• Charles Sturt University has announced the winners of its 2025 Alumni Awards
• The awards honour alumni who exemplify the values of Charles Sturt University ─ leadership, innovation and impact
• The 2025 award winners are leaders in fields of AI security, cancer research, emergency management, mental healthcare, tech business and education reform

Charles Sturt University graduates are making a profound impact, from regional communities to global stages, shaping the future and driving meaningful change every day.

Six have been announced as the recipients of the 2025 Charles Sturt University Distinguished Alumni Awards.

Acting Director of Charles Sturt Advancement Ms Carly Evans said the University’s Alumni Awards are an opportunity to honour exceptional individuals who are leading in disciplines such as emergency management, cyber security, social work, medical research, business and marketing, management and finance.

“At Charles Sturt University, we take immense pride in the achievements of our global network of more than 250,000 alumni,” Ms Evans said.

“Our alumni embody the spirit of yindyamarra winhanganha - the wisdom of respectfully knowing how to live well in a world worth living in. Today, we celebrate those who carry this wisdom forward, creating lasting impact in their communities and across the globe.”

The winners of the awards are selected by a panel appointed by the Vice-Chancellor and celebrate excellence in leadership, innovation, and community impact across six categories:

Professional Excellence - Mr Ben Kereopa-Yorke

A leading AI security and governance expert at nbn Australia, Ben is one of the country’s first dedicated AI security specialists. He co-leads the OWASP Machine Learning Security Top 10 project and developed the ‘three pillars’ AI security framework, now adopted by major cybersecurity agencies in Australia, the US, and the UK. Ben’s work is driven by a personal commitment to ethical, inclusive technology development.

Research Excellence - Amber Johns

As Head of Research and Programs at Pankind, Amber is transforming pancreatic cancer research by bridging clinical practice, policy, and science. Her leadership has advanced genomic research frameworks and built national research capacity, offering new hope for one of the most challenging cancers.

First Nations Excellence - Mr David Windsor

A proud Kaurareg man and Cultural Fire and Partnerships Coordinator at WA’s Department of Fire and Emergency Services, David integrates traditional fire knowledge into modern emergency management. His work strengthens cultural burning practices and fosters deep community engagement.

Social Impact - Mrs Anita Geary

Director of Insight Therapies in Wodonga, Anita is reshaping mental healthcare in regional Australia. Her nationally recognised practice delivers thousands of trauma-informed, neurodivergent-affirming therapy sessions annually. A leader in ethical animal-assisted therapy, she advocates for inclusive care for those often overlooked by traditional systems.

Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Creativity - Mrs Tara James

Founder of Small and Mighty Group, Tara helps complex tech companies scale and reach global markets. Her consultancy spans biomedical, medtech, greentech, and manufacturing sectors. She also leads initiatives in industry commercialisation and retail skills development, championing sustainable, values-driven growth.

Young Alumni - Dr Sena Semsak

Advisor to the Royal Government of Cambodia and Head of Policy for the Prime Minister, Sena is driving national education reform. Since graduating in 2018, he has become the youngest person appointed to this role and is recognised for his integrity, leadership, and commitment to community development.

“These awards honour alumni who exemplify the values of Charles Sturt University ─ leadership, innovation, and impact,” Ms Evans said. “Congratulations to our 2025 recipients; your achievements inspire us all.”