Distance is no hindrance to Charles Sturt University (CSU) agricultural business student Rebecca Huth, who will travel to Wangaratta with three other CSU students for study sessions that support their distance education learning. Employed by the National Centre for Dairy Education Australia in Western Victoria as an industry trainer, the third generation dairy farmer and former business owner based near Terang was looking for a challenging course that also recognised her 15 years involvement in dairying and her aim to improve the industry. “The Bachelor of Agricultural Business Management was a natural progression for me, as it recognised my previous studies for the Advanced Diploma of Agriculture with GOTAFE. With great support and flexibility, the course enables me to actively learn and broaden my knowledge without repeating what I already know,” said Ms Huth, who is among the first group of students to commence their studies at CSU’s Wangaratta study centre. Ms Huth won a scholarship to assist her CSU studies and said that apart from building on her knowledge and experience, “I also hope to develop personal networks and broaden my knowledge of the broader agricultural industry”. Faced with a five hour drive from Western Victoria, Ms Huth is sure to get to know her fellow students better! The students will gather on Wednesday 8 May for a session at the CSU centre in Wangaratta.

More than 500 Riverina Year 12 science students will be guided, challenged and encouraged to achieve their best in the Higher School Certificate at a one-day event on Friday 21 June at CSU in Albury-Wodonga. The students are from 15 schools, from Barham High in the west to Junee High in the north and east to Tumbarumba High and local Albury schools. Presenters are former HSC senior examiners and markers in Senior Biology, Chemistry and Physics as well as Senior Science, and Ms Lindy Billing from the NSW Board of Secondary Studies will also present tips on how students can maximise their marks in HSC exams. The Albury and District Science Teachers Association have organised the two day event, with a similar session being held at Yanco Agricultural High School on Thursday 20 June for Riverina students.

Charles Sturt University (CSU) is making up to $150 000 available for staff and student projects to help the University reduce its environmental footprint. Sustainability Grants are awarded by CSU Green annually as part of  the University’s commitment to reduce energy and water use, increase biodiversity, cut solid waste, and support research into sustainability. An extra $50 000 is being made available this year for one large project to help the University reach its sustainability goals. Co-ordinator of Partnerships with CSU Green, Ms Nicola Smith, said the program aims to educate and promote cultural change. “Applications for the grants have increased each year with more exciting and engaging projects,” she said. “It has increased the knowledge of environmental and social sustainability issues as well as providing an outlet for staff and students to develop social and professional networks.” Past projects include a student and community-run produce garden, a sustainable film festival and a project to increase good waste management practises within student residences. Applications are open until 5pm on Friday 28 June.

An Austrian freshwater ecologist is visiting Charles Sturt University’s (CSU) School of Environmental Science and the Institute for Land, Water and Society to see how scientists are studying the survival of the young stages of fish in Australian rivers. Associate Professor Hubert Keckeis, from the University of Vienna in Austria, is working with CSU researcher Dr Paul Humphries on the ways that fish larvae disperse in rivers. His visit follows Dr Humphries’ own work two years ago in the Danube River, which was the basis for a major three-year project for Professor Keckeis, the results of which will be used in plans to restore the Danube River that flows through much of southern Europe. “Dr Humphries is well-known for his ‘larval drift’ work in rivers,” said Professor Keckeis, who is working with Dr Humphries, Dr Kevin Warburton and Honours student Mr Tim Kaminskas on experiments to investigate the effects of water velocity and light on larval drift, and analysing age and growth data of drifting larvae.

Charles Sturt University (CSU) is encouraging students to pack their bags to work, travel and study overseas as part of their university degree. Representatives of CSU Global, an initiative to help students to take up international study experiences, will meet with staff and students in Albury-Wodonga, Dubbo, Orange and Wagga Wagga over the next week. Manager of CSU Global Dr Shevahn Telfser said students can undertake international exchanges, short term study programs and practical placements. “In 2012 more than 340 Charles Sturt University students included an international experience as part of their degree and so far more than 250 students have travelled overseas this year,” she said. “This expands their horizons, builds contacts and gives them a competitive edge in the job market.” CSU aims to have 18 per cent or more than 700 undergraduate students undertake international study experiences by 2016.

