Monash Life

Monash Life

Monash Life is where our global alumni community comes together to stay connected, inspired and informed. Explore stories of impact, discovery and innovation from Monash graduates around the world. Celebrate milestones, share experiences and see how our community continues to shape a brighter future together.



Meet the Monash graduates making their mark across industries, communities and countries. From ground-breaking innovators to everyday changemakers, these stories showcase the talent, passion and purpose of our alumni.

When science meets storytelling

Suzie Miller is an acclaimed playwright, novelist and screenwriter, but it was her science degree at Monash University that informed the "discipline and rigour" with which she writes.

Making a profound difference to Parkinson's disease research

For Trevor Prasad, medical research became a strong focus when he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2018. He says leaving a gift in his Will is helping him take back control.

Forging the future of design

Dr Nyein Chan Aung (PhD, 2018) is an award-winning industrial designer and researcher at the intersection of mobility and health, a chief investigator and lead designer at Monash Design Health Collab.

Eva Orner on documentaries and human stories

Documentary filmmaker Eva Orner doesn’t need to go looking for powerful stories. They find her. When the right story comes along, she knows it. Eva’s instincts have led to her winning numerous illustrious awards.

Alok Kulkarrni: Turning tech innovation from big dream to Silicon Valley success

The 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.

Refugee spirit fires a future of hope: Mariam Mohammad Rahim

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

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.

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.

Meeting of minds turns architecture into art

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

Portrait of an artist: Peter Wegner

The 2021 Archibald Prize was awarded to Peter Wegner for his portrait of the 100-year old artist Guy Warren AM.

Shared Monash moments

Step back into the moments that connect us – from lifelong friendships and campus traditions to the places and experiences that shaped our student days. These are the memories that continue to bind the Monash community and inspire a spirit of giving, generosity and shared purpose that helps future generations thrive.

10,000 miles away... and right at home

Learning, yes. Qualifications, of course. But, as international students have been finding out for more than six decades, there’s so much more to studying at Monash than getting a degree.

Why I give – what it means to be part of a family legacy

Four generations and counting: Katrina Chipperfield tells us why Monash continues to play such a pivotal role for her family.

Met at Monash – Rachel Saw and Kieron Ngoh

Rock-climbing brought the two Monash Malaysia graduates together and, eight years later, a love of sport and competition lives on.

Why I give – A chance to thrive

Ensuring access to education is the key driver behind Monash graduate Melanie Bryant’s decision to support the future generation.

Making a profound difference to Parkinson's disease research

For Trevor Prasad, medical research became a strong focus when he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2018. He says leaving a gift in his Will is helping him take back control.

60 years of Lot’s Wife

The Vietnam War. The dawn of the internet. Late-night beer and pizzas. Over the past 60 years, Lot's Wife has seen it all – reporting from the frontline of popular culture while providing a platform for student creativity.

More Met at Monash

Discover stories of friendship, love and collaboration from our alumni community.

Met at Monash – Library encounters

Think campus libraries are just a great place to find stuff out? For these couples, they provided much more – a lifelong connection.

Can't stop the music

Whether you graduated in 1964 or 2023, live music will have been part of campus life. What was it really like to be there? We find out.

The surprising history at the heart of Caulfield campus

As the Caulfield campus grew up (and up) around the house at 11 Princes Avenue, its owners, Trevor and Brian Wright, watched with interest. This is their story.

Met at Monash – a healthy marriage

When Dr Christine Crane and Assoc Prof Norman James OAM joined the first cohort of Monash medical students in 1966, they were taking the first step towards their medical careers. They were also on their way to finding the partnership of a lifetime.

Why I give – A gift to advance science

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.

Alumni perspectives

Gain fresh insights and informed opinions from alumni leading conversations in their fields. These thought leadership pieces offer unique viewpoints, professional expertise and ideas that inspire new ways of thinking.

Should you ‘Let Them’?

What Mel Robbins’s viral theory gets right – and what it doesn’t.

