Two journalists from the small European state of Montenegro, the world’s newest nation, have visited Charles Sturt University (CSU) Bathurst Campus to learn about how the media works in Australia and how the university promotes itself through the media. Dr Hazbo Skoko, a lecturer at the CSU School of Marketing and Management, hosted the visit and acted as interpreter for Mr Vukoman Batko Kljajevic, a radio and TV journalist for Crna Gora, the Montenegro Government Broadcast Company, and Mr Murat Corovic, chief editor of the MOZAIK magazine for culture, education and tradition. Dr Skoko said the visiting journalists were impressed with CSU students’ lifestyles and facilities. “They also were very impressed with the Australian educational system and the transparency, friendliness and easy going approach of the work of lecturers and students.”

Volunteers are being sought to assist a Charles Sturt University (CSU) researcher with a study into the use of computer games technology to portray Einstein's Theory of Relativity. PhD student Mr David Carr says that there has been growing interest in both research and industry in the use of computer games - so-called ‘Serious Games’ - for teaching and training. “Virtual worlds can be programmed to behave according to Newtonian laws of physics, or other rules, that enable us to experience things that are not possible or feasible in real life,” said Mr Carr. “Einstein’s Special Theory of Relativity, which is concerned with travel at close to the speed of light, is a subject which can be visualised through the use of computer software. The aim of my research is to evaluate how this physics can be portrayed in an interactive game, and whether such a game can help people to learn the concepts of relativity. The game was designed with the HSC physics curriculum in mind, so it would be good to hear from high school students in particular, although anyone is welcome. I want to find out if it's fun and if you learn anything from the game.”

The work of a Charles Sturt University (CSU) staff member to provide high quality accommodation for CSU students has been recognised by the Australasian Association of College and University Housing Officers (AACUHO), the national body for University accommodation professionals. Mr James Kelly, from the CSU Division of Student Services, won the Fran O’Brien Award at the Association’s conference in the National Museum, Canberra in April. Overseeing accommodation for about 1 200 CSU students, Mr Kelly is the Manager of Residential Operations on the University’s Bathurst, Dubbo and Orange campuses. The award recognises and encourages outstanding newcomers to student housing and includes financial support for Mr Kelly to attend the 2009 conference. Mr Kelly joined the University in 2004. “Through his dedication and enthusiasm, James has made a valuable contribution to the development of the residential community at CSU,” said Executive Director of CSU Division of Student Services, Mr Andrew Callander. “James has been able to enhance the community support focus of the residential operations.”

The work of five Charles Sturt University (CSU) academics has been recognized by their inclusion in the latest Who’s Who of Australian Women, the book which honours inspirational women from all walks of life. Among the new entries in the 2008 edition are Strategic Research Professor in Professional Practice, Joy Higgs AM, Professor of Social Work and Human Services Margaret Alston, the Head of the University’s School of Biomedical Sciences and chair of the CSU Human Research Ethic Committee, Associate Professor Lyndall Angel, senior lecturer in Early Childhood Education, Ms Tracey Simpson and Associate Dean of Policing and International in the Faculty of Arts, Associate Professor Tracey Green. Published by Crown Content Pty Ltd, the third edition has the theme of Leadership & Beyond and profiles over 6 200 eminent but diverse women, ranging from 104 year old Linda Vipont, OAM to NSW Governor, Professor Marie Bashir, AC, who is mentioned throughout the publication as an inspiration to many. Launched in 2006, the publication is a celebration and acknowledgment of women and redefined the boundaries of success.

Professor Margaret Alston and Associate Professor Lyndall Angel are based on CSU’s Wagga Wagga Campus, Ms Tracey Simpson is on secondment as Director of Early Childhood, Western NSW Region of Department of Education and Training in Dubbo and Associate Professor Tracey Green works from CSU’s Faculty of Arts office in Wagga Wagga. Professor Higgs is based in Sydney as Director of the University's Education for Practice Institute.

The importance of research into a major Australian agricultural and environmental weed - serrated tussock - has been acknowledged with a national scholarship awarded to Charles Sturt University (CSU) student, Ms Sonia Graham. The PhD student is one of two university students in Australia to be awarded the three year, $15 000 AW Howard Memorial Research Fellowship. Presented to the Canberra-based Ms Graham by AW Howard Memorial Trust chairman, Professor Rob Lewis, the fellowship will be used to assist with her research. Serrated tussock has spread across farming lands making large areas of NSW and Victoria unproductive. Ms Graham’s study looks at the ways farmers and State and local governments work together to control the weed. The AW Howard Memorial Research Fellowship commemorates the unique contribution of the late South Australian farmer, Mr Amos Howard, in the use of subterranean clover as a major pasture plant in Australia. 

Outstanding academic performance by Charles Sturt University (CSU) graduate Mr David Waters for his research into the world’s tallest flowering plant, the Mountain Ash, has seen him receive the highly prized Charles Sturt University Medal. Mr Waters, from the NSW Department of Primary Industries in Wagga Wagga, was presented the medal while receiving his first class honours in his Bachelor of Applied Science (Environmental Horticulture). The medal allows CSU to give special recognition each year to graduates whose academic performances are “superlative”. Mr Waters’ research involved an anatomical examination of the epicormic structure of the Mountain Ash or Eucalyptus regnans. The species regenerates by seed after high intensity fire, in the mountainous regions of Victoria and Tasmania. Previously, there have been suggestions that its poor re-sprouting ability was due to a lack of epicormic buds that have been found in other eucalypts. However, the research proved conclusively that the species has an epicormic structure typical of other eucalypts. “David has provided a unique perspective on why Mountain Ash can resprout in some circumstances but not others,” said CSU senior lecturer and research supervisor, Dr Geoff Burrows.

Contact CSU Media for interviews with Dr Aaron Simmons from the CSU School of Agricultural and Wine Sciences.

It was a family affair when Winemaker and Managing Director of Casella Wines, John Casella, was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Business by Charles Sturt University (CSU) in April 2008. Dr Casella received the doctorate in recognition of his contribution to the Australian wine industry, particularly through the creation of new export markets, the economic health of the Riverina region of NSW, and to wine education and research programs at CSU. Founded in 1969 by his parents, Filippo and Maria Casella, Casella Wines dramatically increased production under Dr Casella, who also oversaw the launch of the [yellow tail] brand into the United States in 2001. The [yellow tail] brand is the most successful launch of an Australian wine brand in the history of the Australian wine industry. In addition to praise of his management of the family business, Dr Casella was honoured for his commitment to developing the skills and capacity of young people in the Riverina. He attended the CSU graduation ceremony in Wagga Wagga with his parents, his wife and four children.