2026 winners
Tutor of the Year
Nathan van der Heiden
I am a sessional tutor at the University of Melbourne, where I have been teaching data and technology subjects across FEIT since 2021. My focus has always been on making complex technical material genuinely accessible, particularly for students who arrive with little to no prior experience in databases, programming, or analytics. I find the most rewarding part of teaching is watching a student who initially doubted their ability grow in confidence and capability over the course of a semester.
Graduate Researcher of the Year
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.
Lecturer of the Year
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.
Professional Staff Team of the Year
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.
Master Student of the Year
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.
Professional Staff Member of the Year
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.
Student Club of the Year
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.
People's Choice of the Year
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.