Summer Edition # 2 - 2010 News on Campus @ Bond University
+ BOND NEWS BOND NEWS BOND NEWS +
FIVE STAR RANKING FOR FIFTH YEAR RUNNING
For the fifth consecutive year, Bond has achieved a five star rating for student satisfaction, student:staff ratio, and graduate outcomes in the 2011 Australian Good Universities Guide. In total, Bond University has received a five star rating for eight of the nine key performance indicators, making us the highest rating university in the state of Queensland's and equal second nationally with the University of Western Australia and the University of NSW.
In summary, the 2011 Australian Good Universities Guide rated Bond University five stars for:
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This excellent result is testament to our consistent focus on personalised education, our dedication to teaching quality and the in-classroom experience, and our ability to prepare outstanding graduates who are work-ready and possess a global perspective.
'CONSPIRACY HUNTERS' WIN GRANT FOR NEW TV SHOW
Senior Teaching Fellow Shawn Kasinger and Adjunct Teaching Fellow Craig Proudley were recently awarded a $40,000 grant from Screen Queensland as part of the development process for a new TV show called Conspiracy Hunters. Billed as 'Myth busters with conspiracy theories', the 13-part documentary series takes a hard look at conspiracy theories from across the world, from the absurd to the dangerous.
The show is aimed at a young audience, and despite its serious undertones, is designed to be fast, funny, and thought-provoking. "We noticed a trend some time ago, among the students, our friends, and even other people in the film and television industry, of an ever growing fascination with conspiracy theories. Craig and I shared this interest, but we became frustrated. It seems that often, as with urban legends, it is a yes/no proposition. You either believe or you don't. One day, we asked the question, ‘What if you could 'test' a conspiracy theory?’ Before long, the concept for the show was born,” said Mr Kasinger.
One innovative part of the Conspiracy Hunters format is the distribution model - 'Multi-platform Distribution'. This means that the show will exist online as well as in the broadcast space, utilizing components from the website to drive the show and elements from the show to drive the website, and iPhone and iPad applications to further engage the audience. It's a bold plan, and one Screen Queensland recognised immediately with the much sought after development grant.
In order to be eligible for the grant, Shawn and Craig were required to demonstrate formal interest from international broadcasters and in April they travelled to Cannes to attend MIPTV, the largest television conference and marketplace in the world, where they pitched to dozens of broadcasters and distributors. As a result, no less than three commercial networks recently offered official 'Letters of Interest', and discussions are ongoing. The goal is to eventually secure a full commission for the series. Currently, Shawn and Craig continue to develop the show and hope to have it on the airways sometime in 2011.
CENTRE FOR AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER COMMUNITY EVENT
On Wednesday August 4, the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences hosted the first community presentation and networking event of its latest research centre -The Centre for Autism Spectrum Disorder (CASD). Over 420 people attended the community presentation, making it the largest community engagement event held at Bond University to date.
Centre Director, Associate Dean (Teaching and Learning) Dr Vicki Bitsika (PhD MAPS) outlined the research projects and other activities the Centre will undertake before introducing special guest speaker Dr Wendy Lawson (PhD MAPS) who presented ‘The Autism Spectrum: My Journey’ - an amazing insight into her life experiences as an individual living with Autism.
At the conclusion of the presentaions the Faculty facilitated a networking opportunity where the CASD researchers and members of the community could connect and start working together. The evening was attended by a wide variety of people from the community including Queensland Shadow Minister for Health Mr Mark McArdle, State Opposition Health Adviser Mr Duncan Maclaine, State Opposition Disability Services Advisor Mr Tim Barnett, Federal Candidate for McPherson Ms Karen Andrews and Regional Director for Education Queensland Mr Glen Hoppner.
BONDIES ON THE MOVE
Bondies featured this month include: -
David Dobbie (Alum 92)
Accounting alumnus, David Dobbie (pictured above), has been on the most recent series of The Biggest Loser on Channel 10. David entered the competition at 165.6kg, and along the way set Biggest Loser Australian records for the most amount kilograms lost in one week, and at the time, the most percentage of weight lost in one week. David was Biggest Loser of the Week 4 times, being the most out of all the contestants for the series. He finished the competition with the 5th highest weight loss overall losing 66.4kg. He now has his life back, and living his new motto of “Embrace Life!”
"The Biggest Loser was a very unique, challenging and amazing experience. I learnt so much about myself and what can be achieved through hard work and determination. To discover and earn the values of pride and respect, has led to a belief in myself that I can achieve anything. This is one lesson that we should all learn, and one that I will certainly be hoping to pass on to my two children" said David.
Syed Shahbudin Syed Omar (Alum 04)
Master of Sports Science alumnus, Syed Shahbudin Syed Omar, is currently lecturing in the Faculty of Sport Science and Recreation at his previous university in Malaysia, University Technology of MARA (UiTM).
