Supervisor of the Year

Supervisor of the Year 2011

Professor Jeffrey Walker from the School of Civil Engineering was announced as the winner of the MPA Supervisor of the Year 2011, at a ceremony held in the MPA postgraduate lounge, Clayton campus on Thursday 1 December. Nine nominations were received for the competition, with some supervisors being nominated for the second time.  Over 50 postgraduates and supervisors gathered together with invited guests to await the announcement of the winner.  Professor Max King, PVC (Research and Research Training) spoke to the gathering about the challenging role of supervisors, and thanked the MPA for establishing the award to celebrate outstanding supervision.  Professor King noted that next year will mark the 20th year since the establishment of the MPA Supervisor of the Year awards.  Professor Walker was nominated by his postgraduate students Ranmalee Bandara, Sandy Peischl & Ye Nan.

The MPA committee and staff congratulate Professor Walker and thank his postgraduate students for their wonderful nomination. Our thanks to all the postgraduates who took the time to submit nominations of their fantastic supervisors, and without whom, this award would not be possible.

The call for nominations for the 2012 MPA Supervisor of the Year awards will be published in the MPA Email news. Click here to subscribe so you don’t miss out on the opportunity to nominate your supervisor.

MPA Supervisors of the Year Hall of Fame

Previous Award Winners 1992-2010

2010

Dr Anna Peeters
Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine

It was purely luck that I was employed by Anna, but it was entirely at my request to have her as my supervisor.

2009

Joint winners - Associate Professor Damon Honnery and Professor Julio Soria
Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

They are simultaneously their students' greatest critics and strongest supporters, which in my opinion is the best definition of a good supervisor.

2008

Professor Rodney Devenish
School of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

"Because of the positive regard he has for all his students, he is often portrayed as the father figure amongst his students and is warmly referred to as “Uncle Roddy."

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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