Postgraduate Students

Émilie Paquin

Émilie's previous degree was from the University of Ottawa in Canada, where she majored in History with a minor in Women's Studies. This isn't her first time away from home: Émilie originally hails from Quebec City, and before starting her BA in Ottawa she spent a year in the Yukon (a Canadian territory near Alaska) teaching Primary school French.

Here in Sydney Émilie is working towards an MPhil in History, and thinking about upgrading to a PhD in the near future. Her research focuses on the Racial Hygiene Association of NSW, between the 1920s and 1960s. She's especially interested in the role played by ideas derived from Eugenics in the Association's work on contraception, race and the teaching of sexuality.

In addition to her research at the University of Sydney, Émilie has been hiking around the Sydney area with the University bushwalking club. She enjoys the convenience of the Women's College - its nearness to libraries, the gym, the city and public transport - but for Émilie the best aspect of life at the Women's College is the friends she's made.

"Women's is both academically and socially supportive," she says, "there's always someone around to talk to, about uni or personal things." This support is balanced with the freedom of her own flat in the Maples building. Émilie loves the sense of community at Women's. A particular highlight has been the regular postgraduate dinners, where all postgraduate members have a chance to catch up over dinner in Main Common Room.

Mary Assunta

In her fifth year at the Women's College, Mary Assunta is a familiar face and a cherished member of the College community. Her dedication to her work, her cheerful readiness to participate in College life and her inspiring speeches have endeared her to hundreds of residents.

After graduating with Honours for her BA in Humanities from University Sains, Malaysia, Mary worked for many years as a media officer in the Consumers' Association of Penang. While organising a number of health campaigns, Mary became involved with both the Malaysian and the international anti-tobacco movement, raising awareness about tobacco in Southeast Asia.

It is her research into the tactics used by multinational tobacco companies in targeting women and children in Malaysia, Singapore and Japan that has brought her to Sydney. After completing her MPhil in Public Health at the University of Sydney, Mary is now pursuing a PhD in the same area, examining the subpoenaed internal documents of six multinational tobacco companies.

Mary is enjoying life as a student again at the Women's College. She loves the beautiful old buildings and gardens of the college campus. As an international student, she feels that College offers a lot of freedom while creating a safe environment. Mary also enjoys living with the college's undergraduates: she says that the young women, who balance their studies with plenty of fun and excitement, make a relaxing break from the workaholics with whom she spends most of her time.

Deborah Hennessey

Deborah is in her sixth year of training to become a clinical psychologist. Having graduated from Macquarie University with a Bachelor of Psychology, she is now undertaking a combined Masters of Science programme with her own research for a Doctorate of Clinical Psychology at the University of Sydney. For her doctoral thesis, Deborah is researching the efficacy of treatment methods for children with anger or aggression problems who are also suffering from anxiety disorders. She is also working as an intern psychologist at the University's psychology clinic. When she has graduated, Deborah hopes to work with children and their families.

After originally staying at Women's on a temporary basis, Deborah quickly changed her mind and decided to apply for residency. She was impressed by the College's academic environment, finding it a supportive, peaceful place in which to live and study. Due to her long research hours, Deborah greatly appreciates the hassle-free lifestyle provided by the College through its meals, well-maintained facilities and convenient, on-campus location.

Deborah is the recipient of the Judith Robinson-Valery Scholarship for a student in a postgraduate psychology course, living at the Women's College. By easing the financial burdens of postgraduate life, the scholarship makes it easier for Deborah to focus on her studies.