Supervisor of the Year

Supervisor of the Year 2009 - nominations now closed

The nominations are all in and the competition is shaping up to be fierce this year!  The postgraduate selection panel will meet in October to decide on a winner, and the announcement will be made at a ceremony to be held Nov/Dec.  All postgraduate nominees and nominated supervisors will be invited to help celebrate the occasion, and details of the winner will be posted on this page after the announcement.

Supervisor of the Year 2008

Professor Rodney Devenish, from the School of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology , in the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, was named as the MPA Supervisor of the Year 2008, at a ceremony held on December 16. Twenty-five nominations were received this year, and postgraduates gathered together with their supervisors and senior university personnel to await the announcement of the winner.

The MPA committee and staff congratulate Professor Devenish, and all his postgraduate supporters who contributed to the nomination. Our thanks to all the postgraduates who took the time to submit nominations about their wonderful supervisors, and without whom, this award would not be possible.

Visit our photo gallery of the evening. And download the winning nomination.

Previous Award Winners - MPA’s Supervisors of the Year 1992-2007

2007

Professor Adrian M Walker
Ritchie Centre for Baby Health

"Adrian's vitality and passion for science, integrity and warm personality make him an inspiring role-model"

2006

Professor Robert Faff
Department of Accounting & Finance

"My PhD canditature was not a smooth process. There were numerous times when I hit rock bottom...there was only one person who continued to beleive in me and support me, Robert Faff... His passion and belief in research is an inspiration to us all."

2005

Dr Sue Burney
School of Psychology, Psychiatry and Psychological Medicine

"Dr Burney's capacity to create a productive and flexible work environment for her students fosters research productivity. Her friendly and non-judgemental manner is particularly helpful in developing good communication and trust."

2004

Professor Betty Weiler
Department of Management

"One of the things that I have always appreciated about Betty is that she always makes you feel that you are a priority. Given her countless other commitments in the context of administrative duties and other research projects and students (not to mention her own family) this is a remarkable achievement."

2003

Associate Professor Frada Burstein
School of Information Management and Systems

"Frada has encouraged, inspired and cajoled us to continue and even enjoy the PhD process. She has encouraged us to look beyond our immediate task, to position ourselves according to our career aspirations. She ensures that students are supported in an open and caring environment."

2002

Dr John Sentry
Department of Immunology and Pathology

"John is generous with his time and energy and is able to find an encouraging word when needed most. His example shows us the importance of patience, persistence and diligence. He has always encouraged our development, not just as scientists, but also as thinking people."

2001

Dr Kay Stewart
Department of Pharmacy Practice

2000

Associate Professor James Sarros
Department of Management

1999

Professor Murrey Eslser  
Department of Medicine

"In publications arising from PhD studies the student is the first author always, and usually the corresponding author. Murray's financial support from personal laboratory funds and through applications to national funding bodies have meant that his students have been financially secure and well-supported to attend overseas meetings."

1998

Dr Peter Lentini
Department of Politics

"I also feel indebted to Peter for accommodating my family responsibilities. He was flexible and able to work around restrictive childcare arrangements for my 4 year old; completely unfazed (well almost!) by a nursing mother with a 2 week old baby; and genuinely understanding of the stresses of trying to study with young children."

1997

Professor Bill Schroder
David Syme School of Business

1996

Professor Terry Threadgold      
Department of English

"Terry is remarkable for the instensity of her engagement with her students' ideas. She always receives us with enthusiasm. Her wealth of knowledge of a diverse range of discipline guides us to be ambitious with our own projects..."

1995

Professor John Bradshaw
Department of Psychology

"I was (and still am) in awe of John's knowledge in the area, and at times I felt that my work was nowhere near good enough to be read by him, but he never put me down. I have gained so much confidence in my ability as a writer, a speaker, and as a person as a whole..."

1994

Associate Professor Walter Veit
Department of German

1993

Associate Professor Gilah Leder
Department of Education

"Gilah has the skills of an expert teacher - she knows how to ask questions, when to push for more detailed responses and for finer thinking, and, even more importantly, when to withdraw and let us reflect."

1992

Dr Marian Aveling (now Professor Marian Quartly)
Department of History

"Marian is encouraging and enthusiastic about the students' work and has the special knack of being able to make her criticism constructive. She also displays a genuine interest, thereby instilling confidence and inspiring productivity."

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