Commons archive

Curtin graduate empowering sea turtle conservation efforts through innovative technology
Curtin graduate empowering sea turtle conservation efforts through innovative technology

Growing up on WA’s coast, Caitlin’s passion for marine life led her to pursue a degree in Environmental Science & Coastal Marine Science at Curtin. Now, she’s the Co-Founder and Director of We Spot Turtles!, an app using crowd-sourced data to protect endangered sea turtles.

Curtin Physiotherapy graduate and Kookaburras player Jake Harvie’s road to the 2024 Paris Olympic Games
Curtin Physiotherapy graduate and Kookaburras player Jake Harvie’s road to the 2024 Paris Olympic Games

Hailing from a hockey-loving family, Curtin University Physiotherapy graduate Jake Harvie has always been drawn to the Olympics. Grandson of triple Olympian Gordon Pearce, Jake’s passion for the sport ignited early, fueled by weekend hockey sessions with his brother. Now a formidable Kookaburra defender and two-time Commonwealth Games gold medalist, Jake is poised to follow in his grandfather’s footsteps. Before he takes on the Paris Olympics, we sat down with him to learn more about his journey to the top of Australian hockey.

Curtin University graduate and Founder & Owner of The Real Healthy HQ CaAtherine Meredith
Curtin University graduate and Founder & Owner of The Real Healthy HQ CaAtherine Meredith

Curtin grad and The Real Healthy HQ founder, CaAtherine Meredith, mentored Kyra Otega, a Marketing student, through the Curtin Faculty of Business and Law’s Internship program. CaAtherine shared her expertise, helping Kyra bridge the gap between theory and practice. Explore their experiences and program’s impact!

Curtin Malaysia’s 25th Anniversary: An interview with Curtin Malaysia Alumni Chapter President Jane Teh
Curtin Malaysia’s 25th Anniversary: An interview with Curtin Malaysia Alumni Chapter President Jane Teh

Curtin University Malaysia is proud to celebrate its 25th anniversary. A key part of this milestone is recognizing outstanding alumni like Jane Teh. A Finance & Marketing graduate, Jane is passionate about community building and is the President of the Curtin University Malaysia Alumni Chapter. As a respected Corporate Trainer and Consultant, she looks forward to inspiring current and future graduates.

Careers Corner: What does it take to become a successful marketer?

Curtin Marketing Association President Sean Palm spoke with Alison Welburn, Co-Founder and Executive Producer of the Perth International Cabaret Festival, to gain insights. Alison, a Curtin University alumna, has over 30 years of experience in WA’s arts sector. She’s also the Founder and Owner of Limelight Consulting, a specialized arts PR and marketing consultancy.

Creating opportunities for the LGBTIQA+ community: An Interview with Curtin graduate Kass Boladeras
Creating opportunities for the LGBTIQA+ community: An Interview with Curtin graduate Kass Boladeras

Kass Boladeras, a proud Ballardong Noongar Yorga and Curtin University graduate, is passionate about empowering LGBTIQA+ youth, especially Indigenous and incarcerated individuals. She’s a driving force behind the Youth Pride Network (YPN) and is working to bridge the digital divide for First Nations Australians at Winyama. As we celebrate Pride Month, Kass shares her insights on Indigenous representation and offers allyship advice.

Curtin University Journalism & Public Relations graduate Holly Hazel is passionate about sharing stories and advocating
Curtin University Journalism & Public Relations graduate Holly Hazel is passionate about sharing stories and advocating

Holly Hazel, a Curtin University Journalism & Public Relations graduate, is passionate about sharing stories and advocating for WA’s volunteers. As Volunteering WA’s Marketing & Communications Manager, she manages the WA Volunteer of the Year Awards and various state-wide marketing campaigns.

Acting Clinical Nurse Khai Kamarudin
Finding the path to fulfilment

When Khai Kamarudin was growing up, there was no doubt in his mind that he wanted to be a nurse – just like his mum.
However, as time went on, he found himself on a completely different path – one which included a short stint as a light fabrication engineer and a police officer on the front line in Singapore.

