Tuckwell Talks Podcast: Conversations with Scholars

Tuckwell Talks - Lucy Kirk - 2014 Scholar Podcast

Episode #42 Lucy Kirk (2014) and Reshmi Senanayake (2024) Lucy Kirk, is an Alumna from the 2014 cohort, now working in Newcastle as an Intensive Care Registrar. Reshmi asks about her pathway to ANU and medicine.  Lucy recalls being in the first cohort, living at Ursula Hall, shaping early program activities and building lasting cohort bonds. Lucy also shares how life on-campus, colleges, clubs, IB and academic tutoring shaped her identity, and advises getting involved and using undergraduate years for personal growth. She explains why she chose medicine and reflects on the realities of training, workload, and staying grounded in one’s purpose. Lucy also discusses formative regional and remote experiences in Cairns, emphasising healthcare breadth, humility, teamwork, and patients’ resilience.

Tuckwell Talks - Jeevan Haikerwal - 2015 Scholar Podcast

In this episode of Tuckwell Talks, Rhys Joseland (2025) chats with Alum, Jeevan Haikerwal (2015). Rhys and Jeevan are 10 cohorts apart and from the same town, Williamstown, Victoria! Jeevan studied a Bachelor of Philosophy, Politics and Economics before completing Philosophy Honours. Jeevan reflects on his wide involvement at ANU, including musical theatre, political society activities, O-Week directing, and outlines a career path through politics, strategy consulting at Accenture, and four years at Foxtel.

Tuckwell Talks - Guy Leckenby - 2014 Scholar Podcast

Listen as 2021 Scholars Caitlin McManus-Barrett and Katja Curtin, host 2014 Alumni Guy Leckenby on Tuckwell Talks. From Coffs Harbour on the mid-north coast to a Postdoc in nuclear astrophysics in Bordeaux! Guy graduated with a Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours)(Science) with First Class Honours in Physics in 2017 and shares his experience as a Tuckwell Scholar from the original cohort. From his early inspiration at CERN to his significant research accomplishments at the University of British Columbia, Guy shares his journey, the impact of the Tuckwell scholarship, and the valuable lessons learned from his time in Bruce Hall and the trials and tribulations of IB! Discover how resilience, making tough decisions, unexpected opportunities, international experiences such as being a Snowsports instructor in Hakuba, Japan, research tourism, culture shock and being flexible and open to opportunities have shaped his career journey so far.

Tuckwell Talks - Carina Stone - 2017 Scholar Podcast

Join us for another insightful episode as Head of Scholars House, Michelle Barrett speaks with Carina Stone, an alumna from the 2017 cohort who studied Economics and Law. Currently pursuing her Master's in Public Policy at Harvard Kennedy School, Carina shares her experiences working on disrupting financial abuse through her summer internship in Sydney. We delve into the intersection of law, economics, and public policy, highlighting her work with social entrepreneur, Catherine Fitzpatrick. Carina shares stories of her time at ANU, her exchange in France, and her experiences in Darwin. She emphasizes the importance of staying connected with the Tuckwell community, lifelong friendships, and advocating for change.

Tuckwell Talks - Katja Curtin - 2021 Scholar Podcast

Discovering Diverse Passions - Science, Politics, and Art In this episode, we hear from Katja Curtin, a dynamic 2021 Tuckwell Scholar in her fifth year at ANU pursuing a Bachelor of Science, Honors and a Bachelor of International Relations. Katja shares her experience of focusing on her honours project in Physics of the Earth, using climate models to analyse the Antarctic ice sheet's impact on oceans. She speaks about her engagement in climate and environmental policies, inspired by her high school's support for climate activism. Katja also discusses her involvement with Engineers Without Borders, where she contributes to engineering solutions and education in developing countries. Additionally, she touches on her passion for animation, having worked as a freelance artist. With her broad academic pursuits, Katja reflects on her the opportunities and challenges of studying away from home. From working with former Tuckwell Fellows such as AJ Mitchell, degree dilemmas, COVID times, student theatre and navigating homesickness, Katja provides a candid insight into the life of a Tuckwell Scholar.