David Robertson
"2007 Griffith Green Steps Graduate"
David has always had a fascination with science, nature and the environment. Throughout his degree in environmental science he became more interested in the role of science in society, especially with regards to public perception, communication and policy making. "While some of these issues were touched upon in my studies, it was the Green Steps program that effectively opened my eyes to the nature and complexity of these relationships".
David's work placement at Photon VFX at Warner Roadshow Studios placed him in a business setting that had minimal ties to the fields he was familiar with and provided him with a valuable insight into the way individuals and businesses perceive and respond to environmental issues. Since completing Green Steps in 2007, David has graduated with first class Honours and a university medal. He has continued with research and teaching at Griffith University and intends to travel widely in 2009 prior to pursuing a PhD.
Vidya Fauzianti
"2008 Griffith Green Steps Graduate"
Vidya has always had a passion to become an environmental specialist. While finishing her Masters degree in Environmental Engineering, she discovered that environmental issues can be related to many aspects, especially engineering and technology. Having been involved in some Non-Government Organisations in her home country, it was the Green Steps program that really took her to a new dimension in the way she thinks about the environment. “Green Steps made me see environmental issues as new challenges. Both the theory that I’ve learned, and the communication and networking with other Green-Steppers, was certainly effective and truly amazed me”.
Vidya was engaged in the Griffith Business School (GBS) Sustainability Project Plan during her work placement. She helped the School in developing a Green Office concept, to make GBS Griffith’s first Sustainability School. She is now working on a research paper with one of Griffith University senior lecturers, covering the topic of E-waste with a case study in Indonesia.
David Thorpe
"2008 Griffith Green Steps Graduate"David was in his fourth year of a Law/Environmental Planning Degree at Griffith University when he was accepted to participate in a corporate environmental change program called “Green Steps”. He was keen to experience the reality and challenges of applying his university knowledge into a practical work place. David undertook his Green Steps placement at the Carbon Management Unit of Queensland Health, where he designed and wrote a whole-of-government environmental policy which focused on increasing the environmental performance of office workers and improving office environmental sustainability as a whole. This document was called “Queensland Health’s Green Office Resource Guide”.
David’s work placement at the Carbon Management Unit placed him in a corporate environment where he was able to learn many valuable lessons in how government departments prioritize environmental policies and their effectiveness. David has since been asked to complete additional work with Queensland Health, which is a testament to the Green Steps program. David will be graduating from Griffith University in 2010, and he has no hesitation in asserting that the Green Steps program has been extremely beneficial to his goal of attaining a position in a reputable Top-Tier Law firm (which he will begin in late 2009) based in Brisbane where he will focus on Environmental Law, and Climate Change legislative frameworks. Ultimately, Green Steps has allowed David to conceptualize how environmental policies are enacted and operate in the commercial world, and has provided him with professional experience in turning theory into practice.