Curtin graduate and author Emma Pei Yin’s top tips on bouncing back from rejection
Curtin graduate and author Emma Pei Yin’s top tips on bouncing back from rejection

Emma Pei Yin, a Curtin University Creative Writing & Publishing grad, has always been passionate about writing. After defying expectations and moving to Australia, she’s on the brink of releasing her debut novel, When Sleeping Women Wake.

As the Founder of yinfluence and Senior Content Manager for Future Women, Emma is committed to amplifying Asian voices in Australian literature. She shares three key lessons learned from her journey of overcoming rejection.

Careers Corner: How do you become a successful Writer or Publisher?

Logan Griffiths, Centre for Stories Program Coordinator at Curtin University, reflects on how her time there shaped her career. The Australian book industry is highly competitive, but with the right skills and determination, success is attainable. Curtin Professional Writing & Publishing student Rose Hopper sat down with Logan to learn more about navigating this challenging industry.

Paving the path toward a more equitable future: Dikshita Awotarowa’s mission to bridge the gender divide in finance
Paving the path toward a more equitable future: Dikshita Awotarowa’s mission to bridge the gender divide in finance

Curtin grad Dikshita Awotarowa, CGIA®, is reshaping finance. Despite industry challenges, she founded the Women in Finance & Investment Network to empower women, fostering a supportive community that’s driving the future of finance.

International Day of Education: An Interview with Curtin graduate and Founder of Elucidate Education Christian Bien
International Day of Education: An Interview with Curtin graduate and Founder of Elucidate Education Christian Bien

Curtin Commerce grad Christian Bien, born in Australia to Vietnamese refugees, is passionate about education’s transformative power. Inspired by his parents’ journey, he founded Elucidate Education, an online e-learning platform that has already impacted over 23,000 Australians and 82,000 global users.

Curtin graduate Caitlin Scott: Lessons I’ve Learnt as a Copywriter & Freelance Journalist
Curtin graduate Caitlin Scott: Lessons I’ve Learnt as a Copywriter & Freelance Journalist

From a young age, Caitlin Scott dreamed of becoming a writer. Despite early setbacks at university, her unwavering passion for words has taken her on a global journey. She’s worked in the UK for digital agencies and magazines, eventually returning to Perth to contribute to top content marketing agencies.

Q&A with Curtin graduate Jacinta Reynolds: Becoming a better ally for neurodivergent people in the workplace
Q&A with Curtin graduate Jacinta Reynolds: Becoming a better ally for neurodivergent people in the workplace

Jacinta Reynolds, a Curtin University graduate, defied expectations. Diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome at 14, she was told she’d never attend university. Yet, she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Physics and Astrophysics.

Josh Redmond headshot
Mining boss shares top tips for success in resources industry

Curtin WA School of Mines’ graduate and Harvard Business alumnus Josh Redmond has experienced many triumphs over his 15-year career in the resources industry.

Starting as a vacation student for Mining and Civil Contractor company MACA, he worked his way up through various roles including mine engineer, project manager, country manager and then general manager.

Curtin Masters graduate and Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre (BCEC) Research Assistant Valentina Sánchez Arenas
Curtin Masters graduate and Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre (BCEC) Research Assistant Valentina Sánchez Arenas

Valentina Sánchez Arenas, a Curtin Masters graduate from Colombia, shares her journey of overcoming challenges and forging friendships during her studies. From language barriers to cultural adjustments, Valentina’s experience highlights the transformative power of international education.

Lessons learned in Masterchef kitchen prove life changing for bubbly cook
Lessons learned in Masterchef kitchen prove life changing for bubbly cook

From crunching numbers as a government auditor in Perth, to crushing it on Melbourne’s greatest culinary stage on Masterchef Australia – Ralph Kahango is no stranger to pressure.

Originally from Zimbabwe, the Curtin accounting graduate said taking his younger sister’s advice and applying for the highly competitive cooking show this year was the best decision he ever made.

Resilience and grit of Ukrainians sends powerful message to the world
Resilience and grit of Ukrainians sends powerful message to the world

Watching bombs rain down on her home country of Ukraine during Russia’s invasion was like watching a horror film Daryna Zadvirna couldn’t turn off.