Early results from research run at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Albury-Wodonga have shown that reduced blood flow in people affected by the common diseases diabetes and hypertension may be due to altered shapes and numbers of red blood cells. Dr Ross Richards and PhD student Mr Prajwal Gyawali, with CSU’s School of Community Health, said 3.6 million Australians now have diabetes, with three in five of these also suffering from heart diseases, both of which affect blood flow. “I am now aiming to verify these initial findings on the changed shapes of red blood cells, which will require more participants in my study.” Mr Gyawali is calling for additional residents from Albury-Wodonga to take part in his research, which will help assess the severity and progression of diabetes and high blood pressure, and may also contribute to a better understanding of possible causes of these diseases. During a once-only, 30 minute visit to a research room at CSU in Albury-Wodonga, Mr Gyawali will ask participants about their medical problems, dietary habits and medications, take body and blood pressure measurements and blood and urine samples for testing. To take part in the project, contact Mr Prajwal Gyawali on mobile 0414 932 057 or send an email.

Aboriginal high school boys in Albury are being shown a bright future through a project being run in coming weeks by the NSW Department of Education and Communities, Charles Sturt University (CSU) and local Aboriginal men from Albury-Wodonga.  Mr Brett Biles, an Aboriginal man and CSU academic, is involved in the BroSpeak program facilitated by Mr Matthew Hogan from Murray High School to present local Aboriginal high school students at Murray High School with perspectives on personal growth and career options. “We are helping these students on their journey to develop life skills and identify and connect with their culture while encouraging the boys to engage with school. The program involves Aboriginal men from the local community providing advice, education and their stories on being successful and proud Aboriginal men,” Mr Biles said. CSU is helping expand the program by bussing Aboriginal students from Albury and James Fallon High Schools to also take part in BroSpeak. Albury Thunder Rugby League Club and Melbourne Storm are sponsoring the program with the BroSpeak group heading to Melbourne for a Melbourne Storm home game to speak with the Aboriginal players with Melbourne Storm before viewing the game on Sunday 25 August.

An astronomer and Aboriginal researcher will highlight thousands of years of serious star gazing when he discusses the astronomical knowledge and traditions of Aboriginal Australians next week at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Albury-Wodonga. Dr Duane Hamacher from the University of NSW in Sydney will explore the relationship between astronomy and calendars, navigation, food economics and social structure in the lives of the first Australians. The free public lecture will be the first event in Albury as part of National Science Week for 2013, which is being coordinated by the Astronomical Society of Albury-Wodonga in conjunction with CSU. The event starts at 7pm on Tuesday 13 August in the CD Blake Lecture Theatre, CSU in Albury-Wodonga, off Elizabeth Mitchell Drive, Thurgoona.

Organisers of the annual BioBlitz are keen to see members of the Border community take part in scientific surveys of native wildlife found in national parks, reserves and private properties around Woomargama and Mullengandra, north of Albury. Ecologists from Charles Sturt University’s (CSU) School of Environmental Sciences will lead groups between Friday 6 and Sunday 8 September to survey native mammals, birds, reptiles, frogs and fish, including endangered animals such as the Squirrel Glider Possum and the Spotted Quoll. Event coordinator Mr Sam Niedra from the Slope to Summit Partnership  (which includes CSU), said the weekend activities will include wildlife walks, talks, demonstrations and children’s activities, as well as a celebration of National Threatened Species Day on Saturday 7 September. “We are also holding a nature photography workshop on Saturday 7 September, run by experienced photographer Esther Beaton,” Mr Niedra said. The first day on Friday 6 September has been set aside for school groups, with the general community encouraged to enjoy free camping and facilities available around the Woomargama Community Hall and in the Woomargama National Park.