The Federal Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon has officially opened Monash's new A$10 million Gippsland Medical School.
18 June 2008
18 June 2008
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The Federal Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon has officially opened Monash's new A$10 million Gippsland Medical School. |
The Federal Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon has officially opened Monash's new A$10 million Gippsland Medical School.
Based in purpose-built facilities at the Gippsland campus, the school has enrolled 59 students into the graduate-entry Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) program in its first year.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Richard Larkins said the school was the latest achievement in the University's long tradition of excellence in medical and allied health teaching and research.
"Monash University is proud of the fact we have been fostering our best and brightest in the health professions since 1961 and have trained doctors, nurses and allied health professionals who now work throughout Australia and around the world," Professor Larkins said.
"This state-of-the-art facility will focus on training future generations of doctors for rural and regional Australia."
Students will spend their first year in the Gippsland centre, and undertake clinical rotations at hospitals, community health centres and in general practice over the four years of their course.
Placements will be made across the Gippsland region.
Head of the Gippsland Medical School Professor Chris Browne said the graduate-entry MBBS course built on Monash University's wide experience in undergraduate medical education and on the strengths of the University's medical programs at the Clayton and Malaysian campuses.
"The graduate-entry program offers an innovative, integrated curriculum and works in partnership with a number of other Monash schools and departments including the well-established regional clinical schools located in Traralgon and Bairnsdale," Professor Browne said.
"Students of the Gippsland Medical School will be immersed in the important medical and population health issues facing the people of the Gippsland region.
"They will have a unique opportunity to learn medicine in a rural setting, working with rural practitioners, in both general and specialist settings. These skills and knowledge will allow them to take up a career anywhere in Australia."
Professor Browne said the new school would also have a positive impact on health services provided to the Gippsland community, with some practitioners showing greater interest in working in the region and partnering with Monash.
He said the facilities at the Gippsland campus had been designed to provide the best possible hi-tech learning environment for the students, with internal observation and consultation rooms which feature interactive simulation manikins and video capture of student performance to aid learning.
The latest information technology has been extensively used throughout the building and incorporated into teaching and learning practices, particularly in the areas of microscopy and pathology.
18 June 2008
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Monash researchers are collaborating with the Australian Federal Police (AFP) on a new training program as part of a broader research project on counter-terrorism policing.
A one-week pilot course on investigative interviewing techniques has been launched, incorporating linguistic as well as psychologically-based approaches to interviewing. Inter-cultural communication issues will also be addressed.
Police investigative interviews are one of the most crucial aspects of a criminal case, providing officers with a unique opportunity to obtain a first-person account of the events in question.
Feedback from the pilot course will help in the design of a standardised training program which could equip police interviewers across Australia with common practical as well as theoretical "tools of the trade."
Forensic linguist Dr Georgina Heydon from the School of Humanities, Communications and Social Sciences is leading a team of researchers on the project.
She said the pilot training scheme was based on cognitive interview strategies popular in police training programs in England and Wales.
"These strategies are designed to build rapport between the interviewer and the interviewee and enhance recall of events," Dr Heydon said.
"In addition to this the Monash course incorporates training on language use, inter-cultural communication and efficient questioning strategies."
There is a strong interest in using these methods in Australia but at present there are no comprehensive courses.
"The pilot course will enable us to test our program with a view to developing a new training course that could be rolled out across the country."
Dr Heydon said a standardised program based on this training method would provide police with a scientific underpinning to their interviewing techniques, particularly in the area of inter-cultural communication.
"The ability of police officers to interview all suspects, witnesses and victims in the most ethical way possible is critical to protecting the integrity of evidence and the successful investigation of crime in Australia," Dr Heydon said.
Dr Heydon said the long-term goal was the creation of international standards in ethical investigative interviewing training.
For further information, contact Dr Heydon or Business Development Manager Rosalind King.
18 June 2008
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Research by Honours student Alissa Monk has revealed high mercury levels may be a contributing factor to dolphin deaths in Victorian waterways. |
Monash University research into heavy metal contaminant levels in dolphins from Port Phillip Bay and the Gippsland Lakes has revealed high mercury levels may be a contributing factor to dolphin deaths.
Researchers from the School of Biological Sciences Dr Thompson have found that the mercury is likely to have come from the sediments of the bay and are concerned that dredging activities may increase the dolphins’ exposure.
The confirmed levels of mercury found in the dolphins were within a range considered to cause negative health and mental effects and were higher than mercury levels found in populations around the world.
Over the last two years Honours student Alissa Monk has measured mercury concentrations in 20 live dolphins and eight animals that died after becoming stranded.
