Faculty of Science and Technology
Deakin University
|
8/2/2010
Link between Omega-3 and Alzheimers
21/1/2010
Wanted: Gamers for 48 hours!
9/12/2009
Tracking the health of estuaries
16/11/2009
Visiting Geosciences Professor from China
30/10/2009
Hot Research Breakfast Geelong
30/10/2009
Hot Research Breakfast Melbourne
22/10/2009
Declining bird numbers in TV spotlight
29/9/2009
Hopkins River Estuary Public Forum
28/9/2009
Students imagine the family home of 2050
21/9/2009
Tall Poppy science award win
2/9/2009
Students discover the fun of maths
25/8/2009
Researcher of the year
24/8/2009
New IT courses 2010
12/8/2009
Pieces of Me
14/7/2009
Research to benefit standard road cars
News archive: 2007 | 2008 | 2009 (trimester 1)
Link between Omega-3 and Alzheimers “Previous research has suggested that there is a link between low levels in the brain of the omega-3 fatty acid DHA and Alzheimer’s disease,” explains project leader Professor Leigh Ackland (School of Life and Environmental Sciences). The researchers found that when the level of DHA in neuronal cells (the cells responsible for transmitting signals in the brain) drops, the level of zinc rises. “The higher levels of zinc can be toxic, resulting in cell death. This type of cell death is a key feature of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s.” “We believe that having omega-3 fatty acids in the diet helps keep the levels of zinc in the brain in balance and helps prevents the increase in levels that triggers cell death,” says Professor Ackland, adding “to the best of our knowledge this is the first time a direct link has been demonstrated between the levels of DHA and zinc in neuronal cells.” “Alzheimer’s disease is a complex disorder and it is unclear what causes it, although dietary factors are implicated in its development. Our work provides insights into how fatty acid nutrition may prevent the development of Alzheimer’s and could lead to new treatments that prevent zinc-induced brain damage,” says Professor Ackland.
Wanted: Gamers for 48 hours!
You’re invited to come along and be part of this worldwide community event, taking place in 36 countries. It’s a free event and free tea and coffee will be flowing to help keep you awake. Upcoming game developers and anyone with an interest in developing video games are welcome. University equipment will be available for use or you can bring your own machine. To be part of the Deakin GGJ contact Sophie Nichol (snichol@deakin.edu.au) now! Everyone that attends will get a certificate of participation and there will be awards up for grabs. Industry speakers and people working in the games industry are being asked to come along and have a look at what gets created. After the event all the games designed from around the global will be on globalgamejam.org/jam
LES student wins prestigious Australasian Hydrographic Society education award
The title of his PhD research project being undertaken is ‘Understanding demersal fish-habitat associations using video observations and sonar imaging’. Supervised by a team led by Daniel Ierodiaconou (School of Life and Environmental Sciences), the project utilises the recent advances in underwater remote sensing (such as acoustic positioning, multibeam sonar and remotely operated underwater video) to generate detailed data to investigate the spatial relationships between the seafloor and marine coastal fishes in southwest Victoria. The group’s achievements have been previously recognised by the Australian Hydrographic Society in 2006 with the presentation of a Scientific and Technical Achievement Award for their development of new techniques for coastal habitat mapping. Jacquomo is using predictive modelling techniques to get a greater understanding of these relationships. This information is essential to better manage these vulnerable, rare and ecologically important communities. The funds provide the opportunity for Jacquomo to present his work at the GeoHab (Marine Geological and Biological Habitat Mapping) Conference in Wellington, New Zealand in May, and to the Hydrographic board in Sydney later in the year.
Tracking the health of estuaries Engaged by the Department of Sustainability and Environment, Professor Gerry Quinn, Dr Adam Pope and Dr Jan Barton (School of Life and Environmental Sciences) will trial the Index on estuaries across the Victorian coastline. Professor Quinn says the index considers issues such as physical form, hydrology, water quality, sediment, flora and fauna, and connection to the ocean. The Index will help agencies, such as Catchment Management Authorities (CMAs), in management and restoration of estuaries. “They can use it as a report card on the condition of the estuary. We have to make sure it is effective and usable and can be implemented by local agencies,” says Professor Quinn. The project team are currently working with CMAs across the state, and Melbourne Water, to implement the trials. At least 20 estuaries will be included in the trial but the specific locations have not yet been confirmed.
