OVER 220 Southern Cross University graduates celebrated the culmination of their studies at a ceremony on Coffs Campus on Friday, 25 June.
Among these graduates was a cohort of higher degree researchers whose work is already contributing to a smarter, healthier and more sustainable world.
Doctor of Philosophy graduate Mohammad Rastegari was awarded the Chancellor’s Medal for an outstanding PhD thesis that makes a significant contribution to research.
His work explored the environmental behaviour of antimony, a critical mineral increasingly important in batteries, renewable energy technologies and advanced manufacturing.
Reflecting on the award, he said the recognition represents more than academic achievement.
“When I came from Iran, as an international student to study at Southern Cross University, I never imagined that one day I would receive such a prestigious recognition.
“To me, the medal represents years of perseverance, curiosity and growth, as well as the support of my supervisors, colleagues, friends and family.”
Doctor of Philosophy graduate Ilma Imtiaz combined her experience with herbal compounds and cutting-edge research to inform modern cancer management.
“Growing up in a Sri Lankan household, herbal medicines were a normal part of everyday life. Combined with personal experiences of losing family members and friends to cancer, this sparked my interest in understanding how traditional knowledge and modern science can inform one another,” she said.
Her research explored how herbal medicines traditionally used for lung and colorectal cancers align with current naturopathic practice and scientific evidence.
She mapped more than two centuries of herbal medicine use in cancer management and investigated curcumin, a compound found in turmeric.
“One of the key findings was that curcumin behaved very differently at concentrations achievable in the human body compared with the much higher concentrations commonly used in laboratory studies,” she said.
Master of Science graduate Christine Farrell explored the social choices and experiences of people living with tetraplegic spinal cord injury.
“I am a quadriplegic and found my experience with Southern Cross University very good.
“The University provided me with the assistance I needed to feel equal to other students,” she said.
Her work identified a range of barriers to participation, including wheelchair inaccessibility, lack of employment opportunities, negative attitudes, social exclusion and limited political participation. These findings highlight the importance of both personal support systems and broader community inclusivity.
Doctor of Philosophy graduate Christian Eckert investigated marine aerosols and atmospheric conditions over the Great Barrier Reef using drone based observations.
Christian’s research contributes to improved environmental monitoring and a better understanding of marine aerosol dynamics, with applications in climate modelling, weather forecasting and reef management.
Doctor of Philosophy graduate Sophia Ellis investigated why corals bleach and how changing environmental conditions affect reef health.
Her research contributes to improving coral bleaching predictions and supports efforts to better protect reef ecosystems in a changing climate.
Doctor of Philosophy graduate Declan Forrester examined how colour shapes emotional perception in everyday contexts.
His findings showed that colour can influence emotional interpretation across words, facial expressions and emojis, particularly when meaning is ambiguous.
His research has practical applications for digital communication, design and understanding human perception.
Declan said his time at Southern Cross University was defined by the people he worked with and the opportunities he had to teach and get involved in research along the way.
Doctor of Education graduate Verity Beames investigated how school principals assess early career teachers against the Proficient stage of national standards.
Her study revealed that decision making is complex and shaped by contextual factors such as time, resources, leadership approaches and professional judgement.
She is now applying her research in a national education role and working towards publication.
Doctor of Philosophy graduate Blake Toohey explored the impact of seated dance programs for older adults living in residential aged care.
The research highlights how simple interventions can improve wellbeing, social connection and quality of life.
Doctor of Philosophy graduate Nathaniel Smorti investigated one on one teaching and learning in conservatoire music education.
His research revealed a complex interplay of institutional expectations, personal values and career pressures shaping both teachers and students.
The findings offer practical recommendations to support students and better prepare graduates for a changing creative industry.
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