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Dr Christina Stothard and Mark Stothard

Christina: B A 1990, B A (Hons) 1991, Ph D (Psych) 2021.
Mark: B A 1988, B A (Hons) 1989, LL B 1995.
Christina joined Defence Science and Technology Group in 2022 as part of Defence's Navigate Program and is an adjunct Senior Lecturer at Flinders University, College of Psychology. Mark has recently retired after a 30 year career in tax law.

"Christina: The Barr Smith Reading Room was my favourite place to study – it was quiet, and just beautiful space.

It also helped that I spotted a cute guy who also just happened to be regularly studying in the Reading Room too, which was an extra bonus for me. Little did I know at the time, he’d been biding his time, waiting for mutual friends to introduce us.

The University has been such a formative part of both our lives. Our first ‘proper’ date was at the Adelaide University Law Ball. Many, many stories – lots of debates, many classes, evenings at the University Bar, drinks after lectures. Parties and more parties plus Law School Balls and many morning teas in the Galleria with friends. We had our wedding photos at the University for a personal celebration of meeting at Uni.

Recently, in 2022, I was awarded my PhD in psychology and was honoured to be invited to be the Mace Barer for my graduation ceremony, as well as the University Medal for research excellence. Mark was there, of course, and I could not have finished it without his love and support. Celebrating my PhD with my husband, who I meet so many years ago, at the same place - was wonderful."

Cristian Linardis

B Nursing 2023.
After completing his study in 2023, Cristian was employed as an Assistant in Nursing (AIN) before commencing his Transfer to Professional Practice Program (TPPP) at the Royal Adelaide Hospital in May 2024.

"Growing up, I always had an interest in science and wanted to have a career in healthcare as I knew I wanted to help others. Fast forward years later – my journey with the University of Adelaide started from when I enrolled in the Bachelor of Nursing course towards the end of 2020 after completing my secondary studies. Fast forward a few months later – and I received an offer in this prestigious course – I was over the moon.

My desire to study and pursue a career in nursing has always been in my mind, as I knew I wanted a fulfilling career in healthcare and being able to help and make a positive difference to people's lives. Following my father's passing and seeing the amazing impact the nurses had on my father's life, and my family's, provided me with a boost in motivation and made me reflect on why I want to be a nurse in the first place."

Beiha-Malen Yanez

B Sc (Hons) 2006.
Beiha-Malen now works in consulting as Principal Environmental Scientist. She is also a visual artist and SES volunteer.

"I did my Honours project at the University of Adelaide in 2006. It involved radiotracking brushtail possums in the Adelaide Parklands. I had the amazing opportunity to help a PhD student with her work and got to see the elusive, near-threatened yellow-bellied gliders in the south-west Victorian forests, I will always remember standing in the dark staring at the trees and stars and hearing their call. I also loved the chance to work with volunteers from many walks of life from around the community that helped me with radiotracking the possums around the city."

Yu-Han (Alice) Liao

M E (Chem) 2021.
Yu-Han is a passionate and socio-technical Graduate Process Engineer at Redrawn, a start-up and social enterprise that brings under-represented talents into engineering sectors and has a mission of decarbonising heavy industry through the energy transition.

"The joy when brewing the first batch of Pale Ale at the laboratory at the Engineering North Building was unforgettable! It was the time that I became aware that engineering can be so intriguing, fun, and close to my day-to-day life (that's the start of my home brewing journey)!

I learned a lot of cool people and projects throughout my Master's studies and as a staff at University of Adelaide. Thanks to all the supportive staff and peers for making it such a fantastic place to learn, laugh, and try new and fresh ideas."

Preeti Nalavadi

Current Student: Ph D (Law).

"My journey with University of Adelaide Law School started in 2017 and later transformed into a PhD journey. Throughout this time I have had opportunities of meeting and working alongside stellar academics, visiting scholars and wonderful colleagues.

I feel incredibly lucky to be a part of Adelaide Law School. I am proud to say that the University is one of the best in Australia and it would surely continue to mentor future generations in the coming years."

