Posted on June 21, 2019 / Alumni News, / General news
KAREN TAN
CLASS OF 1984
During her time at Tintern Karen represented the School at interschool sports – in gymnastics, athletics and cross country running. She also proudly states that she was School bell ringer, Junior School Captain (Term 2 1978) and Class Captain several times. After finishing school Karen completed a Bachelor of Arts at Monash University, studying English, History and Linguistics, which, she says, stood her in good stead for a career in the Media as a Television Journalist. She decided on a career in television journalism and commenced her career at the ABC in Melbourne, learning the ropes on the production desk and assisting the Chief of Staff and the reporters. She has worked as a News and/or Current Affairs television Reporter and Producer for all the major networks in Australia, starting with the ABC, before moving to Commercial Television – Channel’s 10, 7, 9 and Sky News.
Karen has enjoyed working on Channel Nine’s local current affairs program ‘Extra” (in Brisbane), Nine’s Today Show, and as a Reporter in News Rooms across the country for all the major Networks. Karen returned to the ABC in 2008 and enjoyed the constant and ongoing challenges of the job – finding and researching new stories, the adrenalin rush of working on breaking news, interviewing anyone from the Prime Minister to A-List stars, or to homeless people on the street – all with a story to tell. She says the job required quick thinking, writing fast, creative and accurate copy to constant deadlines, probing interviews and investigations, working independently and with a team, refining how one looks and sounds “on camera”. Karen believes the best part is “hopefully having some impact on people’s lives with the stories, by entertaining, informing, educating, shocking, or provoking, to prompt thought and change in people’s lives”.
Karen left the ABC in 2015, to work at Channel Seven in Sydney, across the Newsroom, and the top rating ‘Sunrise’ program. In recent years, Karen has also done freelance work for the Sky News Business channel and is currently a Presenter for a global online business channel, and doing media consulting work.
Karen’s recreational pursuits include sailing in Sydney’s beautiful Harbour, beach life, coastal walks, spending time with friends, and walking her dog in Centennial Park.
LAURA DRIESSEN
CLASS OF 2010
Laura has loved space for as long as she can remember, but it wasn’t until she attended the Professor Harry Messel International Science School (ISS) at the recommendation of Mrs Derry in year 11 that she realised that she could be a scientist. Laura graduated from Tintern in 2010 after receiving a Premier’s Award for VCE biology, the Monash Prize, and Science Dux. As well as attending ISS, Laura went to the National Youth Science Forum in 2010.
Laura was accepted into her dream undergraduate course – a Bachelor of Science (Science Scholars Program) at Monash University. In her second year of university, Laura was awarded a scholarship to attend the University of Warwick in the UK on exchange. While she was there, Laura was selected to attend a student forum in Meknes, Morocco.
At the end of her third year of university, Laura was selected for a studentship at the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research in Perth. While she was there she was the first person to image the Galactic Centre of the Milky Way using the then brand new Murchison Widefield Array Telescope. She graduated from Monash University with a high distinction average and majors in astronomy and astrophysics, and applied mathematics. Two days after her final exam she was on a plane to Europe for a studentship at the Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy (ASTRON). Her two studentships inspired her to apply for a master’s degree overseas, and she received a merit scholarship to attend the University of Amsterdam. Laura graduated from her master’s in 2017 and was awarded the De Zeeuw-van Dishoeck prize for the best astrophysics master’s thesis in the Netherlands, as well as the first prize for best astrophysics master’s thesis and second prize for best astrophysics master’s thesis presentation at the University of Amsterdam.
Laura is now a PhD candidate in the MeerTRAP group at the University of Manchester. She’s working with the MeerKAT telescope in South Africa to investigate mysterious fast radio bursts and to find out more about stellar flares. As well as working on her PhD, Laura is involved with outreach and science communication and loves taking every opportunity to share the wonders of the universe and inspire curious minds.
Laura manages her own website www.astrolaura.com and is passionate about promoting astronomy and astrophysics and especially encouraging young women to pursue careers in STEM fields. In her spare time Laura enjoys playing tennis, doing crochet and spending time with her Whippet Astro.
NICK SHYING
CLASS OF 2013
Nick graduated Tintern in 2013 with an International Baccalaureate Diploma. During his time at Tintern, Nick participated in a number of extra-curricular activities, including debating, musicals, swimming and cross-country running. He also held several leadership positions, including School Captain.
In 2014, Nick commissioned as a warfare officer in the Royal Australian Navy. He completed six months’ officer training in Jervis Bay followed by six months based in Sydney posted to the frigate HMAS Parramatta. Nick gained operational experience when Parramatta responded to Russian military activity in Australia’s maritime approaches. While Nick thoroughly enjoyed the Navy, he decided to gain broader life experience and explore other opportunities.
In 2015, Nick commenced a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) / Bachelor of Arts (International Relations) at Monash University. Over the course of his double degree, Nick completed study at the Australian National University in Canberra and the School of International Service at American University in Washington, DC. He also undertook internships at the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, the Department of Premier and Cabinet (Vic) and the Australian Parliament.
Nick currently works as an international policy adviser at the Department of Premier and Cabinet. He provides strategic advice to the Premier and department executives regarding Victoria’s international engagement. He supports outbound Premier and Governor travel, and inbound visits by foreign government and diplomatic representatives. Nick also maintains effective working relationships with diplomatic representatives and non-government organisations in support of Victoria’s international policy priorities.
