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10 June 2009
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Upgrade / install Flash player for optimum video viewing or refer to the alternative versions below. Sleep science videoAlternative versions: |
We spend a third of our lives doing it. Everyone needs it to survive. Monash is part of a renewed research effort to better understand it.
The science of sleep has undergone resurgence in recent years as scientists uncover the connection of sleep to our mental and physical health.
Sleep disorders and deprivation have now been linked to alterations in blood pressure and diabetes, obesity, depression, heart attack and stroke.
Associate Professor Shantha Rajaratnam is an internationally-renowned sleep expert and head of the Sleep Research Laboratories at the Caulfield campus.
Consisting of bedrooms, living areas and specialist equipment, it is a time-free environment where individuals can be isolated from time cues and regular routines for days at a time.
"Monash was ideally placed to be one of the national, if not international leaders in this area because we already had a great deal of infrastructure to pursue sleep research," Associate Professor Rajaratnam said.
The laboratory's work was recently thrust into the world spotlight when the team helped find a new drug with the potential to alleviate jet lag and sleep disorders caused by shift work.
Their research found tasimelteon acted on melatonin receptors in the brain and could be a highly-effective treatment to improve the quality and quantity of sleep for patients with transient insomnia.
The team is now embarking upon a new research project to determine how to improve the alertness of shift workers by using light therapy.
"We know retinal photo receptors are most sensitive to short wave length blue light," he said.
"If we’re able to gain a better understanding of light’s impact on our bodies and which lights or certain colours of light work better than others, we could potentially recommend the best lights for shift workers to improve alertness and ultimately minimise accidents in the workplace."
10 June 2009
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When Monash lecturer Adina Kleiner was asked to develop an anatomy program for the University's new physiotherapy course, the task seemed daunting but an opportunity not to be missed.
Her aim was to create a curriculum that would stimulate students to learn anatomy well and to integrate it effectively into clinical practice.
The new program emerged as a melding of factors, but one of the highlights was the introduction of life drawing – an opportunity for students to study body form and interpret that in artistic detail.
"What we saw was students thinking beyond the technicalities of medicine and interpreting their written understanding of physiotherapy in a way that was reflective of the human form, yet artistic," Ms Kleiner said.
"Students crave stories of real-life experiences and an opportunity to take their textbook knowledge and apply it."
The program developed a system for students to learn key aspects and functions of anatomy by reinforcement, which aims for long-term retention of facts.
"It is critical for students to be able to understand functional relevance of body parts and be able to quickly assess and analyse them," Ms Kleiner said.
"It may be tedious, having to learn things in detail, but it really helps to build confidence in their knowledge and understanding."
The success of the new curriculum has caught on at Monash with fine art students learning about anatomy.
Although Ms Kleiner is not expecting to introduce physiotherapy curriculum to the fine arts courses, she does believe learning the anatomy of the human body is essential for any student serious about working with human form.
"Our era of education requires us to be cross-disciplinary and collaborative in our approach to teaching. By thinking outside the square to create curriculum helps to create an education that is exciting and engaging," Ms Kleiner said.
10 June 2009
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| Carly Price |
Bachelor of Laws student Carly Price has learnt about the importance of grassroots advocacy during a three-month internship with the International Women's Rights Action Watch - Asia Pacific in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
IWRAW Asia Pacific is a non-profit international organisation based in South-East Asia that works nationally, regionally and internationally towards the achievement of women's human rights.
During her internship Carly worked as a rapporteur sharing stories of women from Nepal who are helping to rebuild their entire legal system, and women from Pakistan who are fighting domestic violence in the absence of protective legislation.
She also worked with the organisation's delegation to the United Nations Geneva-based committee on eliminating discrimination against women, liaising with its members and holding a briefing on women in armed conflict.
Carly said she was privileged to participate in the program, meeting people from all levels of the human rights process - from the committee members of UN human rights treaty bodies, to female lawyers of Southern Asia, to women advocating for the advancement of women's rights in their home countries.
"Being able to act as rapporteur for my host organisation was very rewarding enabling me to identify some of the practical and political constraints that impact on the course of justice for women in these countries," she said.
"I was inspired by the women who risked persecution to attend the session at the United Nations and those who came with little prior knowledge to tell their stories."
Carly's internship was coordinated through the Castan Centre for Human Rights Law.
"This internship was a truly unique experience and highlights the absolute commitment of Monash to the learning and personal development of its students," Carly said.
"I will be forever grateful for having had this opportunity."
