The University has a strong tradition of excellence in teaching, learning and academic success. Here we celebrate some of the recent successes of VU students, alumni and staff, as well as the University itself.
Bachelor of Exercise Science and Human Movement student Liam Adams has collected a silver medal at the 2010 World University Cross Country Championships in Kingston, Canada. Liam who represented VU and Australia at the event covered the 10 km course in 30:09.7 to finish just behind Japan’s Tetsuya Yoroizaka (30:08.4).
A seasoned competitor Liam also claimed a silver medal at the 2008 championships in Mauquenchy, France. In the same year he was named male athlete of the year at the Australian University Sport Awards. Australian University Sport (AUS) is the peak governing body of university sport in Australia with 42 member universities, representing more than one million students.
Ego Lemos, Balibo composer
For East Timorese permaculture expert, author and Victoria University masters student Ego Lemos, music was always a secondary occupation. That may change now his song Balibo has been awarded the APRA Screen Music Award for Best Original Song Composed for Screen.
“This award means a lot to me and the people of my country,” Ego says. His song was the title track of the award-winning film Balibo which was released in cinemas in August 2009.
Ego hopes to pursue his work on developing native music, and continue his lifelong passion for permaculture which saw him establish Timor-Leste’s first permaculture institute, Permatil.
Expert dairy researcher
Professor Nagendra Shah from VU’s School of Biomedical and Health Sciences has won the California Dairy Research Foundation’s 2009 William C. Haines Dairy Science Award. Professor Shah received the prestigious award in recognition of his significant contribution to dairy science.
Nagendra is a renowned specialist in the use of probiotic bacteria in foods. He has conducted pioneering research into a diverse range of topics such as the functional properties of milk, fermented dairy products and the development of low-fat Mozzarella.
“I am honoured to be recognised with the Haines award. Awards like this encourage scientists and academics to carry out innovative research in dairy science of commercial significance,” he said.
Professor Dorothy Bruck
Research carried out by VU Professors Dorothy Bruck and Ian Thomas and Dr Michelle Ball has the potential to save lives. The trio who researched the waking effectiveness of different sound frequencies in smoke alarms has received international recognition for their research.
The research findings have led to a major policy change to the US National Fire Alarm Code on smoke alarm warning sounds in all residences occupied by people with hearing loss and in all commercial sleeping rooms. Dorothy and Ian also received the 2009 Harry C. Bigglestone Award for Excellence in Communication of Fire Protection Concepts from the US National Fire Protection Association.
Reducing the risk
VU Alumnus John Thompson was awarded the Australian Marketing Institute’s 2009 Certified Practicing Marketer of the Year. Mr Thompson is Senior Manager of Road Safety and Strategy for Victoria’s Transport Accident Commission (TAC).
“It is an honour to be involved with organisations like the TAC and to work with a dedicated group of people who make the campaigns come to life,” John says.
John has worked with TAC since 2004 and is responsible for the development of the organisation’s marketing campaigns to reduce road trauma. In the past two years, Victoria has recorded its lowest road tolls since records began in 1952, making the state one of the safest places in the world to drive.
VU seeks to transform lives through the power of education. To help bring this vision to life the University launched the VU Achievement Scholarships Program in 2009. This exciting initiative provides high-achieving students with the funding to continue their education beyond Year 12. The first cohort of Achievement Scholars began studying at VU in 2010.
Scholarships are available to students from 49 secondary schools in Melbourne’s western region council areas:
Each secondary school is offered two VU scholarships, one for a vocational education student and one for a higher education student. The scholarships support students for the duration of their study.
Page last updated: Thursday 29 April 2010
