Associate Professor Dimitra Lekkas – the creative teacher

“She is always smiling and shining with positivity during Zoom lessons, making us forget temporarily that we are in the midst of a pandemic.”

How do you teach dental students practical skills during a pandemic? Dimi showed her classes not only was it possible, but it could also be fun! When face-to-face learning was put on hold, she ensured her students could still flourish. Undergraduates were challenged to develop their manual dexterity through creative teaching practice. Tasks such as soap carving and diamond art guided students to learn the dexterity skills and hand eye coordination needed to successfully treat patients in the future. 

Having worked through the HIV epidemic as a student herself, current dental students benefited from her expertise as well as her ability to empathise. Described as going ‘beyond her job’ and providing ‘unwavering support’ she never failed to reassure her students supporting both their academic and emotional well-being. 

Melanie Ford – the super woman

“She has made an enormous difference to one of the most vulnerable sectors of our University community during this frightening crisis…”

As an international PhD student, Mel saw many of her fellow postgraduates at Waite Campus experience stress and anxiety relating to their studies as well as losing vital income from casual jobs. Like Mel, many students had to endure the COVID-19 global pandemic while living in a foreign country with very little family or social support.  Some of the international students had only just arrived in Adelaide and were understandably lost and confused. 

Mel collected donations and put together care packages of food and essential items that were delivered to Waite Campus international students. She spent countless hours scouring the supermarkets for rice, pasta, toilet rolls and hand sanitiser. She reached out to local farmers and directly purchased fresh produce for the care packages, thus helping students and farmers alike. Additionally, Mel raised funds to assist at-risk students with rent, family support, petrol and supermarket vouchers.  

As a result, Mel became a vital contact and support to many of the students and they trusted her to advocate on their behalf. She represented them and shared their views with the Adelaide Graduate Centre, the Agriculture, Food and Wine Head of School and Executive in a number of forums. Without her, the true situation of many of the students would never have been known. 

Emma Maley – the friendly face

“…she's so helpful everyone always comes to her if they need help and if she can't help you she'll find someone who can.”

As a Senior Resident at Roseworthy, Emma remained living on campus and helped her fellow students during the COVID-19 pandemic. She has a smile for each person she meets (including online!) and her good vibes worked their magic during a difficult time. She is described as easy to talk to and having a positive impact on those around her.

As well as holding down a part-time job and continuing her veterinary studies, Emma still has time to contribute to a number of voluntary committees and including assisting the Adelaide University Union with social events. She also acts as her year level representative, known by staff and students for her meaningful contribution.

As a friendly face at Roseworthy Campus, her door is always open to anyone who needs a chat. Like all community legends she's always looking for ways to be involved and help others.