A minerals processing researcher at The University of Queensland (UQ) has proven she can find gold in more than just rocks – after she was named one of two 2013 winners in the Excellence in Research Higher Degree (RHD) Supervision Awards on 17 September at Customs House.
Professor Dee Bradshaw, who is better known for her flotation and mineralogy research at the Sustainable Minerals Institute’s (SMI) Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre (JKMRC), was recognised for her ability to mentor postgraduate students at every stage of their studies.
Described as a leader who nurtures and develops students, and brings out the best in them, Professor Bradshaw is highly regarded among her peers and students alike.
Professor Bradshaw’s exemplary approach has proven successful, with many of her graduated students entering highly sought after roles within industry and academia globally.
“There are many aspects of Dee’s supervision approach that I try hard to emulate when I work with my own students and she will always be a role model for me as a scientist, teacher, manager and connector of people,” former student and CSIRO research scientist Dr Liza Forbes said.
Professor Bradshaw has also been responsible for initiating and developing postgraduate courses in Flotation Chemistry, Process Mineralogy and Geometallurgy at JKMRC and has also helped inform many other professional development courses for industry.
She has been a valued contributor in accelerating the development and performance of early career stage metallurgists through teaching on the innovative MetSkills Program, developed by UQ technology transfer company JKTech Pty Ltd.
Professor Bradshaw has directly supervised more than 30 research higher degree candidates to graduation both in her former role at the University of Cape Town and at The University of Queensland, influencing many more from around the world. She is currently supervising 18 students.
“Just as each ore requires a tailored approach to extract the value in it, so each student has a unique combination of abilities, gifts and talents each requiring different resources to succeed and excel. I call this process and transformation ‘Living Gold’,” Professor Bradshaw said.
With more than 4300 research higher degree candidates and over 2300 advisors across UQ, only a small number receive this prestigious award and the accompanying $10,000 research grant.
“Dee engages her students through her genuine interest in the candidate’s personal development as well as their technical development,” SMI Director Professor Chris Moran said.
"She encourages independent thinking, while enforcing strong technical expertise, fostering fundamental truths and always encouraging her students to challenge assumptions. It is no surprise that Dee has a global reputation for easily attracting high quality RHD candidates.”