10 June 2009
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| The Low Energy Electron Microscope |
Monash scientists have discovered a new way that liquid droplets move on surfaces that requires no surface modification or external forces - a discovery made possible by a high-tech microscope that records surface dynamics.
The world-first discovery was recently published in the prestigious journal Science.
Using the Low Energy Electron Microscope (LEEM) Professor David Jesson and Dr Wen Xin Tang from the School of Physics evaporated gallium arsenide - a semiconductor used in technology - to discover the new type of droplet motion.
"Droplet motion is seen in everyday life; rain droplets running down a window pane or liquid drops moving about on a hot plate," Professor Jesson said.
"While most droplet motion is due to a range of outside factors - such as changes to surfaces or external forces - we’ve been able to show that none of these elements are actually required to move a droplet, providing new physical insight into how surfaces evaporate and can unexpectedly propel droplet motion."
Professor Jesson said the LEEM combined a surface electron microscope with a semiconductor growth system that allowed the team to deposit materials one atomic layer at a time and record the growth processes in ultra-high vacuum.
"By making real-time movies of surface dynamics we are able to better understand the underlying physics governing droplet formation and see things that no-one else has seen - hence the moving drops," Professor Jesson said.
"Researchers already know how to re-crystallise droplets under arsenic.
"This discovery may allow us to use surface features such as steps to guide droplets into position and then re-crystallise them, thus creating new gallium arsenide quantum structures in the positions we want for new applications in areas such as quantum computing."
The Monash team is working with Dr Jerry Tersoff of IBM (USA) on the project.
10 June 2009
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| Professor Arie Freiberg |
Monash University congratulates its alumni, staff, former staff and supporters who received Queen's Birthday honours in 2009.
Members of the Monash community were recognised for their contributions to fields including education, law, medicine, the environment and the community.
Among those honoured were alumnus and Dean of the Faculty of Law Professor Arie Freiberg. Professor Freiberg becomes a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his service to law, criminology, sentencing reform, legal education and academic leadership.
"It's a great honour to be recognised by one's community for one's work, especially in an area as sensitive, emotive and controversial as sentencing, where I hope I have been able to inject some reason into the debate," Professor Freiberg said.
“It is also pleasing to be recognised for my contribution to legal education in law and criminology. It has been a pleasure engaging with, and possibly influencing, young minds for over three decades at both Monash and the University of Melbourne."
Head of the Central Clinical School in the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences Professor Napier Thomson received an AM for his services to medicine, research, medical education and professional associations.
Alumna Dr Margaret Batten was honoured with an AM for her service to education as a researcher and through a range of professional associations.
Former Monash staff member Dr Bruce Hobbs became an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for service to science, particularly in the field of structural geology. Dr Hobbs was Foundation Professor in the Department of Geology, Faculty of Science from 1972 to 1984.
Mr David Borthwick AO BEc(Hons) 1973
Monash alumnus
For service to the development of environmental policy, particularly in relation to climate change, water allocation, emissions trading and heritage issues.
Dr Bruce Hobbs AO
Former Monash staff member
For service to science, particularly in the field of structural geology as a leader in the development of innovative research centres and mineral exploration technologies.
Mr Rodney Mitchell AO BEc 1983
Monash alumnus
For service to the international community, particularly through the establishment of the Asia Pacific Business Coalition on HIV and AIDS in Papua New Guinea, and to financial sector management and reform.
Dr Margaret Batten AM PhD Educ 1988
Monash alumna
For service to education as a researcher and through a range of professional associations.
Professor Arie Freiberg AM LLM 1984
Monash alumnus and senior staff member
For service to the law, particularly in the fields of criminology and reform relating to sentencing, to legal education and academic leadership.
Professor Michael Kidd AM MD 1995
Monash alumnus and former staff member
For service to medicine and education in the areas of general practice and primary health care and through a range of professional organisations.
Adjunct Professor Alan Pears AM BE 1973, Dip Ed 1974
Monash alumnus
For service to the environment through the development of policy and design in the fields of energy efficiency and sustainability and through public awareness programs.
Associate Professor Lynne Pressley AM MBBS 1976, BMedSc 1976
Monash alumna
For service to medicine, particularly cardiology, as a clinician, teacher and mentor, and to the community through the Heart Foundation.
Professor Napier Thomson AM
Monash staff member
For service to medicine through research in the field of chronic renal disease, to medical education and through a range of professional associations.
Mr Paul Wand AM
Monash supporter
For service to the Indigenous community through the development of cross-cultural relations between traditional land owners and the resources sector.
Associate Professor John Agar OAM MBBS 1970
Monash alumnus
For service to renal medicine, and to the community of Geelong.
