Archived editions

Life behind the canvas

It was 8.05am in outer Melbourne, when Peter Wegner took the call that capped his career. It was the caller’s second try.

It takes two: A beauty empire built from laughter and friendship

Starting a business can be a lonely journey. Fortunately for Monash alumni Estefania Tchung and Elizabeth Le, a passion for science, a shared workplace and a memorable sleepover party inspired a splendr.ous partnership.

Turning architecture into art

Monash alumni Gregory Bonasera and Anthony Raymond put a revolutionary spin on an ancient artform to capture Monash's history and reinvigorate our campus.

Engineering for the next generation

Young Monash graduate and engineering mentor Fahad Mubashshir uses his leadership skills to help students build bridges to rewarding industry careers.

Generating the whole education picture

Through never being afraid to ask questions, entrepreneur Chris Hoang created Edapt Education – a data solution that could transform the cultural fabric of our education system.

What makes and effective leader?

For Whitelion CEO and Victorian Pride Centre chair Hang Vo, great leadership is about toiling at the social work coalface, learning from others – and a stroke of inspiration.

Local knowledge at the heart of sustainable development

Whether it’s sitting at global tables of influence or walking the streets of his home town in Pakistan, Monash alumnus Sikander Bizenjo is working to bridge gaps between rich and poor.

Inside Annika Smethurst's eventful year

Political journalist and Monash alumna Annika Smethurst reflects on women in Canberra, the role of the Fourth Estate and her biography of Scott Morrison – penned during her short-lived attempt at downtime.

Meet Dr Grazie Gunn: Visionary for the avant-garde arts

“New ideas, if nurtured, can open up new vistas,” says Dr Grazia Gunn, gazing across the Yarra River from her home in Southbank, central Melbourne. “I went around the world looking at current art for possible acquisition.”

A gift to advance science and for Joie De Vivre

Molecular chemist turned winemaker Karen Coulston has long shared her knowledge in labs, lecture halls and cellar doors. Now, with a donation to Monash, she’s helping a new generation of researchers advance scientific discovery.

Refugee spirit fires a future of hope

Afghan asylum seeker Mariam Mohammad Rahim raises thousands of dollars for other students experiencing disadvantage while also pursuing a future in medicine.

Mitigating the impact of natural disasters

Physicist Dr Ray Canterford PSM turned a passion for investigating the earth’s processes into a career at the forefront of the emergency response to tsunami and extreme weather events.

How to fuel a carbon-neutral future

Shanghai-based Saw Choon Seong sees engineering as the creative path to opportunity. It is no surprise to find him delivering clean fuel technology critical to the world’s response to climate change.

Grassroots solutions for indigenous communities

Associate Professor Kyllie Cripps has overcome socio-economic disadvantage to become a leading adviser on policies and programs to address family violence and empower Indigenous communities.

Digital technologies transforming business

Tracey Kennair is inspired by the possibilities for business and the community enabled by technology – especially in a pandemic.

Charting Indonesia's low carbon future

A renewable energy hub is advising government on carbon markets, harnessing natural resources and crowd-funding start-ups on Indonesia’s path to net zero emissions.

On the pandemic frontline

Professor Rhonda Stuart became the face of the fight against COVID-19 when she was filmed as the first Victorian to receive a vaccine. But it’s her tireless work behind the scenes that has been making a difference.

Genevieve Overell AM

A pathfinder for professional women in law, Genevieve Overell AM shares the building blocks to her success.

Meet the Kempers

As Monash turns 60, the number of parents and their children graduating from the University is on the rise.

Business walking the talk on corporate social responsibility

Corporate social responsibility is more than a buzzword for UK-based Jessie Macneil-Brown.

Sports stars back anti-racism initiative

Jamal Elsheikh knew he was on the right track once the emails started rolling in.

Keeping up with technology disruption by putting people first

No matter how advanced the technology, good people management is always at the heart of a thriving business, says Hong Kong-based SEEK executive Shen Tham.

Turning tech innovation from big dream to Silicon Valley success

Co-founder of multimillion-dollar software company Cyara, Alok Kulkarni employed grit, adaptability and a willingness to learn to reach his dream of becoming a technological entrepreneur.

