“Curtin Commons is an online storytelling space for Curtin alumni, staff, students and friends. Featuring a series of thought-provoking articles intended to inspire and enlighten, Commons celebrates the many amazing contributions of our Curtin community and how they are striving to create a brighter future for us all.”
– Carmelle Wilkinson, Editor-in-Chief
Creative director Ken Leung is the visionary behind Curtin Alumni’s new video. The Curtin alum has an extraordinary career story, which involves working in New York and with major fashion brands like Calvin Klein.
Growing up in Geraldton in a low socioeconomic suburb, Curtin Business and Law graduate Emma Garlett recalls a community rife with crime, drug use and violence.
Living in a neighbourhood populated with government housing, wasn’t a pleasant place to call home, with the 28-year-old Nyungar-Nyiyaparli-Yamatji woman witnessing first-hand the struggles and downfall of her people daily.
If you suggested to a young Gavin Aung Than that he would one day, be crowned a “New York Times Bestselling cartoonist,” he likely would have brushed it off with a polite laugh.
Rebecca Nadilo (Bachelor of Commerce – Marketing and Advertising) is a formidable leader in the world of marketing and brand creation.
As CEO of Iris in Singapore, Rebecca’s key focus is empowering and leading a high-performance team to success.
Founder of Mediavation, Paul Christian has always had a camera in his hand. Growing up, Paul spent most of his time writing scripts on his dad’s work computer. Fast forward to now, the Mass Communications and Journalism graduate is living out his childhood dream.
Abbey Cullen was 19 when she had her first seizure.
Now, the morning Triple M radio announcer and journalism graduate is using her media platform to raise awareness and bring epilepsy out of the shadows.
Curtin’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research, Lindy Fitzgerald, has always been driven to make a difference. Inspired by her parents, she pursued higher education and now leads groundbreaking research at Curtin University.
Captain Ian Cheng, a seasoned pilot with Singapore Airlines, continues to find awe in the skies after 28 years. As Vice President and Chief Pilot for Boeing 777s, he oversees a fleet of 27 aircraft and 450 pilots. His passion for aviation remains undimmed, a testament to the enduring thrill of flight.
This month, our Editor-in-Chief, Carmelle Wilkinson, interviewed James Chen, PBM, President of the Singapore Alumni Chapter.
James is a finance and marketing alumnus with a fascinating career. He’s currently the CEO of Athena Best Financial and co-founder of Every Little Helps charity.
In 2015, Tom Johnston swapped his business suit for a wetsuit – opening his own surf school – Perth Go Surf.
Since then, Tom now has the rewarding task of helping people with autism find enjoyment in catching their own waves, through a new partnership – Ocean Heroes.
After winning Curtin’s Talent for Tomorrow Competition in 2023 – there is a name that has become quite popular at our graduation celebrations – 3NA.
For the past two years, brothers Matt, Dan and Nate have been treating our graduation audiences to a finale most universities would be envious of. Dan (Bachelor of Medicine & Surgery) and Nate (Bachelor of Science, Occupational Therapy) are both proud Curtin Alumnus, and together with their brother Matt, are fusing the unlikely worlds of rap and academia together.
After years of working as a freelance designer around the world, Curtin Commerce graduate Emilie Otto became burnt out and exhausted.
Fast forward to 2024, she is now the owner of House of Hobby, which is a space that helps people find a creative hobby while supporting and empowering local artists and makers to share their skills.
Former Head of English and current Head of Academics and Innovation at Wesley College Adam Kealley understands the power of words.
With a recent PhD in creative writing and cultural studies from Curtin, the avid reader and writer shares his top tips on improving your writing skills.
For Curtin Master of Fine Arts graduate Shanila Samarasinghe, art has been more than just a childhood passion, it’s been a form of therapy.
Growing up in Sri Lanka during the Civil War (1983-2009) came with many challenges for Shanila, her family, and the many who experienced first-hand this unfortunate tragedy.
“For me, art was my refuge in times of crisis. It allowed me to find peace and emotional balance during the times when I didn’t feel in control, so I’m deeply grateful for that.
“Creating art helped me build resilience during difficult times,” Shanila said.
Shanila’s artistic endeavours incorporate asemic writing, a wordless form of expression that allows her to go beyond the limitations of conventional language.
“When you writing in a non-legible way, it gives you the freedom to express what you feel inside, and it doesn’t have to be read and understood by everyone – it’s like a form of therapy,” Shanila said.
Capturing the moments of her 11-year-old son growing up has been one of her biggest sources of inspiration.
“I especially enjoy drawing and painting him because it allows me to capture his changes and the various moments of his life, whether his engaging in sports or relaxing, it’s kind of a way for me to document his growth,” she said.
Read the full interview with Shanila here.
Shanila’s favourite paintings from L-R: Shanila in her studio, School Holidays (mixed media), On the Field (mixed media), Breezy Trails (mixed media), Gradient Dance (mixed media), Golden Lines (mixed media), and Crimson Terrace (mixed media).
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A ‘commons’ is a space that is shared by and benefits a community.
Our commons is a cultural and virtual one, reflecting the ideas and experiences shared by a proud and distinct Curtin community living in Western Australia and around the world. We hope that this space will inspire us to stay connected in ways that are beneficial to our lives, families and communities.