Lumen Autumn 2024 - Flipbook - Page 19
Adjunct Professor
Robin Eckermann AM, Canberra
In 1972, I chose Philosophy as one of my
two majors in an Arts degree. The other
major was Computing - at the time, it was
just emerging as a discipline in its own
right. Information technology and
telecommunications subsequently became
the backbone of my working life. However,
it was philosophy that honed my ability to
comprehend and debate multiple sides of
subjects that lay beyond the realm of simple
scientific resolution.
BA 1973
Dr Richard Thomson
Graduating in 1964 in chemical
engineering I was launched into
a career with CSR Ltd that saw me work in
many countries and numerous industries,
including sugar, petrochemicals, and oil and
gas sectors. My employer also provided
the opportunity to gain an MSc at
Imperial College, London. Thereafter I
formed companies; one developing novel
ROVs and another providing special advice
to companies and expert witness testimonies
in the oil and gas industry. I had stints
supporting UN efforts in post-war Kuwait
and in post-Berlin-wall Poland. Realising
that renewable energy was a major
developing area I moved away from fossil
fuels, purchasing a solar hot water business
and developing expertise in solar thermal
systems, consulting in the field. Finally on
retirement I returned to my roots at the
University of Adelaide and completed
my PhD in 2022 in the same School of
Chemical Engineering from where it
all started! Fantastic.
Wathnak Vy
The University of Adelaide has not only
imparted knowledge but also a rich
historical legacy that has become an integral
part of my family, community and personal
journey.
As the pioneer in my family to migrate to
Australia and subsequently become my
family's first graduate from a university, I
have harnessed skills and wisdom acquired
at the University to make a meaningful
impact as a counsellor.
My mission is to dismantle the prevalent
stigma surrounding mental health within
our community. Through my efforts, I
strive to foster a more empathetic and
understanding environment, one where
individuals can seek the help they need
without fear or judgment.
D Vet Med 2015
B Comp Sc (Hons) 2023
Brenton Whittenbury
Completing my Bachelor of
Economics (Accounting) not only
impacted my life, but that of my whole,
wider family. It gave me the skills to turn
around the fortunes of our family business
that had started in 1868. When I graduated
in 1982, I was the only one in my generation
that had the financial qualification needed to
pull the business up off the floor.
I am pleased and proud to say that
Grundy’s Shoes is now thriving in its 155th
year and is not only employing a seventh
generation of our family but is helping
support many other South Australian
families as well.
B Ec 1982
BE (Met & Chem) (Hons) 1964;
PhD (Proc & Res E) 2022
Dr Stephanie Crocker
It allowed me to follow my childhood dream
of becoming a veterinarian! I also was able
to travel to Africa and work with animals
I could have only dreamed about prior to
studying.
The cultural nuances of campus life made
me a global citizen, enhancing my
communication and collaboration skills.
Thus, Adelaide didn’t just educate me; it
changed how I perceive challenges, driving
my ambition in the ever-evolving tech world.
Songzhe Li, China
The University of Adelaide was a
turning point for me, fostering
not only my technical growth but also
personal development. The diverse
academic community there nurtured my
curiosity and adaptability, pushing me
beyond my comfort zones. This education
was more than knowledge acquisition; it was
about transforming into a lifelong learner.
LUMEN
Dolly Dawson
Being a university student provided me with
countless memorable moments including
academic celebrations, the ability to interact
and meet new people on a daily basis, build
deeper connections within the world and to
be inspired to do more in the world. I was
told I would never be able to attend
university or have the ability to complete a
degree, not only have I proved people wrong
and have done just that, but I was also the
very first person in my immediate and
extended family to go to university.
B Psych Sc 2023
