We’re proud to introduce our 2026 Alumni Award recipients and share the stories of their impact.
These Deakin University alumni are making a significant impact in their communities and industries. You’ll meet a doctor easing the path for the next generation of medical practitioners, a trailblazing journalist using her platform to encourage others from diverse backgrounds, a teacher inspiring students to pursue their dreams in STEM, entrepreneurs disrupting their industries through sustainable innovation and many more.
Know a Deakin alum making a difference in the world and their community? Nominate them now for a 2027 Alumni Award. Nominations close Sunday 7 June 2026.
Alumni Excellence Award
Jessica Redwood
CEO of Children First Foundation and a respected not-for-profit leader, Jessica has expanded access to life-changing healthcare for disadvantaged children worldwide while championing equity, mentoring emerging leaders and driving lasting social impact across the health and philanthropy sectors.
Master of Business Administration, ’14
Jestin Palakal
An educator and STEM innovator teaching in remote Northern Territory communities, Jestin delivers inclusive, hands-on science programs that support Aboriginal students and diverse learners. Dedicated to equity in education, he has won national recognition through CSIRO and Australian Science Teachers Association awards while mentoring educators and inspiring future scientists and innovators.
Graduate Certificate of Education (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages), ’18
Kelvin Ngow
The founder and CEO of Coffex Coffee Malaysia, Kelvin transformed a small venture into a national specialty coffee leader. Through ethical sourcing, sustainability and barista development, he’s elevated Malaysia’s coffee culture and set new standards for the country’s coffee industry.
Bachelor of Commerce, ’95
Nadia Teong
A clinical psychologist and Army veteran, Nadia founded Veterans Psychology, Australia’s only veteran-owned specialist psychology consultancy, shaping inclusive mental health care, influencing national policy, mentoring practitioners and championing strengths-based approaches for veterans and high-risk communities.
Graduate Diploma of Psychological Studies ’07
Naomi McBride
As the founding Principal of Yalingbu Yirramboi – The Royal Children’s Hospital School and a leader in inclusive education, Naomi was instrumental in securing funding and establishing a fully accredited government school at Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital, ensuring children with complex health needs remain connected to learning and community.
Bachelor of Health Sciences ’12, Health / Bachelor of Teaching (Secondary) ’12
Young Alumni Excellence Award
Lucas Taranto
An award-winning doctor recognised for advancing junior doctor wellbeing and community health, Lucas is a dedicated mentor and educator supporting medical trainees and contributing to health education initiatives while pursuing specialist training in anaesthetics.
Bachelor of Bio Medical Science ’15; Bachelor of Bio Medical Science (Honours) ’16; Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery ’19
Mike Monnik
As a cyber security expert and founder and CEO of DroneSec, a global leader in counter-drone intelligence, Mike advises governments and international agencies and contributes pro-bono cyber expertise to The Missed Foundation, supporting efforts to locate missing persons.
Bachelor of Information Technology (Hons) ’16
Natassia Nicolao
The founder of Conserving Beauty, a science-led skincare company redefining sustainability, Natassia is transforming beauty industry practices through world-first waterless and dissolving technologies while championing ethical innovation, women in STEM and responsible global supply chains.
Bachelor of Science ’16
Neary Ty
An award-winning journalist at Nine News Melbourne and the first Cambodian reporter at the network, Neary is renowned for investigative reporting. She’s a passionate advocate for representation, mentoring emerging journalists and using her platform to amplify diverse community voices.
Bachelor of Arts (Media and Communication) ’13
Meet our past Alumni Award recipients
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