2008 Scholarship winner and Finalists

Robert started his working career as a Language Instructor, working for the largest language company in the world, Berlitz for 10 years. He taught English and Portuguese in Brazil, the U.S and in Australia. After completing a degree in Architecture and Urban Planning, he started the next phase of his working career practising Architecture both in the U.S and Australia. Having worked for a number of architectural and multi-disciplinary consulting firms for over 8 years, Robert took on his next challenge by completing a Master’s Degree in Sustainable Development from UNSW in 2006. Upon completing his Master’s Degree, his strong desire to work with Sustainability and the Built Environment brought him to his current position at the Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC) NSW. Robert is currently the acting Manager for the Commercial Built Environment within DECC’s Sustainability Programs Division. His interest in completing an MBA comes from a desire to continue his management education and expand his business strategy and management skills.

Chris grew up in the north of England and has a degree in computer science and software engineering. He began his career as a software engineer for Oracle Corporation writing human resources and payroll software for large enterprise customers.

Following a honeymoon in Australia, he migrated here permanently, settling in Melbourne in 2002, and has since been joined by a new daughter. Continuing his Oracle career, he now manages development of payroll software for customers and countries across the APAC region, notably in Japan, where he has made regular visit and runs a development team. His decision to pursue an MBA was prompted by an ambition to move on from technical management, significantly broadening the scope of his management career. The practical emphasis, soft skills focus, and high quality intake of the Cranfield MBA make it ideally suited to this purpose. Outside work, Chris enjoys long distance running and triathlon and has also done some sailing on Port Phillip Bay. He has high hopes of joining the Cranfield London Marathon and MBA regatta teams during his studies.

Todd graduated from the University of Queensland in 2001 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mining Engineering. He also completed a Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance and Investment through the Securities Institute of Australia in 2004. He has been working in the mining industry for the last six years, first for Thiess at the Collinsville Mine, and for the last four years at BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance’s Blackwater Mine. Though Todd’s early career was in technical roles, for the last two years he has been working in a more strategic planning role and looks forward to undertaking an MBA to prepare himself as he begins moving into management roles. Todd is a keen sportsman, currently participating in cricket, soccer, touch football and table tennis. His other interests include reading, particularly anything related to markets and investment and recreational diving.