News: connected conversations
Connected Conversations | Taseef Farook
Taseef Farook is a man of many talents—and infectious enthusiasm! A qualified dentist and recipient of the International Student of the Year Award in 2023, Taseef is currently undertaking a PhD blending artificial intelligence and the dynamics of the human jaw. He is also an emerging entrepreneur and founder of the Dental Loop, an initiative that aims to apply classic and cutting-edge AI techniques to enhance diagnostic support and patient engagement. On weekends, Taseef enjoys getting outside and discovering Adelaide’s many picturesque hikes—like the Mt Osmond lookout, with 360 degree views across Adelaide.
Connected Conversations | Danny Liew
An illustrious career in medical education and clinical epidemiology led Danny Liew to Adelaide to take up joint appointments as a consultant physician at the Royal Adelaide Hospital and at the University as Dean of Medicine and Head of Adelaide Medical School. Arriving in January 2022 amid pandemic-related disruptions meant Danny had to hit the ground running… and he hasn’t stopped since! In the moments Danny isn’t working, you can find him cheering on his beloved Western Bulldogs, adding to his encyclopaedic knowledge of sports trivia, plotting road trips around Australia and visiting beautiful beaches.
Connected Conversations | Chloe Caire
When her own chronic illness inspired Chloe Caire to pursue nursing, she knew she wanted to help other women through health issues that are often overlooked. Now in her third and final year, Chloe hopes her passion for health care and education will set her up for a rewarding career. In Chloe’s spare time, you’ll find her curled up with a good book, with her pet cats not far away.
Connected Conversations | Tassia Oswald
Tassia Oswald’s strong sense of environmental and social justice stemmed from a young age. After discovering that framing environmental issues in terms of health is a powerful way to influence decision-makers to take action, Tassia undertook cross-disciplinary studies in psychology and public health. Recently taking home both the People’s Choice Award and Student’s Choice Award at the 2021 University of Adelaide 3MT Finals, Tassia hopes her research into psychological impacts of ‘screen time’ and ‘green time’ for children and adolescents can help her secure a place as an international postdoctoral researcher or policy-maker in the future.
Connected Conversations | Edward Miller
Sometimes, you have to try something else before finding your true passion. Former bank employee turned oral health student, Edward Miller, is proof of this. Hoping to now contribute to oral health care and education, Edward is excited to jump into his career and start helping people. When he’s not in the clinic, you’ll find him enjoying the great outdoors or sipping on a good old oat milk matcha.
Connected Conversations | Breanna Papagni
Second-year occupational therapy student, Breanna Papagni, has always wanted to help others one-on-one so a career in health was a clear path for her. After an initial interest in public health, Breanna has now discovered the world of occupational therapy and hasn’t looked back since. In her downtime, you might find her at the UniBar or running her own luxury styled picnic business.
Connected Conversations | Francess Cricelli
After starting her career in customer service, Francess Cricelli just couldn’t step away from helping others. Now a Program Advisor in the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, you might recognise her familiar face manning the desks in the Student Centre in Helen Mayo building. When she’s not helping students with timetabling, enrolments, and program advice, Francess is busy getting lost in the world of virtual tours of New York City.
[Read more about Connected Conversations | Francess Cricelli]
Connected Conversations | Xueying Sun
After a last-minute change of heart in the midst of Year 12 exams, Xueying Sun decided to pursue a career in medicine. Now in her fourth year of her studies, Xueying is grateful for the opportunity she was given to transfer into her dream career after first year. While she navigates the trials and tribulations of medical school, Xueying has grasped every opportunity she’s been given at uni to experience the full student life—all while hitting up the best vegan eatery joints Adelaide has to offer.
Connected Conversations | Andrew Zannettino
Professor Andrew Zannettino’s journey with the University of Adelaide started almost a decade ago and, since then, he’s worked his way through a number of senior leadership appointments before landing where he is now as the Pro Vice Chancellor (Health Partnerships) in the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, and Executive Director of Research Strategy at CALHN. A passionate researcher at heart, Andrew was inspired at a young age to pursue a career in medical research. He believes firmly in the strength of strong interpersonal working relationships and connections, and strives to create positive workplace environments. When he’s not juggling multiple roles at work, Andrew’s likely tuned in to the latest true crime podcast or drumming it up for the SAHMRI Band.
[Read more about Connected Conversations | Andrew Zannettino]
Connected Conversations | Geena Ho
Hi, I’m Geena Ho, and I’m the face behind Connected Conversations and the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences’social media channels! It’s a bit strange to turn the lens onto myself but I’m also excited to have the opportunity to share a bit about myself with you all. I’m a writer, a storyteller, and a food-lover. I’ve had an absolute ball delivering the Connected Conversations series and have met some really amazing people, and I hope you’ve all enjoyed it so far.