Wathnak Vy

B Int Dev 2020, B Soc Sc 2020.
Wathnak is a senior counsellor and community engagement coordinator at an NGO in South Australia, spearheading community projects for minority groups, including CALD communities. He is also a registered migration agent.

"With degrees in both International Development and Social Sciences, my decision-making process has been shaped by a holistic perspective. Picture a globe-trotting advocate, confronting issues of poverty, inequality, and environmental challenges. I've strategically wielded economic insights, policy acumen, and governance expertise to contribute to a world that is not only fairer but also more environmentally sustainable.

Envision myself in the realm of non-governmental organisations, government agencies, or socially impactful businesses (think Patagonia's ethos, not just profit motives). It's not just about being a do-gooder; it's about unravelling the complexities of human behaviour.

I've delved into anthropology, sociology, psychology, and politics—a comprehensive exploration of "why we do what we do." Think less Robin Hood, more Sherlock Holmes, deciphering the enigmas of society. As for career paths, the possibilities resemble a choose-your-own-adventure book: government roles, education, research, social work, and even business or marketing (focusing on understanding people to sell ideas, not just products)."

Bec Hanna

B Health & Med Sc 2020, B Health & Med Sc (Hons) 2022. Current Student: Master of Public Health.
Bec has big dreams to complete a PhD, become a Research Fellow, teach the world about cognitive reserve, write books, deliver a TED talk, and perhaps one day become CEO of SA Health. She hopes to raise her two boys to love travel and medicine as much as she does.

"When I held a human brain in my hands for the first time, I knew that nothing would ever stop me from being a neuroscientist. I stood on the same ground as Helen Mayo did before me, with this opportunity to overcome all obstacles and doubts.

I was the first in my family to study at the University of Adelaide, only the second in my family to study at any university. I started my degree at 25, and worked full time the whole way through. I achieved First Class Honours while having and raising a baby. But I did all these things because I had teachers who believed I was capable.

Special people I’ve met along the way have seen something in me I didn’t even know I had. And thanks to them - I’ve achieved more than I ever knew I could."

Dr Sharmina Ahmed

Ph D (Ec).
Sharmina now works as Senior Economics and Policy Officer in Primary Industries and Regions for the SA state government. She has enjoyed watching her son walk the same paths she once did at the University campus, and has great pride in him as he nears his graduation.

"In 2008 I, with my husband and son, came to Adelaide for pursuing my PhD in Economics under Australian Government Endeavour Scholarship program. From the very first day at University, I also started working as part-time Teaching Assistant.

There were many days during my PhD when I felt frustrated and angry and sad at the same time. I used to just walk to Botanic Park, and sat there to release all of my stress. After finishing my PhD, I was fortunate enough to win a 2.5 years Research Fellow position at the University which extended another 2.5 years.

None of these could be achieved without constant help and encouragement from my supervisors. I definitely learned a lot from all my teachers, but I also learned a lot from my students, whom I taught different subjects during the 10 long years I was at the University."

Dr Sophie Ward

B Sc 2017, B Sc (Hons) 2017, Ph D (Vet Sc) 2022.
As part of the Australasian Pig Research Institute Ltd (APRIL) team, Dr Ward is part of an industry-wide CRC-P project looking at why pigs may bite each other’s tails and how we can mitigate risk of an outbreak.

"Having no interest in farm animals, I joined pig club at Roseworthy college because my friend said we should make some friends. I had no idea how incredibly smart and funny these animals were. My pig, called Laquisha, had so much personality and learnt how to sit, stay and follow my hand. When I saw the way pigs are reared in commercial conditions something changed for me. I knew that my place in this world was to improve the lives of pigs on farm in whatever way I can.

