April 20, 2026
More than 3,500 students to graduate at UOW Autumn ceremonies
Honorary doctorates to six distinguished Australians including Governor Margaret Beazley, author Maggie Dent and union leader Sharan Burrow
The University of Wollongong (UOW) will celebrate the achievements of more than 3,500 students and recognise six eminent Australians and eight leading academics for their outstanding contributions to society during its Autumn 2026 graduation ceremonies.
Ceremonies will run from Monday 20 April to Friday 24 April in the University Hall. Graduates from the three faculties – Engineering and Information Sciences; Science, Medicine and Health; and Arts, Society and Business – will cross the stage alongside honorary award recipients who have made a lasting impact across law, education, social justice, business and the community.
UOW Vice-Chancellor Professor Max Lu AO said graduation is a significant milestone for students and their families.
“Our graduates leave UOW with not only knowledge and skills but the confidence to contribute to their professions and communities. In research laboratories, courtrooms, hospitals and community organisations, they are already making an impact and will continue to shape the world as leaders, innovators and engaged global citizens,” Professor Lu said.
Inspiring students
Dr Ilia Filipev, PhD in Medical Radiation Physics. Originally from Russia, his research focuses on developing radiation sensors to improve the safety and accuracy of cancer treatment. He is now an Associate Research Fellow at UOW and also teaches tango dancing.
Grace Bowles, Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Bachelor of Arts. A UOW Law Medallist, she achieved outstanding academic results including multiple first-place subject rankings and major academic awards. Her honours research examined how expert evidence can address juror misconceptions in sexual assault trials. She has commenced her legal career as a Tipstaff in the Supreme Court of NSW and will join the ACT Supreme Court as an Associate in 2027.
Natasha Bwembya, Master of Public Health. A registered nurse originally from Zambia, she began her degree after being diagnosed with leukaemia. Her lived experience has shaped her focus on health equity and access for migrant and refugee communities. Natasha now works in Perth as a practice nurse and grants officer in a multicultural women’s health organisation.
Dr Molly Kirkpatrick, PhD in Physics. Originally from Arizona, she studied physics and materials engineering at UOW before focusing her doctoral research on X-ray fluorescence instrumentation for space exploration. Her work supports future Moon and Mars missions by helping identify the composition of planetary materials. She has completed research placements with CSIRO and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and continues her work through a CSIRO postdoctoral role.
Dr Kong Le, PhD in Human Resource Management. He overcame many personal challenges to achieve his goal, relocating to Australia while his wife and newborn twins remained in Vietnam. He credits his supervisors and the UOW community for helping him through and hopes to pay that forward by moving into academia himself.
Dr Iresha Donmanige, PhD in Management. Having experienced firsthand the barriers women face in academic careers she turned that experience into research across 14 Australian universities, examining how women navigate career progression and who holds the power to help them.
Honouring distinguished Australians and emeritus professors
UOW will confer honorary doctorates on six distinguished individuals:
Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of New South Wales, will be recognised for her distinguished service to the law and the judiciary, and her leadership.
Maggie Dent, parenting author and educator, will be recognised for her work supporting families, educators and young people across Australia through practical, compassionate guidance.
Sharan Burrow AC, former President of the Australian Council of Trade Unions and global labour leader, will be honoured for her lifelong advocacy for workers’ rights and social justice on the international stage.
Professor Megan Davis AC, leading constitutional lawyer and advocate for Indigenous rights, will be honoured for her significant contributions to public policy and her role in shaping national conversations on recognition and reform.
Andrew FitzSimons, former principal of Dapto High School, will be recognised for his transformative leadership in public education and his lasting impact on generations of students in the Illawarra region.
Robert Ryan, former UOW Deputy Chancellor and CEO of IMB Bank, will be honoured for his leadership in the financial sector and his long-standing contribution to the University and the Illawarra community.
Emeritus Professorships will be awarded to:
Professor Timothy McCarthy for contributions to sustainable building design, engineering education and research.
Professor Sarath Perera for contributions to power quality research and engineering education.
Senior Professor Colin Murray-Wallace for contributions to geoscience, particularly in sea-level change and coastal evolution.
Senior Professor Marie Ranson for contributions to cancer research and research translation.
Senior Professor Kristine French for contributions to ecology and environmental management.
Professor Peter McLennan for contributions to biomedical science and human health.
Professor Grace McCarthy for contributions to education, leadership and organisational research.
Senior Professor Simon Ville for contributions to economic and business history.