SCU Buzz | The Southern Cross University podcast

Molluscs don’t just make good appetisers – they have been found to contain many nutritional benefits including anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties. In this episode, researcher at the National Marine Science Centre, Professor Kirsten Benkendorff, speaks about the health benefits of the seafood we consume and how environmental contaminants in our waterways affect this. The musical introduct...

This webinar explored the fundamentals of sustainable practices and circular economy principles, with a focus on plastic waste in businesses and communities. Designed for those progressed in their sustainability journey or just starting out, attendees heard from a range of research, government and industry experts about how they can apply the knowledge and tools to navigate the exciting and reward...

Bachelor of Indigenous Knowledge student Pearl is studying in Fiji after receiving a New Colombo Plan scholarship to undertake a global exchange in the Indo-Pacific region. Pearl discusses why she chose to study Indigenous Knowledge, her learnings in Fiji and her hopes to apply Indigenous Knowledge to a career in law and justice.

Join Aunty Rhoda Roberts AO in conversation with community and cultural leaders to discuss the importance of Bundjalung-led management of Bundjalung country, and the role story plays in the transference of knowledge about Country. Together, they draw from old ways and imagine new ways to care for Country for generations to come. Panellists: Rhoda Roberts AO (Moderator) — First Nations Creative Dir...

How can different forms of art and performance support us to keep our stories and oral histories living? To stay connected to our past, and informed for our future? Join First Nations creatives, and researchers working in the space of art and story, to yarn about the power of storytelling in future-proofing First Nations knowledges. Panellists: Naomi Moran (Moderator) — CEO, Koori Mail Kirk Page —...

If you’re not a fan of creepy crawlies, this episode might make you bug out! Student host River sits down with Chair of Science and entomologist Professor Nigel Andrew. They discuss how studying small insects has led to big adventures, the important role insects play in the environment and why mosquitos bite some people and not others.

Welcome to the Vital Signs podcast, a project by nursing students for nursing students. In this episode, Bachelor of Nursing student Liam speaks with Dima Nasrawi, a registered nurse who is currently completing a PhD in cardiac surgery and inpatient rehabilitation. Dima obtained her qualifications in French while in Lebanon and after moving to Australia has worked in Victoria and Queensland. She h...

What is counselling and how does it differ from psychology? In this episode, student host River chats with Professor of Counselling and registered integrative therapist, Ebi Cocodia. Ebi is the course coordinator of the new Bachelor of Counselling, launching in 2024. They discuss what makes a good counsellor, the industries they work in and finding the right counsellor for you.

Welcome to the Vital Signs podcast, a project by nursing students for nursing students. In this episode, Bachelor of Nursing student Naomi speaks with Jackson Heilberg, founder of Australia's largest online nursing platform, The Nurse Break, as well as Nurses Collective. Jackson has experience in primary healthcare, isolated practice and emergency nursing. He has worked across the country, which i...

How do young people view climate change and how should we be educating them about it? In this episode, education student Blake chats with Professor Amy Cutter-Mackenzie-Knowles and Dr David Rousell about their new book, ‘Posthuman research playspaces: Climate child imaginaries’. They discuss climate change education, children’s creative responses to climate change, alleviating climate anxiety and...

Welcome to the Vital Signs podcast, a project by nursing students for nursing students. In this episode, Bachelor of Nursing student Jen speaks with Nicole Graham, a mental health nurse and nursing educator. Nicole has experience as a Nursing Unit Manager, Assistant Director of Nursing, recruiter for Gold Coast University Hospital, Southern Cross University lecturer and Clinical Facilitator. She h...

How do you provide best care for people who are at the "pointy end" of mental health care while nurturing your own wellbeing? In this episode, River speak with Inkah Fischer, an academic and consultant in healthcare leadership with experience in mental health nursing. Inkah dives into working in the mental health field, reducing stigma and the mental impact of natural disasters. For additional res...

Welcome to the Vital Signs podcast, a project by nursing students for nursing students. In this episode, Bachelor of Nursing student Liam speaks with Hellen Kaneko, a Registered Nurse now working in informatics. Hellen has previously worked as an Assistant in Nursing and an Enrolled Nurse. She has worked in areas such as spinal injury care, aged care nursing, perioperative, surgical, anaesthetic,...