At the time, the Curtin journalism graduate was working as a crime reporter for The West Australian, when she made the bold decision to head to the front line.

Careers Corner with Curtin graduate Emily Regan: How do you become an emergency nurse in a major hospital? 
Careers Corner with Curtin graduate Emily Regan: How do you become an emergency nurse in a major hospital? 

Curtin University Nursing graduate Emily Regan shares her experiences as an emergency nurse in a major London hospital. From handling high-pressure situations to attending the historic Coronation of King Charles III, Emily offers valuable insights for aspiring nurses.

Careers Corner with Professor Josh Byrne: What is Climate Change?
Careers Corner with Professor Josh Byrne: What is Climate Change?

Climate change is no longer a distant threat. From Australia’s Black Summer bushfires to global hurricanes, extreme weather events are becoming increasingly frequent. Future Environmental Scientist Delilah sits down with Professor Josh Byrne to discuss the science behind climate change and its impact on our planet.

Leading sustainability communicator mentors next generation on climate challenges
Leading sustainability communicator mentors next generation on climate challenges

Growing up in Esperance along our State’s picturesque south coast, a young Josh Byrne was inquisitive about the world around him.

The coastal location with its brilliant blue waters, powdery white beaches, and spectacular national parks, proved the ideal landscape to awaken the environmental scientist’s love and appreciation for nature.

Careers Corner: How do you become a leading Marine Scientist?
Careers Corner: How do you become a leading Marine Scientist?

Leading Australian marine scientist Dr. Rebecca Wellard, a Curtin University PhD graduate, shares her insights on protecting our oceans. In an interview with Curtin Marine Science student Jaiyden Brown, Rebecca discusses her work on projects like Project Orca and her goal to protect 30% of Australia’s land and seas by 2030.

Acctg & Finance 2022: Simonne Brown struggled with social anxiety until she found her passion for volunteering
Acctg & Finance 2022: Simonne Brown struggled with social anxiety until she found her passion for volunteering

Curtin graduate Simonne Brown (Acctg & Finance 2022) overcame social anxiety by dedicating over 1,000 hours to volunteering with Curtin Volunteers!. In celebration of National Volunteer Week, Simonne shares how volunteering boosted her confidence and set her up for success in her career as a PwC Consultant.

Nilesh Makwana: The CEO and award-winning author’s trailblazing path from struggling international student to entrepreneur
Nilesh Makwana: The CEO and award-winning author’s trailblazing path from struggling international student to entrepreneur

Curtin University graduate and successful entrepreneur Nilesh Makwana overcame challenges as an international student to co-found illuminance Solutions. Now, he’s dedicated to helping other migrants achieve their dreams.

The road to self-acceptance for rainbow Catholics
The road to self-acceptance for rainbow Catholics

Sitting in the pew of her beloved childhood church while attentively listening to scriptures, it dawned on Angela Han that perhaps the love she had for her faith wasn’t entirely reciprocated.

As a gay Catholic, she felt she had reached a fork in the road where she would have to choose one or the other. Walking both paths simultaneously seemed like an impossible dream.

Curtin graduate Tamara Berryman shares how her innovation could help everyday Australian’s save water
Curtin graduate Tamara Berryman shares how her innovation could help everyday Australian’s save water

Curtin Master of Human Resources graduate Tamara Berryman is making a splash with her innovative water-saving device, Wata Watcha. This World Water Day, discover how this simple device can detect household leaks, saving water and money.

World Day of Social Justice: Curtin graduate Paris McNeil on how we can all take a step towards social change
World Day of Social Justice: Curtin graduate Paris McNeil on how we can all take a step towards social change

Here’s an excerpt:

Curtin law graduate Paris McNeil shares practical steps for creating social change. Inspired by her experiences at Curtin Volunteers! and the criminal justice system, Paris encourages us to take action, no matter how small, to make a positive impact on our communities.

Curtin WA School of Mines graduate Jade Singleton on paving the way for cultural change in the workplace
Curtin WA School of Mines graduate Jade Singleton on paving the way for cultural change in the workplace

Curtin WA School of Mines graduate Jade Singleton shares her inspiring journey from navigating international mining projects to becoming a leader in diversity and inclusion in the WA mining sector. Discover how her passion for cultural understanding fueled her mission to break barriers and create a more inclusive industry.