Mr Robert Altamore OAM BA 1977, LLM 1979
Monash alumnus
For service to people with a vision impairment through advocacy roles with a range of organisations.
Dr Graeme Blackman OAM BSc(Hons) 1967, PhD Sci 1972
Monash alumnus and former staff member
For service to the pharmaceutical industry, and to the community through a range of church, heritage and welfare organisations.
Ms Janette Bowman OAM BSc 1978
Monash alumna
For outstanding public service, particularly through national leadership and excellence in environmental health and the protection of the health of Victorians.
Ms Kathleen Byer OAM
Monash supporter
For service to the hospitality industry, and to the community through philanthropy.
Mr James Cyngler OAM BEc 1974, LLB 1975
Monash alumnus
For service to the community in the area of Jewish education.
The Hon John Delzoppo OAM PhC
Monash alumnus
For service to the Parliament of Victoria, to local government, and to the community of Neerim.
Ms Joan Dillon OAM GradDipPsych 2002
Monash alumna
For service to youth through the Scouting movement.
Mr Harry Gelber OAM BEc 1975, BSocWk 1977
Monash alumnus
For service to the community through the establishment of mental health programs supporting children and the Indigenous community.
Ms Dianne Hirsh OAM DipEd 1988
Monash alumna
For service to the community through contributions to inter-faith dialogue, and to the National Council of Jewish Women Australia.
Mr Paul Jenes OAM BA 1976
Monash alumnus
For service to athletics as a statistician, competition official, commentator and sports historian.
Mr Ian McCutchison OAM BJuris 1974, LLB 1975
Monash alumnus
For service to the community through executive roles.
Ms Eugenia Moraitis OAM BA 1987
Monash alumna
For service to the Greek community and multicultural radio as a presenter and producer.
Ms Helen Morris OAM MSpEd 1997
Monash alumna
For service to education through teaching and curriculum development roles with a range of Jewish schools.
Dr Ian Roos OAM MBA 1991
Monash alumnus
For service to the community through raising awareness of men's health issues.
Dr Laila Leah Rotstein OAM
Senior Lecturer in the Central Clinical School's Department of Medicine
For service to medicine as a clinician, educator and mentor.
Dr Peter Schiff OAM
Monash supporter
For service to health in the field of haematology, and to the Jewish community.
Mr Wolodymyr Shumsky OAM
Monash supporter
For service to the Ukrainian community through cultural, educational and literary contributions.
Ms Beth Maree Allen PSM ADipWelfSt 1983
Monash alumna
For outstanding public service to the safety and well-being of Victoria's vulnerable children, young people and their families.
Ms Janette Bowman PSM BSc 1978
Monash alumna
For outstanding public service, particularly through national leadership and excellence in environmental health and the protection of the health of Victorians.
Mr Ian Carruthers PSM BSc(Hons) 1970
Monash alumnus
For outstanding public service in expanding the scope for science to support decision making on environmental matters.
His Excellency, Mr Marc Innes-Brown PSM GradDipA(FAT) 1996
Monash alumnus
For outstanding public service as Australian Ambassador to Iraq in advancing Australia's strategic, political and economic interests.
Mr Alan Hooley PSM BA(Hons) 1978
Monash alumnus
For outstanding public service, particularly in providing advice that has helped shape Victoria's parks and reserves system.
Mr David Gibbs AFSM BJuris 1975, LLB 1977
Monash alumnus
Mr Brett Ellis ESM BA(PolSt) 1994
Monash alumnus
10 June 2009
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The potential of using stem-cells to treat Alzheimer's disease and other illnesses will be investigated by Victorian and Californian researchers under a $A28.7 million collaboration.
Stem-cell scientists from the Monash Immunology and Stem Cell Laboratories and Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, together with the Australian Stem Cell Centre and the Florey Neuroscience Institutes, are the first to be funded under an international alliance between the Victorian Government and the California Institute of Regenerative Medicine (CIRM).
The funding was awarded for four collaborative stem-cell projects designed to move promising basic research in stem-cell science toward the clinic for eventual patient benefit.
The research focus varies from studying the immune system in conjunction with stem cells to prevent rejection, to harnessing the abilities of human embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) and their potential for growth and differentiation into all the cells of the body.
The University's Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Edwina Cornish said Monash was an internationally-focused university that supported intricate research programs on the most pressing biomedical issues.
"These exciting joint projects with California are a triumph of collaboration between the brightest experts in the world that will help to tackle a range of debilitating illnesses," Professor Cornish said.
For full details of the projects visit the State Government of Victoria website.