Ever dreamed of dropping everything and escaping to an island? In this episode, River speaks with The Hotel School graduate Sophie Bates, who lived, worked and studied at Hayman Island Resort on the Great Barrier Reef. Sophie speaks about her career in hospitality and hotel management, island life and learning how guests like their steak cooked. The perfect episode for those interested in a unique...

Welcome to the Vital Signs podcast, a project by nursing students for nursing students. In this episode, Bachelor of Nursing student Jen speaks with Emma Marais, a registered nurse and midwife. She has worked in areas of nursing such as oncology, cardiology, respiratory, interventional radiology and midwifery. After graduating in 2010, Emma completed her graduate position in oncology and cardiolog...

How can regenerative agriculture practices and fostering healthy topsoil lead to global impacts surrounding food security and thriving ecosystems? In this episode, Bachelor of Science student Greg speaks to the founder of VRM Biologik, Ken Bellamy, about his agricultural entrepreneurship, the need for sustainable farming and the VRM Biologik scholarship offered to regenerative agriculture students...

Welcome to the Vital Signs podcast, a project by nursing students for nursing students. In this episode, Bachelor of Nursing student John speaks with paediatric trained nursing lecturer Sherryn Bailey. Sherryn has over 20 years of nursing experience in areas such as sleep medicine, clinical education and management. She is the Unit Assessor for the Paediatric Health unit at Southern Cross Universi...

Following a life of trauma, Gregory P. Smith isolated himself in the forests of the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales for a decade. He found purpose in education and is now a lecturer in the social sciences and strong advocate for supporting people experiencing homelessness. In this episode, Gregory speaks about changing his life, the issues facing people sleeping rough in regional areas a...

Welcome to the Vital Signs podcast, a project by nursing students for nursing students. In this episode, Bachelor of Nursing student Naomi speaks with Victorian oncology and palliative care nurse Carly Jenner. She has worked in areas including HITH, day stay, orthopaedics, urology, colorectal surgery, breast surgery, general surgery and finally landed in oncology and palliative care. She has worke...

The Southern Cross Model is a new, innovative academic model that champions focused, active learning. The Model, comprising of six-week Terms, has seen increased student success. In this episode, River speaks with the co-designers of the Southern Cross Model, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic Quality) Professor Thomas Roche and Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic Innovation) Professor Erica Wilson, to discu...

Country roads have paved the way for new learning experiences for Bachelor of Social Work student Danyel Wallbridge. Danyel has swapped the ocean views of Tweed Heads for the inland rivers of St George, Queensland, for her 18-week social work practicum. Danyel talks about the experience of studying in a rural area, her passion for social work and ambition to help others.

For Olivia Dalaf, education is of the upmost importance. Born in Syria, Olivia’s family fled to Iraq before coming to Australia as refugees. After missing three years of school, Olivia learnt English in just six months so that she could complete her senior years of high school. Now studying the Bachelor of Biomedical Science at Southern Cross University’s Gold Coast campus, Olivia was awarded a 20...

Professor Anne Graham AO is challenging the notion that children should be ‘seen and not heard’. As Founding Director of the Centre for Children and Young People, she ensures that young people are given a seat at the table in discussions about challenges facing youth. In this episode, River speaks with Anne about how the pandemic and natural disasters have impacted on young people and how we as a...

Is playing videogames a form of athleticism? Blake chats with Dr Dylan Poulus about the world of esports - the competitive playing of videogames - and the multi-million-dollar prize pools attached to it. Dr Poulus discusses the inclusivity of gaming, his research into the factors associated with success in esports and the introduction of videogames to the Olympics. A fascinating chat for gamers an...

How can we use food to fuel our bodies for high-endurance sport? River chats with clinical nutritionist and Postdoctoral Research Fellow with the National Centre foe Naturopathic Medicine, Dr Jessica Bayes, about the importance of nutrition during marathon training. A fascinating chat for all those interested in athletics, the science behind snacks and the effects of food on our bodies and minds.