Journalism student becomes unexpected homegrown hero over holiday period
Journalism student becomes unexpected homegrown hero over holiday period

Armed with just a mobile phone, Curtin University journalism student Dylan Storer still managed to provide ground-breaking coverage of the devastating floods that ravaged his hometown of Fitzroy Crossing at the start of the year.

He unwittingly found himself at the centre of the extreme weather event caused by Cyclone Ellie, which saw torrential rain engulf the town and destroy homes and local businesses.

First Nations advocate and lawyer an inspiration to a generation
First Nations advocate and lawyer an inspiration to a generation

Growing up in Geraldton in a low socioeconomic suburb, Curtin Business and Law graduate Emma Garlett recalls a community rife with crime, drug use and violence.

Living in a neighbourhood populated with government housing, wasn’t a pleasant place to call home, with the 28-year-old Nyungar-Nyiyaparli-Yamatji woman witnessing first-hand the struggles and downfall of her people daily.

Careers Corner: How do you become a Metallurgist? 

Curtin University graduate Kaushika Hazarika, a seasoned Metallurgist at BHP, shares her insights on navigating the mining industry. With over seven years of experience, she’s passionate about mentoring aspiring women and driving diversity in the field. Curtin Mining & Mineral Engineering student Shayera Allen interviewed Kaushika to explore her career journey and the future of mining.

Brendan Seals
Oscar worthy visual effects mastermind brings cinematic magic to life

Or the rush of emotions we felt when Elliot’s bicycle with E.T piloting in the front basket lifts off the forest floor and soars across the moon.

Like many, Curtin humanities graduate and Luma Pictures Visual Effects Supervisor Brendan Seals was spellbound by these beloved blockbusters and iconic cinematic scenes.

Marc Allen
Reducing carbon footprint major step towards well-being of planet

Did you know that less than 10,000 out of 400 million businesses globally are measuring their carbon emissions?

As companies become increasingly conscious of their global footprint, Co-founder of Singapore based Unravel Carbon Marc Allen (BEng, Chemical Engineering 1998) is arming businesses with the tools to decarbonise themselves and their networks of businesses within their supply chains.

Actors push disability boundaries in new Curtin production
Actors push disability boundaries in new Curtin production

Performing on stage as William Shakespeare’s villainous character Richard III was an experience Australian actress, screenwriter and playwright Kate Mulvany will never forget.

The seasoned actress who appears in TV series Hunters and featured in Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis movie, said playing the bloodthirsty, opportunist “hunchback” in Bell Shakespeare Company’s Richard 3 in 2017, was both an enlightening and empowering experience.

Amanda Healy
Aboriginal fashion creates ripples of change

Beyond the vivid colours and beautiful symbols, Aboriginal art can be a powerful vehicle for reconciliation, cultural preservation and change.

With the ability to connect communities and shape the future, founder and designer of luxury fashion label Kirrikin, Dr Amanda Healy said it was heart-warming to see Aboriginal fashion and culture slowly emerge on the international runway.

World Mental Health Day: Q&A with Curtin graduate Leighton Bradfield
World Mental Health Day: Q&A with Curtin graduate Leighton Bradfield

Curtin graduate and 20Talk co-founder Leighton Bradfield challenges the negative perception of social media and its impact on youth mental health. In honor of World Mental Health Day, Leighton shares his vision for using online platforms to promote positive mental health and break the stigma surrounding mental illness.

WA mining industry on cusp of a new era
WA mining industry on cusp of a new era

From a young age Curtin graduate (Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) 1997) and head of Rio Tinto’s Battery Materials, Marnie Finlayson wasn’t afraid to get her hands dirty.

Whether she was working on her family’s sheep station in Jeedamya, about 200km north of Kalgoorlie, or shovelling rocks under the crusher at her uncle’s gold mine near Leonora, Marnie was happiest working in a team.

