Meet our postgraduate students
Josh Robertsen – Master of Marketing
"I chose Sydney based on the calibre of its teaching staff. Unlike other programs, which 'invite' industry guests along for the occasional lecture, industry professionals and world-leading academics teach the subjects for this degree. The reputation of the University of Sydney Business School and the knowledge I’ve gained have already allowed me to complete research for a top retailer, providing valuable insights and recommendations."
Zoe-Joy Newby – PhD
Research topic: Investigating a disease caused by an exotic pathogen that is effecting native vegetation the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area.
"I completed my Bachelor of Science in Agriculture at the University of Sydney, and that was when I developed my interest in plant pathology. I was fortunate enough to complete my honours project investigating disease in native plants. Working towards a doctorate has not only allowed me to follow this interest, but to obtain new skills in the discipline of geographic information systems (GIS), which I find really cool!"
Julien Périard – PhD
Research topic: The physiological mechanisms limiting prolonged exercise performance in the heat.
"The research that I am undertaking at the Faculty of Health Sciences will hopefully shed light into the specific pathways that regulate performance in the heat and help us understand fatigue at various intensities and during different modalities of exercise. This will help with the prescription of specific exercise instructions to athletes during training and competition under heat stress."
Hans Yoo – Master of Commerce
Scholarship: Master of Commerce Scholarship
"A desire to develop a deeper understanding of how businesses operate in today’s complex environment led me to pursue postgraduate study. I was attracted to the University of Sydney because of the flexibility and broad range of specialisations offered by the Master of Commerce. My scholarship also allows me to focus on learning and not the financial burdens of study."
Sachin Shrestha – PhD
Research topic: Optimisation of nanostructure in new microalloyed strip cast steels to control properties.
"Innovation and new product development is key to the future of the steel industry. Based in the internationally renowned Australian Centre for Microscopy & Microscopy, and in collaboration with BlueScope Steel Ltd, my research project consists of researching new high-performance steels using advance microanalysis. I chose to do a PhD at the University of Sydney because of its world-class facilities and academic staff who will be able to help me fulfil my research goals and hopefully create exciting new steels that can be utilised in industry in the not too distant future."
Jenna Cave – Master of Music (Composition)
Research topic: Contemporary jazz composition
Current job: Music tutor
"Music is a discipline in which there is always more to learn. After I had finished my undergraduate music studies at ANU I felt like I was just at the beginning of my musical journey, and there was so much more I wanted to learn. After 18 months of working I missed the luxury of being able to focus on music. While undertaking an Master of Music I’ve been able to work on my composing full-time. And with the help of a UPA Research scholarship I have been able to support myself in the process."
Dean Fernandez – Master of Letters in US Studies
Graduate: Master of Letters in US Studies, United States Studies Centre
"I chose to study a Master of Letters in US Studies because the ambitions of the US Studies Centre matched my keen interests in US history and politics. Those ambitions allowed me to deepen my recreational knowledge of the US by studying cross-disciplinary subjects in US history, politics, economics, culture, and foreign policy. My studies at the Centre have taken me to the House Judiciary Committee of the US Congress as a legislative intern, and I know better now the uses and consequences of power. Intellectually and professionally, the degree has broadened my capabilities."
Georgie Balmain – Master of Education
Specialisation: Primary
Current job: Event designer
"Being surrounded by people who are as passionate about education as I am creates a stimulating environment. I see education as the key to change children’s futures and to create a better society. I’m also a lifelong learner which I hope children I teach will become too."
Lauren Deaves – Master of Radiation Therapy
Current job: Radiation Therapist at the Royal North Shore Hospital
"My responsibilities include planning and delivering radiotherapy treatments and upholding a high level of patient care. The most enjoyable aspect of my job is interacting with patients and their families. I also think this is the most rewarding part, as it gives me the opportunity to be a positive aspect of their treatment."
