December 2021
This year the department transitioned between in-person and online delivery of courses, according to the different alert levels. While staff are commended for stepping up to the challenges, I also want to highlight how our students have ‘taken it on the chin’ and pushed through despite the difficulties of online learning, and the complete disruption of what is supposed to be a great time for a young adult – that being university life!
I know that as a university student, learning in the classroom was not the highlight for me (yes I was that sort of student), but rather it was from being around peers that provided the most formative and enriching experiences. University life provided the chance to discuss, argue, and share ideas, influence and be influenced, and these were all facilitated – not by zoom! I enjoyed meeting new people, working on group projects, attending the many meetings and gatherings that were organised, or sometimes just hanging out at campus between classes with mates. There is indeed the social aspect of university life – a bonus being the freedom of not being under any parental supervision – where I could for example just gather at someone’s apartment with friends to while away the time or take a study break at midnight and go out with mates for frozen custard – not having to worry about as many things I must worry about today as a much older person with loads of responsibilities. And then of course the great parties! What is university without the parties?
Anyway, despite the impact the social restrictions have had, I am delighted that we have had some outstanding outcomes in the department – both from students and staff. This edition of the newsletter highlights some of these and includes the outstanding performance of our Year 4 students in their research projects. I hope you will have a look through this last Newsletter issue for the year.
On behalf of the department, I would like to wish all a hearty Season’s Greetings. Wishing all a restful period and a good start for the new year.
Ashvin Thambyah
Professor & Head of Department
Chemical & Materials Engineering
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