Romancing the stone

Dr Rick and Mel Squire

A marriage of medical minds

Dr Jarrel Seah and Dr Jennifer Tang

From friendship, to love, to a global consultancy

Tara Wilkinson and John Garnaut

How technology can be a force for good

The digital revolution provides an enormous opportunity to improve lives. New York-based Monash alum Greg Baxter is determined to make a difference, working on bridging the digital divide.

New glaucoma treatment in sight

It took imagination and technical expertise, but Russell Tait is now commercialising a novel drug delivery system that is garnering international attention and changing the lives of glaucoma patients who are losing their eyesight.

Fresh lessons from a fruit nerd

Thanh Truong reveals how his personal passion blossomed into a fruitful career.

Using the law for a more humane world

Monash alumna Geraldine Johns-Putra on empowering corporations and other entities to progress human rights.

Reimaging our future with cli-fi

Adeline Johns-Putra explores how climate fiction is imagining a brighter world.

Putting humanity in focus

From asylum seekers to bushfire survivors, documentary maker Eva Orner shines light on human stories.

The doctor and social media star

With social media audience of 2.5 million, Monash alumna Dr Sarah Rav knows what it takes to share a message.

Tackling mental health head-on

When David Pearce, founder and CEO of On The Low Down, heard that the Victorian Government had pledged $3.8 billion to reform the state’s mental health system, he felt a surge of hope.

A healthy marriage

Two Monash Medicine alumni reflect on their lifelong partnership.

Critical decision making and your own sense of ethics

Ethics underpin some of our most important societal and personal decisions, and, as Vanessa Pigrum explains, an understanding of them is invaluable for our times.

'Jumping in' to the field of pharmacy informatics

A young pharmacist with a keen sense of legacy is working at the forefront of medicine management.

HoMie co-founder’s ‘breaking ground’ approach to philanthropy

Bringing dignity to people affected by homelessness is just one of the many ways Dr Robert Gillies OAM is changing lives.

Daughter of a nation delivers the world

Journalist Yalda Hakim started life as a refugee. Today, she uses her global platform to expose the plight of the world’s most at-risk people.

Multi tracks: a natural pairing of music and public transport

One of the leaders of Melbourne’s city-shaping Suburban Rail Loop project, McCarthy is also an accomplished saxophonist and composer, and has juggled her two interests since her days at Monash University studying engineering and music.

Australia’s Ambassador for Gender Equality – a first among equals

It’s a long way from Cooktown to Canberra – around 30 hours’ drive on the Mitchell Highway as it snakes its way south – but it reflects the magnitude of the journey undertaken by Australia’s Ambassador for Gender Equality, Julie-Ann Guivarra.

Rome2rio co-founder on mentoring the next generation

This pandemic-grounded global trip-planner and software developer is using ‘downtime’ to mentor the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Placing microscopic life into people's hands

Dr Erica Tandori, a legally blind artist, is working with biomedical researchers to scale up microscopic life and place it, literally, into people’s hands.

An unexpected champion for press freedom

Award-winning Monash graduate and News Corp journalist Annika Smethurst, became an unexpected champion for press freedom after the Australian Federal Police (AFP) raided her Canberra flat in June 2019.

Medicine's guiding hand: Mary Hemming's Therapeutic Guidelines

Doctors rely on independent guidelines when prescribing medication – and Mary Hemming AO is a key figure behind these.

From campus smarts to Luxury Escapes startup king

Ecommerce entrepreneur Adam Schwab, who has spun gold from tapping into what people want, says there are always lessons in new challenges.

A time for boldness

COVID-19 has brought unprecedented challenges to Monash, but it has strengthened our resolve to innovate and advance to provide our communities with a better, brighter future.

Bringing the cosmos to life through 3D printing and soundscapes

Dr Nicolas Bonne, a vision-impaired astronomer, is translating scientific information into forms that can be experienced by the blind and vision-impaired through experimenting with 3D printing and soundscapes.

Learning a language takes you beyond your backyard

Language teacher Rosa Sfameni wants to unlock a world of opportunities for her students.