Genliang Guan – Master of Information Technology
Specialisation: Multimedia
Current job: Casual tutor
"I got my bachelor degree majoring in English in China. I decided to come to Australia for postgraduate study to assist in my move into an IT career. To be frank, compared to Australia it is quite hard to get a job with decent pay and working environment in China. I could not have anticipated what I would achieve when I was still considering moving to a foreign country and a new life, but now I am grateful to myself for making that decision."
Claire O’Reilly – PhD
Research topic: Improving mental health services provided through community pharmacy and to develop and evaluate new training and education programs for pharmacists and pharmacy students in the area of mental health.
Current job: Pharmacist
"I decided to do a PhD to broaden my career options, challenge myself and follow my passion in the area of mental health. I developed an interest in the mental health field, which led me to the decision to start my PhD to research improving mental health services provided through community pharmacy and to develop and evaluate new training and education programs for pharmacists and pharmacy students in the area of mental health."
David Miller – Master of Management
Scholarship: Sydney University Sport – Elite Athlete Program Scholarship
"The University of Sydney has a fantastic program to facilitate study and sport without compromising either. Those are currently my two main priorities, and being able to study and play cricket in the same place with the support of the University of Sydney Business School and Sydney University Sport and Fitness has made it much easier to manage my time."
Adam Russoniello – Master of Laws
Undergraduate qualifications: BA/LLB (major in European History and Italian literature) at Sydney
"At this stage, having worked as a lawyer at a leading national law firm for five years, a world of opportunity has opened up. My BA/LLB gave me my ticket. The LLM gave me an upgrade! The future is exciting: I am thrilled to have been accepted to read for the Bachelor of Civil Laws at Oxford and I am very grateful for Sydney Law School's academic and financial assistance. I really cannot overstate the importance of Sydney Law School's global perspective when it comes to the vibrancy of law school culture, fostering critical legal thinking, and opportunities for personal and professional development."
Rachel Bowerman – Master of Nursing
Previous career: Secondary school teacher, and taught ESL at a boarding school in the USA
"It was a major decision to go back to university at my age and with three children, but it’s one of the best things I have ever done. I chose the University of Sydney because the Master of Nursing program seemed to cater well to mature students, and I’ve been very happy with my choice. I love going into uni for the lectures, labs and tutorials. There are some excellent teachers at the Sydney Nursing School and the diversity of backgrounds (ages, work and life experience) of the Master of Nursing students makes it really interesting and enjoyable."
Jessie Kelley – Master of Management
Undergraduate qualifications: Bachelor of Arts (Australian Studies/ Indigenous Studies)
"I am surprised at how much I am enjoying my year of postgraduate study; it is a challenge and there is always lots of work to be done, but I have learnt skills that will be put to immediate use in the workplace and I’ve made great industry contacts. After studying I will be moving to Adelaide to take up a position with KPMG in Health and Human Services where I will be able to combine both my bachelors and graduate study."
Aaron Tan – PhD
Research topic: Potential chemopreventive (cancer preventive) activity of native Australian fruits
"I hope to combine my PhD with my undergraduate degree in Medicine (UNSW), so that I may in the future both practice medicine clinically and conduct research. Ultimately, I hope my skills as a researcher/clinician may provide better health outcomes for the community. My research topic continued on from my Honours research, looking for new potential anticancer or chemopreventive agents from natural products. I particularly focussed on native Australian fruits, as the Australian environment is unique in its diversity and has largely not been researched."
Eleanor Grose – Master of Diagnostic Radiography
Current job: PDY Radiographer at Medical Imaging, Campbelltown
"The Master of Diagnostic Radiography gave me the skills required for a great career. As a radiographer, I love the patient care side of the job. The most rewarding part is the continual development of my skills and knowledge. It is the best feeling knowing how to adjust protocols to offer the most appropriate treatment for someone when I find pathologies or abnormalities on a scan."
Salma Farouque – Master of Commerce
Scholarship: Master of Commerce Scholarship
"After graduating with an engineering degree I worked for the United Nations World Food Programme in Africa. After my return I felt invigorated to broaden my qualifications and skills in business. This led me to the University of Sydney and its revitalised Master of Commerce. I chose Sydney because of its quality, reputation, and the flexibility to combine part-time study with full-time work."