2011 winners
Jeremy Baldwin
2011 Student Leader of the Year
Throughout his studies, Jeremy has been actively involved in the QUT community. Following completion of his Bachelor of Applied Science and Bachelor of Business dual degree in 2010, Jeremy commenced a Bachelor of Applied Science (Honours) in 2011 in our Cancer Research program.
In his first year of study, Jeremy volunteered his time and leadership skills as a Student Ambassador and went on to become a peer mentor; acting as a role model and source of experience to commencing students. He participated on the Faculty of Business student advisory board; and was a student representative on the Faculty of Science and Technology Student/Staff Liaison Committee.
In 2010, Jeremy helped re-establish Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) at QUT. As a member of the student executive team, Jeremy helped screen and develop new projects aimed at making a difference in communities through educational outreach. Jeremy was elected by the QUT student body earlier this year to act as a student representative on the Faculty of Science and Technology Academic Board Committee.
Jeremy's successes at QUT are displayed on many levels. He was a representative for the National Student Leadership Forum, and will participate in the upcoming New Zealand Global Enterprise Experience Competition. For his efforts designing a network to link hospitals in developing countries, Jeremy was a semi-finalist in the 2010 Challenge Future competition. He has been announced as a semi-finalist in the 2011 Hong Kong PolyU Global Innovation and Entrepreneurship Challenge.
Perhaps one of his most prestigious achievements, in 2010 Jeremy won both the state and national rounds of the CPA Big Break Project, winning prizes used to further his studies and establish a scholarship at QUT. In his plan, Jeremy developed a market-entry strategy for Room to Read, a non-profit organisation who specialise in improving childhood literacy in developing countries. Several of the concepts in Jeremy's plan were implemented in Room to Read's entry into Honduras.
For his two month holiday in 2010, Jeremy volunteered as a research assistant with the Centre for Infectious Disease Research (CIDR) and Tropical Disease Institute (TDI) in Ecuador. Outside of the worthwhile research contribution he was able to offer, Jeremy worked with the team to set up a community education program in local schools on disease awareness and prevention. His work overseas afforded him a nomination for Queensland Student Ambassador of the Year.
Jeremy is an exceptionally committed student whose leadership and ambition show through in his studies and community contributions. With a GPA of 6.2, he has a brilliant and exciting future ahead of him.
Melanie Arnost
2011 Student Leadership Excellence Award Winner
Currently studying a Bachelor of Journalism, Melanie commenced studies at QUT with the Radio 4EBFM Ethnic Scholarship, and completed her first year with an award for 'Best Print News Story' at the QUT Journalism Awards. In this same year, Melanie was the Student Guild Women's Director, a member of the QUT Whitlam Club and represented the University at the Network of Women Students of Australia conference.
In 2009, Melanie was awarded the PriceWaterhouseCoopers Excellence Award, recognising her commitment to academic achievement and community involvement. With a GPA of 6.25, her achievements secured her a position on the Dean's List for Academic Performance and the Golden Key International Honour Society.
Melanie pursues an interest in women's, youth and multicultural issues, through her involvement in the management committee of the Logan Women's Health and Wellbeing Centre, volunteering with Green Cross Australia, and through ongoing contributions to the youth program 'Oxygen' on 4EBFM.
After working in Vanuatu with Youth Challenge Australia, Melanie was inspired to return and volunteer with AusAid's Australian Youth Ambassadors for Development program. She dedicated nine months to establish and develop community radio on the remote Tanna Island, and worked with the community to train broadcasters, develop news programs, and taught editing and interview skills.
Michael Attard
2011 Student Leadership Excellence Award Winner
A Bachelor of Business student, Michael has been a Student Ambassador since 2008, and was promoted to Senior Ambassador this year where he will represent QUT as well as training and mentoring new ambassadors. He has shown significant involvement in outreach activities to schools in connection with the Marketing and Communication Department and also with Equity Services.
Michael's candid approach to his own hardships has inspired disadvantaged students. In 2010, Michael was voted Blogger of the Year by the University's online community for his work on the QUT Student Blogging Project. Reaching in excess of 23,000 views, Michael offered insights on domestic violence and mental health issues; balanced with cost-effective eating and music reviews. Michael's latest project, the QUT Big Lift, seeks to deliver community change and engagement with Indigenous communities.
