Sydney graduation an evolution of excellence

Marian is now working with an archaeological consultancy, applying her research skills to heritage projects.

“The beauty of studying extinct species is that they won’t complain if my next paper is slightly delayed,” Marian joked.

Reflecting on her time at Southern Cross University, Marian added, “What truly distinguished my experience was the rare combination of academic rigour and genuine care for students.”

PhD graduate Katie Rose tackled the pressing social issue of ageing in place in Australia. Her thesis, The Realities of Ageing in Place in Australia: A Mixed Methods Exploration of the Attitudes and Experiences of Middle Aged and Older Adults, exposed systemic challenges and shortcomings in the home care system.

Katie credits the University for making the journey deeply rewarding.

“After moving from a large Sydney university to complete my honours, I was struck by how different the student experience was,” she said.

“I didn’t feel like just another number, I felt supported and encouraged. That sense of support played a huge role in my decision to stay on for my PhD, and it continued throughout my postgraduate studies,” said Katie.

Meanwhile, Dr Roxy Vogel turned up the heat with her research on sports performance. Her thesis, Optimisation of a Menthol Energy Gel to Improve Endurance Performance, Cognition and Mood during Exercise in the Heat, offers a new way for athletes to stay cool and perform better in challenging environments.

Now living in California, Roxy is working in a  dream job at GU Energy Labs.

“We’re also planning to commercialise the product I developed during my PhD, which is incredibly exciting.”

Working in education, Skye Tyler explored how schools can nurture student wellbeing through care-centred practices. Her thesis title, Building a Whole School Approach to Wellbeing: An Exploration of Classroom Care Practices, delved into the importance of consistent care practices across school environments.

Skye’s achievement is especially remarkable given the demands she balanced on the road to graduation.

“It’s definitely an amazing feeling after seven long years,” she said.

“I balanced full-time work in student wellbeing with raising three children and completing a PhD,” Skye said.

Now based in Singapore, she serves as Assistant Head of Secondary (Wellbeing) at the Australian International School.

“I’m continuing my research into care practices, with the aim of implementing a whole school approach to care.”

The Sydney graduation ceremony will welcome the Hon Alister Henskens MP, Member for Wahroonga, as the occasional speaker. Mr Henskens has a distinguished background in law, government, and community leadership.

You can view the full ceremony details here.

Watch the live stream here.