Taking AFL to JAVA: Bridging cultures and empowering women

Ana Surjanto is exploring links to culture through language and sport to inspire her students with new confidence.

Protecting our waterways from drugs and microplastics

Traces of drugs are increasingly being detected in waterways, and Dr Erinn Richmond is studying the potential harm posed to ecological environments and whether microplastics aid the transportation of drugs into the diets of aquatic creatures.

Bridging the divide of transnational marriages in Malaysia

COVID-19 has brought the work of young social campaigner Melinda Anne Sharlini into sharp focus.

Working for Blizzard: A childhood passion turned reality

Video game artist at Blizzard Entertainment, Luke Mancini, realised that illustration and game design were where his passion lay after completing a trip to Prato as part of his Bachelor of Visual Design course.

Moneytree app a game-changer for Japan’s siloed fintech sector

With a long track record as a disruptor, Paul Chapman is ruffling the formerly straitlaced Japanese financial system with a personal finance app.

Spurring change in a broken mental-health system

Speaking from her own experience, Julie Dempsey has become an authoritative voice in improving mental health care.

Justice Kevin Zervos reflects on a remarkable law career

Justice Kevin Zervos reflects on a remarkable law career, forged by early experience as a student in a community legal service, and inspired by his alma mater to equip himself for life.

G17Eco Platform: creating a global movement for the public good

Manjula Lee has developed a breakthrough monitoring tool that helps governments and corporations support sustainable development programs.

Connecting First Peoples communities with objects from their past

Contemporary life is being breathed into First Peoples stories across generations, under the watch of Yorta Yorta woman Kimberley Moulton.

A passion for maths and tropical cyclones

A passion for real-world maths has put Professor Jenni Evans inside the world’s most destructive cyclones – and at the top of her field.

Reinventing the wheel with rideshare app Shebah

The rideshare industry has been a public transport phenomenon. George McEncroe has disrupted the industry and taken it to a new level of service with Shebah – Australia's leading all-women rideshare service.

A gift that continues education's transformative power

Julie Ligeti leaves a lasting legacy on behalf of her late brother, Peter, an ongoing gift that continues to support promising students from low socioeconomic and refugee backgrounds who deserve an outstanding education.

Ties that bind: Supporting the community and medical research

Saul Ryan’s family enterprise prides itself on supporting the community and cutting-edge medical research – and it’s both vital and personal.

Met at Monash

Relationships from friendships, business partnerships and even marriages continue to be forged at Monash. Read stories from fellow Monash alumni on how they 'met at Monash'.

Piecing together the Down Syndrome brain puzzle

Ana's research looks at understanding Down Syndrome and uses MRI to scan pregnant women and their newborn babies to gather detailed data about growth, structure and function of the brain.

The culture challenge that changed a life

As the coronavirus crisis plays out, some see a chance to connect a divided world.

Billion-dollar green energy deals in the Big Apple

After three decades putting together billion-dollar energy projects, Caroline Angoorly is now helping to ‘green’ New York State by helping the city achieve its 100 per cent renewable electricity grid.

An advocate for Aboriginal culture, identity and heritage

After returning to her home town of Walgett, one of Monash's first female Aboriginal arts/law graduates, Virginia Robinson, has worked tirelessly with the Aboriginal community on issues of social justice and empowerment.

Global alliance, young researchers

A partnership between Monash University and the University of Warwick puts students in the innovation fast-lane and with a flair for international collaboration, Sze-yin Tan is advancing clean recycling technologies.

The promise of stem cell therapy for repairing the brain

Medical innovator, Dr Subhadeep Das is pioneering stem cell therapy to cure neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's.

Leader of the pharmaceutical pack

Thomas Ko is at the leading edge of drug development, spearheading innovative technology that takes injectable medicines and transforms them into pills.

Breaking the modern slavery supply chain

Drawing on her financial expertise, Kimberley Cole seeks to ruin the economics of the modern slave trade.

Building an alumni community in Malaysia

Malaysia-based graduate Charis Wong is following in the altruistic footsteps of Sir John Monash, providing young working women with the support and networks they need to succeed.

