Research excellence takes the stage at Lismore graduation

Research excellence takes the stage at Lismore graduation View all news Research excellence takes the stage at Lismore graduation Categories University News Research & Academic Published 15 October 2026 Share A passion for discovery, innovation and positive change saw more than 20 Higher Degree by Research candidates cross the stage at Southern Cross University’s Lismore graduation ceremonies this month. From advancing healthcare and wellbeing to strengthening Indigenous leadership, protecting the environment, improving agricultural productivity and driving social equity, the graduates were recognised for making meaningful contributions to some of today's most pressing challenges.  Chancellor’s Medal recognises outstanding environmental research  Among the graduates was Chancellor’s Medal recipient, Dr Mona Hosseinpour Moghaddam, whose PhD research has expanded understanding of antimony, a potentially toxic chemical element commonly associated with mining-affected environments.  Chancellor's Medal recipient, Dr Mona Hosseinpour Moghaddam and Professor Ed Burton Mona investigated how antimony interacts with different iron minerals in the environment, helping to improve understanding of how the contaminant moves, persists and can be managed. Her findings contribute to more reliable methods for assessing environmental risk and contamination.  “Studying at Southern Cross University was a very fulfilling experience for me, academically and personally. I enjoyed working with advanced research techniques and incredible facilities,” said Mona.  “The sense of community made my PhD journey a special one, and it is something I will always carry with me.” Receiving the University's highest academic honour for a graduating student was a moment of both pride and reflection.  “Receiving the Chancellor’s Medal makes me very proud but also very grateful, because I had a lot of support through this journey,” she said.  “The amount of work, time and perseverance it took to reach this point made graduating an emotional and rewarding moment.”  Mona is now working as a Postdoctoral Researcher at Flinders University, researching mine-waste geochemistry and the environmental behavior and management of mine tailings.  University Medal recipient Elspeth (Ellie) Butcher An emotional impact for Psychology Honours graduate  For University Medal recipient Elspeth (Ellie) Butcher, a Bachelor of Psychological Science with Honours provided an opportunity to explore one of the complexities of human behaviour: the role emotions play in our memory.  Her Honours thesis investigated the relationship between emotions and metacognition, revealing that negative emotions can affect visual-spatial working memory.   “I found that negative emotions draw your attention away from a task at times,” Ellie said.   The research was inspired by her experience working as a therapy assistant for a clinical psychologist, where she regularly administered attention-based assessments.  “I was interested in how some people could track their performance, and others had no idea, and I began wondering if their emotions were affecting this,” she said.  For Ellie, receiving a University Medal in recognition of her outstanding academic achievement and research sparked feelings of gratitude, pride and disbelief, ensuring graduation day would be a moment to remember.  “I feel incredibly grateful to my supervisor, Dr Kachina Allen, for being supportive and challenging me to pursue a project that was outside the box,” she said.  University Medal recipient, Michael Ingram Science graduate recognised for reef research  Bachelor of Science with Honours graduate Michael Ingram was awarded a University Medal for his outstanding research into how coral reefs respond to nutrient pollution at Lady Elliot Island on the Great Barrier Reef.  Working alongside researchers investigating the effects of elevated nitrate levels on the reef, Michael spent two years conducting fieldwork at Lady Elliot Island, examining how nutrient inputs influence reef productivity, algal growth and the herbivorous fish and turtles that help maintain reef health.  His thesis found that healthy reef ecosystems can naturally regulate the impacts of increased nutrient inputs, offering valuable insights into reef conservation and management.  "My research found that the reef at Lady Elliot Island is keeping up with the immense pressure of high groundwater nitrate inputs because its herbivore populations are intact, protected by the island’s no-take marine park," Michael said.  Michael conducting field research on Lady Elliot Island "The findings suggest that areas vulnerable to nutrient inputs could be designated as marine parks, allowing healthy herbivore populations to recover and helping mitigate the impacts of nutrient pollution on reefs."  Michael's research is now being prepared for journal publication. He has since commenced a Doctor of Philosophy at Southern Cross University.  He credited much of his success to the support of his supervisors, particularly Professor Dirk Erler.  "I'm really grateful for the opportunities Dirk gave me throughout my degree," Michael said.  "His encouragement and enthusiasm helped me find a sense of purpose in my studies and inspired me to fully engage with my research." Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education gives occasional address  The graduation ceremonies featured an occasional address from NSW Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, The Honourable Steve Whan MP, who highlighted the vital role of regional universities in building skilled communities and supporting local workforce needs.   Addressing graduates from the Faculty of Education, he encouraged them to embrace lifelong learning, seek support from mentors throughout their careers and use their education to help others think critically, question information and contribute positively to society. He also emphasised that while technology and artificial intelligence will continue to transform workplaces, the value of human connection and learning remains irreplaceable.  The University also welcomed other occasional speakers including Ballina Shire Mayor, Councillor Sharon Cadwallader, and Southern Cross University Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), Professor Tim Smith.   Media contact content@scu.edu.au Keep reading All Media Releases Health Calls for better support on Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day Health SISTAQUIT collaboration helping disadvantaged mothers in Germany quit smoking Naturopathy Graduate research shows promise for fibromyalgia relief with medicinal cannabis Health Jasmine jumps from skipping world records to graduation Naturopathy World Health Organization sets global research priorities for traditional medicine Health Psychology Honours students turn research into impactful stories Health Most people fail to achieve their physical activity goals. Here’s what to do instead. Rankings Southern Cross University records major gains in rankings for student experience Health Turning health evidence into a plan for change University News Melbourne graduates shine bright