Kalgoorlie engineer strikes political gold as first female MP for Swan in 101 years
Kalgoorlie engineer strikes political gold as first female MP for Swan in 101 years

It’s surreal. It’s incredible that the people of Swan trusted me to be their local member, it’s a real honour. To be honest, I didn’t necessarily think that someone like me would be supported, but the people spoke. As a female, a person of colour and an engineer, I’m quite different compared to previous candidates or members. When I heard I was the first female in this position in 101 years I almost didn’t believe it.

Curtin research to develop evidence-based strategies for expanding access to youth mental health care in WA
Curtin research to develop evidence-based strategies for expanding access to youth mental health care in WA

Currently in WA, there are children whose mental health problems are too severe for early interventions provided by not-for-profit organisations but not severe enough for acute specialist services. They wait extended periods of time to see a psychologist or psychiatrist due to the limited supply of these mental health professionals.

Indigenous voices key to the future of mining in WA
Indigenous voices key to the future of mining in WA

New heritage laws passed through the WA House of Parliament last year aim to protect sacred sites, taking into consideration Indigenous voices and their vast environmental knowledge and cultural awareness. Revised following the destruction of Aboriginal heritage sites at Juukan Gorge in Western Australia’s Pilbara in 2020, the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2021 helps guide the future of mining in WA from an Indigenous perspective.

New generation of medical graduates set out to address health disadvantage and disparity in WA
New generation of medical graduates set out to address health disadvantage and disparity in WA

Curtin’s position that equitable access to healthcare should be universal, irrespective of geographical location, has been embraced by the students, who rated Curtin’s medical school the best in Australia for the past three years in the Good Universities Guide, with five-star scores in the latest guide for learner engagement, learning resources, skills development, teaching quality and overall experience.

Economics student Alex Jayasuria raises his voice at COP26
Economics student Alex Jayasuria raises his voice at COP26

Thank you for the kind words! I am from Southeast Asia, where income inequality and the disparity between standards of living within the region are substantial, particularly in Malaysia where I was born. I lived in a small house in a collapsing neighbourhood there but have also been privy to the luxuries of life here in Australia. I am lucky to have been gifted a better quality of life and I intend to use this to help those less fortunate than me.

Ending shame and embracing disability inclusion with Curtin staff champion Alana Kelly
Ending shame and embracing disability inclusion with Curtin staff champion Alana Kelly

Looking at me, you would have no way of knowing that I have ADHD. In adults, it doesn’t look like what you may think. For starters, a majority of us internalise our hyperactivity. Being faced with negative feedback from a young age, we learn how to mask symptoms so we can fit in with societal expectations. But this feels uncomfortable to do and takes a huge personal toll.

Finding joy in building homes with construction management grad Alberto Amara
Finding joy in building homes with construction management grad Alberto Amara

As managing director, I worked hard to continue the business’ progressive tradition, which started in 1959. Collier Homes is a special brand and a household name. My vision was to shape it into one that was more design-oriented, thoughtful and inclusive – “good design, made accessible” became our motto. I believe the refreshed branding and projects we took on spoke to that vision.

Our journey to end Alzheimer’s devastating impact on community
Our journey to end Alzheimer’s devastating impact on community

“I went to my doctor and said: ‘I feel like my head is not working properly’,” says Eileen. “My doctor did some memory tests and then sent me to a specialist (gerontologist) who organised a brain scan that showed I had Alzheimer’s disease. I don’t know why I have it because my two sisters don’t have it and neither does my 97-year-old mother.”

“Regional Aussies don’t need to conform to stereotypes”: Bec Bignell on filming ‘Homespun’
“Regional Aussies don’t need to conform to stereotypes”: Bec Bignell on filming ‘Homespun’

Curtin graduate Bec Bignell (BA Journalism and Performance Studies, 2007) grew up on a farm in Kojonup in regional Western Australia and has worked in film and television for over a decade. She recently finished shooting a new web series in the Great Southern which showcases and celebrates regional Australia – and challenges country stereotypes.

If I can become a teacher, anyone can: essay by Katherine Pritchard
If I can become a teacher, anyone can: essay by Katherine Pritchard

In the 1970s social housing was clustered into specific suburbs, so the poor and rich were separated. Our family was very low income, as were our neighbours. At school, teachers either brought out the best in us or judged our academic capability by our postcode. Their expectations of my family and I were always low.