COMMISSION STAFF

Dr Joe Hlubucek

Executive Director

Email: executivedirector@fulbright.com.au

Dr Hlubucek joined the Australian-American Fulbright Commission in December 2008 with a broad background in higher education, science and technology programs and policy development with the Australian Academy of Science, the Australian and NSW Governments and the Reserve Bank of Australia.

He has extensive experience with bilateral Australian–American relations from his roles as Australian Consul General in San Francisco in 1995-98 and from two postings to the Embassy of Australia in Washington DC as Counsellor (Science and Technology) in 1985-89 and as Counsellor (Education, Science and Training) in 2004-06. Immediately before starting with the Fulbright Commission, Dr Hlubucek held the position of Research Fellow with the Australian Academy of Science.

Dr Hlubucek is a graduate of the University of Sydney, with postdoctoral research experience in chemistry at Texas A&M University, London and Oxford Universities, and industry in Stockholm. He also has teaching and research experience at the Australian National University and the University of Western Sydney. He was General Manager, Biotechnology Australia, and elected a Fellow of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute for his research contributions.

 

Lyndell Wilson

Program Manager

Email: programmanager@fulbright.com.au

Lyndell is responsible for managing the Fulbright Program which includes coordinating the Australian and American Fulbright selection process, supporting Australian and American Fulbright scholars, and promoting the Fulbright Program particularly within Australian universities and institutions.

Lyndell brings to the Fulbright Commission strong client relationship management and program coordination skills gained during her employment as Client Service Manager (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students) at IDP Education Australia. Prior to her work with IDP, Lyndell worked with DeakinAustralia, the commercial arm of Deakin University, coordinating the delivery of a range of Certificate IV - VI training programs to government employees including Department of Defence, Centrelink and ACT Government.

Originally trained as a high school music teacher, after gaining a Bachelor of Education (Music), Lyndell spent a number of years singing at a range of venues from local restaurants and wine bars to the Canberra Theatre, and the Sydney Opera House, before concentrating on her career within the Australian Public Sector.

The recipient of an American Field Service Scholarship in her last year of high school, Lyndell understands the unique cultural, educational and personal opportunities and challenges facing Fulbright Scholars.

 

Rosie Schmedding                   

Communication Manager

Email: commsmanager@fulbright.com.au

Rosie originally started work as a journalist with the Australian Rural Times. She has then gone on to develop a wide range of public affairs experience with CSIRO, the Department of Primary Industries and Energy (DPIE), the ACT Government (Arts, Heritage and Environment), the Bureau of Rural Sciences and the Australian Food and Grocery Council.

In these positions she has been responsible for developing and implementing communication strategies, media releases and publicity material, event management, issues management, web content management, publications management and media liaison.

She is an arts graduate of the Australian National University and has a Graduate Diploma in communication and a Graduate Certificate in marketing communication from the University of Canberra.

 

Jenny Street                    

Finance Manager

Email: financemanager@fulbright.com.au

 

Jenny takes care of anything to do with money and finance, as well as taking the minutes for Fulbright board meetings.

Jenny joined Fulbright on a part time basis after a long career in chartered accounting. She is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants. Prior to joining Fulbright, she was a Manager in the Business Services Divisions of RSM Bird Cameron and Walter Turnbull. She is currently a Board Member of the Radford College Limited.

Jenny has a Masters of Professional Accountancy from University of Canberra and a Bachelor of Hospitality from the University of Western Sydney.

 

Kate Lyall

Program Officer

Email: administrativeofficer@fulbright.com.au

Kate works closely with the Australian Fulbright Alumni Association (AFAA) to ensure the smooth running of their chapter activities and membership both in Australia and the U.S., along with managing the logistics of the Commission's office so the organisation can achieve its goals.

The US Senior Specialist program, Fulbright Alumni Initiative Grant and special scholarship programs are looked after by Kate. She also maintains the Commission's databases and is therefore the person to contact with your change of address details.

Though an American by breeding and birth, Kate lived and worked in England for 25 years building a career in the Lloyd’s of London financial community in the City of London. Being married to a Royal Naval officer brought about numerous opportunities to travel the world and she later relinquished her partnership in a Lloyd’s reinsurance broking house in order to move to Australia with her husband on a diplomatic posting.

Now with her family being permanent residents in Australia, her U.S. background and global experiences are put to use in providing additional insights to her Fulbright colleagues.

 

Natalie Collins

Program Officer

Email: administration@fulbright.com.au

Natalie joined the Australian-American Fulbright Commission as the Administration Assistant to the Program Manager, on a part-time basis, in November 2008.

Natalie has experience in database entry, contract administration and conferencing. She previously worked at the ANU for four years as an executive assistant to the head of a boarding college and conference coordinator.

Natalie, was born in Canberra, but spent 5 years living and working in Sydney before returning to Canberra to raise her family.

At Fulbright, Natalie engages in contact with Fulbright scholars, prepares documentation and looks after all incoming email inquiries into the Fulbright website.

 

Kate Whitehead

Administrative Assistant

Email: Adminasst@fulbright.com.au

Kate provides support to all team members at the commission, maintaining and enhancing daily management within the Fulbright office. Kate will usually be your first point of contact and will direct your enquiries to the right person with all the answers.

Kate comes to The Fulbright Commission with an education background in Primary and High schools within Australia and in London; Adult education in the Technical and Further Education sector; Teaching English as a Second Language along with extensive experience as a Recreation Officer. Periods of Employment within the university sector, as a teacher and tutor have broadened her educational knowledge. Kate has small business and graphic design experience through the establishment of her own business, and is currently writing an educational resource about Team Challenges.

This part time position enables her to utilize her skills and bring up her 4 children in what she believes is one of the most relaxed and beautiful cities in the world.