10 June 2009
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| Clockwise from back: Anthony Hong, Sophia Buchhorn, Melusi Zwangobani and Elizabeth Slattery. |
Participants in this year's Vice-Chancellor's Ancora Imparo Student Leadership Program spent two days at the recent Future Summit in Melbourne, meeting local and international leaders and contributing to discussion on key challenges for the future.
The Future Summit is held each year by the Australian Davos Connection, a not-for-profit organisation promoting debate on economic issues.
The students, Anthony Hong, Elizabeth Slattery, Melusi Zwangobani, Joshua Tait and Sophia Buchhorn attended workshops and panel discussions on topics including the global economy, climate change, and technology.
Engineering/Law student Joshua Tait said the summit allowed for a constructive critical analysis of society and worked towards the possibility of healthy engagement by all Australians.
Arts student Sophia Buchorn agreed: "The summit allowed us to mix with influential leaders who will define the type of Australia we as the younger generation will inherit," she said.
Law student Anthony Hong said the summit provided a platform for contemporary issues to be raised and expertly analysed.
"Given the emphasis on the global financial crisis, the highlight for me would be the insight into emerging economies and their potential," Anthony said.
For Arts student Melusi Zwangobani and Business and Economics student Elizabeth Slattery the highlight of the summit was meeting the former Vice-President of Uganda Dr Speciosa Wandira.
"She was an inspiration due to her work in creating equality for women in Uganda and aiding development across Africa," Melusi said.
Forty undergraduate students are part of this year's Ancora Imparo Student Leadership Program, which is designed to help passionate and idealistic students prepare for future leadership roles.
Applications for the 2010 program are now open. For more information visit the Ancora Imparo Student Leadership Program website.
10 June 2009
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| Sharada Krishnan |
A professional staff member from the Malaysian campus in Sunway has had the opportunity to experience Monash from a different location and perspective, thanks to the University's staff mobility program.
Sharada Krishnan has spent four weeks at the Clayton campus as part of the Cross Campus Staff Mobility Program.
Monash offers two unique staff mobility programs: the Cross Campus Staff Mobility Program (CCSMP) and the Travelling Fellowship Award.
The CCSMP encourages staff to enhance their professional and educational development through inter-campus movement between the University's Australian, South African and Malaysian campuses, and the Monash Centre in Prato. Up to $6000 is offered to successful applicants.
The Travelling Fellowship Award of up to $4000 is open to general staff and is aimed at enhancing opportunities for participation in professional development in Australia or overseas.
Ms Krishnan said the program helped her to learn more about her role and how to adopt Monash styles, formats and processes to her work in Malaysia.
"I'm taking the best of both worlds home with me," Ms Krishnan said.
"Although we have the same processes, the way they are applied is different.
"In learning different approaches I can apply the ones that will work best for my role in Malaysia."
Applications are invited annually for both mobility programs, which are funded through the University's education, international and administration portfolios.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education) Professor Adam Shoemaker said the programs were an essential component of the University's continued development as an international university with a significant global presence.
"These programs are designed to encourage productive collaboration across our network of campuses and centres, and to increase the opportunities available to staff for professional development," Professor Shoemaker said.
For more information visit the Monash mobility website (Monash only).
10 June 2009
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| Dean, Faculty of Business and Economics, Professor Stephen King, the team from Scotch College (Will Harms, Tom Treffry and Nick Yates), Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education) Professor Adam Schoemaker, and Head, Department of Economics, Professor Russell Smyth. |
Some of the brightest young minds in Australia went head to head to debate whether the Rudd Government should delay the emissions trading scheme in the interests of economic recovery in the grand final of Viewpoint 2009.
A trio of Year 12 economics students from Scotch College in Melbourne came out on top against Gippsland Grammar at the event, held at Federation Square in May.
Viewpoint, organised by the Faculty of Business and Economics, was a state-wide debating competition for schools, encouraging students to hone their public speaking skills and develop an understanding of economic issues.
Scotch College and Gippsland Grammar students debated the pros and cons of the economic impact of emissions trading.
The Viewpoint grand final was opened by the Victorian Minister for Education, Bronwyn Pike, and hosted by 774 ABC radio presenter Red Symons.
Preliminary rounds, quarter and semi finals were held throughout May, whittling the schools from 24 down to two.
The teams challenged each other on subjects ranging from the exportation of uranium, to the ethics and usefulness of the $900 stimulus package, to the pros and cons of free university education.
Adjudicators for all debates were provided by the Debaters Association of Victoria, supported by the Monash Association of Debaters.
For more information visit the Viewpoint 2009 website.
