Education Awards

Kaniz’s Masters research examines how communities participate in disaster governance in Bangladesh and whether formal inclusion translates into meaningful influence over decisions affecting preparedness, safety and resilience.

Combining national disaster-management policy analysis with interviews in Nabagram Union, she investigated how institutional arrangements operate in practice. Her research found that communities can play significant roles in warning dissemination, preparedness, evacuation and relief while having substantially less influence over planning priorities, resource allocation and accountability.

Eva has demonstrated sustained leadership in food sustainability and the circular economy, translating her commitment to reducing food waste into practical community impact. She established a food recovery organisation and has continued to develop initiatives that connect sustainability principles with real-world action and community engagement. Her work demonstrates an approach to science leadership grounded in practical solutions, bringing together environmental sustainability, food systems and community participation.

Mohak is a Master of Environment and Sustainability student whose science communication spans environmental education, conservation, renewable energy, community engagement and digital storytelling.

As a STEM Science Educator at Gujarat Science City in India, he reached around 2,500 students across eight schools through climate and science activities. With the Voluntary Nature Conservancy, he contributed to Mugger crocodile conservation, wetland awareness and community outreach. In Australia, Mohak has communicated renewable-energy concepts to more than 300 visitors a day through Energy Matters and engaged more than 400 people in recycling and waste reduction through Zero Waste Victoria.

Jack has demonstrated outstanding leadership as Chief Science Officer and Head of the Science Division of the Monash High Altitude Balloon program, helping establish its scientific direction and create authentic undergraduate research opportunities.

Following MHAB’s shortlisting for the BEXUS program, Jack represented the team in Amsterdam, engaging with the European Space Agency and European stratospheric balloon teams. He also initiated a collaboration with Swinburne University that provided MHAB with a scintillator muon detector for a near-space particle-detection payload and helped secure two days of testing at the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation.

Alexa has demonstrated a commitment to youth mental health advocacy, community engagement and service through volunteering and initiatives focused on supporting young people.

Her activities include volunteering with headspace and Youth Support + Advocacy Service, contributing to organisations working directly with young people and their wellbeing. In the Mornington Peninsula community, she has participated in initiatives and fundraising activities designed to strengthen support and awareness around youth mental health.

Catherine is a Bachelor of Science student majoring in Physiology and Anatomy and Developmental Biology whose contribution spans peer mentoring, research experience, science communication and community service.

As an Access, Inclusion and Success peer mentor at Monash, she supports students transitioning to university by providing guidance, sharing study strategies and helping foster a sense of community. She also participated in Monash’s intensive Research, Experimentation and Discovery program, collaborating on a research problem and presenting the team’s outcomes.

Tirthankar is a PhD student in Earth Sciences whose research, leadership and science communication focus on climate-driven glacier change and its consequences for vulnerable communities. His research in the Himalayas addresses water security, flooding, erosion and hazards affecting communities dependent on glacier melt.

Tirthankar is an Ambassador for ICIMOD’s Save Our Snow campaign and a Core Committee member of the International Glaciological Society’s Early Glaciologist Group. His science communication includes a *Nature* Comment on Himalayan snow deficits, contributions to the Cryo-Climate Blog, podcast appearances and public lectures. Through these activities, he connects cryospheric research with public understanding, policy challenges and the communities most exposed to climate change.

Jared is an Astrophysics Honours student whose contribution combines scientific research, student leadership, inclusion and outreach.

Through his involvement with Nova Rover, Monash University’s student-led planetary robotics program, Jared has contributed to a large interdisciplinary initiative that enables students to apply scientific and technical knowledge to complex challenges. His broader student leadership has focused on making science more accessible and connecting students with opportunities beyond their formal coursework.

Vi’s Masters research investigated an under-characterised aspect of agricultural nitrogen cycling by examining dissolved urea in drainage systems across seven Victorian dairy farms.

She analysed 105 environmental samples and detected urea in every sample, identifying significant differences between farms. Experimental work also provided evidence of a potential transformation pathway between urea and ammonium. By examining individual nitrogen species rather than relying solely on aggregate measures, her research provides a more chemically resolved picture of how nitrogen behaves within agricultural drainage environments.

Md Al Mamun’s Masters research created a national evidence base for Australian home energy upgrade initiatives, examining programs led by local governments and community organisations and identifying how different models support households to improve energy efficiency. After examining around 220 potential initiatives, he developed a validated dataset of 60 programs using documentary research, 40 practitioner interviews and organisational validation. From this work, he developed a six-model framework showing how initiatives organise advice, finance, supplier access and household support.

Angie is a Master of Environment and Sustainability student whose work combines science communication, evidence-to-policy translation, regional engagement and youth leadership across Australia and Southeast Asia.

As Podcast Director of AASYP on Air, an initiative of the ASEAN-Australia Strategic Youth Partnership, Angie leads a multicultural team of seven young people across Asia and Australia. Under her leadership, the team has designed 30 episodes addressing climate change, energy transition, sustainability, gender-based violence, cultural engagement, trade and ASEAN-Australia relations.