Last week's CQU Rockhampton graduations included presentations of emerging researcher awards to Dr Ron Balsys and Dr Larelle Fabbro.

The award citations are recorded below: Dr Larelle Fabbro.

Recipient of the Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Emerging Researchers 2003.

Dr Fabbro obtained her PhD in 2000 from Central Queensland University and has continued to produce significant research outcomes with regional and rural significance. Dr Fabbro’s PhD thesis was titled “Phytoplankton Ecology in the Fitzroy River at Rockhampton, Central Queensland, Australia”.

Dr Fabbro’s research has contributed significantly to taxonomic and ecological knowledge of the toxic blue-green algae. This research has impacted on research and water quality programs nationally and internationally. Through her work in the Centre for Environmental Management, Faculty of Arts, Health & Sciences, Dr Fabbro has achieved recognition by her peers. Dr Fabbro is presently a member of the Executive Committee of the Australian Research Network for Algal Toxins and Invited member of National Association of Testing Authorities, Australia (NATA) biological assessment panel which evidences the respect her colleagues have for her work.

Dr Fabbro has produced numerous refereed publications over the past twelve years including three co-authored books, which is a substantial accomplishment for an emerging researcher. The research she has undertaken has included a significant contribution to the literature in relation to the taxonomy and toxicity of toxin producing tropical blue-green algae and the broader taxonomic identification of blue-green algae in general. Dr Fabbro’s research outcomes speak for themselves with high quality publications and presentations and strong support from colleagues and students.

Dr Fabbro has demonstrated commitment and dedication to her scientific research activities. In a highly competitive funding environment, Dr Fabbro has secured external research income from industry partners and sponsors. Dr Fabbro has continued to maintain relationships with industry partners, affording the University an international profile of research successes.

We are indeed proud to call Dr Fabbro one of our staff and look forward to maintaining that relationship as she further enhances her research profile.

Congratulations, Larelle.

Dr Ron Balsys.

Recipient of the Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Emerging Researchers 2003.

Dr Balsys has been a long standing member of Central Queensland University’s academic staff, and has contributed to the University’s research profile through comprehensive publication lists and associated research activity. Dr Balsys obtained his PhD in Computer Science in 2000 from the University of Technology, Sydney. His PhD was entitled “Visualisation of implicit surfaces”. His extensive knowledge of the role of 3D surface rendering and texturing, and of computer graphics has enabled him to be a valuable asset to the Faculty of Informatics & Communication and the wider University.

Dr Balsys’ research has contributed significantly to computer graphics nationally and internationally. His current research in computer science has generated publications in graphical user interfaces, movie special effects, computer art, computer aided design and manufacture. Dr Balsys has produced three refereed international journal publications, with one paper receiving three citations. His research work has now been published in leading European and American research journals.

Dr Balsys has dedicated his expertise to the advancement of computer graphics research, which has contributed to the University’s growing research profile in a diversity of disciplines. During his academic career he has demonstrated dedication and enthusiasm to his teaching responsibilities, developing and managing many subjects in the area of computing. He has received recognition by his peers by recently being invited to be a Programme Committee member of the International conference on Computer Graphics, Imaging and Visualisation.

We are indeed fortunate to call Dr Balsys one of our staff and look forward to maintaining that relationship as he further enhances his research profile.

Congratulations, Ron.

Photo: Dr Balsys receives his award.