Why social purpose is essential to business success

Corporate leader Jane McAloon has a definitive social purpose to her work, and in her latest contribution to Monash she’s honoured the people most important to her.

Victoria Ombudsman's pursuit of social justice

The pursuit of justice for all animates the life of Victorian Ombudsman Deborah Glass.

Tackling global issues through prestigious scholarships

Monash's most recent cohort of Fulbright, Rhodes and Schwarzman scholars tell us what they’re passionate about, and how they hope to make positive changes.

ClimateWorks

In its 10th anniversary year, ClimateWorks continues to lead the way for real-world emissions reductions, working with a diverse range of industries with the aim of achieving net zero emissions by 2050.

Theatre stage reckoning with Australia's history

Through the intensely personal theatre work of Tom Molyneux, we learn about an Indigenous soldier who served in World War I.

Evidence-based conversation on climate action

As CEO of the Climate Council, Amanda McKenzie is on the frontline of the climate wars between those who accept the science and urgency of climate change, and those who don't.

Right to know law

Louise Johnson has been thrown into the national and international spotlight as the go-to spokesperson for Victoria’s unique Right to K

Snow science key to calculating future water availability

More than 1.5 billion people rely on ice melt for their water, and at NASA, Kat Bormann is unlocking critical information about water availability based on snowfall.

Transforming how the BOM does business

Graham Hawke is helping climate-sensitive industries and governments prepare for future weather events.

Impact sustainable development

Sustainable development is at the heart of what Daniel Wielechowski does at Tesla, where he’s designing robust interventions to create better ways of manufacturing vehicle paint.

A sculptured life

Artist James Parrett feels he’s had the freedom to forge his own artistic path – a benefit he traces back to Monash.

Shifting the stereotypes in STEM

Newcrest Mining manager Bonnie Coxon is breaking down stereotypes around the mining industry as she promotes the benefits of STEM to girls in schools.

Bridging Indonesia's e-commerce gap

After founding multiple startups, venture capitalist Jefrey Joe now supports budding startups in Indonesia and beyond.

Leaving a legacy that helps thousands of people access justice

The Monash Law Clinics help thousands of vulnerable people access justice but they only exist by virtue of generous bequests.

Empowering educators

School principal Pitsa Binnion believes Monash’s new Q Project could improve learning outcomes for generations of Australian students.

A change in the weather

Somewhat of an accidental weatherman, Paul Higgins now uses his position to take people into the science foretelling our future.

Advancing pharmacy education and practice

Promoting excellence in pharmacy teaching will impact the healthcare of communities for years to come.

Disruptive online production platform a creative game-changer

Video production business Genero is breaking down agency barriers to give small creatives the chance to pitch big ideas to global clients.

Preserving indigenous languages

Aboriginal Elders and Monash alumnus Glenn Wightman rescue ancient knowledge from the spoken history of our land.

The benefits of mentoring

Mentor programs are becoming increasingly important at a time when career trajectories are becoming less well defined.

Printed prosthetic limbs

Making a prosthetic can cost thousands of dollars, but social entrepreneur Mat Bowtell is using 3D printing to make it affordable.

Good health starts on the table

Drawing on a passion that runs through his family, Dr Sandro Demaio returns to Australia to improve people’s wellbeing – starting in the kitchen.

Building partnerships for the common good

Locally and internationally, Monash continues to have a tangible impact in the community by reaching out to industry and government, collaborating on projects and initiatives that drive innovation, address global challenges and improve lives

Pioneering a digital platform for independent music artists

Charles Caldas is ensuring independent artists can make the most from growing opportunities to be heard.

Met at Monash

Friendships, marriages and business partnerships continue to be forged at Monash.

David Winston Turner Endowment Fund

Using the latest thinking in brain research, BrainPark – The David W. Turner Research Clinic, will empower people with compulsivity disorders to create healthier lives for themselves.

Hong Kong Alumni Scholarship celebrates second year

Chor Kiu Cheung always dreamt of travelling the world to study, and her parents worked tirelessly in her home city of Hong Kong to make that happen.

