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Arc PGC Research Awards 2024

The Arc PGC Research Awards, supported by the Graduate Research School (GRS), recognises the exceptional contributions of HDR students, staff members and supervisors who have gone above and beyond in elevating the academic, social and overall wellbeing of the HDR community at UNSW.

Each year, we are continually impressed by the calibre and volume of nominations we receive. This year alone, we received over 150 exceptional nominations from research candidates, supervisors, and professional research staff.

The nominations were evaluated based on rigorous and meticulously fair assessment criteria. We extend our sincere gratitude to the PGC Research Committee for their unwavering dedication, devoting countless hours to the assessment process. Special thanks go to Ada Choi, PGC Vice-President of Research, and Nicole Zhao, PGC Research Committee Liaison, for their leadership and commitment to this initiative.

We would also like to acknowledge and thank our outstanding team members Andrey, Arnav, Daniel, Mah-E, and Ziyan for their invaluable contributions throughout this process.

Research Candidate Awards 2024 Winners

Farnaz Fattahi

Farnaz Fattahi

Arts, Design and Architecture

"for working tirelessly during her time as a PhD candidate to improve the HDR student experience"

Ka Wing Chan

Ka Wing Chan

Business School

"for her exceptional dedication to fostering the well-being, academic capacity, and professional development of the HDR community"

Gaia Maria Javier

Gaia Maria Javier

Engineering

"for her contributions to data-driven photovoltaics, her mentorship of aspiring scientists and engineers, and her dedication to promoting student engagement through her involvement in the HDR network"

Sherine Al Shallah

Sherine Al Shallah

Law and Justice

"for being a constant source of support and encouragement for others"

Chiettha Prajnadewie

Chiettha Prajnadewie

Medicine and Health

"for her exceptional efforts in fostering a supportive and growth-oriented environment for HDR students"

Wasura Wattearachchi

Wasura Wattearachchi

UNSW Canberra

"for his exemplary leadership as Arc Canberra Vice-President, innovative contributions to academic events, and dedication to fostering a vibrant and supportive HDR community"

Karen Zeng

Science

"for her generosity and strong ethics, and for being the best role model possible"

Research Candidate Awards 2024 Honourable Mentions

Arts, Design and ArchitectureOscar YauQian QinJosephine Gardner
Business SchoolSibo ZhangRoham Rezaei
EngineeringRishi Ravindra Naik  Zubair Abdullah-Vetter  Michael Italiano  
Medicine and HealthAndrey Verich  Shyam Kumar Mishra Baishnab  Mukesh Kumar  
ScienceGeorgina Chiu  
CanberraFiresenay Gigar  Abu Hashan Md Mashud  Isuri Fonseka 

Research Supervisor Awards 2024 Winners

Mary Zournazi

Mary Zournazi

Arts, Design and Architecture

"for her being an outstanding supervisor and thoughtful leader who inspires academic and arts communities with her creative and philosophical works and her wise council"

Yu-Ting Lin

Yu-Ting Lin

Business School

"for her exceptional dedication to fostering the academic and professional growth of HDR students through innovative seminars and compassionate mentorship"

Shiva Abdoli

Shiva Abdoli

Engineering

"for her incredible support of HDR students' academic and personal wellbeing"

Vicki Sentas

Vicki Sentas

Law and Justice

"for her contribution in the success of the 485-visa advocacy campaign, for her mentorship and sharing of her knowledge and skills as an activist scholar"

Nicole Carnt

Nicole Carnt

Medicine and Health

"for her exceptional mentorship and dedication to the well-being of UNSW's HDR students, serving as a beacon of inspiration and support throughout their academic journey"

Laura McKemmish

Laura McKemmish

Science

"for her leadership in the SciX@UNSW initiative"

Sridhar Ravi

Sridhar Ravi

UNSW Canberra

"for his exceptional leadership in enhancing academic capacity, for his dedication in professional development of the HDR community"

Research Supervisor Awards 2024 Honourable Mentions

Arts, Design and ArchitectureJodi Brooks  Kate Dunn  Anna Munster  
Business SchoolRonald Masulis  Junbum Kwon  Robert Tumarkin  
EngineeringRichard Stuetz  Ailar Hajimohammadi  Deepak Mishra  
Law and JusticeMelissa Crouch  

Medicine and HealthJerry Greenfield  Monique Bax  Karen Mather  
ScienceLi ZhangSara Kyne
CanberraJuan Pablo Escobedo-Diaz

Research Staff Awards 2024 Winners

Sally Smythe

Sally Smythe

Arts, Design and Architecture

"for giving your best to support all HDR students"

Harald van Heerde

Harald van Heerde

Business School

"his outstanding leadership and commitment in shaping the success and growth of countless students"

Alex Chariyekkara

Alex Chariyekkara

Engineering

"for being the core of the Solids lab within Mechanical Engineering, and supporting each student with a safe and positive lab experience"

Tanya Applegate

Tanya Applegate

Medicine and Health

"for her leadership and pivotal role in the success and development of HDR students and the entire Kirby Institute"

Manan Shah

Manan Shah

Science

"for her outstanding contributions supervising and promoting academic excellence within the Crossley/Quinlan lab and BABS community"

Sarah Jo Steinhoff

Sarah Jo Steinhoff

GRS

"for her leadership, dedication to your work, and readiness to help both new and continuing HDR candidates is exemplary first class"

Jenny Jarrett

Law and Justice

"for providing effective and necessary support for research students, above and beyond what is required of her"

Jim Baxter

UNSW Canberra

"for his unwavering commitment to supporting HDR students with exemplary technical expertise and logistical assistance"

Research Staff Awards 2024 Honourable Mentions

Business SchoolLuis Filipe Goncalves-Pinto  Valentyna Melnyk  Juan Carlos Carbajal  
EngineeringKanchana Gamage 
ScienceLauren McKnight 

Event Photos