As this is my last Ancora Imparo before I retire from Monash on 5 July, it is a time to reflect on the past six years since I began at Monash in 2003.
It has been for me an intensely rewarding and stimulating time. My personal experience is best summarised by the motto of the University and the name of this column, Ancora Imparo or "I am still learning". I have learnt an enormous amount as Vice-Chancellor of Monash University.
I have discovered the breadth and depth of innovative and creative research and scholarship that is being undertaken. Whether this is in medieval history, economic modelling, light-alloy design, structural analysis of proteins, transmission of disease, accident research, drug design and drug candidate optimisation, fuel cells, climate change, human rights or countless other areas, we have world leading researchers contributing to knowledge and to the solution of problems.
I have learnt of the innovation that our educators are implementing so that the transition from the passive transmission of information to the active involvement of students in their own education is enhanced by the application of technology in exciting ways.
I have witnessed the development of our two international campuses from their embryonic stages with a small number of pioneering students and staff to bustling research active campuses delivering high quality education and research and building invaluable links and a high reputation in their host countries.
I have suffered the frustrations and enjoyed the excitement during the development of our joint venture research academy with the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay.
I have gained a deeper understanding of China through the work of our international office and faculties to develop an in-depth relationship with Sichuan University and a number of exciting initiatives in Beijing and Shanghai.
I have realised how our centre in Prato could be used as a venue where students and faculty from many universities around the world can be brought together for the mutual benefit of all involved in a truly international educational forum.
I have been privileged to learn so much from the best university senior management team in the country and from the Deans and Divisional Directors and staff at all levels who have rejected the cynicism that can so easily infect many in all walks of life. Instead, they have been inspired by the role they are playing in educating the leaders of the future and in advancing the knowledge and scholarship we will need to solve the problems facing the planet and in enriching all lives.
Most of all, I have learnt from the students at our campuses in Australia, Malaysia and South Africa. I have learnt of their desire to have a real impact in making the world a better place. Many of our students are working on environmental issues, on community development and foreign aid and local welfare through voluntary organisations of many types. It is quite inspirational. The Monash Passport emphasises educational opportunities that come from volunteering, leadership experience and international engagement and our students are taking full advantage of these opportunities.
I leave Monash with an enduring admiration for the people who make it the great institution it is – its staff and students. I know that it will be in good hands. Ed Byrne and his colleagues will ensure that the University continues to excel in all areas of academic endeavour.
I wish you all well and thank you for the privilege of being part of this wonderful institution. There is much more to do, but Monash's trajectory, international footprint and most of all its people, ensure that it is destined to be one of the great universities of the world.
10 June 2009
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Name: Rosemary Sheehan
Faculty:Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences
Title:Associate Professor
Dept:Social Work
How long have you been with Monash University?
Since 1989!
Prior to working at Monash, where were did you work?
I worked as a social worker in family welfare in the Western suburbs of Melbourne.
What challenges are ahead in your current role?
Two come to mind! Our department has just introduced a specialist postgraduate degree: Master of Social Work (Forensic Studies) in collaboration with Professor Jim Ogloff and the Centre for Forensic Behavioural Science. It is an exciting innovation recognising that social workers increasingly work in contexts where forensic issues are key to their clients' problems.
I am also convening a conference Children and the Law: International approaches to children and their vulnerabilities at the Monash Prato Centre in September. I do some work in the Children's Court in Melbourne and am aware how much the rights and best interests of children are challenged by new and emerging social concerns. There has been great interest – so far we have registrations from 17 countries.
What is it about your job that is particularly satisfying?
I co-ordinate the Higher Degrees by Research Program in social work and our postgrads come from all around Australia and overseas. They bring with them their experiences of working in quite challenging contexts and offer exciting insights into worlds we would not otherwise know about.
What is your favourite place in the world and why?
Annascaul on the Dingle Peninsula in Ireland. My grandfather left there as a 12-year-old to come to Australia. He was sent away to escape the Spanish influenza.
What is the best piece of advice you have received?
My grandmother was always using sayings and the one "a worry shared is a worry halved " has stayed with me. As a social worker you encourage people to tell you their concerns to see what strategies can help them.
What is something about yourself that most of your colleagues wouldn't know?
I was a champion middle distance runner at secondary school and university. My father used to run marathons, before they were fashionable, and I used to run stages of the long distances to carry his water bottle.
10 June 2009
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Monash University, Monash College and the Monash Sunway campus in Malaysia broke all records in the first semester of 2009 with the biggest intake of students in the University's history.
Monash has more than 56,000 students across its six Australian and two international campuses.