Jittirat (Nan) Methanukhor (Alum 97)
Public Relations alumnus, Jittirat (Nan) Methanukhor, is currently working as a Senior Airport Services Officer in the Landside Operations Department at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, Thailand. Nan is now a mother of one daughter.
Fay Haisley (Alum 03)
Current staff member of the Faculty of Business, Technology and Sustainable Development and Law alumnus, Fay Haisley, has just been given a prestigious award by the Australian College of Educators as a Fellow (FACE) to be awarded at a ceremony at Griffith University on 15 July. Fellowship is one of the highest honours the College can bestow and is awarded in recognition of an outstanding contribution to education.Fay is to receive the award for her demonstrated continuous high level contributions to the education of children, student teachers, and teachers, and leadership in higher education in NSW, Queensland and overseas.
DAVID DE ROTHSCHILD SAILS INTO BOND UNIVERSITY
Plastiki expedition leader, Adventure Ecology founder and environmentalist David de Rothschild visited Bond on Monday, August 2, to give a special presentation about his adventures on a 60ft catamaran made from more than 12,500 reclaimed plastic bottles. Sharing stories from his extraordinary four-month adventure sailing 17,700 kilometres across the Pacific Ocean from San Francisco to Sydney, Mr de Rothschild spoke candidly about the inspiration behind the Plastiki, which is primarily powered by renewable energy systems.
Bringing new meaning to the term ‘message in a bottle’, the Plastiki set sail with the voyage mission to showcase how waste can be used as a resource and draw attention to the health of the world’s oceans. Head of the Bond University Mirvac School of Sustainable Development, Professor George Earl said, “The Plastiki is a remarkable example of how, with more than a little innovation and intelligent engineering, recycled products and renewable energy systems can be used to achieve sustainable design that is functional and successful.”
NEW PROGRAM - GRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN LANGUAGE
From September, the Faculty’s School of Humanities will offer the new Graduate Certificate in Language to newly enrolling and current (on a case by case basis) undergraduate students.
The Graduate Certificate in Language offers students the opportunity to study either French, Spanish, Japanese or Chinese (Mandarin) language separately from their undergraduate degree, allowing more flexibility in their elective subject selection.
FILM AND TELEVISION STUDENTS SHOW THEIR TALENT
Over the past semester Film and Television students both past and present have been involved in a number of competitions and festivals where they have been able to showcase their work. Leonie Keen (Producer), William Zain and Nils Bremdal (Cinematography) have collaborated with alumnus and current Bond staff member Brodie Rocca (Director) to complete a short film called Ribbons. The film has so far screened at 3 short film festivals around the country including Shorts on the Green (Runner Up), Regent Film Festival (Runner Up) and the Katoomba Film Festival (Finalist). The film was shot on location in the Gunshop Café in Brisbane and the Regent Cinema, just before it closed down.
Four Film and Television students were also nominated in various categories at the Queensland New Filmmakers Awards (QNFA) presented by Screen Queensland.
- Jessica Kershaw - nominated for Best Music Video for My World.
- Simon Trevorrow and Daniel Kumnick - nominated for Best Music Video for Unplug.
- Nathan Hamilton - nominated for Best Cinematography for Heart-Shaped Reflection.
- Eric So - nominated for Best Visual Effects for Nuke the Fridge
BEN CALLED UP FOR WALLABIES TEST SQUAD
The first half of 2010 has been a whirlwind for Bond University law student and rugby star, Ben Daley, who has been called up for the 30-man Wallabies squad for the upcoming tests against Ireland, England and Fiji. The year started on a high note with Ben being named as captain of the Queensland Reds Super 14 side for their trial matches against the Waratahs and Crusaders.
Ben obviously impressed the Wallabies selectors, leading the Reds to back-to-back wins and scoring two early tries to set up a 20-12 win over the Canterbury Crusaders at Ballymore. After scoring an OP2, the All Saints Anglican School alumnus was accepted into the Bachelor of Laws program at Bond University where he is now studying part time to balance his sporting commitments.
Ben said the reputation of different law schools was a major factor when deciding where to study. “Every person I asked told me the same thing: Bond University is the absolute best in Australia if you want a more personalised learning experience.”
AIS TRAINEESHIP A DREAM COME TRUE FOR LACHLAN
The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) has awarded Bachelor of Sports Science student Lachlan Mitchell a prestigious traineeship in the Physiology Discipline of the Australian Students Occupational Training Program. The annual AIS traineeship attracts applications from hundreds of sports science students across Australia; Lachlan said that without the support of Bond University he may not have achieved such great success.
“Bond has given me a wonderful opportunity to gain the knowledge necessary to obtain this traineeship, and it is due to the great education I have received at the University that I’ve been granted this opportunity,” he said. Lachlan said that this traineeship is a dream come true after spending many childhood years visiting the AIS. “Each year when I visited the AIS as a competitive swimmer, I was captivated. It became more apparent that I wanted to be a part of what they were doing and that I wanted to study sports science,” he said.