A Melbourne landmark finally tells its story
Dr de Jong’s book tells the story of architect William Wilkinson Wardell’s 1889 design for the ‘Convent and School, Kew’ in Melbourne, now at the heart of Genazzano FCJ College. Wardell is one of Australia's most important nineteenth century architects. His design was impressive, and though only partly realised, has resulted in a Melbourne landmark. It is 120 years since work on the building began, but Dr de Jong believes many of the challenges faced at that time are relevant today. “As well as the financial challenges faced by the client, the FCJ Sisters, there were environmental challenges with the school affected by both bushfires and floods. The building was designed to be sustainable, well ventilated, sensitively orientated and water wise - two million gallons of water was stored on-site, gravity fed from the tower to the bathrooms and lower levels.” While the book is a celebration of history, Dr de Jong hopes it will positively influence how people see and experience their surroundings. “I hope readers of my book will learn to look at buildings differently, with a better understanding of what goes into a building, from the vision, to the design, costing and challenges of realising the built form; I hope they will also learn to look with new eyes at our built environment, both the old and the new,” she says.
Biomedical researcher receives Ramaciotti Foundation grant
Dr Suphioglu’s research is aimed at understanding the molecular properties of major peanut allergens, which will permit the future development of safer and more effective reagents for peanut allergy diagnosis, prevention and treatment. “Receiving this grant will allow us to contribute towards the purchase of an expensive but fundamental piece of research equipment. As a result, our research could significantly reduce the economic, physical and emotional burden of this disease on our society,” said Dr Suphioglu. The Ramaciotti Foundations are collectively one of the largest private contributors to biomedical research in Australia, providing assistance to areas such as molecular biology, genetics and immunology, totaling $2.5 million of support in 2009.
Visiting Geosciences Professor from China
The Endeavour Awards are the Australian Government’s internationally competitive, merit-based scholarship/fellowship program providing high-achieving individuals with a unique opportunity to undertake study, research or professional development in Australia. The Endeavour Awards enable collaboration in areas of shared interest between the people of Australia and overseas. In doing so, the Awards aim to develop mutual understanding and foster enduring linkages between individuals, organisations and countries. Professor He is an internationally well-published research scientist in the field of palaeobiology and palaeoecology; her particular research interest is on mass extinctions in earth history and their implications for a better understanding of the current global biodiversity crisis. During her time at Deakin, Professor He will be working with Professor Guang Shi (School of Life and Environmental Sciences) conducting joint research on the patterns and processes of earth’s greatest mass extinction that took place some 252 million years ago. Professor Guang Shi has been collaborating with Professor He since 2004.
Leading LES academic appointed to Personal Chair
Associate Professor Leigh Ackland is Deputy Director of the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology. Leigh and her team are interested in the function of trace metals in human health and disease. She also has a research program that is aimed at better understanding breast cancer. “I am greatly honoured to be granted a Personal Chair at Deakin University,” she said. “This leadership role brings with it the capacity for me to enhance research in biological and biomedical sciences within the School of Life and Environmental Sciences, the Faculty of Science and Technology and to promote partnerships with external organisations. “This appointment also gives me an opportunity to provide academic support and mentorship in the University and to profile the role of women in science.” An example of Associate Professor Leigh Ackland’s recent research: Leigh Ackland research article (496KB) A copy of the full media release is available at www.deakin.edu.au/news/2009/061109personalchairs.php
Hot Research Breakfast Geelong Researchers at Deakin are developing new light magnesium alloys that promise to benefit the transport sector in terms of reduced carbon footprints and increased performance. In his talk, Development of a new light metal alloy, Associate Professor Matthew R Barnett outlined their research in this area. Efficient conversion of sunlight into electrical energy is of great technological importance for modern society. Dr Frederick Ochanda said their work aims to close the enormous gap in efficiency between man-made solar cells and their natural equivalents by exploiting nano-technology. He explained how this work involves application of nanocomposites, in his presentation Nanotechnology creating new materials for solar cells applications. Many attempts have been made to apply automotive industrialised techniques to domestic housing manufacturing. However, success has been limited largely due to the lack of holistic understanding throughout the design team, on manufacturing methods, failure to integrate building services and a lack of implementing environmental performance. Associate Professor Mark B Luther examined these issues in his talk, Sustainable manufactured housing in Geelong.
