29 - 05 - 2022

Join us for this week's roundup of inspiring Scholar news...

Professor Daniell awarded Knight of The Ordre national du Mérite

Professor Katherine Daniell, 2005 John Monash Scholar, has been awarded the highly prestigious Knight of The Ordre national du Mérite. A ceremony was held for the investiture at the Residence of France in Canberra, on Thursday 26 May 2022. The ceremony was attended by the French Ambassador, His Excellency Jean-Pierre Thebault and Dr Nicholas Hill, Director of Scholarships and Alumni, who represented the John Monash Foundation. Celebrating with Katherine were fellow John Monash Scholars from left: Major Nathan Johnson (2018), Dr Matthew Baker (2008) and Dr Tim Trudgian (2006). Katherine’s contribution and leadership of research and education have played a pivotal role in supporting positive and progressive relations between France and Australia. 

Welcome home Major Nathan Johnson 

Major Nathan Johnson, 2018 Pratt Foundation Commemorative Defence AAA John Monash Scholar, has recently returned to Australia after successfully completing his PhD in Cyber Security and Defence at Arizona State University. Currently settled in Canberra with his wife and son Lachlan, he has successfully gained a position at Penten as a Technical Lead within their Applied Artificial Intelligence division. Started by a fellow veteran with a passion for cyber security, Penten have expanded and are now technology developers and systems integrators. They are also great supporters of veterans transitioning from the Military. The Foundation is always thrilled to welcome home Scholars returning to take up positions of leadership in Australia.

Joining the ICAC Investigation 

Zelie Heger, 2010 John Monash Scholar, will be Counsel assisting the commission in the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) investigation, a high-profile case examining councillors alleged involvements in property developments. Zelie is a Cambridge University graduate with a Master in Human Rights Law who is currently working for the law firm Eleven Wentworth. Zelie is also a Board Director for The Spirit of Australia Foundation, which aims to educate and inspire Australian youth through the legacy of General Sir John Monash and other great Australians.

Inequality fuels the climate crisis 

Dr Fergus Green, 2012 John Monash Scholar has contributed an opinion piece to The Hill, a US print and digital publication. This article references his recently peer-reviewed paper How inequality fuels climate change: The climate case for a Green New Deal. Fergus is currently a lecturer in political theory and public policy at the Department of Political Science, University College London.  

A big thank you to Justin Kelly from M+C Partners for hosting our first professional development event for the John Monash Foundation Leadership Academy: Introduction to Media Training. We had 24 Scholars participate from across Australia and overseas. Justin talked Scholars through how to prepare for print, TV and radio interviews and the best approach to develop a public profile. We look forward to supporting Scholars with more events like this as we grow the Leadership Academy.

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