A Bachelor of Computer Science graduate with a perfect GPA and the Director of the Queensland Conservatorium Research Centre are among four Griffith University recipients of the prestigious Fulbright Scholarship.
Queensland Conservatorium Research Centre Director Brydie-Leigh Bartleet, and alumni Joshua Russell, Grace Yeung and Sasha Purcell have been awarded the scholarship, which facilitates education and cultural exchange between Australia and the United States through research or study at a U.S. institution.
Griffith Vice Chancellor and President Professor Carolyn Evans is also a Fulbright scholar, spending time between Washington D.C. and Atlanta in 2011 studying comparative religious freedom and leadership models.
Joshua Russell
A healthy obsession with beating his mate in chess eventually lead to a career in professional computer gaming for Joshua. It was the analytics of both games that he loved – a passion that would see him study computer science.
"Games to me were never a leisure activity, they were something I studied," Joshua said.
"They taught me how to focus completely on a task and through that dedication I could become exceptional at anything."
Joshua graduated in December with majors in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (AI) and plans to use his Fulbright scholarship and time in the U.S. to research how AI can be used to advance the biomedical field.
"The United States of America is a world leader in computer science and in the development of AI," he said.
"I plan to immerse myself in their institutions and companies so that I can help contribute to the growth of Australia within these fields upon my return.
"My focus will be on improving the speed, accuracy and interpretability of biomedical imaging."
Joshua believes through this advancement in AI, patients will be provided with faster and more accurate diagnoses, freeing up clinicians and researchers to spend their time elsewhere.
Professor Brydie-Leigh Bartleet
Professor Bartleet said she was "deeply honoured" to receive the scholarship.
"It represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," Professor Bartleet said.
"I will use my Fulbright Scholar Award to undertake groundbreaking research with musicians and organisations in New York who are harnessing the power of music to tackle complex social inequalities."
Professor Bartleet's research has advanced understanding of the cultural, social, economic, and educational value of music in First Nations' Communities, prisons, war affected cities, educational and industry contexts.
She said she was excited to start her research journey.
"Working collaboratively with world-leading experts at New York University Steinhardt, I will address the pressing need for systematic research into how music can play a key role in creating positive social change."
Grace Yeung and Sasha Purcell
Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery alumnus Grace hopes to undertake studies towards a Master of Philosophy with the view to help disadvantaged youth.
"I want to specialise in metaphysics, ontology and religious philosophy, and to merge this knowledge with novel neurobiological therapies for holistic treatment of psychiatric illness in disadvantaged youth," Grace said.
Meanwhile, Bachelor of International Relations alumnus and Torres Strait Island woman Sasha plans to study a Master of Law in Human Rights while in the USA.
"My goal is to develop and implement law that reflects true and accessible justice and equality, and work for the United Nations advocating for Indigenous people," Sasha explained.
"I believe my success in the program will also place me in a stronger position to have my voice heard as a person who wants to advocate for Indigenous human rights."
Griffith Honours College helps students and past-students like Joshua apply for prestigious opportunities to further their academic careers, providing support through the application process.
For more information about the various scholarship opportunities, including New Colombo Plan, Rhodes Scholarship, Fulbright and Cambridge scholarships, among many others, head online.
