While research focusing on a cure for dementia is important, initiatives that improve the quality of life for those living with dementia now are just as crucial, says University of Canberra researcher Nathan D’Cunha.

And he’s really gotten to the ‘art’ of the matter.

A sessional academic in Nutrition and Dietetics at UC’s Faculty of Health, Nathan embarked on his PhD journey in 2018 and has devoted himself to research on dementia.

Following the most recent release of the Digital News Report: Australia 2019, Dr Caroline Fisher, Assistant Professor of Journalism at the News & Media Research Centre, University of Canberra, highlights possible opportunities for the news media if innovative strategic approaches are adopted.

The Digital News Report reveals how our news consumption compares to other countries and how it has changed.

Caitrin Dunn has always believed in the transformative powers of technology.

One of her earliest memories is of sitting on her father’s lap to watch TV … father and daughter enthralled by the time- and space-bending adventures of an erstwhile Time Lord.

“I grew up watching Dr Who and reading science fiction, and then studied design and technology in school – and I just fell in love,” Caitrin said.

During her time as the State Archaeologist for the NSW Heritage Council, Professor Tracy Ireland had little inkling that 20 years later, she would be leading a project focused on how aviation has transformed Australia.

Today, she is the Director of the University of Canberra’s Centre of Creative and Cultural Research, and her three-year Australian Research Council (ARC) linkage project, Heritage of the Air, 2018-2020, is a digital and community-focused project studying how communities value the heritage of Australian aviation.

Dr Jessica Kennedy says it was during her law degree studies at the University of Canberra that she discovered a true passion for protecting the victims of violent crimes.

It took a couple of false starts before Jessica realised where she could exercise her passion and build a career. She initially thought of becoming a marine biologist and then a vet, before finding her calling as a lawyer, drawn by the desire to speak up for those who couldn’t fight back against injustice.

Dick Telford AM has been an influencer for much of his life – from the time he started out in his career as a 19-year-old Physical Education teacher, to the current day as a 74-year-old Professor advocating the need for change.

It’s impossible to remain indifferent to Articulated Head (AH) 2.0, the art installation which joins the cast of Questacon’s Born or Built: Our Robotic Future today – even if you resist the temptation to talk to the 3D rendering of renowned performance artist Stelarc’s head, it may well turn to watch you, gyrating gently on its robotic axis.

When coaching the UC Capitals to multiple WNBL premierships, Carrie Graf’s role in promoting her sport and team through the media was legendary.

She ensured sponsors were acknowledged and journalists were treated well. Coffee and toasted sandwiches were always up for grabs and for many in the media it was the highlight of their day.  Not because they were looked after, more importantly they felt appreciated.

Dr Duncan Driver, Assistant Professor in Teacher Education at the University of Canberra admits that goal-setting is something he has never engaged in, despite a successful career as an English teacher in Canberra, and throughout his work in higher education.

“The idea that setting long-term goals for yourself is some kind of recipe for contentment is wrong to me,” said Duncan.

“You may not achieve the goal, and if you’ve put a lot of emotional investment into it, you’re going to be frustrated.

The adage that ‘dynamite comes in small packages’ could have been written just for University of Canberra lecturer Shara Ranasinghe.