“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
Ed Punchard. From surviving the world’s worst offshore oil rig disaster to uncovering long-lost shipwrecks […]
Matt, Nate and Dan Curran are passionate about celebrating their indigenous roots and sparking meaningful change along the way.
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.
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.
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.
Curtin Bachelor of Education (Visual Art Major) graduate Joe Frost is an emerging Western Australian artist capturing the essence of the human experience and beauty in all its forms.
A true creative at heart, a young Joe was a passionate hip-hop and contemporary dancer before becoming enthralled by the world of visual arts during his high school years, as an alternate way of expressing himself.
It was only during his time at Curtin that he realised he’d rather be painting than playing sport.
His devotion to oil painting stemmed from his love of the forgiving nature of the art form.
“I’m more predisposed to getting an outcome, which is why I love oil painting, because of how forgiving it is.
“I feel like I’m adding to history – I feel like the work I create is in conversation with something that’s from the sixteenth century, but from the perspective of today’s world,” Joe said.
For Joe, his work is about telling a story and capturing that person’s essence, which is then translated onto the page for everyone to see.
Painting his best mate, Jed, has been one of his favourite creations of all time.
“This painting was very significant for me because it was the first time I’ve ever painted somebody on that sort of scale, so there was a real trust.
“Jed, he’s one of my best mates, and he inspires me in the way he lives and creates his work as a musician. He’s the most thoughtful yet introverted person, but when he’s on stage, you would never know that – I was trying to capture this in his portrait,” Joe said.
Read the full interview with Joe here.
Joe’s favourite paintings from L-R: Joe in his studio alongside his favourite painting, Jed at Large, Lunchtime, Robin, For Alex.
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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.