Supervisory researcher Dr Ross Thompson said levels in the dead dolphins averaged 3.45 milligrams of mercury per kilogram of tissue compared to 1.32 mg/kg in living dolphins.
"Mercury levels detected are sufficient to cause significant health impacts and were comparable to those found in areas of the world that are considered highly polluted, including the Mediterranean Sea," Dr Thompson said.
Mercury has been shown in previous national studies to accumulate in dolphins, but this is the first study to find particularly high levels in stranded animals in coastal Victoria.
The contamination is concentrated by the process of bio-accumulation whereby smaller fish containing mercury are eaten by larger mercury contaminated fish that are then consumed by dolphins. Dolphins can consume up to ten kilograms of fish per day.
"Dolphins may be becoming stranded as a direct consequence of mercury contamination which damages their neurological system," Dr Thompson said.
"They become potentially confused and disorientated and strand themselves.
"Even the apparently healthy dolphins had high levels of mercury which put them at risk of future health complications."
"Sediment contains mercury likely to have originated from historical gold mining sites as well as from other industrial sources," Dr Thomson said.
"Over time the mercury has been washed down through waterways, including the Yarra River, and come to rest on the bottom of the bay."
Dr Thompson said it was critical that further studies were undertaken throughout the bay dredging process to ensure any further decline in dolphin health could be identified and managed.
18 June 2008
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The squirrel glider is just one of the many endangered animals spared from busy traffic on the Hume Highway. Photo courtesy of David Bax. |
A year ago a rope bridge was installed across the Hume Highway in North East Victoria to give native animals a chance to safely cross the road.
The bridge was the first of its kind in Victoria and the culmination of a three-year research program into the effect that roads and traffic have on wildlife.
The project was run by a team of researchers from the Australian Research Centre for Urban Ecology based at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Monash University, the University of Melbourne, and VicRoads.
Survival rates of animals near the freeway are about one-third that of animals living farther away. The study has concentrated on finding out how, where and why animals cross.
Cameras were installed at either end of the rope bridge so researchers could observe crossing attempts and successes. So far there have been 50 successful crossings of ringtail possums and almost as many partial crossings; seven partial crossings of brushtail possums; and four partial crossings by squirrel gliders.
Many "non-target" species, such as cockatoos, magpies and ravens, geckos, and large spiders have also been filmed making the journey.
The results for the squirrel glider are particularly encouraging as they are a threatened species in Victoria and New South Wales. The animal moves by gliding from tree to tree and is unable to cross large gaps in tree covers such as roads.
Since the installation of the first bridge near Benalla, a second bridge near Longwood and four glider poles at three other sites have also been installed.
18 June 2008
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Associate Professor Graeme Johanson from the Faculty of Information Technology is exploring the effectiveness of virtual communication as a tool in breaking down social and language barriers. |
A study of the role of social networks and Information and Communications Technology in social cohesion among migrants in Australia and Italy is yielding valuable knowledge.
Associate Professor Graeme Johanson from the Faculty of Information Technology is exploring the effectiveness of virtual communication as a tool in breaking down social and language barriers, particularly among Italian and Chinese migrants in Victoria and northern Italy.
"There is a lot of debate about whether communicating in an online environment is beneficial or detrimental to breaking down social barriers," Professor Johanson said.
"We want to know how people are keeping in touch with each other and how this is helping or hindering their experience in the 'real' world."
Professor Johanson said results from the first phase of the study, which focuses on Italian migrants in Victoria, highlighted differences between older and younger migrants.
"Italian migrants who arrived in Australia in the 1950s and 1960s use information technology to re-connect with their past, such as researching their family history or making contact with people from their native villages," Professor Johanson said.
"On the other hand, young recent migrants are more inclined to focus on being accepted into a new culture."
Professor Johanson said the next phase of the project would explore the Chinese migrant community in Victoria, before moving to the same two groups in Northern Italy.
"We will compare results from the two geographic areas and cultural groups to determine different patterns in communication and what strategies can be put in place to improve and encourage interaction between different ethnic groups in a community."
Dr Livia Iacovino and Tom Denison from the Faculty of Information Technology are working with Professor Johanson on the study, which is funded by the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International).
18 June 2008
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Ms Sue Hendy, Dr Jane Sims, Ms Janet Woods, Dr Susan Feldman, Professor Steve Wesselingh, Professor Colette Browning and Professor Shane Thomas. |
The Monash Research for an Ageing Society (MonRAS) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Council on the Ageing (COTA) to further develop ageing policy and research exchange opportunities.
Director of MonRAS Professor Colette Browning said the two organisations had a successful relationship and the MoU was a way of formalising working arrangements.