In my third year of Animal Science I paid to attend a conference so I could learn more. I was fortunate to meet an amazing speaker, Dr Kate Plush, who was also passionate about pig welfare and had an upcoming honours project at the University of Adelaide. I went on to complete an honours and PhD in the welfare of sows during birth of piglets, working with both the University of Adelaide and as a guest student with the Pharmaceutical Innovation and Development Group at UniSA on a non-injectable inducing agent to trigger birth during the working day so sow and piglets could be cared for appropriately."

Dr Roderick Jeffrey Hill

Bachelor of Science (Hons) 1971, PhD DSc 1976.
Roderick spent his career at CSIRO, followed by 5 years as Pro-Vice-Chancellor at Monash University. Now retired, he volunteers with The University’s Alumni Council and Hughes Society Committee. He’s Chair of SA&NT Division of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) and active in the Waterhouse Club (SA Museum) and the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy. He is writing not one but two books, and in his spare time he chases total solar eclipses.

"I fell into a life-long love of geology and mineralogy at my very first lecture in the Mawson Theatre in 1967. I and a few other latecomers had to find a seat on the steps of one of the aisles of the theatre since it was a boom time for geology and there were 400 first year students enrolled, more than the theatre could be accommodated comfortably. One of thousands of moments that I will never forget was watching Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong set foot on the Moon on a small black and white TV set up in the Union House in July 1969.

My time at Adelaide opened my horizons immeasurably to what life had to offer. It was an exciting, exhilarating and very satisfying period, especially when I moved into research as a graduate student. I will always be grateful to the university for giving me this opportunity to blossom."

Dr Tejaswini Arunachala Murthy

PhD (Med) 2022.
Dr Murthy now lives in India so her daughter can grow up with her extended family. She continues to pursue nutrition research and customise meal plans in ICU.

"I’ve been passionate about finding cost-effective strategies to cure illness ever since I joined med school in 2002. This motto strengthened in 2018 when I myself was admitted to ICU, and I subsequently embarked on a PhD.

My PhD journey was riddled with challenges including 28 failed IVF embryo transfers, 2 near life-threatening surgeries and ICU stays. My final embryo transfer just before I submitted my thesis and the birth of my miracle daughter made every struggle worth it.

The exceptional supervisory panel and post graduate coordinator, UofA support in the form of travel grants, and recognition of my work with AMS publication award and conference presentations, all made the journey unforgettable and joyous. The camaraderie I shared with my fellow PhD students as we enjoyed coffee on Barr Smith lawns or while analysing data on weekends at AHMS, was incredible."

Charlotte Pruett

Current staff member - Marketing Officer, Research and Innovation.
Charlotte now works in the Research and Innovation team at the University of Adelaide, in this beautiful city that her sister fell in love with and encouraged her to visit all those years ago. Charlotte’s sister Katie works as a veterinarian in the United States.

"I am from the United States, where it's common to study abroad in an international country for a semester. My older sister, Katie, studied topics related to veterinary work at the University of Adelaide for a semester in 2014. She fell in love with the Roseworthy and city campuses as well as the city of Adelaide itself.

When I graduated from University in the States in 2019, I decided to go backpacking in Australia, and my sister urged me to visit Adelaide. She said that, while it's not as well known to Americans as Sydney of Melbourne, it's her favourite city she visited.

I came here for what I thought was a stop on my backpacking trip... and I have now lived here for four years, recently receiving my Permanent Residency."

Eddy Sitepu

M Comm (Acc) 2009.
Eddy now works as a policy analyst at the Fiscal Policy Agency, Ministry of Finance, Indonesia, where he is responsible for assessing fiscal policies related to state revenue, especially export duties.

"Leaving for Adelaide to continue my studies was my first experience traveling abroad. What makes it even more special is that I studied for my master's degree at the University of Adelaide, one of the best universities in Australia. It is a very proud experience to be part of this University. Filled with many historical buildings along North Terrace, I felt like I was traveling through time to gain as much knowledge as possible in the time I had on this campus.

