Alumni Profiles

The University is very proud of its graduates and we are eager to find our about your achievements, career and other events since leaving UOW.

Tell us your graduate story.

Vipunjit Ketunuti Master of International Relations (1996) The 2004 tsunami may no longer be headline news, but the effort to rebuild devastated communities continues for UOW graduate, Vipunjit Ketunuti. » Continue reading about Vipunjit

Lai Waqanisau Bachelor of Science (2003) Master of Environmental Science (2004) Saving the world’s environment is all in a day’s work for UOW Environmental Science graduate Lai Waqanisau. He is currently employed as an Oceans Campaigner for the Australia Pacific division of Greenpeace. » Continue reading about Lai

Jacqueline Harvey Diploma of Teaching (Distinction) 1989 Bachelor of Education (Primary) 1991 Since graduating from the University of Wollongong, Jacqueline Harvey (nee Earnell) has combined successful careers as an educator and author. Jacqueline, who graduated from UOW’s Faculty of Education in 1991, is Deputy Head at the exclusive Abbotsleigh Junior School in the Sydney suburb of Wahroonga. » Continue reading about Jacqueline

Glenn Matthews Bachelor of Engineering (1st Class Honours) 1998 UOW Engineering graduate Glenn Matthews is using his 2005 NSW Young Professional Engineer of the Year title to help promote engineering as a career choice for school leavers. The structural engineer, who is co-manager of Northrop Engineers’ Wollongong office, is proud of his profession and wants it to receive more recognition. » Continue reading about Glenn

Professor Tracey McDonald Master of Science (Honours) in Public Health 1994 PhD with the Faculty of Education 2002 Australian Catholic University’s (ACU) Professor of Ageing Tracey McDonald looks back with great fondness on her 20 years with UOW as an academic and student. Professor McDonald, who recently took up a research focused role at ACU’s McKillop Campus in North Sydney, was one of the pioneering academics who helped establish Australia’s first School of Nursing at UOW in the 1980s. » Continue reading about Tracey

Blake Beattie Bachelor of Education (PDHPE) 1998 Blake Beattie graduated from the University of Wollongong as a PE teacher in 1998 and believes a teaching degree is a "great thing to have under your belt". Not that he has spent much time in the classroom. Blake is Managing Director of Inspire Consulting and a professional speaker, trainer and consultant. In this role he’s addressed audiences up to 15,000 people. » Continue reading about Blake

Bundit Ungrangsee Bachelor of Creative Arts 1993 Bundit Ungrangsee from Bangkok completed a Bachelor of Creative Arts degree at UOW in 1993 before studying for his Masters degree in orchestral conducting at the University of Michigan in the United States. He now has a rapidly expanding guest conducting career that has included invitations from orchestras in the United States, Europe, China, Korea, Australia and Thailand. » Continue reading about Bundit

Dr Alison Styring Study Abroad Student from the University of Indiana (1993) US Wildlife Biologist Dr Alison Styring (nee Robinson) is a classic example of the value of Study Abroad programs. In fact, Dr String credits the Study Abroad year she spent at UOW in 1993 as having a profound influence on her studies and future career direction. » Continue reading about Alison

Angela Pitt Bachelor of Psychology 2004 Sub Lieutenant, Angela Pitt always dreamed of being a pilot. It was a dream that waxed and waned but eventually stuck…and now she’s flying high, literally. She is one of only a handful of female pilots to ever be sworn into the Royal Australian Navy. After 22 weeks training at HMAS Creswell in Nowra she recently headed off to Tamworth to complete six months of flight training to prepare her to get behind the controls of a Sea Hawk helicopter. » Continue reading about Angela

Martha Fasoulas Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) 1998 Martha Fasoulas’ job description could include the title ‘fairy godmother’. After all, she is responsible for making sure that over 200 wishes come true each year. And to make that even more special, she grants those wishes to sick children as the Starlight Foundation’s Wishgranting Coordinator for NSW, the ACT and the Northern Territory. » Continue reading about Martha

Dr Terry O’Dwyer Bachelor of Environmental Science (Honours) 1999 PhD 2004 Kiama man Dr Terry O’Dwyer is a classic case of life beginning at 40. Over the past 18 months Dr O’Dwyer, has completed his doctorate in Biological Sciences at UOW, married his long-time partner and fellow scientist Louise Puslednik and taken the final step in his fascinating journey from steelworker to international seabird research scientist. » Continue reading about Terry

Matt Wand Bachelor of Mathematics (Honours) 1986 Twenty years ago Professor David Griffiths urged a bright young post-graduate Mathematics Honours graduate to leave UOW to further his career. The 1986 University Medallist Matt Wand did just that. » Continue reading about Matt