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CHRISTINE SORIANO Consultant, Stamford Interactive VU Computer Science Graduate (Honours) After completing my undergraduate in computer science, I undertook another year of study to complete my Honours. I chose to conduct my research in usability focusing on the usability of SMS and middle-aged users. Basically, I investigated how easy current mobile phone technologies supported the use of SMS by middle-aged individuals and discovered what ways mobile phone handsets could be improved for middle-aged users. Under the knowledgeable guidance of my supervisors and the excellent support I received from my colleagues, family and friends, my findings allowed me to publish two short papers which I presented at two conferences in Australia. My year in Honours was definitely the most challenging but it has also been the most rewarding. It was worth it! So why did I make Victoria University my choice for a higher education? Well not only was the campus conveniently close to home, I highly favoured its size. The overall campus wasn't too big, or too small, it was just right. The facilities were great as there wasn't a problem finding a desk or a computer to do my work and taking that much needed break beside the river or shooting hoops was terrific. The staff at VU was also very helpful and supportive as they opened me up to many opportunities and gave me the chance to reach my potential. Honours gave me the freedom to study an area that I felt passionately about, i.e. usability and human-computer interaction. This has led me to my current position as a consultant at Stamford Interactive, where I have gained a breath of skills and experience in many UCD techniques and am working with an amazing team of professionals. I am truly thankful. |
Christine Soriano |
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MATTHEW STEWART Coming straight from high school to University was an enormous change in my life, but this was made easier by being able to develop excellent relationships with other students and lecturers at Victoria University. I found that the lecturers had a high standard of teaching whilst being approachable and supportive. They had the ability to bring enthusiasm to the classes and the expertise to bring out the best in each student. The subjects were directly related to nursing practice. At the completion of my Undergraduate course I was successful in achieving a Graduate Nurse Program. Throughout my nursing career I have had a desire to further my clinical knowledge and skills. This was made easier by receiving career counselling and support from the lecturers. Whilst completing the postgraduate course at VU I became successful in obtaining a Nurse Unit Manager position. One of the selection criteria the employer used to compare applicants was postgraduate education, which I had, and that gave me the edge over other candidates. The time I have spent at VU has been a great experience both personally and professionally. VU was able to prepare me for a successful career in Nursing, and by completing my postgraduate course I was able to develop further clinical and theoretical knowledge that has assisted me in advancing my career. |
Matthew Stewart |
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MARK GELLATLY I have been employed as a Forensic Biologist at the Victoria Police Forensic Services Centre since April 2003, where I perform a wide variety of biological examinations and DNA analyses on criminal cases such as murder, rape, and burglary. More specifically, my job involves identifying biological substances, such as blood and semen, from various exhibits, and performing the DNA extraction, quantitation, amplification, electrophoresis, the interpretation of the DNA typings, and last, presenting these results to the Courts of Law. In 2002, I successfully completed a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Molecular Biology at the Victoria University, Werribee campus, with Dr. Swati Baindur-Hudson which focused on forensic science, more specifically, the suspected pigmentation gene, MC1R, and linking variations within this gene to various shades of hair and eye colour. Prior to this, I successfully completed a Bachelor of Science (Applied Biology) at the Victoria University, St. Albans campus. This provided me with an excellent understanding of many of the relevant scientific concepts required, first, for a science degree, and second, out in the scientific workforce. The tutorials and practicals comprised few students, allowing students to gain assistance easily, if required. I also found the lecturers and demonstrators to be friendly and helpful, it was as if you were a student there to learn, not just another number in a lecture or practical. The laboratories and office facilities at the two campuses were first-class, equalling or exceeding current workforce standards, with little expense spared on the students' research and education. During my Honours year, I was able to gain valuable knowledge and experience in a typical Molecular Biology laboratory, learning and applying relevant concepts and techniques. My supervisor was extremely helpful, always available to discuss my project. Last, to sum up my time at Victoria University, I would have to say it was extremely enjoyable, rewarding, and, I believe this experience has prepared me for life in the scientific workforce. |
Mark Gellatly |