Hot Research Breakfast Melbourne The health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil are well established. In fact, a billion dollar market exists for these compounds in nutritional supplements, functional foods and pharmaceuticals. In his presentation, Advances in Omega-3 Biotechnology, Professor Colin Barrow described some commercially useful novel production and delivery technologies for these fatty acids. Recent discoveries on Victoria’s sea floor have revealed previously unknown underwater gardens and submerged river systems and lagoons that would have supported aboriginal communities over 10,000 years ago. In his talk, Beneath the surface: Understanding Victoria’s seascape ecology, Dr Ierodiaconou looked at their findings and how they will redefine resource assessment, conservation planning and improve fisheries management. Internet crimes can result in serious consequences such as disrupting critical infrastructure; causing significant financial losses; and threatening public life. Although a number of countermeasures and legislations against internet crimes are developed, the crimes are still on the rise. One critical reason is that researchers and law enforcement agencies still cannot answer a simple question easily: who and where is the real source of internet crimes? This was the focus of Professor Wanlei Zhou’s talk, Finding the real source of internet crimes. Related news story Video footage related to Daniel's research
LES researcher wins Australian Research Fellowship
Unsustainable fishing practices have led to increased pressure on aquaculture (fish farming) to meet the shortfalls in the supply of fish, which are the main source of many essential omega 3 fatty acids. However, these fish have special nutritional requirements and need to be fed fish oil so they still contain high levels of omega 3. The problem is that current fish oil is derived from the already over-exploited wild fish stock – a situation that is environmentally and economically unstable, likely leading to a collapse of the sector within a few years. Dr Turchini is working on new ways to increase the omega 3 oil contained in farmed fish from within. He is looking at innovative natural methods of producing fish still rich in omega 3 fatty acids without using fish oil. “I am looking at the basic biology of fish,” he says. “It is changing the fish from within – triggering their dormant capability of transforming fatty acids available in vegetable oils into the good ones.” Dr Turchini says in the last two years he has received fantastic support from many staff of the School of Life and Environmental Sciences and the School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, in particular from the two co-investigators of the funded ARC discovery project, Professor Andy Sinclair and Associate Professor Leigh Ackland, and from Dr David Francis and Dr Cenk Suphioglu, who were essential for developing the proposal. To view Dr Turchini’s recent review paper please visit: Dr Turchini’s papers are available at:
Declining bird numbers in TV spotlight Professor Bennett worked on the research with Professor Ralph Mac Nally and Dr Jim Thomson, Monash University; Dr Jim Radford, Deakin University (now with Bush Heritage Australia); and Dr Peter Vesk, University of Melbourne. Their findings were recently published in the international journal Diversity and Distributions. “Climate change, particularly the lack of rainfall, has reduced the quality of habitat available to a wide range of bird species,” Professor Bennett said. “This has compounded the already serious effects of extensive habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation in the region.” Professor Bennett believes lack of food has contributed to the decline in numbers. “The collapse in bird numbers strongly suggests the availability of food has crashed,” he said. “Red Ironbark trees, an important food source for nectar-feeding birds, are flowering less frequently with the drought. In five of the past eight years Red Ironbark eucalypts have flowered little or not at all. “Most worrying, species thought to be secure, such as the Red Wattlebird and the Laughing Kookaburra, have declined as much or more than species already considered endangered. ” “We can’t change the climate,” Professor Bennett said, “but we can do much more to protect and improve the quality of habitats for our native wildlife. “This means careful management of existing native vegetation, including our parks and reserves, and greatly increasing the amount of restoration and revegetation in rural environments. There is much good work being done by Landcare groups and others, but the scale of our restoration actions does not match the scale of the problem.” A transcript of The 7.30 Report story is available on the ABC website Related research paper: Collapse of an avifauna: climate change appears to exacerbate habitat loss and degradation
Student poster prize won at National Conference Sharl’s poster was titled “Priming for resistance against pathogens: cellular responses of Arabidopsis to UV-C radiation” and described his research that is investigating components of the signalling pathways that are induced in the model plant Arabidopsis in response to ultraviolet light. Sharl and his co-investigators are using detailed microscopy, biochemical assays and microarray analysis of gene expression to investigate the impact of ultraviolet light on the response of plants to disease-causing organisms.