With a strong desire to achieve social justice, Michael engages in many extracurricular activities. He represented the Faculty of Business at the Asian Pacific Student Services Association (APSSA) conference last year, volunteered with Murri Alliance Professionals and Murri-Gunya Spacifix Solutions as well as working alongside Vietnamese youth members at the Darra Uniting Church. His latest project is in line with 'Soften the FCK Up', challenging stereotypes to reduce the rate of suicide in young men
Ashley Duggan
2011 Student Leadership Excellence Award Winner
A Bachelor of Business (Economics) student, Ashley entered QUT with a Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship and has been named on the Dean's List for Academic Achievement for three semesters.
His contributions to QUT and the wider community are driven by a strong interest in educational disadvantage. Ashley was involved with the QUT College of Excellence since its inception and as President was instrumental in developing initiatives and activities in the program. A Senior Student Ambassador and Student Learning Advisor, in 2010 he was one of 40 youth leaders to participate in the inaugural Queensland Youth Forum. He was also selected as one of Australia's 100 Brightest Young Minds to attend a summit, where he developed an indigenous youth tutoring scheme for disadvantaged schools in New South Wales. He has participated in three Model United Nations Conferences in Australia, Asia, and the UK.
Ashley won the Best Economics Delegate Award at the prestigious Chulalongkorn University International Conference. One of Ashley's greatest experiences was when he was awarded a QUT Business School Exchange Scholarship to further develop his skills at the esteemed University of Leeds Business School.
Ivan Ingram
2011 Student Leadership Excellence Award Winner
Studying a Bachelor of Applied Science and Bachelor of Laws dual degree, Ivan is an active Peer Mentor for Indigenous students in law and justice at the Oodgeroo Unit at QUT. Building on his experience and leadership skills, he has been employed this year as an Indigenous Tutorial Assistance Scheme tutor. He is very active with the QUT Association of Law and Justice Students (QUOTALS) in a leadership capacity, overseeing the execution of all activities.
In his commitment to the wider community, Ivan has been involved with the LawLink Liaison Program, engaging students with the Queensland Law Society and Brisbane organisations. He also worked on the Queensland Public Interest Law Clearing House (QPILCH) Walk for Justice to raise funds for pro bono legal services and was selected to represent QUT as a student delegate at the 2009 and 2010 Annual National Indigenous Legal Conferences.
To maintain a satisfying work/life balance, Ivan is working towards his Associate in Music Accreditation in piano. He has also worked closely with the Faculty to develop and organise social events for law and justice students.
Liqin (Jessica) Kong
2011 Student Leadership Excellence Award Winner
As a Built Environment and Engineering Ambassador since 2009 and a QUT Student Ambassador, Jessica has made a significant contribution the QUT community by sharing information and experiences with prospective students. While studying a Bachelor of Engineering, she is an active member of the BEEDS (Built Environment and Engineering Dean's Scholars) Alumni Group and has been the Social Events Coordinator for two years. In addition, Jessica was a Civil Engineering Student Representative in the Urban Development Staff/Student Liaison, and is a member of the women in engineering club, known as the GEMS.
In addition to her study commitments, Jessica devotes significant time to the wider community. Jessica was a Queensland Resource Council Student Scholarship Ambassador, taking engineering to high school students; is a part of Women in Mining and Resources Queensland (WIMARQ) where she is passionate about increasing the number of women in non traditional roles and acts as an example for younger women. Jessica also volunteers with Oaktree Foundation and the global student-run organisation AIESEC as their Corporate and External Relations Officer.
Jessica's GPA of 6.75 saw her placed on the Dean's List of Excellence, and she was awarded the 2009 Xstrata Prize for mathematical science.
Laura Parker
2011 Student Leadership Excellence Award Winner
In her first year studying a Bachelor of Business, Laura became a Student Ambassador for QUT and continues to represent the University at a number of events including the TSXPO, Golden Graduates Reunion, QUT Open Day and Real Decisions. She is a note taker for Equity Services and volunteered on the recent QUT Ball Committee. She has demonstrated leadership as the inaugural Vice-President of the Business and Management Student Association (BAMSA) where she fostered a strong working relationship with the Australian Institute of Management. Laura was invited to become an executive member of the College of Excellence Committee where she volunteers as a Peer Mentor for Vice-Chancellor Scholarship recipients.
