The MGA Supervisor of the Year Award, established in 1992, was created to acknowledge excellence in research supervision practice. The award was featured in peer-reviewed journal Innovations in Education and Teaching International where it was recognised as the longest running award of its kind, putting Monash University and Australia ahead of the UK with regards to student-led supervisor awards.
This award is truly a decision of the graduate student community. Supervisors are nominated by their students and entries are judged by an independent subcommittee of research graduates drawn from the MGA Executive Committee.
Award Hall of Fame
2023
Associate Professor Cornelia Landersdorfer
Faculty of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences
“I chose Monash University for my PhD because of her; her outstanding laboratory/research group, expertise in the field I am interested in, her kindness and openness to guiding future leaders and researchers that will change our world for the better.”
2022
Dr Liang Li
School of Educational Psychology & Counselling
Faculty of Education
“Liang identifies the different strengths of each student, and always encourages and praises students according to their personal shining points. She improves our self-confidence and courage, motivates us to challenge ourselves and to complete tricky tasks step-by-step.”
2021
Dr Bei Bei
Sleep and Mental Health Laboratory
Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Science
“Thank you for taking us on, for fostering our love of science and our confidence. For providing us with opportunities of development, for supporting during hard times and challenging us to achieve our greatest potential.”
2020
Associate Professor Steven Roberts
School of Social Sciences
Faculty of Arts
“He is a perpetual cheerleader. Steve is very real and he makes the entire academic process a humbling and rewarding experience for his students.”
2019
Associate Professor Rebecca Wickes
Criminology, School of Social Sciences, Faculty of Arts
“Rebecca was one of the major reasons that I chose to come to Monash to do my PhD and I think one of the best things about doing my PhD here.”
2018
Associate Professor Adrian Carter
School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences
“Adrian is a dream supervisor.”
2017
Associate Professor Jane Southcott
Faculty of Education
“Jane made me feel like I was her ‘only child’. I know she would have made all her other students feel the same way.”
2016
Dr Louisa Willoughby
School of Languages, Literatures, Cultures and Linguistics, Faculty of Arts
“If it wasn’t for Dr Louisa Willoughby, I wouldn’t have embarked on my PhD journey.”
2015
Dr Helen Forbes-Mewett
School of Social Sciences, Faculty of Arts
“Her style is never imposing but constructive, a hallmark of an experienced and accomplished supervisor, one that treats her students as fellow intellectuals and collaborators.”
2014
Professor Jennie Ponsford
Faculty of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences
“We are in awe of Jennie’s knowledge and clinical expertise as well as her collaborations with leading neuropsychology research groups.”
2013
Dr Helen Watt
Faculty of Education
“…Helen offers constructive criticism and encourages students to strive for excellence…”
2012
Dr. David T. McCarthy
School of Civil Engineering
“…Dave’s calendar is like Mary Poppins’ hand bag. Sometimes I think there must be some serious magic at work to fit in so much…”
2011
Professor Jeffrey Walker
School of Civil Engineering
“We have yet to see a person, as busy as our supervisor, who simply becomes a veritable Cheshire cat when we submit a draft for comments.”
2010
Dr Anna Peters
School of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine
“It was purely luck that I was employed by Anna, but it was entirely at my request to have her as my supervisor.”
2009
Joint winners – Associate Professor Damon Honnery and Professor Julio Soria
School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
“They are simultaneously their students’ greatest critics and strongest supporters, which in my opinion is the best definition of a good supervisor.”
2008
Professor Rodney Devenish
School of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
“Because of the positive regard he has for all his students, he is often portrayed as the father figure amongst his students and is warmly referred to as “Uncle Roddy.”
2007
Professor Adrian M Walker
Ritchie Centre for Baby Health
“Adrian’s vitality and passion for science, integrity and warm personality make him an inspiring role-model”
2006
Professor Robert Faff
Department of Accounting & Finance
“My PhD canditature was not a smooth process. There were numerous times when I hit rock bottom…there was only one person who continued to beleive in me and support me, Robert Faff… His passion and belief in research is an inspiration to us all.”
2005
Dr Sue Burney
School of Psychology, Psychiatry and Psychological Medicine
“Dr Burney’s capacity to create a productive and flexible work environment for her students fosters research productivity. Her friendly and non-judgemental manner is particularly helpful in developing good communication and trust.”
2004
Professor Betty Weiler
Department of Management
“One of the things that I have always appreciated about Betty is that she always makes you feel that you are a priority. Given her countless other commitments in the context of administrative duties and other research projects and students (not to mention her own family) this is a remarkable achievement.”
2003
Associate Professor Frada Burstein
School of Information Management and Systems
“Frada has encouraged, inspired and cajoled us to continue and even enjoy the PhD process. She has encouraged us to look beyond our immediate task, to position ourselves according to our career aspirations. She ensures that students are supported in an open and caring environment.”
2002
Dr John Sentry
Department of Immunology and Pathology
“John is generous with his time and energy and is able to find an encouraging word when needed most. His example shows us the importance of patience, persistence and diligence. He has always encouraged our development, not just as scientists, but also as thinking people.”
2001
Dr Kay Stewart
Department of Pharmacy Practice
2000
Associate Professor James Sarros
Department of Management
1999
Professor Murrey Eslser
Department of Medicine
“In publications arising from PhD studies the student is the first author always, and usually the corresponding author. Murray’s financial support from personal laboratory funds and through applications to national funding bodies have meant that his students have been financially secure and well-supported to attend overseas meetings.”
1998
Dr Peter Lentini
Department of Politics
“I also feel indebted to Peter for accommodating my family responsibilities. He was flexible and able to work around restrictive childcare arrangements for my 4 year old; completely unfazed (well almost!) by a nursing mother with a 2 week old baby; and genuinely understanding of the stresses of trying to study with young children.”
1997
Professor Bill Schroder
David Syme School of Business
1996
Professor Terry Threadgold
Department of English
“Terry is remarkable for the instensity of her engagement with her students’ ideas. She always receives us with enthusiasm. Her wealth of knowledge of a diverse range of discipline guides us to be ambitious with our own projects…”
1995
Professor John Bradshaw
Department of Psychology
“I was (and still am) in awe of John’s knowledge in the area, and at times I felt that my work was nowhere near good enough to be read by him, but he never put me down. I have gained so much confidence in my ability as a writer, a speaker, and as a person as a whole…”
1994
Associate Professor Walter Veit
Department of German
1993
Associate Professor Gilah Leder
Faculty of Education
“Gilah has the skills of an expert teacher – she knows how to ask questions, when to push for more detailed responses and for finer thinking, and, even more importantly, when to withdraw and let us reflect.”
1992
Dr Marian Aveling (now Professor Marian Quartly)
Department of History
“Marian is encouraging and enthusiastic about the students’ work and has the special knack of being able to make her criticism constructive. She also displays a genuine interest, thereby instilling confidence and inspiring productivity.”