Office of International Engagement

Kelsey is responsible for supporting the Monash South Africa campus and African projects within the OIE. Prior to joining Monash, Kelsey was with Bond University as the manager for study abroad and exchange programs. She is an active board member for two NGOs in Ghana, where she spent time as a volunteer teacher in 2004, and has also produced documentaries about Sudanese refugees in Australia and NGOs in Ghana. Kelsey holds a Bachelor of Arts from Coe College, USA, and a Master of Film & Television from Bond University.

Crystal's primary role is to manage the operations and administration of the OIE. This includes financial and human resource management and organisation of key committees and task forces. Crystal also coordinates the establishment and development of the University's formal international agreements with international partner institutions. Crystal holds a Masters of Education (Policy and Management) from Monash University. She has worked overseas in India and the Middle East.

Nizar’s primary role is to developing a country specific Monash strategy for educational involvement in the Middle East region, to promote and develop HDR scholarship opportunities from the Middle East, with focus on recruiting HDR students on scholarship from ME, developing policies and guidelines for proactive engagement with leading universities and educational institutions in the region and developing senior level linkages with key government bodies.  Nizar joined Monash University on January 2006 and joined the OIE in April 2007. Nizar was the Director of Primary Health Care, Sharjah Medical District Ministry of Health, Sharjah, UAE for thirty years from 1976. Nizar holds a M.B.B.S from Ain Shams University, Egypt. A D.T.M&H. from University of Liverpool UK, a Dip.Ven. from the University of Liverpool UK and a Master of Family Medicine (Clinical) from Monash University. Nizar speaks fluent Arabic.

Recent article in the Medical Observer

Tangerine supports the Office of International Engagement in the management of and response to education and research related international activities. She continues to supervise doctoral students in her current role.

She received her educational qualifications from India, USA and Australia. Prior to coming to Monash University, she was Assistant Professor at the University of Louisville, USA where she received the National Academies of Practice Interdisciplinary Group Recognition Award in the USA for the Kentucky Interdisciplinary Community Screenings training program.

Since 2003 at Monash University, she convened key academic components in medical and health professional education across MBBS and post-graduate programs (GCHPE, MHPE, PhD) at local and international levels. She completed a secondment as Associate Professor to Monash University Malaysia Medical School. In 2007 the MBBS Community Partnerships Program received the Australian Business and Higher Education Research and Training (BHERT) Award for Outstanding Achievement in Collaboration in Research and Development and Education and Training.

Her research interest on patient safety resulted in funding by the Department of Human Services, Victoria to develop a Patient Safety Performance Profile Tool for International Medical Graduates.

Celia’s primary role is to provide research, protocol and executive support to the engagement with Chinese universities. Celia joined the OIE in April, 2007. Prior to joining Monash University, Celia worked at Chinese universities, Queensland Government, Australian Internships and Australian international colleges, developing and coordinating international programs. Celia holds a Bachelor of Arts (English) from Chongqing University, P.R. China and a Master of Marketing Management from Griffith University, Australia. Celia speaks fluent Mandarin.

Alison has worked in the Office of International Engagement since the beginning of February 2008. As International Visits Officer, Alison’s role is to coordinate the itineraries and oversee protocol of international delegations visiting the university. Visits fall within the categories of diplomatic visits, visits by representatives from international academic institutions and also senior officials from overseas government departments. Alison has worked in the international area of Monash University for the last eight years both within the university and at Monash College.

Jamuna's role is to assist and support the OIE in financial management and special projects. She also provides executive support to task forces. Jamuna joined Monash University in October 2007. She holds a Masters in International Accounting and Finance from University of London. Prior to joining Monash University, she worked with Deloitte & Touche (Chartered Accountants) Kuala Lumpur and as a lecturer in accounting and finance at the Victoria University Sunway campus, Malaysia. Jamuna speaks fluent Bahasa Malaysia and conversational Tamil.

Benjamin Leske is the executive officer for Europe and North America within the Office of International Engagement at Monash University. Prior to joining Monash, he was employed in a foreign policy advisory role within the Australian public service. He has worked in a variety of tutoring and international student support roles at the Australian National University, Canberra, and the University of Adelaide, South Australia. Ben holds a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in German Studies and Politics from the University of Adelaide, and a Master of Arts (International Relations) with honours from the Australian National University.

Chiat's primary role is to provide executive-level administrative and secretarial support to the Pro Vice-Chancellor (International Engagement). Chiat also manages the administrative functions of the Office of International Engagement. Prior to joining the Office of International Engagement in January 2010, Chiat has worked in several administrative roles across Monash University. He holds a Bachelor of Business (Accounting) from La Trobe University.

Lydia's role is to assist and support the committees and task forces in the OIE. Lydia joined the OIE team in October 2007. She holds a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in History from Monash University and is currently studying a Diploma of Languages (Italian). Prior to joining Monash University, Lydia worked in sales and marketing for the fitness industry.

Allan’s primary role is to provide research, protocol and executive support to the engagement with North East Asian and Latin American universities. Allan joined the Office of International in June, 2008. Prior to joining Monash University, Allan lived in Japan and Korea and has worked in a variety of fields including: lexicography, ESL instruction, corporate sustainability, and commercial banking. Allan holds a Bachelor of Business (International Business) from QUT, and graduated at the top of the class from the Master of Diplomacy and Trade course at Monash University, Australia.

Robert is responsible for the development and management of the International Database and the international@monash website as well as to provide information communications technology support and establish information processes to the Office of International Engagement. His role also includes the photography and image processing for international events as well as editing, publishing and distributing the Monthly OIE Newsletter. Robert joined the OIE team in June 2007 from working in private enterprise as a Web Programmer & Graphic Designer. Robert has a degree in Bachelor of Technology (Computer Studies) from Monash University. He speaks Polish and Bulgarian.

Erica's primary role in the OIE is to provide support to the Director, International Education. Prior to joining Monash University in August 2009, Erica worked as Consultant and Program Coordinator in the International Development sector. She has a Bachelor of Arts (International Studies) from RMIT University in Melbourne. Erica has worked overseas in Afghanistan, coordinating an aid-funded scholarship program.

Belinda's primary role is to assist and support the Staff in the Office of International Engagement in administration. Belinda joined the Office of International Engagement in February 2007.  Prior to joining Monash, Belinda worked in a number of administrative roles. Belinda holds a Bachelor of Teaching (Primary)/Bachelor of Arts from Deakin University. Belinda speaks fluent Chinese.