Laura has contributed to the wider community in a number of roles. As a Golden Key Community Director, she is responsible for establishing community initiatives and charitable sponsorships. She has volunteered with several charities including the Salvation Army, the Pyjama Foundation, the Big Brekky program and Interact. She also collects for several charitable appeals and has volunteered for the past seven years at Clean-Up Australia Day.
Having been placed on the Dean's Honours List for the past three semesters, and inducted into the Golden Key International Honours Society, Laura's exceptional GPA of 6.533 has afforded her the opportunity to represent QUT at the Embedding Graduates Workshop.
Ngan Kim Truong
2011 Student Leadership Excellence Award Winner
Ngan has shown a significant commitment to QUT and the wider community through a number of channels. In her first year studying a Bachelor of Engineering in Civil and Construction Engineering, she was so inspired by Engineers Without Borders (EWB) that she worked with a small group to re-establish EWB@QUT. They secured funding to attend the EWB National Conference 2010 in Melbourne and from here extended the EWB relationship with other chapters across Australia. She has led and participated in a number of EWB@QUT events. Ngan completed the College of Excellence Peer Scholar Mentor Program training and started volunteering with commencing students this year.
External to QUT, Ngan is well respected in her community for her ongoing support and proactive contributions. She is a carer with Staffing OptionS for Community Services, assists a family once a week with Volunteer Refugee Tutoring & Community Support Program and has started to volunteer for the Helping Orphans Worldwide projects in Saigon. At the Inala Youth Service, Ngan translates vital community information material, writes newsletters in English and Vietnamese, and tutors students of all ages in the Homework Club. She currently lives with a vision impaired piano teacher, whom she assists with classes and recitals.
Ngan sets herself high goals, and her GPA of 6.375 reflects her commitment.
Yeting (Vivian) Xiao
2011 Student Leadership Excellence Award Winner
Yeting has demonstrated a strong work ethic in her Bachelor of Business studies as well as a significant dedication to QUT and the wider community. As assistant finance officer for the Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) group, Yeting manages finances and helps to plan for future events. She has represented QUT with Pre-Departure Briefings for new students joining the University from Shenzhen. She also volunteers as an International Student Ambassador for Brisbane Marketing, regularly blogging and answering emails from prospective international students. She passionately shares her positive experiences at QUT with a wide audience as she welcomes new international students to Brisbane through council events each semester.
During the recent flood crisis, Yeting proactively volunteered up to eight hours a day on blogs and online discussions to reassure prospective students that Brisbane was still a safe place to study, and that things would return to normal quickly.
Yeting has provided content for the Insiders Guide to Brisbane and in 2010 was selected as a student representative to attend the Asia Pacific Student Services Association Conference.
Brigitte Yap
2011 Student Leadership Excellence Award Winner
Commencing her Bachelor of Engineering as a Dean's Scholar, Brigitte has embraced the QUT community and the wider community.
As a Student and Engineering Ambassador, Extreme Engineering Ambassador and as a Marketing Assistant in the External Relations portfolio, Brigitte has facilitated workshops with high school students, provided peer mentoring and worked on events such as Science and Engineering Challenge and National Youth Science Forum. She is a member of BEEDS (Built Environment and Engineering Dean's Scholars) Alumni Group and Engineers Without Borders (EWB). After volunteering as a peer note-taker for Equity Services, Brigitte was asked to become a Student Instructed Leader to tutor mathematics support to disadvantaged students.
In the wider community, Brigitte has volunteered as a crew member on Young Endeavour, hosting a voyage for disadvantaged children as well as supporting Oaktree Foundation and Salvation Army. She helps to deliver EWB workshops in high schools to share an understanding of how engineering projects can benefit global communities.
Brigitte is an outstanding academic achiever, whose GPA of 6.938 has seen her consecutively placed on the Dean's List for Academic Performance.