Best way to learn? Feel the burn

Setback? Or step forward? This is how grit helps you turn failure into success according to leadership strategist Dr Shadé Zahrai.

What does the future of AI legislation look like?

The debate surrounding AI has already moved from what it can do to what we should allow it to do. So just what does the future of AI legislation look like? The experts weigh in.

Building peace

After the destruction, what can be done to ensure enduring peace? Involve women, says new research.

Ageing better: What could old age look like in 2050?

Healthy ageing should be at the top of everyone’s list, but what do we need to do to get there?

The joy of moving

We all know children need to be active. But could activity be having unexpected benefits on their emotional health?

Your climate forecast

As our weather gets more extreme, better models, technology and an understanding of climate change are transforming weather prediction.

Pacific pressures: Trade, culture, politics, geography

As the world’s superpowers focus on our region, Australia is playing its part.

Victorian Heart Hospital leads approach to cardiovascular health

Heart disease is Australia’s biggest killer – of both men and women. Which is why the Victorian Heart Hospital is such a game-changer.

Re-imagining our future with cli-fi

As environmental anxiety rises, Adeline Johns-Putra explains why climate fiction is plotting an optimistic path forward.

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.

See how Monash is shaping the future – locally and globally. From breakthroughs in research to impactful partnerships and community initiatives, these stories showcase the ideas and actions driving positive change.

Monash #Decoded webinar – Sleep

Forget pillow sprays and milky drinks says Dr Melinda Jackson, Associate Professor in the School of Psychological Sciences: these simple brain tricks could transform your nights.

The Monash Life guide to taking climate action

Taking action on climate change has never been more vital … or more confusing. So how can you tell the difference between what stuff matters – and what just feels good?

Fostering the innovative spirit – Insight. Innovation. Imagination.

Bringing brilliant people and ideas in – and sending brilliant people and ideas out – has been a core part of a Monash education since its earliest days.

Making childbirth safer for those in need

Around 14 million people each year experience potentially fatal bleeding after giving birth, and 70,000 die, most in low- and middle-income countries. We talked to experts from the Quality of Medicines Initiative about how they’re addressing this.

Breaking down barriers to education

Universities have a central role to play in student mobility – it’s core to who we are and why we were formed, says Interim President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Susan Elliott AM.

"A great adventure” – celebrating 25 years of a collaboration that turned the dream of a Malaysia campus into a reality

In 1998, Monash became the first foreign University to establish a campus in Malaysia, welcoming its inaugural cohort of 417 students and setting the stage for a remarkable journey of growth and global impact.

Addressing the challenges of the age

Our alumni and Monash community is full of inspiring people taking meaningful steps to combat the greatest challenges of our era. Discover how their actions help change our world, for good.

Climate change

Explore how we’re using new ideas, effective communication and science to shape climate solutions

Geopolitical security

In the 21st century, we’re witnessing conflicts and tensions at a critical scale. Discover the Monash alumni and leaders working towards shared peace

Thriving communities

Inequality. Discrimination. Disadvantages. Find out why our alumni and Monash community are working towards more cohesive societies

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Delivering the vision

Monash University is shaping what it means to be a truly global university — one connected by ideas, impact and opportunity.

Guided by Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Sharon Pickering, Monash continues to expand its reach through education, research and collaborations that transcend borders.

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Stay connected, keep growing

From exclusive alumni benefits to mentoring opportunities, discover how being part of the Monash community continues to open doors long after graduation.

Your Alumni benefits

With your Monash alumni membership, you have access to outstanding resources, discounts and opportunities. Find out more.

Alumni to Alumni mentoring

Sign up today for Monash Alumni to Alumni Mentoring. Be a mentor, mentee or both and grow relationships with our worldwide network of talented alumni.

Tell us your story

If you'd like to share your story with the alumni community, or you'd like to share your thoughts on an existing Monash Life story please drop us a line or connect with us on Instagram, LinkedIn or Facebook. Please get in touch!

Explore past issues of Monash Life

Read feature articles and stories from all the Monash Life digital editions back to 2018.