Hopkins River Estuary Public Forum
Experts from Deakin University and Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority will briefly discuss critical issues relevant to the assessment of values and the future of the estuary and community groups will have an opportunity to have their say. Monday 26 October Speakers Matthew Ebden Dr Helen Arundel Dr Helen Scarborough RSVP Friday 23 October
Students imagine the family home of 2050 “The design brief required the students to give a lot of thought to the future: what will the ‘typical’ family be in 2050, the environmental challenges we will be facing, the type of materials we will have available and so on.” The designs, submitted in the form of a short movie, were posted online, giving the students a public audience for their work and challenging them to be imaginative in their presentations. “In the past, a folio was a critical tool for any architect - a big folio full of sheets of A1 paper that you took around to demonstrate your work to clients and employers. Now an architect is just as likely to refer you to their website to see their work, so it is very important for our students to explore how they can present their work by using new technologies. To take a trip into the future and see what the Deakin architecture students think the homes of 2050 will be like visit www.ab.deakin.edu.au/online/futurehouse.
Tall Poppy science award win
Selected on the basis of research achievements and a passion for communicating their work, Dr Ierodiaconou, whose research is in the field of environmental management and ecology, was one of 11 Victorian and Tasmanian scientists under 35 recognised with an award. “The Young Tall Poppy Science Awards recognise scientific achievers who are in the early stage of their careers and already making discoveries,” says Australian Institute of Policy and Science Executive Director, Elektra Spathopoulos. “Not only are they great researchers, they have demonstrated their leadership in communicating science and engaging the public.” Instead of winning prize money, these young scientists gain the opportunity to take their research to school students, teachers and communities around their State and across Australia as part of the Tall Poppy Campaign inspiring a new generation to get passionate about science. The awards were presented at a ceremony held in Melbourne on Thursday 17th September. Numerous former Young Tall Poppy Science Award winners have gone on to win more senior science awards, including Eureka Prizes, Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science and Cosmos Bright Sparks Awards. One example of Daniel's recent research can be found at www.sciencedirect.com
Rod Quantock show: Bugger the Polar Bears, This is Serious!
The show starts at 6.30pm and runs for an hour and a half. We have asked Caffeine to stay open until 6.30 so you can have a coffee before the show. You can be home by 8pm or go on to the Grand Final Bar Night at Einstein’s to discuss the future in a climate changed world. Book on line preferably, or turn up on the night. The show is free, and you can bring your family or friends. This FREE event is brought to you by all Deakin University's four faculties in the spirit of co-operation, multi-disciplinary endeavour and goodwill - the building blocks for effective climate change action. WHEN: Wednesday 23rd September For bookings, please refer to www.deakin.edu.au/arts-ed/creative/exposure/program.php
Students discover the fun of maths
Forty teams, each consisting of five students and one teacher acting as supervisor and scorer, competed in four events with prizes awarded to the top performers. The contest was run by volunteer staff and students from Deakin’s School of Information Technology. Associate lecturer at Deakin and contest co-organiser Mr John Cameron said although the day was challenging, it was also a lot of fun. “Students and teachers thoroughly enjoyed the contest. It was an exhilarating day of challenging competition comprised of individual and team events designed to test mathematical skills in novel ways. “It provided a wonderful opportunity for members of different schools to experience a day at the Geelong Campus, to exchange ideas on learning and teaching mathematics, and to demonstrate their mathematical knowledge and skill. It was an exhausting day of serious fun.” The event provided an opportunity to show secondary students the variety of careers available from studying maths and encourages students to go on to study maths at tertiary level.
Further study options in Science & Technology
If you would like information on postgraduate courses and research options offered by the Faculty of Science and Technology please join us. Information sessions will be run 12pm - 2 on the following dates: Geelong Campus at Waurn Ponds Lunch will be provided. Please contact Ana Ferreira to register for this event.
Researcher of the year
Dr Pfeffer and Dr Henderson are investigating a new class of antibacterial agents that one day could defeat antibiotic-resistant superbugs, (bacteria that have developed a resistance to most common antibiotic medications currently available). These multi-drug-resistant superbugs have emerged in hospitals throughout the world and are starting to emerge outside hospitals.
New IT courses 2010
The Bachelor of IT (Honours) is a new four year IT course comprising of the Bachelor of IT degree and an honours year in which students undertake a research project. This program is designed to extend high achieving students and encourage them to undertake higher degrees by research. Successful completion of the Bachelor of IT (Honours) will enable students to apply to undertake a PhD in the field. The Bachelor of IT (Professional Practice) is a new course designed to recognise, reward and nurture high achieving students. The course enables students to experience full-time work in the IT industry as part of their degree. Students are required to include between 6 and 12 months of Industry-Based Learning (IBL) which is credited as part of their degree. Depending on the length of the IBL placements undertaken, the course can be completed in a minimum of three years, or for students taking the option to complete a longer industry placement, the course can be completed in four years. Only students with an ENTER 0f 80.00 and above will be considered for these courses, with admission through VTAC based on ENTER and successful completion of the published prerequisites. Students will be required to maintain a 70% average, otherwise may exit with a Bachelor of IT degree.
