NYC 2024

Degree: Bachelor of Arts
Country: Australia

Tia-Louise is in her second year of her undergraduate degree. Majoring in Anthropology and minoring in International Studies, she has a passion for international trade and development. Tia-Louise's aim is to tackle geopolitical security challenges and bring innovative solutions to life through participating in the Monash University Global Discovery Program and networking with the GLNAC and other senior alumni leaders.

After completing a certificate III in community service, where she helped build homes for families in underdeveloped communities within Cambodia, Tia-Louise found a passion in helping communities thrive. In coming from a community of generational trauma and poverty, Tia-Louise has been exposed to many cultures and had to experience the challenges within society growing up in a poverty-stricken community and as a woman of colour.

Degree: Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine
Country: New Zealand

Jess is a medical student with a keen interest in health policy, advocacy, and education. She is an active member of the community – from leading Monash’s Medical Student Society (MUMUS), to providing pastoral care as a residential advisor, and overseeing the Australian Medical Student Association (AMSA) as a board director.

As a result of Jess’s background as a third culture kid, a New Zealand-born Chinese raised in Singapore, she is passionate about improving healthcare access in diverse populations. She hopes to learn how to tangibly make policy-level change through the Global Discovery Program, and to utilise this opportunity to connect with young leaders making waves across the world.

The opportunity to learn from pivotal leaders in New York City will provide her with the tools to be able to advocate for change beyond the individual patients she will be looking after as a future medical practitioner.

Degree: Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
Country: Australia

As a final year civil engineering student, I have had the privilege of being able to research sustainable water supplies in remote communities within Australia as a part of my final year project. Through my additional work as a Monash Mentor and a Cook4CALD volunteer, I was able to see the disadvantages that certain communities face and the lack of solutions being provided to these communities. By finding these gaps in the current processes, I am able to begin to work towards formulating a potential solution to bridge the gap between advantaged and disadvantaged communities.

The Global Discovery Program 2024 will be able to further my research into solutions that we can offer to struggling communities by connecting with global leaders and discovering the solutions that their organisations have implemented. Through the program, I am interested in seeing if solutions implemented overseas can be adapted to be used in Australia.

Degree: Bachelor of Science
Country: Indonesia

Brigitta Gunawan is an ocean-climate advocate who strives to connect communities with the ocean through science, education, and storytelling. She is a National Geographic Young Explorer, Global Citizen Youth Leaders Award recipient, Ocean Awards Young Initiative winner by Blue Marine Foundation and BOAT International, and EE 30 Under 30 by the North American Association for Environmental Education.

Brigitta founded 30x30 Indonesia, a campaign driving community engagement to prioritise marine protected areas and support the global goal of protecting 30% of the ocean by 2030. She leads immersive experiences to foster climate mitigation and coral restoration efforts.

Brigitta is a recipient of Monash University’s KC Kuok Scholarship where she studies a BSc in Ecology and Conservation Biology, minoring in Earth Science. As an avid scholar engaged with Monash Minds and Ancora Imparo, Brigitta believes that the Global Discovery Program is a monumental step towards her journey in strengthening intersectional social impact.

Degree: Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine
Country: Hong Kong

My name is Pooja, I am in my final year of my Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine degree. My interests lie in the intersectionality of cultural safety and health with a particular emphasis on enhancing health literacy and engagement within ethnic minority communities. I have volunteered at AIDS Concern in Hong Kong, where I grew up, educating domestic helpers on safe sex practices and overall general wellbeing by utilising social media and setting up medical camps for primary health screening.

I applied to the Global Discovery Program because I believe an individual’s health is intrinsically influenced by a myriad of factors. To effect meaningful improvements in public health, it is imperative to foster innovative and holistic ideas. I believe that this necessitates collaborative efforts with individuals hailing from diverse academic backgrounds and industries—an alignment with the core values of the Global Discovery Program.

