Celebrating the class of 2026 at Sydney Graduation Ceremonies

Published: 2 June 2026

From first lectures and late-night study sessions to final submissions, more than 380 graduands crossed the stage at Southern Cross University’s Sydney graduation ceremonies this week, celebrating a milestone years in the making.

Among the graduating class were several graduate researchers whose years of dedication and long hours of research are set to shape the future of healthcare, wellbeing and community support.

Advancing holistic healthcare through research

Dr Tracy Tabvuma’s PhD research focused on improving physical health outcomes for people living with mental illness, who often experience poorer health outcomes and higher rates of premature mortality than the general population.

Her work explored how the Physical Health Nurse Consultant (PHNC) role can help bridge the gap between mental and physical healthcare services.

A Physical Health Nurse Consultant (PHNC) is a specialised nursing role that supports the physical health needs of people living with mental illness.

Women in graduation robe smiling at camera

"The research highlighted the value of the PHNC role in supporting a more holistic and integrated care.

"Participants said Physical Health Nurse Consultant (PHNC) role helped bridge the gap between physical and mental health services while improving the coordination of care, promoted physical health monitoring, and advocated for consumers’ overall wellbeing," Dr Tabvuma said.

Improving wellbeing through innovative pain management

Dr Isabelle Taye also focused her PhD research on improving wellbeing and patient care, exploring new approaches to chronic pain management through naturopathy.

“My research explored naturopathic approaches to treating chronic pain. Using an empowerment framework, focusing on three levels: patient, professional, and the interprofessional.”

Her findings demonstrated improvements in patient wellbeing and reinforced the value of individualised treatment approaches.

Woman smiling at camera in graduation robe

Looking back on her time at Southern Cross University, Dr Taye said the mentorship she received throughout her studies was wonderful.

“I am truly grateful to have had such wonderful supervisors. Dr Joanne Bradbury and Emeritus Professor Sandra Grace are my heroes. I can’t imagine doing this without them.”

After years of balancing study and research, she is now looking forward to taking a well-earned break.

“Oh, I must confess I am looking forward to a little break. This will be the first time since I started kindergarten that I will not be studying!

"I hope to put my new found knowledge and skills to good use within my practice. Being able to work in a multi-disciplinary healthcare clinic is incredibly rewarding and collaborating with colleagues to support patients with chronic pain is my passion," said Dr Taye.