Vice Chancellor Professor Ian O'Connor and Emeritus Professor Ian Lowe DUniv
Professors O'Connor and Lowe have been chosen as Smart State ambassadors by Queensland Premier Peter Beattie. They join other high-profile Queenslanders who, as leaders in their respective fields, actively champion the State.
Professor O'Connor's interests are focused on developing high quality tertiary educational opportunities and worldclass research facilities to help build excellence and the growth of 'smart jobs' for the State. Professor Lowe is an eminent scientist and environmental campaigner.
Associate Professor Anut Itthagarun
Associate Professor Itthagarun has been appointed Head of Paediatric Dentistry at Griffith. She will teach paediatric dentistry to dental science, oral health therapy and dental technology students in their final undergraduate year and dental science students throughout their postgraduate program.
Associate Professor Itthagarun will also plan the introduction of a speciality training program in paediatric dentistry within the School of Dentistry and Oral Health's suite of Clinical Doctorates. Her research interests include the effects of fluoride and dental materials on tooth enamel and dentine; the role of chewing gums and saliva in oral health; evaluating new dentine bonding agents; and oral complications in children being treated for cancer.
Dr Helen Klieve
Dr Klieve has been appointed manager of the Queensland Suicide Register based at the Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention. The register is unique in Australia and with a 15-year data set, provides an increasingly rich source of information for research and policy development in the area of suicide prevention. Dr Klieve has a background in both quantitative genetics and economics and taught social science statistics and econometrics at the University of New England. She has worked most recently in strategic policy positions for the Queensland Department of State Development and Department of Natural Resources and Water.
Professor Craig Caldwell
Professor Craig Caldwell has been appointed Head of the Griffith Film School. From the University of Arizona, Professor Caldwell was a specialist in artist development for the feature animation division of Walt Disney Film Studios. He trained artists in Disney's new production software for animated features including Tarzan, Mulan, Chicken Little and Meet the Robinson's.
Professor Kim Halford
Professor Kim Halford has been appointed director of the Griffith Institute of Health and Medical Research. Currently director of the Griffith Psychological Health Research Centre, Professor Halford will bring to the new position an international reputation in the area of psychological research, particularly related to couples' relationships and the dynamics associated with major life events such as parenthood and serious illness. Professor Halford has an outstanding track record in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, developing programs of research that have a direct and practical benefit to the community and experience in leading research teams in clinical settings.
Sam Di Mauro
Sam Di Mauro a senior lecturer at Queensland College of Art, has won a 2006 Carrick Award for Australian University Teaching. Mr Di Mauro encourages students to work on genuine projects with real clients, so they are able to identify their professional interests and strengths. Mr Di Mauro also values the contribution of peers and mentors to learning; and, encourages students to explore their cultural identity through art work that involves introspection and self-scrutiny.
Professor Don Stewart and Dr Neil Harris
Head of the School of Public Health Professor Don Stewart has been appointed vice president of the Western Pacific Region of the International Union for Health Promotion and Education (IUHPE). The IUHPE exists to promote global health and especially to advance equity in health through its contribution to improving the knowledge base, quality and effectiveness of health promotion and health education practice.
Dr Neil Harris, lecturer in the School of Public Health, has also been appointed to the Western Pacific regional committee of IUHPE.