University of Queensland mother and son graduate together

Most students use their time at university to escape parental supervision, but in the case of mother and son Christine Adams-Hosking and Mark Hosking, the opposite is true.

Both graduated from The University of Queensland last week at the same ceremony.

After spending the past four years studying together in the School of Geography, Planning and Environmental Management at UQ, Ms. Adams-Hosking will be awarded a PhD and Mr. Hosking a Bachelor of Regional and Town Planning Degree.

“I am very proud of mum’s academic achievements and am looking forward to sharing the graduation celebration with her. I think it is great timing that we are in the same ceremony and it will make it an even more memorable occasion,” Mr. Hosking said.

Despite UQ‘s campus population of more than 45,000 students, studying in the same school meant the mother and son would bump into each other regularly on campus.

“Over the four years there were many late nights with Mr. Hosking in the computer labs and me upstairs in my office, making him toasties and I am now thrilled to be able to share my graduation day with him,” Ms. Adams-Hosking said.

Ms. Adams-Hosking had completed her Bachelor degree, postgraduate Diploma and Master of Science at UQ before starting her PhD.

“I have never considered studying at any other University,” she said.

She is now hoping to use her UQ PhD to make a difference to the conservation of Australia’s unique plants and animals.

Ms. Adams-Hosking has already made inroads on this goal when she was asked to present her research on the impacts of climate change on koala populations at this year’s Senate Inquiry into the status, health and sustainability of Australia’s koalas. She is also an active member of the Koala Research Network.

In contrast, Mr. Hosking aspires to own his own business in property development.

“There could be some tensions if Mr. Hosking ends up working on projects that clear out native bushland to make way for housing developments, but I trust that his education and my influence will mean that he will look at ways to minimize environmental impacts and work towards sustainable development,” Ms. Adams-Hosking said.

Mr. Hosking is philosophical about the experience of going through his studies with his mother at his side.

“Traditionally, I think as life goes on we spend less time with our parents so the only advice I would have (if you could call it advice) is to make the most of it,” he said.

*

Interested in learning more about UQ? Find out what amazing programs that UQ has on offer!

The University of Queensland has launched its third annual World in Focus Photo Contest.

Hosted by UQ‘s School of Political Science and International Studies (POLSIS), the photography contest has become a platform for showcasing outstanding images taken by UQ students and alumni around the world.

The 2010 UQ World In Focus Photo Contest

Capturing global issues, political events and cross-cultural experiences really speak to UQ’s mission to be a global university.

UQ Master of International Studies graduate and former photojournalist David Kozar was last year’s runner up and said it was an opportunity to communicate both what he experienced as a photographer in Bosnia and what he studied as a student at UQ.

“The competition was a great avenue for me to show people how long the effects of violent conflict continue to affect a population,” he said. “I was able to use my photography to show that more than a decade after the violent conflict in Bosnia ended, there are still very deep physical, emotional and psychological wounds that need to heal.”

The World In Focus competition provides great insight to Canadian students studying in Australia. When travelling to Australia to study, the new climate and surroundings are a photographer’s haven. The gorgeous beaches and colourful wildlife make perfect portraits.

But also think about snapping shots showcasing your cross-cultural experiences – and we’re not just talking about Vegemite! Embrace the new surroundings and delve into Australia’s culture, using your camera to capture those one-of-a-king experiences.

That being said, if you’re a UQ student or graduate and want to submit a photo in its contest, do so! Entries in The World in Focus competition will be judged both on the ability to represent a political, international or cross-cultural experience and on artistic merit. Entrants are also asked to include a brief description to describe what inspired the photograph, and the contest closes Sept. 30, 2011.

*

Learn more about the University of Queensland!