Awards received by the Monash community

In 2019, more than 180 alumni, colleagues, former colleagues and friends of Monash University were recipients of an Australian honour.

Young talent time

Monash’s innovative new recruitment agency is solving the time-consuming challenge of finding the right graduate for the right job.

Hook, line and original thinker

A trailblazer for professional women in the tough world of mechanical engineering and mining, Sarah Coleman is also saving Australian industries money through productivity improvements. And she’s a fishing champion.

Monash research snapshots

Read about the latest research coming out of Monash, from the sustainability of global fisheries to mood based apps fighting depression and more.

Variety the best medicine

It’s a long way from volunteering at a local rural pharmacy to leading teams of pharmacists in a major metropolitan hospital.

Transfer of knowledge

There’s a range of mentoring programs at Monash University. Here, recent participants discuss the benefits of being involved.

Strategic disruptor

Joanne Lao’s marketing degree propelled her into one of the world’s biggest global advertising groups, where she’s chief executive of Greater China operations.

Power for good

Monash law graduate Nicole Iseppi is an influential figure in global energy infrastructure, working to empower societies through a low-carbon future.

The right note

Arts and commerce harmonise in the musical world of Victoria Ely.

Good leadership values resources

As technology sweeps the world’s expanding oil and gas sector into a new era, Woodside CEO and managing director Peter Coleman is looking at the company from many angles to ensure its future aligns with its values.

Gifted educator draws on culture

Kylie Clarke has been a mentor, a teacher, a backpacker and even designed an Indigenous guernsey for the Western Bulldogs. But it took a serious illness to put life into perspective.

Monash in space

Monash alumni are in the vanguard of the new era of space exploration and space technologies that are supporting a global industry now turning over more than US$450 billion a year.

Order in the house

She’s represented unions and employers, contested (and won) six federal elections, and made politicians of all stripes behave in her role as Speaker of the House of Representatives. Monash alumna Anna Burke’s career has been a fascinating journey.

TP Pun - people person

Life and career twists and turns have led TP Pun to a successful career and a big-hearted sense of duty to give back time to his university and the community.

Changing the world, one veggie patch at a time

Fabian Capomolla believes you can feed the soul, not just the body, when food is grown with love.

An infectious passion for knowledge

Unable to satisfy her desire to help people through medicine alone, Naba Masad Alfayadh founded a social enterprise that empowers young people through education.

Duty of care empowered by a beautiful idea

Everything about the development of CareMonkey shows that a desire to do good can inspire entrepreneurs with the next big idea.

Tea time

From commercial lawyer to multinational tea peddler, Sarah Holloway’s career has taken a great (green) leap forward.

The business of beauty

She now runs one of Australia’s most successful online beauty businesses, but when Monash Business School graduate Kate Morris launched the store, few believed it would succeed.

Students of the future

Letter from the VC

The ABC of changing lives

Greg McMahon, executive principal of Doveton College and Michael Devine, principal of Western Port Secondary College discuss how education is really the key to breaking the cycle of disadvantage.

The call of the wild

Humans may be the greatest threat to big-cat species around the world, but Dr Luke Hunter has made it his life’s mission to change that.

Making a difference

Inspired by personal experience, Dr Sanjukta Choudhury-Kaul, is improving the working lives of people with disabilities.

When it comes to the crunch

When Carolyn Creswell bought a small muesli company, it was hardly the textbook stuff of first-year student life.

'Sleeves-up’ equality

Micah Scott established the Minus18 Foundation, Australia’s national support organisation for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) youth, in 2011.

A Nobel cause

Monash alumni’s first Nobel Laureate has spent his life working to safeguard the future of human health.

Where the heart is

When it comes to people’s homes, neither Dr Di Winkler nor Dan McKenna are prepared to accept the status quo. The occupational therapist and architect are challenging traditional housing models for a greater social good.

A message from the President and Vice-Chancellor

Monash continues to broaden its global influence with an extensive alumni network that's integral to its success.

A voice for common values

He’s gone on to become one of Malaysia’s most influential figures, but Tan Sri Dr Michael Yeoh still holds fond memories from his Monash days.

Strokes of fortune

By trusting in her own impulses, artist Prudence Flint has seen her career take off.

