Humans of MQ
"I help people see science from an outsider's perspective."
Astronomy Open Night organiser Kelly Sharpless wears her job on her sleeve, donning dresses adorned with planets or star-studded overalls. Her tri-coloured tresses – which reflect our Macquarie colours – also make her easy to spot around the campus.
“It was nice to know a 747 could withstand the odd bullet.”
From being part of an historic operation sending humanitarian aid to starving families in war-torn Somalia to offering a friendly face to anxious patients, Macquarie University Hospital volunteer Norman King has always put a high value on helping others.
"The fear in comedy is a social fear, it's about possible humiliation."
Macquarie University microbiologist Dr Paige Erpf never imagined doing stand-up comedy, but after years of competitive rock climbing she’s ready to scale this new challenge.
"Little miracles happen when people are not scared to share their observations."
Macquarie University Art Gallery curator Leonard Janiszewski first came to campus as a historian bringing his deep knowledge of the Greek-Australian social landscape with him. Now he is involved in a project which connects people suffering dementia with our art collection.
"As I got older my dreams got bigger."
Professional footballer Deborah-Anne de la Harpe is kicking goals in sport and study, working her way towards a teaching degree while taking her sporting career on to an international stage.
“I can’t walk across campus now without waving to someone I've photographed.”
Freelance photographer Jesse Taylor helps tell our Macquarie stories each week through the power of portraits, capturing our people in a dazzling array of unique workspaces. It’s a far cry from his former life as an accountant in the UK.
"It’s nice to think I can make this impact on people."
Nick Luca-Hancock, 25, works as a swim instructor at Macquarie University Sport and Aquatic Centre which teaches over 2000 people to swim every year. Nick started swimming aged 11 with his neighbour Daniel, who taught him that despite hardships, you should always follow your passions.
"I took my master purely for the piece of paper. Turns out, I loved it."
University studies got off to a rocky start for Dr Shani Hartley. Three decades later, she is the recipient of six university degrees – five from Macquarie - and thrives on her insatiable appetite for learning.
"A lot of people say to us ‘we couldn’t do this without you’ which is nice to hear."
Egyptology lover Carmel Amos, 77, came to campus for a public lecture in 1990 to nourish her fascination with the ancient world, and has barely left the University since. After more than 30 years volunteering in the Department of Ancient History and Archaeology, Carmel and husband Peter, 76, have been recognised for their contribution with a new scholarship named in their honour.
"It was my dream to become a champion of two-way education"
Having once decided against higher education, 26 year-old Mel Wurramarrba is now preparing to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Education. She credits a first-of-its-kind 'bush university' and an introduction to two-way education for reigniting her passion for learning.
“Australians are more fascinated by ancient Egyptian culture than the Egyptians."
Author of 62 books, 81-year-old world-renowned Distinguished Professor of Egyptology Naguib Kanawati has spent 50 years at Macquarie teaching, researching and nourishing his obsession with people who lived 4000 years ago.
"I try to show people how there is space for women in breakdancing."
Media and Creative Industries lecturer Rachael Gunn is Australia’s leading woman breakdancer, and now has her sights set on making it to Paris in 2024 where ‘breaking’ will make its debut as an Olympic sport.