Alumni stories: P-R

Alysson is a High School English teacher.  She is also a freelance writer and editor/proofreader. 

Adele has found much success as an actress since graduating from USQ.  Her latest performance role is as Eva in the Fox8 series Slide (10 x 1hr episodes).

Vajira is working as the Finance Manager in a well-reputed company in the Middle East.

Russell worked for a few years as a professional actor then became project officer of the Adolescent Health Awareness Drama Project run by the Toowoomba and District Division of General Practice Limited. After gaining a Master of Teaching he worked as a high school teacher at St Brendan's College in Yeppoon. Russell is now running his own tutoring business in Brisbane. 

Graham is a Management and Technology consultant based in Toowoomba. He established a consulting practice, Thermodyne Technologies, in 1997 after nearly 15 years in the electricity industry. He has worked with universities and the electricity industry in Queensland on addressing the skills shortage. This work has culminated in a collaborative venture between three universities to develop and deliver a Masters Program in Power Generation. Graham remains involved in the development and delivery of a number of the courses on behalf of the universities. ‘Introduction To Power Plant’, was developed and is now facilitated by Graham under contract with QUT. 

In addition, Graham managed the introduction of an Alcohol and Other Drugs management framework in the electricity industry in Queensland. In 2008 he consulted to the Queensland Government Department of Mines and Energy on a range of issues. He has also laid the groundwork for the formation of the International Energy Centre, as Interim CEO of the joint venture between four universities and a global energy company.

Since graduating, Lynda has been working in the intellectual disability sector while waiting to obtain a graduate placement at either the Gold Coast or Greenslopes Hospital. 

Ramin continues to expand his understanding of Engineering, Science and Physics.  In addition to his studies at USQ he has completed his PhD in experimental nuclear physics at the Australian National University.

As a Nuclear Physicist his specializations include; exotic radioactive ion beams, superheavy elements, weakly bound nuclei and nuclear instrumentation. Ramin has also completed the design, development and commissioning of Australia’s first radioactive ion beam facility, named SOLEROO at the Australian National University.

Ramin joined the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) in 2010 and leads the research and development of a new class of x-ray and gamma-ray imaging detectors for medical applications.

Shafiqur Rahman has over 25 years experience in the airline industry since he first joined Biman Bangladesh Airlines in 1986. Shafiqur began his role as the Country Manager-Greece, Singapore and Thailand and was promoted to be the Dy General Manager (Commercial) after completing his Master of Business Administration degree with USQ in 2000.

Shafiqur is currently General Manager (Marketing & Sales) for the Biman Bangladesh Airlines. He completed his Doctorate of Business Administration from Southern Cross University, Australia in 2011. 

Efiza moved to Sydney after graduating from USQ in 2003. She worked as a Business Analyst at Westpac head office for various IT Corporate Projects for 3 years. She then moved to Brisbane with her husband, Dunstan Vanniasinghe whom she met while they both studied at USQ and has continued in her role as Business Analyst and Project Manager for the Bank of Queensland, Suncorp and Logan City Council.

She is currently an Operations Analyst at RACQ head office in Eight Mile Plains. 

Anura is pursuing a career in the government of Sri Lanka. He was previously a Deputy Director of the Ministry of Finance and Planning, then became the Director of the Planning Division within the Ministry of Tourism. He is now Director of the Planning and Monitoring Division within the Ministry of Economic Development.

Business graduate, Joe Roff, is the third most capped player in Australian Rugby history. He was involved in three World Cups, including Australia's victory in 1999. Joe also played for Australia's most successful province over the past 10 years, the ACT Brumbies, where he helped his side win two titles, in 2001 and 2004.  He has also taken a year out playing in Biarritz, France and also a year playing in Tokyo, Japan.

Joe retired from professional rugby in 2006. He completed his degree in 2003. His first undergraduate degree allowed him to continue his studies at Oxford University in England. Joe is currently working towards completing a politics, philosophy and economics degree in 2008. 

After graduation, Deborah made a move to the west coast to complete further studies at the WA Academy of Performing Arts and in 2010 she completed a Masters in Music (Performance). She has been employed with the WA Opera Company, performed as a soloist for numerous festivals in Perth and supported international artists like Michael Buble.

Deborah has also performed as one of six national finalists in the prestigious Opera Foundation Lady Fairfax New York Scholarship. In 2011, Deborah became a member of the Young Artist Program with Opera Queensland. Her engagements with the company included being the understudy of the role of Dorabella in “Cosi fan Tutte”. 

David successfully gained employment with Target Australia as a Customer Service Assistant. He continues his association with Fraser Coast Baptist Church youth group and the Australian Air League where he is a Trainee Officer holding the acting appointment of Adjutant/Office Clerk.