Shortlisted

Pip Karoly

Dr. Philippa (Pip) Karoly is an award-winning biomedical engineer and dedicated educator at the intersection of STEM and healthcare. She leads the Rhythms in Physiology Lab (RiPL), developing translational digital health tools to manage neurological diseases, and was awarded the 2022 Prime Minister's Prize for New Innovators. Pip is celebrated for her engaging teaching in Biomedical Engineering Management and Regulations. As the instrumental coordinator of the MD/Master of Biomedical Engineering pathway, she provides invaluable mentorship, resolves cross-faculty administrative challenges, and passionately advocates for her students to foster a supportive and connected learning community.

Tanya Linden

Tanya Linden is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Computing and Information Systems. She has made a significant contribution to undergraduate and postgraduate subjects in Information Systems by creating an engaging learning environment, that is supportive of students with varying abilities, different learning styles and from a variety of backgrounds. Being a lecturer in IT she makes sure her students are prepared to keep learning even after they graduate. Tanya motivates students by showing the relevance of the knowledge to students’ future employment and career growth. Her teaching is about inspiring students and making them successful.

Matt Xavier

Dr. Matheus Xavier is a Lecturer (Education-Focused) in the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering within FEIT, where he teaches subjects on circuit analysis, autonomous systems, and electronics design. Originally from Brazil, he completed his PhD in soft robotics at the University of Newcastle before joining Unimelb, and has since thrown himself into rethinking how engineering is taught by redesigning subjects around hands-on projects, collaborative learning, and meaningful feedback. Around FEIT, Matheus is involved in curriculum planning, student experience initiatives, outreach workshops, and projects on professional skills development, effective AI use, and feedback practices.

Nataliia Tashevtseva

Nataliia Tashevtseva is a PhD candidate and a Head tutor at the University of Melbourne. She teaches the Information Security and Privacy subject, where she is known for her student-centred, inclusive, and practical approach. Drawing on her industry experience in cybersecurity, current research on AI, privacy, and digital harms, and a wide range of teaching experience, Nataliia helps students connect technical concepts with real-world professional and ethical challenges. As an international student, and parent herself, she brings empathy and awareness of diverse student experiences into her teaching. She is passionate about helping students feel supported, capable, and excited about cybersecurity.

Emma Russo

I have been with the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology (FEIT) for almost eight years and am currently the FEIT Infrastructure Operations Lead in the Infrastructure team. Prior to this I was the Head of School Executive Assistant and School Administrator in the School of Computing and Information Systems (CIS). I believe my core strengths are facilitating team cohesion and connection, nourishing stakeholder relationships, and optimising processes for efficient service delivery. I’ve been extremely fortunate to create an incredible network within the FEIT community and hope to continue providing a positive contribution to the faculty.

Steve Adams

I began work at the University back in 1986 as a humble technical assistant, working with the Materials Group in Mechanical Engineering. Having come from a trade background (Instrument Maker and Repairer), it was a steep learning curve in those initial years. Over time my role deepened as I became more involved in the teaching and research activities of my group and on the back of that, my knowledge, experience and network grew. Around 15 years ago I moved to leading the Wet Lab Tech Team which supported the multi discipline teaching activities in the teaching Wet Lab in bldg. 176. In more recent times, I find myself leading the SGE Tech Team and back supporting both the teaching and research activities of my cluster. I’ve just ticked over 40 years at the University and continue to enjoy what I do and the company of those around me.

Shainie Holt

I lead the Student Enrichment and Belonging portfolio in FEIT and an incredible team, where work centres on helping students feel connected, confident and supported throughout their journey. Much of what I do involves listening to students, understanding their experiences, and working with colleagues across the faculty to turn those insights into meaningful programs and opportunities. I’m particularly passionate about creating inclusive spaces where all students can find their place. Being part of the FEIT community means contributing to something larger than one program, a shared effort to ensure students don’t just get through university, but genuinely feel they belong.