Pieces of Me
Allyson says she has always had a passion for art. “Ever since I can remember, I have loved expressing myself through drawing and painting.” Studying a PhD in forensic and analytical chemistry and expressing herself artistically, while dealing with the problems caused by multiple sclerosis, create challenges that inspire and that Allyson thrives on. “I have always thrived on the challenge. While my research is very analytically and mentally challenging, my artwork involves a test in physically producing whatever creative notion has entered my mind that I want to put on canvas.” “Sometimes I am inspired by things I see or feel, otherwise it may be something that has come to me in a dream. But whatever the motivation, it has always been a unique expression of self.” “I love the fact that anyone can continue to express themselves through art, despite the hardships they may face.” Pieces of Me is now showing at the Karingallery in James Street, Geelong and will be on display until 31st August.
Science and Engineering Super Challenge
Year 9 and Year 10 students from sixteen schools throughout Victoria, including Bendigo, Ballarat, Melbourne and Geelong, took part in a range of hands on science and engineering based activities, showing them science is anything but dull. Wangaratta High School was the winning school on Tuesday 28th July, with Bendigo South East Secondary College taking the honours on Wednesday 29th July. They will both be invited to the Grand Challenge in Bendigo in October to compete against other state winners. Australia has a chronic shortage of scientists and engineers. The Science and Engineering Challenge is a national outreach program conducted by the University of Newcastle with the aim of encouraging junior students to study science at VCE level. The challenge organisers would like to acknowledge the support of sponsors the Australian Constructors Association, WorleyParsons and Rotary.
Research to benefit standard road cars Potential benefits of KERS include improvements to vehicle efficiency and emissions, according to Dr Clive Ferguson (School of Engineering). “KERS is a way of harvesting and storing the energy generated when a vehicle brakes. This stored energy can be used by the vehicle, potentially improving its fuel efficiency and emissions. We also believe there is the potential to improve vehicle handling.” The harvested energy can be stored in various ways, including electrically using batteries – the method mostly used in Formula One to date – or mechanically using a flywheel. Dr Ferguson believes mechanical storage has a number of potential advantages, such as significant savings in weight and space. They are also friendlier for the environment because they remove the need for highly toxic lithium-based batteries. The research will identify the technical difficulties in developing an affordable mechanical KERS for both front and rear wheel drive production vehicles and identify cost effective solutions. “I would like to think that our research may lead to KERS one day being available on standard production vehicles, maybe as an optional extra,” says Dr Ferguson.
|
Researchers from the School of Life and Environmental Sciences and School of Medicine believe they have discovered how the omega-3 fatty acid DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) can help prevent brain cells from dying – a finding which could have implications for reducing the risk of brain function loss associated with conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease.
The School of IT in collaboration with the School of Arts and Education is hosting the 2010 Global Game Jam (GGJ), as gamers from around the world rally together to design games in just 48 hours. Only one weekend to design a game from scratch! This year’s Deakin GGJ will be held from 5:00pm January 29th until 5:00pm 31st January, at the Melbourne Campus at Burwood. 
PhD student Jacquomo Monk (School of Life and Environmental Sciences) has won the 2009 Australasian Hydrographic Society Education Award. The education award, which is open to students studying within a broad range of maritime disciplines, is to the value of $2,500.
Researchers from the School of Life and Environmental Sciences are helping track the health of estuaries around Victoria. The new project will help develop a report card on the environmental condition of estuaries which will guide government agencies in prioritising investment for restoration work.
One of Ursula de Jong’s (School of Architecture and Building) goals when she was writing her book "William Wardell and Genazzano FCJ College" was to let the building speak for itself. “People often say ‘I wish this building could talk’ and that is what I have tried to do in this book, give the building a voice and let it tell the reader its own story – tell them about the materials used, about its scale and proportions, about the extraordinary life it has had,” says Dr de Jong.