Lachlan said finding a university program that covered his specific interests was difficult, but Bond’s Bachelor of Sports Science focused on elite athletes rather than clinical populations and was exactly what he was looking for. “I have learned so much about sports sciences while studying at Bond, and now I am looking forward to developing my skills as a Sports Scientist while working with the driven athletes, coaches, and support staff at one of the best sporting institutes in the world,” he said.
The traineeship will place Lachlan at the AIS for a year, starting January, 2011. His first two months will be spent learning the necessary field skills, and for the remainder of the year he will work with a physiologist on various projects and tasks in two-month rotations. Since his goal to become part of the Institute, “has come about a little quicker than expected,” Lachlan said, “now the goal is to obtain a full-time position leading a research team at the AIS.”
ACHIEVEMENTS AND ACCOLADES
MARKUS GRANLUND PROFILE
Swedish law alumnus and former law lecturer, Markus Granlund has taken on a dynamic role as Chief Legal Counsel with leading global design and development corporation, Semcon. As part of Semcon’s Senior Management Group, Markus heads the legal team from the company’s headquarters in Goteborg, Sweden; overseeing the legal aspects of projects managed by 1,500 employees working from 40 cities across three continents.
Markus’ association with Bond University dates back to 1999 when he was awarded a Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholarship in Sweden which allowed him to study anywhere in the world. “I chose to come to Bond University because I wanted to broaden my international experience,” he said. “Bond Law’s International Trade Law program had the global perspective I was looking for, and the class mix gave me an opportunity to study with lawyers from all over the world.”
Making the Dean’s and Vice-Chancellor’s Lists every semester and graduating with First Class Honours, it was no surprise that Markus was snapped up by one of Australia’s leading law firms, becoming one of the first overseas lawyers to be employed by Minter Ellison’s Brisbane practice.
Returning to Sweden a year later, he joined Archibald Advokatbyrå, part of the Anderson Legal Network, and then transferred to one of Sweden’s top law firms, Advokatfirman Lindahl. Within six years of graduating from Bond, Markus was appointed a Senior Associate at Lindahl, working with international clients in mergers and acquisitions.
In 2006, we were delighted to welcome Markus back to Australia when, once again, he chose to travel half a world away from his home to further his qualifications at Bond University, this time electing to complement his legal expertise with business studies in marketing, finance and accounting. At the same time, he agreed to share his wealth of knowledge and practical experience with our current crop of budding legal eagles by lecturing in the Law faculty. After his Australia sabbatical, Markus returned to Sweden and resumed his senior role with Advokatfirman Lindahl before transferring across to Semcon in 2008.
VISITORS TO CAMPUS
Ben Southall, winner of the Best Job in the World to present "Discover the secret’s behind the World’s Best Social Media Campaign – Best Job in the World" Ben Southall Mountain climber, ultra-marathon conqueror, African adventurer and Island Caretaker.
Tourism Queensland advertised the role of ‘Island Caretaker’ on the Islands of the Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, Australia back in January 2009 and out of the 34,000 worldwide entries, Ben Southall scored the job. Before his role as Island Caretaker, Ben spent 2008 driving 40,000 miles circumnavigating Africa with the Afritrex expedition, which saw him climb five of its highest mountains and run five marathons and in the process raising £20,000 for charity. Ben’s next adventure included donning a different type of work uniform – wetsuit and flippers – and exploring the Islands of the Great Barrier Reef.
In six months he learnt to sail, dived some of the world’s best reefs, visited 90 Queensland destinations, and sampled the freshest local seafood among many other adventures. In 2010, Ben began a new chapter in his role to promote Queensland on the world stage. He has embarked on a global sales mission as a Queensland Tourism Ambassador, giving the world a first-hand account of his experiences in Queensland. To find out more about Ben’s adventures, visit www.islandreefjob.com
Professor Glasziou PhD, FRACGP is a leading expert in Evidence-Based Medicine and was Director of the Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine, and Professor of Evidence-Based Medicine in the department of Primary Care at the University of Oxford. An internationally esteemed researcher and academic, his research and teaching interests include improving medical decision-making through clinical trials, systematic reviews and Evidence-Based Medicine. For the past decade, Professor Glasziou was also editor of the BMJ’s Evidence-Based Medicine journal, and Chair of the UK Health Technology Assessment diagnostics panel.
Joyce Tischler presenting the Voiceless Animal Law Lecture - Past Lives and Future Hopes: A vision to end animal suffering, Voiceless, the animal protection institute's annual Animal Law Lecture Series is now in its 4th year
This year's special guest lecturer is Joyce Tischler, Co-founder and General Counsel for the US Animal Legal Defense Fund. Joyce Tischler, widely known as ‘the mother of the animal law movement’, is a pioneer in the field of animal law. Combining her life-long affinity for animals with her legal skills, she has been instrumental in developing, nurturing and growing the animal law movement in the US and around the world. She will talk about the birth of the animal law movement thirty years ago in San Francisco and how a handful of attorneys set in train a revolution that has touched the lives of billions of animals worldwide.