Coffs Harbour graduation a celebration of resilience and impact

“Their empathy, flexibility and deep understanding got me through some very difficult times.”

Allyson now contributes to mental health education through a conjoint role as a lecturer and hospital educator with Southern Cross University and Gold Coast University Hospital. She teaches into the field of mental health nursing and is in the process of developing further research projects.

Allyson describes receiving the Chancellor’s Medal as both humbling and surreal.

“It still feels like I’m an imposter, like maybe they got the name wrong. But really, I see this as a shared achievement. My family, supervisors and peers all deserve a slice of this.”

Also graduating with a PhD is Rodney Peadon, whose thesis explores the silence that often surrounds medical errors within healthcare settings.

Titled Mechanisms Influencing Speaking Up Behaviours in the Presence of Witnessed Error Within the Medical Hierarchy, his research has been an eye-opening and personal journey.

“I feel proud, relieved, and more determined than ever to keep challenging the structures that make silence seem safer than truth.”

Rodney credits his supervisors for their rigorous support.

“They pushed me to sharpen my thinking, question my assumptions, and find my voice. It wasn’t always comfortable, but it was always growth,” he says.

After years of hard work, Rodney is now heading off on a European adventure with loved ones.

“It’s time to celebrate, unwind, and make new memories with the people who kept me going.”

PhD graduate Rebecca Lipscombe has spent her studies investigating one of the ocean’s most misunderstood apex predators: the white shark.

Her thesis, Insight into the trophic ecology and ecophysiology of white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) in eastern Australian waters, uses biochemical tracers to understand how juvenile white sharks eat, grow and interact with their environment.

Bec's research sheds light on how diet and foraging behaviours may shift with environmental change, providing crucial data for shark conservation. Bec now applies her scientific expertise to invasive species management with Local Land Services in northern NSW.

Also joining the list of graduating students is Melissa Tan, whose research addresses how climate change is reshaping Australia’s fisheries.

Her thesis, Investigating climate change impacts on whiting (Sillaginidae) off eastern Australia, uses experimental and isotopic techniques to track the resilience and movement of key fish species.

Melissa now works with the Marine Wildlife Team at NSW National Parks and Wildlife, where she contributes to projects focused on marine reptiles and mammals across the state. She also maintains her academic connection as a Research Assistant with Southern Cross University’s National Marine Science Centre, assisting with lab work on a variety of marine research projects.

Reflecting on the road to graduation, Melissa admits it’s been a wild ride.

Despite the obstacles, Melissa says she’s deeply grateful for the support and facilities at the National Marine Science Centre.

“I had access to the flow-through seawater system that draws directly from Charlesworth Bay,” she explains.

“This infrastructure was essential for my research with live animals, I couldn’t have conducted much of my work without it.”

“I’d love to give my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has been on this journey with me, my supervisors, fellow students, staff, friends and family. Their encouragement meant everything,” she said.

Kate Seinor dedicated her PhD years to studying the biology and ecology of the Australian marine snail. Her thesis, Fishery Biology and Ecology of the Marine Snail, Turbo militaris, deepens scientific understanding of the species to inform fisheries management.

“One of the most interesting takeaways was discovering how small the size at maturity is, and how dramatically growth rates vary across the species’ range,” said Kate.

Now that her thesis is complete, Kate is taking time to celebrate with family, but not before taking one more final dive with her classmates.

“In true marine scientist style, right after graduation, we’re celebrating with a scuba diving trip,” she said.

Kate credits the University for the encouragement and strong sense of community.

“We were all very close-knit, which made the experience immersive and enriching,” she said.

“‘Little by little, a little becomes a lot.’ That mindset really carried me through. It’s a reminder that even the smallest steps forward, taken consistently, can lead to something truly big.”

Delivering the Occasional Address was Jonathan “Jono” Freeman, the University’s 2024 Alumnus of the Year and Founder of Club Active, one of Australia’s leading health and fitness networks for over-50s. His mission is to help Australians age actively through personalised programs delivered by allied health professionals.

“What gets me out of bed in the morning is knowing that we can change people’s lives,” Jono says.

Nominations for the Southern Cross University 2025 Alumni Impact Awards are now open. 

For full graduation ceremony details and to re-watch the livestream, head here.