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The quality of research emerging from Southern Cross University's 'nursery' of next generation talent will be showcased when 22 Higher Degree by Research (HDR) candidates cross the stage at the Northern Rivers graduation.
They are among more than 250 undergraduates and postgraduates set to receive awards across three ceremonies on Friday October 11.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) graduand Meryl Larkin's research into the purple cauliflower soft coral, Dendronephthya australis, discovered its reproduction process, developed a breeding program which is helping to restore its Port Stephens estuary populations, and helped achieve an Endangered listing for the species.
“I am finishing my PhD on a high note with some of the successes from our work,” she said. “I’m hoping that all the discoveries we’ve made will be building blocks for further knowledge going forward.”
Meryl is now continuing her research into a coral breeding program as well as effective ways to transplant fragments of the soft coral.
“We'll be doing more work with larvae, both trying to help find ways to get larvae and juvenile corals out into the field, but also trying to understand what threats it is facing and how we can try and prepare for that.”
This work not only aims to safeguard this species of coral into the future, it also aims to aid the recovery of species that thrive in the coral habitat, such as the Endangered White’s seahorse, Hippocampus whitei.
“We'll be doing more work with larvae, both trying to help find ways to get larvae and juvenile corals out into the field, but also trying to understand what threats it is facing and how we can try and prepare for that.”
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For graduand Grace Russell, her PhD research has become the springboard into further research into the endangered pygmy blue whale.
Grace’s research examined the body condition of humpback and pygmy blue whales on the east and west coast of Australia during migration using drones.
Grace discovered the pygmy blue whales were losing a concerning amount of body weight during migration. She is now continuing her research to uncover why this is occurring with aims to improve conservation efforts for this endangered species.
“I’m continuing my research with the blue whales because it is a question I want to answer. Why are they losing so much body condition? Is it environmental variables? Is it climate change? Can we improve efforts to conserve this species?” she said.
Dean of the Graduate School, Professor Les Christidis, said it is exciting to see a large number HDR candidates graduate.
“HDR is the nursery for the next generation of researchers who will lead programs in industry, universities, government research organisations and business,” Professor Christidis said.
“We wish all our HDR graduates every success in whatever career paths they choose.”
Undergraduates and postgraduates forge rewarding careers
For Master of Business Administration (MBA) graduate Tiffany Serra, a postgraduate qualification will help take her career to the next level. She is now implementing her academic study as General Manager – Operations, Strategy and Policy with the Penrith Panthers rugby league football club.
“The learnings I’ve taken from the MBA have allowed me to expand on my current role with the intention to move into the next level of seniority,” she said.
“Being a single mum and having a daughter who is in her first year of university, I wanted her to see that I could juggle work and study, obtain my Masters degree and forge a successful career. I wanted to show her that you can do and achieve anything in life.”
For Kaitlyn McNall, pursuing a professional career in ballet and witnessing mental health struggles amongst her peers led to her discovering a passion for psychology.
She has since completed a Bachelor of Psychological Science, followed by a Honours year, and now a Master of Professional Psychology. Currently undertaking her one-year internship as a provisional psychologist at Head to Health in Lismore, she is just one step away from becoming a registered psychologist.
“I want to work with people who have experienced trauma. It can be quite complex but I like helping them on their journey with assessment, diagnosis and intervention,” she said.
“I want to work with people who have experienced trauma. It can be quite complex but I like helping them on their journey with assessment, diagnosis and intervention.”
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Meanwhile, high-performing Education graduand Cassandra Fuit is a case study in strength, determination and the power of learning to change lives.
Cassandra left secondary school without an ATAR, having been told by a career counsellor she didn’t have the smarts to go to university. After completing a TAFE qualification and working in early childhood for a number of years, Cassandra decided to enrol at Southern Cross and pursue her dream of becoming a teacher. She now works at Kempsey South Public School.
“I love it. It feels like it’s what I’m meant to be doing,” she said. “One of the things I find really satisfying is not just teaching the academic side, but making relationships and supporting students in their development as people.”
The occasional speakers for the graduation ceremonies will include Chief Executive at Healthy North Coast, Monika Wheeler; alumnus and Music Director for Network 7’s The Voice, Scott Aplin; and Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic Quality) at Southern Cross University, Professor Thomas Roche.
The graduation ceremonies will be live streamed on the University’s Facebook channel.