One place I enjoy the most is the Barr Smith Library, where I spend a lot of time reading various books from various disciplines and also where I study to prepare for exams. What a short life experience (only 1.5 years) but it will continue to colour my life. Hopefully, later in my lifetime, I will still have the opportunity to come and visit Adelaide and of course the University of Adelaide."

Evana Ferdous Haque

Master of International Management 2020.
Evana works for Allianz Australia as a Claim Consultant, working at the intersection of risk, regulation, and client needs.

"A journey of growth and discovery, which I always cherish. My two years in The University of Adelaide have been a captivating saga of challenges, triumphs, and a metamorphosis that has shaped me into the person I am today in my journey from Bangladesh to Australia.

The first chapter of this incredible journey unfolded on the orientation day—a tapestry of nervous excitement. The campus buzzed with energy as students from diverse backgrounds converged to embark on a shared adventure in post-graduation.

The transition from university to the professional realm marked a pivotal moment in my journey of continuous learning. I navigate the professional landscape with a sense of purpose, resilience, and a continuous thirst for knowledge. Thanks to The University of Adelaide for this incredible journey!"

Loke Yuen Wong

Bachelor of Commerce (Management) 2002.
Today, Loke is a senior lecturer in Malaysia and teaches a variety of courses including business, accounting, statistics, marketing, and management.

"It was a great learning experience to study at the University of Adelaide in Australia. My favourite memories are from the times spent with my classmates and friends I met during my time at university.

In 2002 I was chosen to take part in the orientation activities, assisting with orientation for new international students at the University. The skills I learned during my time at Adelaide have prepared me for my career today.

After graduating with Adelaide Bachelor of Commerce degree, I worked in the human resource department as an HR personnel and further developed my career in education sector. The University of Adelaide has made a major positive impact on my life."

Susan Dwyer

BA 1985 (Philosophy and Psychology) and a BA Hon 1986 (Philosophy).
Awarded the Jeffries Memorial Medal in Philosophy, Caltex (SA) Woman graduate of the year, and a Fulbright traveling scholarship to undertake doctoral studies at MIT. Since 1991, Susan has taught at McGill University Montreal, the US Naval Academy Annapolis, Maryland, and the University of Maryland, where she is a tenured Professor of Philosophy.

"The Uni Bar in the mid-1980s. It's packed. I'm there with my mates from the Philosophy Department for a Midnight Oil concert. We're all clutching plastic cups of ice-cold beer. Every cell in my body is alive, vibrating with the music.

A first-generation student, I flunked out of my first year at Adelaide in 1975. But I'm back now and soon to get my BA (that will lead to an Honours degree and a PhD). I am giddy with joy and, finally, a deep sense of belonging"

Paul Iji

PhD (Animal Science) 1999.
Paul left Adelaide in 1999 to work at Ahmadu Bello University, Nigeria, then took up a postdoctoral fellowship in South Africa. He returned to Australia in 2005 and worked for more than 12 years at the University of New England, Armidale. He is currently the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) at Fiji National University.

"I enrolled at the Roseworthy Campus in 1994 to follow my passion in applied animal nutrition. A seminar meeting at Waite Campus led me to a new supervisor, a young academic from the UK, Dr David Tivey, who had just joined the University. I relocated to Waite six months later. That move altered my career path, with a change to a new research area, digestive physiology. I needed to learn a lot of new laboratory techniques, but I finally settled down to my studies. I graduated in early 1999 and have thoroughly enjoyed my career, all thanks to Dr Tivey."

Tracy Dickens

Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy, 2019.
Tracey presently has a Counselling and Psychotherapy Private Practice in Prospect, South Australia.

"University was a place where my passions blossomed, where knowledge and discovery intertwined to create rich experiences. I was surrounded by diverse minds, and relished exploring my interests, expanding my thinking, and delving deeper into topics that fascinated me. The vibrant campus life, stimulating discussions, and inspiring lecturers fuelled my curiosity and nurtured my growth. I enjoyed the freedom to choose my path, engage in meaningful projects, and collaborate with like-minded individuals. These activities filled my days with excitement and purpose. University offered me a transformative journey, shaping my worldview, fostering enduring friendships, and igniting a lifelong love for learning."