"There is no doubt ageing is a significant focus for researchers, health professionals, consumer organisations and governments," Professor Browning said.
This MoU will lead to a solid working relationship in relation to policy development, community engagement and research, which will inform high-quality practice."
Executive director of COTA Ms Sue Hendy said agreements such as the one between Monash and COTA would help deal with new challenges in the area.
"Over the next twelve months we will look to host special events and guests from overseas, mentor staff members, influence policy development, attract research students and funding for research projects, and promote solutions to areas of concern amongst older people and about ageing," Ms Hendy said.
For more information on MonRAS visit the Monash Research for and Ageing Society website.
For more information on COTA visit the Council on the Ageing website.
18 June 2008
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The Office of Environmental Sustainability is calling on everyone throughout the University to take part in the Off-Peak Energy Challenge to help reduce Monash's energy consumption. |
Monash is launching an Off-Peak Energy Challenge next month as part of a campaign to reduce the University's energy consumption.
The campaign will run for a month from 1 July and will target the use of off- peak consumption which currently accounts for between 30 and 40 per cent of energy output.
The Office of Environmental Sustainability has designed the challenge and is calling on everyone throughout the University to take part. Campuses, staff and students can register at the Challenge website -- there will be a prize for the registrant who provides the most innovative energy-saving ideas.
There are some simple steps we can take to make a difference including making sure computers, lights and office equipment, air conditioning/heating (where possible), and where applicable, any laboratory equipment such as ovens and heating elements are switched off when not in use.
Green Program Coordinators Mark Doggett and Cathy Gibson have come up with some "amazing facts" to support the need for greater care of off-peak usage.
They include:
"The campaign will rely on everyone in the University taking part," Mr Doggett said. "The majority of staff and students are in a position to take small actions.
"These include switching off office, lab, lecture and tutorial room lights at the end of the day, or when they are not in use, or switching off computers at the end of the day or when out of the office for extended periods."
Mr Doggett is also encouraging staff to take action by completing the Green Action form if air conditioning fails to switch off within two hours of close of business, automatic lighting is not working correctly and areas appear to have excessive lighting and may be suitable for "de-lamping".
Monash is committed to reducing its energy use by 20 per cent by 2010. The off-peak challenge will be one of a number of campaigns looking at environmental issues. Others will focus on water, biodiversity, transport, information technology and waste.
For more information visit the Green Energy Challenge website.
18 June 2008
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Saguna with her PhD supervisor Associate Professor Arkady Zaslavsky. |
A PhD student from the Faculty of Information Technology has flown to Delhi, India to undertake an internship at the IBM Research Laboratory.
The 2008 Summer Internship Program in Computer Science, Mathematical Science and Service Science, Management and Engineering gives students the opportunity to work with the IBM research team on challenging problems that range from leading-edge exploratory work to prototyping real-world systems and applications.
Saguna is currently completing her postgraduate studies at Monash's Caulfield campus after completing her undergraduate degree in India.
She has recently commenced her doctoral thesis Context Awareness and Mobile Computing which aligns with her work at IBM.
Saguna said the internship would be invaluable to her PhD work.
"This internship will be crucial in my understanding of how one of the world's biggest research labs undertakes research projects and develops new technology," Saguna said.
Saguna said her Monash studies would help her to achieve her goal to become a leader in her field.
"I learned that with an open and curious mind along with hard work, you can overcome all obstacles and succeed," Saguna said.
"Research has taught me to work independently and to persevere no matter what comes your way."
Further information about the internship program visit the IBM website.
18 June 2008
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The Australian Synchrotron's Principal IR Scientist Mark Tobin explains how the infrared spectroscopy beamline operates to physics students Katie Auchettl, Stephanie Windebank and Tessa Charles. |
Eight third-year physics students made history recently as the first Monash undergraduates to undertake experiments using the Infrared Spectroscopy beamline at the Australian Synchrotron.
The experiments gave the students hands-on experience with a synchrotron source of infrared radiation (IR) that results in much higher quality spectra at higher spatial resolution than is possible with laboratory sources.
With the assistance of the Australian Synchrotron's Principal IR Scientist Mark Tobin, and Senior IR Scientist Ljiljana Puskar, the students recorded infrared spectra to determine the types of polymer used in several different packaging materials.
Many more Monash physics students will have the opportunity to take advantage of this powerful research facility with more beam time allocated for students later in the year.
Monash researchers have an allocation of beam time as one of the 11 Foundation Investors who funded the initial suite of nine beamlines.