Ching-Tou Chao

I am a Master of Information Technology student at the University of Melbourne and an active contributor to the FEIT community. As a mentor in the FEIT Peer Connect Program, I support new students in navigating university life, building confidence, and finding a sense of belonging. I have also volunteered during Orientation and participated in professional development initiatives, including mentoring and leadership programs. As an international student, I am passionate about fostering inclusive and supportive communities where students can connect, learn from one another, and grow together.

Tully Mahr

Tully Mahr is a proud Gundungurra woman and Master of Mechanical Engineering student at the University of Melbourne. She is actively involved in the FEIT community through her work on the Faculty’s Indigenous Advisory Board, her community centred capstone project with the Indigenous led organisation Centre for Appropriate Technology, and her broader advocacy for Indigenous representation in engineering. Tully is passionate about creating more culturally respectful and inclusive pathways through STEM, and has contributed to this through mentoring, public speaking, outreach, and initiatives that connect engineering with community, culture and social impact.

Kai Arnold

As a third-year PhD student, I know that a PhD is more often than not a one-man show. However, I believe that doesn’t mean we need to do it alone. I've found that the best ideas rarely come from sitting alone at a desk. Within my research group and office neighbourhood, I organise coffee breaks, table tennis tournaments, monthly pizza seminars, and regular weekend trips around Melbourne to build a sense of community. What started small has grown into something that genuinely keeps people connected, and that matters just as much to me as the research itself.

Rishwanth Darun

Tharaka Ratnayake

Tharaka is a third-year PhD student researching digital technologies for stress regulation. He volunteers within the HCI Group as a seminar coordinator and has contributed to the academic community as a student volunteer at A* conferences and a peer reviewer for academic conferences. He also served as a Media and Communications Officer at the Sri Lankan Graduates Society at the University of Melbourne. Beyond the university, Tharaka volunteers with TADVIC, contributing to assistive technology projects, including modifying an electric toothbrush for a person living with motor neuron disease.

Infrastructure Workspace Team

The FEIT Workspace Team enables the Faculty's teaching, research, and industry engagement activities by delivering exceptional workplace environments across a diverse portfolio of buildings and innovation spaces. The team is responsible for workplace strategy, space planning, building operations, workplace experience, utilisation analytics, relocations, technology integration, and capital improvement projects. By combining data-driven decision making with a strong focus on customer experience, the team creates flexible, inclusive, and high-performing environments that support collaboration, wellbeing, innovation, and the evolving needs of the FEIT community.

Melbourne Information Security Club (MISC)

MISC is an inclusive cybersecurity community that welcomes everyone from any background and experience level. We host weekly education workshops that aim to help students pursue their interest in cybersecurity and up-skill themselves. Additionally, we support students in breaking into the cybersecurity industry by regularly advertising opportunities and hosting career-focused networking events, ensuring our members have the insight they need to take their first steps into the cybersecurity field. The heart of MISC is making cybersecurity education accessible, practical, and genuinely engaging.

Aerospace and Rocket Engineering Society (ARES)

Founded in 2019, ARES is an award-winning student rocketry team. ARES designs, builds, and launches high-powered rockets at competitions both nationally and internationally. We push the boundaries of scientific innovation whilst maintaining safety and quality. Our team prioritises an inclusive, diverse culture that shares rocketry knowledge, regardless of background, identity, or discipline, including those who have been historically excluded from such spaces. ARES is also committed to community outreach and STEM engagement, running initiatives such as bottle rocket programs and educational workshops to inspire the next generation of engineers and aerospace enthusiasts.

Women in Technology (WIT)

WIT is a community of students with a mission to empower women and non-binary students studying and interested in technology. Throughout the year, we run a variety of different events, ranging from networking activities, educational workshops and social gatherings. We want to create a safe and encouraging space for our community, with the goal of uplifting each other throughout university studies and into industry. Our mission is to make sure that every student feels that they belong and can succeed in technology.