Geoffrey E. Nottle

Mr Nottle, now aged 92, graduated with a Diploma of Arts and Education, 1953, a Bachelor of Arts in 1956 and a Diploma in Primary Education in 1959.
These two delightful photographs of Geoff and his wife Paquita were taken on the same spot, 50 years apart, in 1959 (soon after their wedding) and in 2009, when they returned to campus to celebrate Geoff’s graduation Golden Jubilee.)

"Adelaide’s University and Teachers’ College became complementary hemispheres of my world in 1950, beginning the whole enriching experience that is my fondest memory. 

Studies in Arts, Education, sports of baseball, cricket; socialising, on two campuses, filled most days and into the nights. 

Respectfully recalled now – inspiring instructors in lectures, tutorials, practicals, excursions; Barr Smith, public libraries; refectory, oval; books read, events attended, roles acted, games played, country correspondence courses, assignments hand-written, three-hour opportunities – results released – jobs done! 

“Prosh”, Premiership, Inter-Varsity. Graduations, Blue Dinners, Golden Jubilee Reunions – enduring friendships – all precious parts of the total treasure! Thank you both!"

Noel Schoff

BA 1967 (Majors in History & English) conferred 1st May 1968.
Grad Dip Ed. 1968 conferred 1969 (when I was already teaching).

"As a very young History undergraduate in the mid-1960s, sitting at the metaphorical feet of Professor Hugh Stretton (1924-2015) in the recently completed Napier 1 Lecture Theatre, and being swept away by both his erudition and systematic style of presentation: lectures delivered in an urbane, quiet voice completely without notes, more of a confidential talk than a lecture really; even his droll asides were carefully structured and supremely apposite.

It was at this point I decided to become a history teacher, a career I followed both in South Australia and England for 40 years."

Leighlan Doe

In 2018 I graduated from a Masters of Biotechnology (Plant Biotechnology). I am now a Project Manager in a defence company's IT department. Attached is a picture of me during my (eventual) Masters project, the first time I encountered genetically modified organisms (they were quite friendly being plants and all).

"My fondest memory at the University of Adelaide was messing around in a communal kitchen just off the Math Lawns making bread dough for the first time. To later that day find myself in a high-tech lab essentially giving the dough an infrared ultrasound to try and see if we could determine what types of bubbles were forming in it. Didn't lead to the master's project I was hoping for, but was certainly a cool afternoon!"

Claire Page

I graduated in 2001 from a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) then 2002 from a Bachelor of Economics.

"I did love the social time spent between classes, particularly regular lunches in the Union building with fellow commerce friends, but I also loved spending time alone in the Barr Smith Library looking through the books or using a study room. Years later I went back to university to study to be a librarian, and a love of libraries came from that time. I loved the beautiful reading room and the dark corridors of books. I guess I can be a fairly solitary person sometimes and this library gave me important time to myself to concentrate and get work done."

Charles Ng

I am a graduate of 2003 MBA. I am a founder and director of 'Trinity CPA Limited, Certified Public Accountants (Practising)' firm in Hong Kong. I am mainly providing audit assurance, accountancy, secretarial and tax services to our clients.

"I studied at the University of Adelaide as a part time student. I needed to put effort into my job and my study. It made me have good time planning so I could manage them both. It was an enjoyable time, advancing my knowledge and building up work experience. Finally, I passed and finished with my MBA. It is a treasure in study and gives me a memorable state of mind. I hope to extend my lifelong learning experience onward from the University of Adelaide"

Faith Blake

I graduated in 2018 with a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in Creative Writing and Sociology. I am currently a full-time professional staff member at the University of Adelaide in the Central Enrolments team - Student Administration Officer.

"When I crossed the stage to receive my parchment after four years of hard work! Graduating was such a memorable moment for me and was made even more magical by the picturesque Bonython Hall and the ceremonial grandeur."