Deputy Director of Monash Research Graduate School

A member of the Research Graduate School Committee since 2001, Professor Rod Devenish was appointed Steering Committee convenor at the beginning of 2003. He has also been the Deputy Director of Monash Research Graduate School since October 2004.

In addition to chairing weekly meetings of Steering Committee, Professor Devenish also convenes several working groups and sub committees relating to various candidature matters, including intellectual property, grievance and appeal procedures, and examinations.

Professor Devenish has witnessed the continued development of higher degrees by research through several initiatives of the Research Graduate School Committee.

"With government changes in funding and length of candidature, emphasis has now been placed on a well-rounded experience for research students with opportunities for other skills training and greater support services."

Professor Devenish has held appointments in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology since 1982.

He is currently the Deputy Head of the department, teaching aspects of biochemistry, molecular biology and medical genetics to students enrolled in the faculties of Science and Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences.

Professor Devenish also enjoys contact with staff and students outside his own faculty and this is one of the reasons he likes his committee work.

"My role in the Research Graduate School Committee has developed and extended my personal knowledge of research degree matters and contributed to more productive monitoring and outcomes for students in my department, school, faculty and the university", he said.

"The work of the committee is very outcome oriented. It is great to see students gaining travel awards and scholarships as well as submitting a thesis and then completing the examination process."