Each year, the VALA Student Award is presented to one student from RMIT University and one from Monash University, in recognition of outstanding achievement in postgraduate information-technology-related courses.  VALA Student Awards are announced and presented at VALA's end-of-year General Meeting.

The Award winners receive:

• a framed certificate
• a cheque for $500
• one year's free membership of VALA
• free registration for the VALA2012 Conference.

We would like to thank the staff at RMIT and Monash Universities for working with us on these awards.

The VALA web site provides details on our Student Award Recipients.

VALA Students Award Winners 2011

RMIT University

The 2011 VALA Student Award for a student at RMIT University goes to Ben Chadwick.

Ben spent ten years as a psychologist working in clinical and research roles. He says that soon after graduating with his PhD in Clinical Psychology in 2006, he decided to do some "real work", and spent two years as an at-home parent. During that time he studied some IT courses and discovered his passion for information management.

His family moved from Brisbane to Melbourne in 2010, where he worked at the State Library of Victoria and commenced the Graduate Diploma of Information Management at RMIT, where he was seen as the ideal student - focussed and serious, but also laid-back and playful. Studying both online and face-to-face, he was a highly motivated and engaged student who generously contributed his knowledge and understanding in class to benefit the learning of others. Ben achieved a High Distinction in every course studied and extended his interest in technology by including a Web Programming course as his elective. He was supportive of staff and has embraced his new field with enthusiasm and intelligence.

Ben demonstrates excellent technical capability balanced with a strong research background and healthy curiosity about people and life. He hopes to capitalise on his background in academic research and statistics by working with metadata for scholarly works, especially data curation. Besides his geeky passion for computer programming, Ben enjoys spending his spare time mowing, doing dishes, and changing nappies.

Congratulations, Ben, and good luck!

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Monash University

The 2011 VALA Student Award for a student at Monash University goes to Linlin Zhao.

Linlin has a passion for learning, education and research. In China, she completed a Bachelor of Arts degree and a secondary teaching certificate. In 2001 and 2002, she worked as a secondary school teacher in China, and in 2003 was course coordinator of a Chinese as a Foreign Language course, teaching international students Chinese.

Linlin came to Australia in 2004, undertaking an English language course and then a Master of Education degree at Monash University. Linlin completed her Master of Education in 2005. Linlin is a ‘born teacher’, with a natural ability for imparting knowledge to those of all ages and from diverse backgrounds; she is a great communicator, with a contagious enthusiasm for learning, and a strong creative flair. From teaching secondary school students and adults, Linlin broadened her education base by completing a Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education at RMIT in 2006. Since 2006, she has worked as a kindergarten teacher in Melbourne, as well as a private tutor for students studying Chinese as a Second Language.

In 2009, Linlin decided to extend her education career into the field of information management. While still working full-time as a kindergarten teacher, she enrolled in the Monash Graduate Diploma in Information and Knowledge Management (GDIKM), completing her course in mid-2011. She wanted to further develop her research and information skills. Linlin envisaged a career in academic libraries or public libraries or in archives. On her course, she had a variety of work experience in academic and public libraries. Since completing her course, she has had several short-term contract positions and ongoing part-time work at Monash University Library, Deakin University Library and Hobsons Bay Libraries in information services and technical services roles.

Linlin’s academic performance in the GDIKM has been exceptional, achieving seven High Distinctions and one Distinction in the eight course units, and an overall average of 84.75%, and the highest grade in the class for several of her units. With her strong motivation to learn and explore new areas, her dedication and perseverance, she was a delight to have in class, a great contributor of original ideas and insights. Linlin’s special qualities have also been widely recognised by the information professionals, managers and clients she has interacted with/ worked with. She is a very deserving recipient of the 2011 VALA student award, and will make a significant contribution to the information management professions.

Congratulations, Linlin, and good luck!

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