Anthony Auxilio

PhD student, Faculty of Science

Anthony Auxilio knew he would need a special university environment if he was to successfully relocate from the Philippines to pursue academic research. The PhD chemistry candidate chose Monash to conduct his research into inorganic nanoparticles because of the University's international and multi-national reputations, which he said were essential in a global and competitive market.

He was further encouraged by Monash's generous scholarship programs, including the Postgraduate Publication Award that provided him with a living allowance for 12 weeks while he wrote articles based on his own work.

Monash also helped Anthony establish a research collaboration with the CSIRO, which is located next to Monash's Clayton campus. "When I carried out my PhD research at Monash all the necessary facilities were basically present," he said. "Especially with the CSIRO just across the street. I couldn't ask for more."

Though he was impressed with the University's reputation, scholarships and facilities, Anthony reserved his greatest praise for the academic supervisors that guided and advised him through his research. He said they taught him to make sure that at the end of every working day he had done something toward completing his PhD. "From my first year of study my supervisors were always there to help me whenever I had problems," he said. "This gave me the necessary skills and confidence I needed throughout my PhD studies. "They demonstrated great professionalism, and they always made sure they had social time for me as well."

He plans to one-day return the good will and expert advice his academic supervisors gave him by working as a supervisor of higher degree by research students.