4 June 2008
May 30 marked the 50th anniversary of the proclamation of the Monash University Act in the Victorian Parliament, formally marking the creation of Monash University. It was almost three years before the first students were admitted -- a mere 347 pioneers prepared to make the trek to Clayton and the untested new institution. It is quite amazing to reflect on the achievements of the University in the five decades since then.
On May 29 a Gala Dinner to celebrate its 50th birthday was held in the Great Hall of the National Gallery of Victoria attended by 530 distinguished guests and supporters, alumni, staff and students. It was a wonderful occasion that featured a variety of distinguished alumni awards and musical performances by Monash students. The Governor of Victoria, a Monash University staff member of 41 years standing, Professor David De Kretser AC presented the Distinguished Alumni Awards for 2007 to Professor Tim Flannery and Professor Dewi Fortuna Anwar. The full list of Distinguished Alumni for 2007 is available in Monash Memo and on the Alumni web-site.
In several of the speeches, reference was made to the unbelievable progress of the University since its foundation. It was great to have Lady Audrey Matheson, the widow of Monash's first Vice-Chancellor, Sir Louis Matheson, in attendance together with some of the foundation staff members. Reference was made to the role that Sir Louis played in setting the University's bold course, and his view that, "Universities should be full of people who do not take things at face value and are prepared to say so". Monash has never been short of such people and the boldness expressed in this sentence has been apparent throughout our history.
It was also a particular honour to have Dame Elisabeth Murdoch DBE, AC at the dinner. Council, at its most recent meeting, approved the award of the degree Doctor of Laws Honoris Causa to be conferred on Dame Elisabeth at Government House in the near future. Dame Elisabeth has been a great supporter of Monash University since its foundation.
Trevor O'Hoy, a distinguished alumnus and the Chair of the Fundraising Committee for Monash University announced the launch of the public component of the fund-raising appeal. Already $57m of the target of $200m has been raised and a high profile fundraising campaign committee is helping the staff of the University in fund-raising. The Chancellor, Dr Alan Finkel, set the tone for the evening by indicating that he and his wife Elizabeth were endowing a Chair of Global Health. This generosity sets an extraordinary example.
Other notable events celebrating the 50th anniversary of Monash University in May included the launch of the coffee table book celebrating the people, places and activity of Monash University, appropriately entitled Go Boldly. It is a beautifully photographed and produced book which should make every Monash staff member, alumnus/a and student feel proud. The Public Lecture series at BMW Edge Theatre at Federation Square continued with an informative and entertaining lecture by Professor Graeme Davison on the early days of Monash University.
Three of our Campuses are celebrating particular milestones this year as well as that for the University as a whole -- our Campus in Malaysia is 10 years old this year, our Peninsula Campus celebrates 50 years since its predecessor institution was founded and our Gippsland Campus 80 years since its predecessor was founded.
So this month has been one in which there has been much reflection on what Monash University has achieved in 50 years. Its current trajectory suggests that this is just the beginning of an amazing story.
18 June 2008
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Name: Waleed Aly
Org. Unit: School of Political and Social Inquiry
Dept: Arts
How long have you been with Monash University?
Just approaching a year now.
Prior to working at Monash, where were you located and what was your role?
I was working as a lawyer at Maddocks, a commercial law firm in the city.
What exciting challenges are ahead in your current role?
Marking! No, obviously the biggest challenge will be knocking over my PhD. That's not to say that I've mastered the lecturing side of what I'm doing, but it's not quite as daunting.
What is it about your job that holds your interest or is particularly satisfying?
With my focus on global terrorism, I'm always dealing with something that is of obvious relevance and considerable public interest. It's very difficult because you're trying to hit a rapidly moving target, but observing my own understanding of this phenomenon evolve and deepen is thoroughly rewarding. You're always discovering something new.
What is your favourite destination and why?
There are too many options here. Granada in Spain is stunning and I have an irrational love of London. But I've always said there's no place like Rome, so I suppose I should stick to it. I just can't think of another place that has such a rich, well-preserved history and which today remains a sophisticated modern metropolis. It has everything.
What is the best piece of advice you have received?
Don't touch that unless you're going to eat it!
What is something about yourself that most of your colleagues wouldn't know?
See, this is difficult, because I have to come up with something I don't mind other people finding out! How about that I wrote a 4000-word harmonic and structural analysis of Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody in Year 12 which got an A.
18 June 2008
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| Photo courtesy of NASA. |
The organisation that put man on the moon was, like Monash University, officially formed 50 years ago.
The US Congress formally created the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in 1958, the same year Monash University was legally established by an Act of State Parliament in Victoria.
The US space program also started that year, with the launch satellite Explorer 1, which was the first spacecraft to transmit scientific data back to earth.
To find out more about Monash's 50th Anniversary visit the 50 years website.