Graduate stories - Southern Cross University

Read about some of the great things our Faculty of Science and Engineering graduates have achieved and are working on. From drones in the sky for shark surveillance to helping endangered frog species to alumni in action during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Andrew Colefax

Bachelor of Applied Science graduate, PhD candidate

Andrew is focused on developing shark surveillance procedures and improving detection rates of animals in the water using drones. “Southern Cross University researchers want to be sure that decision-makers are presented with an overview of how the public feels about the use of drones on their beaches.”

Liam Bolitho

Bachelor of Environmental Science graduate, PhD candidate

Liam is part of a team helping combat extinction threats to rainforest frog species posed by climate change and disease. The future of two endangered northern NSW frog species, the Fleay’s barred frog and the Richmond range mountain frog, is looking brighter thanks to the NSW government allocating almost $150,000 for conservation projects led by Southern Cross University.

Aula Muntasyarah

Master of Forest Science and Management

Aula’s challenging new role is helping establish a system to assist COVID-19-affected communities in Indonesia, while also homeschooling and doing her bit to help a local family. “I remember advice from an Indonesian lady saying that during this outbreak, if we still have financial ability, we should take action by helping at least one impacted family. I think people will stay at home if they have food for them and their family.”

Rachel Murray

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Rachel Murray spent the better part of three years knee-deep in the mangrove and estuary systems of north Queensland measuring nitrous oxide. The insights the-then PhD researcher gained using a new approach - continuous real-time monitoring of the greenhouse gas – earned her Southern Cross University’s highest accolade for a thesis, the Chancellor’s Medal, in 2018.

Lisa Hansberry

Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Civil Engineering

From yoga instructor to the world of engineering and construction, Lisa Hansberry’s two careers are perhaps more similar than most would think. “With engineering, we’re working with different materials to create effective and harmonious objects and structures for our cities and those who live in them,” said Lisa, who is a Project Engineer at Ardill, Payne & Partners, founding president of the Southern Cross University Engineering Society, president of the Northern Rivers Group of the Engineers Australia, Newcastle Division, and Newcastle Division Committee Member.