Global Utilities

La Trobe University
Science, Technology and Engineering

Research Graduate Profiles

JIE (SYLVIA) GONG
BEng Shanghai
Doctor of Philosophy

"I would not be who I am today without my 5-year experience at La Trobe," says Jie Gong, an international student who came from china sponsored by the La Trobe University Overseas Research Scholarship and Postgraduate Research Scholarship. Over the years studying in the Department of Electronic Engineering, Jie has published many papers in the field of biomedical signal and image processing, one of which won the Best Paper Prize of IEEE Australia Council Postgraduate Student Paper Competition 1998. She was also nominated as the 1999 Outstanding Women of the Year in Non-Traditional Areas of Work and Study Awards, The National Centre for Women.

"I was very impressed with the facilities in the Department and its beautiful enviroment. The department staff are always friendly and supportive. The flexiable atmosphere here has enabled me to tailor my research to suit my interests. The department has also financially supported me to attend many national and international conferences and workshops which let me explore a variety of areas. The wise supervision, unswerving support and innumerable helpful comments from my supervisors enabled me to work to the best of my ability."

Sylvia is now the proud mother of baby Jonathon. Since graduating,she has worked part-time in the Department of Medical Imaging at Cabrini Hospital and the Department of Electronic Engineering. Sylvia is now working full-time in Medicine Imaging at the Austin Hospital.

JIM KATSIFOLIS
BEng and MEng RMIT
Currently enrolled in part-time Doctor of Philosophy program

Yes! It can be done! As a mature age student, doing a PhD part-time certainly has its challenges, especially when trying to balance your research with your working personal lives. However, with some discipline, planning and organization it can be done, even when work and other outside pressures can sometimes make it difficult.

Ever since I began studying Electronic Engineering, I have always had a passion for research, especially with the idea of working on something new, challenging and innovative. Having worked for several years in the fibre optics area, both as and Engineer in industry and as a university lecturer, I feel completing a PhD will increase my expertise in the area and give me the necessary qualifications to enhance my carrer path.

The Department of Electronic Engineering at La Trobe Univsesity is a great place to do research. It has a very pleasurable enviroment, great support from both staff and fellow students and offers post-graduate students every opportunity to excel in their area of research.

BRANT GIBSON
Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) La Trobe
Currently enrolled in Doctor of Philosophy program

What attracted me initially to La Trobe University was the Bachelor of Engineering (Electronics) degree offered by the Department of Electronic Engineering. I wanted to specialise in optical engineering and the undergraduate degree gave me a great opportunity to do so. Once I had completed the undergraduate degree (with first class honours), an opportunity arose to commence a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). I was also fortunate to have been granted an Australian Postgraduate Award (APA) which has given me considerable financial support.

I chose to undertake the PhD so that I could become totally specialised in my area of study in order to give myself an 'edge' over those without higher degrees. I feel this will make me very employable. During my time as a research student, I have had the opportunity to collaborate with research staff on both a domestic and international level. I have also had the chance to attend various international conferences, which have been supported by the Department of Electronic Engineering.

I have enjoyed my time at La Trobe University both socially and academically. I have especially enjoyed working with the staff and students. I would definitley recommend that consideration be given to a postgraduate degree within the Department of Electronic Engineering.

ANIL SAMUEL
Master of Engineering La Trobe
Currently enrolled in Doctor of Philosophy program

Doing a Master Degree from a good university was one of my great ambitions in life. The most difficult part behind it was to select a good one, which would be best for me. It was not of late when I came to know about La Trobe University in Australia and the various fields that they were involved in. As I was focussed in continuing my studies in Biomedical Engineering itself, I made contacts with the University and came to know more about the research fields the department was involved in.

La Trobe University has a very good Electronics Department, which is dealing with one of the most advanced technologies of the modern world. All the faculty members and postgraduate students here are extremely cooperative and friendly. I get a lot of help and guidance from them. The Department has also been extremely kind to give me some work on campus like demostrating in the labs and other activities which has helped me in many ways.

Overall, I feel my choice of La Trobe University is a good one. My experience here are surely going to help me a lot in my future. As I look back in my life that this decision of coming to La Trobe should have been taken by me a few years back. But I am happy that I am here now. Above all I thank God Almighty for giving me all His blessings to help me be in current position.

 

Detailed information on undergraduate and postgraduate courses is available from the La Trobe University handbook. Further information regarding the Department of Electronic Engineering may be obtained by writing to:

The Postgraduate Research Coordinator

Department of Electronic Engineering

La Trobe University

Victoria 3086 Australia