Dr Cenk Suphioglu (together with his colleagues Associate Professor Ackland, Dr La Fontaine and Professor Mercer) from the School of Life and Environmental Sciences (Biomolecular Sciences Research Group) has been awarded a $50,000 grant from the Ramaciotti Foundations to enable him to continue his outstanding clinical research. The Ramaciotti Foundations Grant in Biomedical Research was presented at an awards evening in Sydney on Thursday night (12 November 2009) at Doltone House in Darling Harbour.
Professor Weihong He is currently visiting Deakin from China University of Geosciences in Wuhan, China. Professor He is here as an Australian Federal Government’s Endeavour Awards Scholar. Based at the Burwood Campus, Professor He is on a six-month Endeavour Awards Research Fellowship, fully funded by the Federal Governments’ Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations.
Leading academic Associate Professor Leigh Ackland (School of Life and Environmental Sciences) has been appointed to Personal Chair. 
Three leading Deakin researchers spoke about the global and local significance of their research at the Hot Research Breakfast Science Research Making a Difference, as part of DeakinWeek. Associate Professor Matthew R Barnett, Dr Frederick Ochanda and Associate Professor Mark B Luther presented their research findings to an audience of local industry partners, community leaders and Deakin staff in Geelong.
Leading Deakin researchers Professor Colin Barrow, Dr Daniel Ierodiaconou and Professor Wanlei Zhou presented their research findings to an audience of local industry members and Deakin staff in Melbourne. The event was a Hot Research Breakfast Science Research Making a Difference, held as part of DeakinWeek.
Dr Giovanni Turchini (School of Life and Environmental Sciences) has been awarded an Australian Research Fellowship as part of his successful application for Australian Research Council Discovery Project funding. Under the Fellowship he receives funding for his research project - Triggering the dormant capacity of fish to make omega 3 fatty acids - for five years. 
A research project involving 
Life and Environmental Sciences PhD student Sharl Mintoff won the prize for best poster by a young scientist under 35 at the recent biennial conference of the Australasian Plant Pathology Society held in Newcastle, Australia, 28th September - 1st October. Sharl is in the first year of his PhD program at the Waurn Ponds campus and received a framed certificate from CSIRO publishing, a book voucher valued at $150 and a 12 month subscription to the CSIRO journal ‘Functional Plant Biology’. 
Deakin University will host a public forum examining issues around the social, economic and environmental values of the Hopkins River estuary on 26 October. 
Deakin’s architecture students took their imaginations on a journey to the year 2050 recently for a project that challenged them to design a home for the future. The Future House project required the third year students to design a contemporary house that was adaptable to the needs of the ‘typical’ family of the 2050s and sustainable in terms of energy and materials. 
Life and Environmental Sciences researcher Dr Daniel Ierodiaconou has won a Young Tall Poppy Science Award. The prestigious annual awards recognise the achievements of Australia's outstanding young scientific researchers and communicators. 
Acclaimed veteran stand-up comic and National Treasure, Rod Quantock brings his hilarious and thought provoking show on climate change, ‘ Bugger the Polar Bears, This is Serious’, to Deakin University Burwood. 
Around 200 Year 10 students from 22 secondary schools across Geelong and Western Victoria had their mathematical skills put to the test during the twenty-first annual Deakin University Mathematics Contest held recently at the Geelong Campus at Waurn Ponds. 
Have you considered further study after you graduate? 
Researchers from the School of Life and Environmental Sciences have won the Geelong Researcher of the Year Award. Dr Fred Pfeffer and his Alfred Deakin Postdoctoral Fellowship holder, Dr Luke Henderson, won the prestigious award for their groundbreaking research into combating multi-drug-resistant superbugs.
The Faculty of Science and Technology will be offering two new Information Technology courses next year – the Bachelor of Information Technology (Honours) and the Bachelor of Information Technology (Professional Practice). Both of these courses will be offered at the Geelong Campus at Waurn Ponds and the Melbourne Campus at Burwood. 
Life and Environmental Sciences PhD student Allyson Brown showcases her artistic talents in her first solo art exhibition in Geelong. Using a variety of media and styles, including acrylic media and macro-photography, Pieces of Me features a collection of 30 artworks and photographs. 
The School of Engineering recently played host to the Victoria Zone Science and Engineering Super Challenge. The state-wide competition was held at the Waurn Ponds Campus. Winning schools from the Victorian regional Science and Engineering challenges held earlier this year competed during the two days of the Super Challenge.
Kinetic energy storage systems (KERS) continue to be one of the hottest topics in Formula One motor racing this year and now engineering researchers are working to develop KERS technology for standard road cars.