Degree: Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and Bachelor of Commerce
Country: Australia

Hi! My name is Angus Farquhar, I am a second year Electrical/Computer Systems Engineering and Commerce student. I have an interest in the large part that electrical systems/devices play in creating a sustainable world. I am an avid hiker who wants these engineering systems to work in conjunction with the environment to preserve and protect in an ever-growing globalised world.

My main interest, in applying for the Monash Global Discovery Program 2024, is to expand my horizons of understanding. As I come from a small island state, I wish to understand how to operate, achieve and add value in the global community. I hope to gain a greater understanding of this through the program. I’m motivated to meet like-minded and inspiring people and people with opposing views to challenge and refine my own.

I’m humbled by this opportunity and look forward to meeting the participants, alumni, and others in this exciting program.

Degree: Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Bachelor of Arts
Country: Australia

My name is Kiera, and I’m a second year Law/Arts student. This program – from the minute I came upon it – filled me with an indubitable yearning to join it.

I am a big enthusiast of proverbs, and the first thing that came into my mind once I read the details of this program was a Slavic proverb (which translates to): live for a century, learn for a century. It’s rare that an opportunity to embark on such an immersive tour to a city as auspicious as New York presents itself, and even rarer that you’re granted the chance to study directly under global alumni that – quite literally – started in the same spot as you and grew to such success. This unique opportunity to connect with such exceptional peers and leaders was what ultimately compelled me to join.

Now, I sincerely look forward to working with my fellow scholars, challenging my perceptions and preconceptions, and concluding the program with a trove of invaluable new skills and ideas that will be put to use improving the future of our world.

Degree: Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and Bachelor of Commerce
Country: New Zealand

Hi, I'm Seung Chan. I'm a fourth-year robotics and mechatronics engineering (AI stream) and commerce student majoring in finance. In high school, I co-founded the Australasian Youth Cubesat Initiative (AYCI), a non-profit organisation aimed at inspiring the next generation of Australasian youths about the space industry and engineering in general.

Getting young people interested in STEM and critical emerging industries like space is important to fostering thriving communities which is a key challenge in Monash's Impact 2030 strategic plan. I'll continue to strive towards our vision of removing barriers to world-class educational opportunities and resources, regardless of socioeconomic status, gender, religion or location.

Through the 2024 Global Discovery Program, I am hoping to acquire further skills, build my network with other students and influential New York-based alumni and use what I have gained from the program, not only for myself but also to further my organisation's cause.

Degree: Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Bachelor of Commerce
Country: Australia

Ronald is a second-year Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Commerce student aspiring to leverage his interdisciplinary expertise to navigate complex global challenges. With a keen interest in geopolitics, finance, and international commerce, Ronald aims to amalgamate legal acumen with business strategy to bring about tangible impact. His internship at the US-China Business Council, as well as pro bono consulting projects, have helped to hone his understanding of global economies and geopolitical security.

The Global Discovery Program aligns seamlessly with Ronald's ambition to mobilise local communities for global impact and better understand how change occurs from the ground up. Ronald anticipates engaging with diverse leaders and peers to build a robust network, gain invaluable perspectives, and further cultivate his leadership skills. Through this experience, he aims to chart a path towards a broader, more international horizon while exploring the vibrant landscape of New York City with curiosity and enthusiasm.

Degree: Master of International Relations
Country: Australia

I am in my final semester of my Master of International Relations, specialising in Gender, Peace, and Security, and I am passionate about empowering the voices of marginalised communities. I advocate for gender-inclusive approaches to global challenges, recognising that gender equality is vital for fostering sustainable development.

I am an active member of Amplify Afghan Women, an organisation dedicated to supporting and advocating for Afghan women’s voices. Additionally, I am currently a Young Professional Events Intern at the Australian Institute of International Affairs Victoria.

Studying International Relations has highlighted to me the importance of collaboration with diverse stakeholders to tackle global issues effectively. As a result, I applied for the Global Discovery Program, eager to connect with like-minded peers and Monash alumni who share a passion for making a positive difference. As I prepare to launch my career, the Global Discovery Program offers a valuable opportunity to expand my network and gain experience on an international level.