Shaped by the heat

Yhonnie Scarce embraces art as a balm against the trauma and pain of racism.

An eye for the big picture

From his office high above the New York business district, Paul Sheard closely scrutinises the global economy. And he’s never seen anything like what’s unfolding now.

Grappling with the China paradox

After honing her language skills on the streets of Nanjing, Helen Sawczak is now immersed in building Australia’s ties with China.

A vision splendid

Paul Barton is on a mission to make Monash University the greenest university in the land.

A passion for the nature of things

Two alumni have forged careers devoted to protecting the environment.

Blessings in disguise

Actor Kat Stewart has an ace up her sleeve when it comes to her portrayals, the psychological insights provided by her studies at Monash.

A team player

He’s suffered his share of setbacks, but Phil De Young’s passion for his football club, Monash Blues, knows few bounds.

Antarctica to Everest

Liam Suckling is on the grandest of adventures, one that will take him 160,000 kilometres around the globe and – all going well – to the top of the highest mountains of every continent.

Archived editions

Download the latest edition of Monash Life

Monash Life digital editions

2021

Life behind the canvas

It takes two: A beauty empire built from laughter and friendship

Turning architecture into art

Engineering for the next generation

Generating the whole education picture

What makes and effective leader?

Local knowledge at the heart of sustainable development

Inside Annika Smethurst's eventful year

Meet Dr Grazie Gunn: Visionary for the avant-garde arts

A gift to advance science and for Joie De Vivre

Refugee spirit fires a future of hope

Mitigating the impact of natural disasters

How to fuel a carbon-neutral future

Grassroots solutions for indigenous communities

Digital technologies transforming business

Charting Indonesia's low carbon future

On the pandemic frontline

Genevieve Overell AM

Meet the Kempers

Business walking the talk on corporate social responsibility

Sports stars back anti-racism initiative

Keeping up with technology disruption by putting people first

Turning tech innovation from big dream to Silicon Valley success

Romancing the stone

A marriage of medical minds

From friendship, to love, to a global consultancy

How technology can be a force for good

New glaucoma treatment in sight

Fresh lessons from a fruit nerd

Using the law for a more humane world

Reimaging our future with cli-fi

Putting humanity in focus

The doctor and social media star

Tackling mental health head-on

A healthy marriage

2020

Critical decision making and your own sense of ethics

'Jumping in' to the field of pharmacy informatics

HoMie co-founder’s ‘breaking ground’ approach to philanthropy

Daughter of a nation delivers the world

Multi tracks: a natural pairing of music and public transport

Australia’s Ambassador for Gender Equality – a first among equals

Rome2rio co-founder on mentoring the next generation

Placing microscopic life into people's hands

An unexpected champion for press freedom

Medicine's guiding hand: Mary Hemming's Therapeutic Guidelines

From campus smarts to Luxury Escapes startup king

A time for boldness

Bringing the cosmos to life through 3D printing and soundscapes

Learning a language takes you beyond your backyard

Taking AFL to JAVA: Bridging cultures and empowering women

Protecting our waterways from drugs and microplastics

Bridging the divide of transnational marriages in Malaysia

Working for Blizzard: A childhood passion turned reality

Moneytree app a game-changer for Japan’s siloed fintech sector

Spurring change in a broken mental-health system

Justice Kevin Zervos reflects on a remarkable law career

G17Eco Platform: creating a global movement for the public good

Connecting First Peoples communities with objects from their past

A passion for maths and tropical cyclones

Reinventing the wheel with rideshare app Shebah

A gift that continues education's transformative power

Ties that bind: Supporting the community and medical research

Met at Monash

Piecing together the Down Syndrome brain puzzle

The culture challenge that changed a life

2019

Billion-dollar green energy deals in the Big Apple

An advocate for Aboriginal culture, identity and heritage

Global alliance, young researchers

The promise of stem cell therapy for repairing the brain

Leader of the pharmaceutical pack

Breaking the modern slavery supply chain

Building an alumni community in Malaysia

Why social purpose is essential to business success

Victoria Ombudsman's pursuit of social justice