Radhika Murti (BSc (Forestry) (Hons) '03 & Robert McWilliam BSc (Forestry) (Hons) '03 bumped into Master of University House, and Professor of Forestry in the Fenner School of Environment & Society Peter Kanowski (BSc (Forestry) (Hons) '82) at their local pub in Gland, Switzerland (pictured). Radhika and Robert met at ANU and are now married. Robert works for The Forest Trust and is working with small and large businesses around the world to establish and implement strong procurement policies that eliminate deforestation and respect people and the environment. Radhika is working in Disaster Risk Reduction for the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Radhika recently delivered a speech at the UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Japan, and did a TED talk on disaster risk reduction.
Amber Beavis (PhD, 09; BSc (Hons), '03, BA '02) of the Western Australia Museum was recently recognised as one of five winners in ABC Radio National's Top 5 Under 40 initiative-a nationwide call out to find the next generation of science communicators names as one the Top 5 Under 40.
Michael Bradley (BSc '98, BEc '98) has been appointed as Chief Executive of The Australian Automobile Association (AAA). Michael moves to the national organisation representing state automobile clubs from the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association (APPEA), where he has worked as director of external affairs since 2010.
Professor Jenny Corbett (BA (Hons) '73) who is the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research & Research Training), received The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the promotion of mutual understanding and the strengthening of economic relations between Japan and Australia. Professor Corbett says winning the prestigious Order of the Rising Sun award for her work on Japanese economics shows ANU is in the same class as other world-leading universities that teach Japanese studies.
Dr Jean Drayton (PhD '11, BSc (Hons) '04) was the worthy recipient of the Dairy Australia Award announced at the 2015 Science and Innovation Awards for Young People in Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. Over twelve months Dr Drayton, who holds a PhD in insect behavioural ecology from ANU, will use the $22,000 award to research the impact of climate change on dung burial by dung beetles.
Kaisa Freeman (MBA '01) recently returned to campus to speak with Research School of Earth Sciences students about the skills the resource industry is looking for in the future. Kaisa leads the development of Rio Tinto education partnerships. Prior to joining Rio Tinto in 2011, she worked in senior level marketing, corporate communications and business development roles in Chile, EU, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates and the United States.
Dr Anne Gallagher AO (MIntLaw 1992) officially opened the 2015 academic year, delivering the annual Commencement Address to students. Dr Gallagher used her speech to outline concerns about western nations and the erosion of human rights in order to protect citizens from terrorism. She also urged students to use their time at the ANU to become independent and critical thinkers.
Chloe Mandryk (BA (ArtHistCur) '10) has been described as "one of the youngest and brightest curators on the block" by City News Arts Editor Helen Musa. After three past commissions from the Molonglo Group, she's now festival curator for their annual multi-arts festival "Art, Not Apart".
John Masters (LLB '87) has been appointed as the Director of Public Prosecution in the Turks and Caicos Islands. He has been a Crown Advocate (barrister) for the Crown Prosecution Service of England and Wales, where he was a training mentor and a national champion of proceeds of crimes for Cambridgeshire and the fraud prosecution service. He has also worked as Senior Crown Counsel (International Cooperation) in the Cayman Islands.
Julie McKay (MPubPol (Hons) '08) & Beth Shaw (MPubPol '11) were in New York in early March for the UN Commission on the Status of Women in their roles for UN Women Australia. Julie is Executive Director of UN Women Australia, and Beth was recently elected the President of UN Women Australia.
Areti Metuamate (Master of Studies '11) has been appointed as Vice Master of Wesley College at the University of Sydney.
Professor Amin Saikal (BA '74, PhD '80) was been appointed to University Distinguished Professor - the highest position for an ANU academic. His appointment recognises his international standing as a specialist in the politics, modern history, political economy and international relations of the Middle East and Central Asia as well as the role of political Islam in these two regions.
Paul Sanberg (PhD '81, DSc '98) senior vice president for research, innovation and economic development at the University of South Florida in Tampa and president of the National Academy of Inventors, was named the 2015 Medalist of the Florida Academy of Sciences. The Florida Academy of Sciences Medal is presented each year to an individual who has contributed in an outstanding manner to the promotion of scientific research, to the stimulation of interest in the sciences, or to the diffusion of scientific knowledge.
Erica Seccombe (MPhil '05) won the inaugural Paramor Prize for Art and Innovation in Sydney. The prize, which includes a $20,000 grant, was for her work involving a large ink jet print that was created at the ANU School of Art's Inkjet Research Facility. The work is now permanently based at the Casula Power House in Sydney. Erica is a current PhD candidate at ANU School of Art
Vicki Salkin (LLM '01) joined Middle East Concern (MEC) in 2013, a coalition of agencies and individuals which supports Christians in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) when they are facing persecution. She is primarily responsible for developing advocacy networks in Europe, Oceania and Spanish-speaking America. In this context she travels to these countries and interacts with politicians, governments and refugee organisations. She advocates for individual victims of persecution, and encourages the international community to challenge structural injustices in relation to freedom of religion in the MENA region. Prior to joining MEC, Vicki undertook language and cross-cultural studies at ANU, which have equipped her well for travel to French and Spanish speaking countries. Her Masters paper was on the practice of temporary protection for refugees in International Law. Vicki's also holds a combined Bachelor of Arts and Law from Monash University, with First Class Honours in French.
Richard Roxburgh (BEc '84) has been nominated for a Logie Award in the Most Outstanding Actor category for his performance in the ABC Drama Rake. Rake has also been nominated in the Most Outstanding Drama Series. The awards will be held in Melbourne on Sunday 3 May.
Dominic Wilson (PhD '01) resigned as chief markets economist at Goldman Sachs Group Inc. to join MKP Capital Management LLC. A graduate of Oxford and Harvard universities as well as the Australian National University, Wilson joined Goldman Sachs as a Hong Kong-based Asia economist in 2000 before moving to New York as a global economist. He was named a managing director in 2004 and a partner in 2008.
ANU is proud of the number of Alumni who have gone on to have fulfilling careers while making substantial contributions to government, the military and public service in Australia and internationally.
Annastacia Palaszczuk (GradDipLegPrac '06) was sworn in as Premier of Queensland on 14 February, continuing the University's proud record of producing state, Federal and international leaders.
Kate Jones (MEnvLaw (Hons) '14) was sworn in as Minister for Education, Minister for Tourism, Major Events and Small Business and Minister for the Commonwealth Games in the Palaszczuk Ministry.
Senator Katy Gallagher (BA '91) has officially taken office as the ACT's newest senator. She was sworn into the federal parliament on 26 March.
Lieutenant General David Morrison (BA '79) will retire from his post as Chief of Army in May after 36 years of military service.
