement) Professor Goen Eng Ho Professor School of Environmental Science Please tell us when you first joined the Murdoch community and how would you describe your role? What contribution does your role make to the university as a whole? I joined Murdoch University in 1976, the second year the university welcomed undergraduate students. I helped develop the Environmental Science course at Murdoch, one of the first in Australia, and offered subjects in pollution and its control. I began to establish my research effort by building personal contacts with industry, local government and the profession to become conversant with their problems and research needs. I build my research team initially with a couple of PhD students, and the team developed to include postdoctoral and research fellows, research associate and assistants, Honours, Masters and PhD students as funding increased. My research group attained status of state centre of excellence and international recognition as a United Nations Environment Programme regional centre. What kind of achievements would you like to see from the Murdoch community in the next 3 -5 years? I would like to see researchers at Murdoch University to be given the environment and freedom to pursue research in their areas of excellence, and the corresponding support and encouragement at all administrative levels so that their research output will be maximised for the benefit of the university, whose national and international reputation is so dependent on the excellence of research at the university.

Congratulations! Professor Goen Eng Ho 2011 Vice Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Research (Distinguished and Sustained Achievement) 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? I am grateful to Murdoch University who has provided me with the environment and the freedom to conduct research in the area of my passion. I am indebted to members of my research team, quite a number of them have stayed with me for years, providing the necessary stable core research group so essential in achieving research success. I wish to acknowledge Dr Kuruvilla Mathew, who has provided vision and maintained focus, and continued to stress the need to organise symposia, national and international meetings to disseminate our research results, network with colleagues from around the world and establish & continue international collaborations. Drs Martin Anda, Jaya Nair, Stewart Dallas have maintained their passion in research into sustainable technologies for urban, rural and remote communities. Dr Ralf Cord-Ruwisch has constantly reminded me to ask the right research questions. Drs Wipa Charles and Lucy Skillman have been dedicated in their scientific research pursuit. I am grateful to all those Honours, MPhil and PhD graduates whom I supervised, because I learnt tremendously from their research work. You’ve won an award for Excellence in Research. Please tell us what you enjoy most about research? Research endeavour satisfies a most basic human desire to obtain answer to questions about our world. Research into environmental problems also has direct application to solving problems faced by industry and society. Environmental researchers in particular are dedicated to the ideal of protecting and improving the environment. I feel very fortunate to have been surrounded by dedicated researchers passionate not only in their research but also in their commitment to ideals of the environmental movement and in achieving sustainability, researchers with a wide range of interests, from dwelling into the science of converting human wastes into electrons and energy to the broader picture of reducing our water, energy and carbon footprints.

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