This year we were fortunate enough to hear from keynote speaker Dr Sandro Demaio, CEO of VicHealth and SPHPM alum. He shared his career journey through study and work, including his experiences working at the World Health Organization, founding two health-related start-ups, and his current tenure at VicHealth.
Borne out of the Victorian Tobacco Act in 1987, VicHealth has been instrumental in the abolition of tobacco advertising on sporting fields, raising awareness of non-communicable diseases and lifestyle issues, and has a current focus on reducing or eliminating vaping (e-cigarettes).
Dr Demaio urged our award winners to act as pioneers in public health, breaking down barriers and use their privilege as well-educated professionals to drive beneficial social change.
Our award winners were those students with the highest weighted average mean (WAM) score for each course administered through our educational program.
All eligible students are automatically considered; there is no nomination process. To be eligible, students must have completed the course at the time of course audit, be enrolled in the full- or part-time undergraduate, Masters or Graduate Diploma courses of the School, and not be registered with the FMNHS Academic Integrity Register.

Master of Public HealthBella Zhong Master of Clinical ResearchKaryn Low Master of Health ManagementAndrew Chong Master of Occupational and Environmental HealthEmma Hazelton International Postgraduate StudentDina Midttun Bachelor of Health SciencesCaitlyn Menzies-Smith Bachelor of Medical Science (Honours)Lachlan Faktor Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours)Annie Shi | Master of Public Health (online)Sarah Crisci Master of BiostatisticsNicholas Van Veenendaal Master of Health AdministrationRachel Tai Master of Forensic MedicineDina Midttun Bachelor of Public HealthDanielle Pattinson International Undergraduate StudentMing Hui Hoo Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Honours)Janise Lin |
We also recognised three Honours students who were the top performers in 2021, missed from the previous ceremony due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Bachelor of Medical Science (Honours)Natasha Rasaratnam Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours)Jordan Akritidis | Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Honours)Lauren Moloney |
While the event was small due to COVID-19 concerns, the scale did not diminish the huge achievements made by our winners. In fact, their success and resilience in the face of changing learning modes throughout the pandemic makes their achievements even more astounding.
Awards are given to students with the highest weighted average mean (WAM) score for each course administered through our educational program.
All eligible students are automatically considered; there is no nomination process. To be eligible, students must have completed the course at the time of course audit, be enrolled in the full- or part-time undergraduate, Masters or Graduate Diploma courses of the School, and not be registered with the FMNHS Academic Integrity Register.






Katherine Caudle
Rose Farrugia
Katherine Sheahan
Michael Hamill
Sze-Ee Soh
Takayuki Yoshida
Carlin White
Joanna Tully
Takayuki Yoshida
Lucas Pahl
Sienna Crabbmor
Yuanting ‘Grace’ Li

I’ve always been interested in public health research, and this Honours year provided a valuable opportunity to participate in a research project that’s led to a journal submission. Along the way I’ve gained confidence in transferable career skills like organisation, teamwork and communication; I’ve also learnt specific research skills including critical analysis, study design and data analysis. The year was a fantastic opportunity to gauge my long-term interest in research and establish important networks, in a supportive and encouraging environment.
All eligible students are automatically considered; there is no nomination process. To be eligible, students must have completed the course at the time of course audit, be enrolled in the full- or part-time undergraduate, Masters or Graduate Diploma courses of the School, and not be registered with the FMNHS Academic Integrity Register.
An award will be given in each of these categories:
For further information about the Awards, please contact Professor Jane Banaszak-Holl (Jane.Banaszak-Holl@monash.edu).






Nicola Martin
Daina Murtagh
Caroline Kratzing
Rebecca McIntosh
Xiaofang Wang
Aparna Patil
Johannes Neumann
Michelle Karman
Janine Rowse
Azeem Ali
Johannes Neumann
Nicole Ciavarella
Teagan Jade Ostrognaj
Simran Ketan Pande
Sheymonti Shahreen Hoque