Meet the team

Mikayla Murphy

Hi! My name is Mikayla, and I am studying a Masters of Teaching (Secondary). I have taken over the role of Charlie Editor and am super excited to meet new contributors! I am a bright and bubbly person who has a passion for the Arts and travel.

Amy O’Halloran

Hi everyone! My name is Amy O’Halloran and I am in my final year of studying a Bachelor of Communications (News and Media) in Bathurst. University has given me many opportunities and I am excited to see where life takes me. If I’m not working, you’ll find me reading, drawing, walking, gaming, or writing stories.

Anna Somers

Kia Ora! I’m Anna and I’m studying a Master of Paramedicine (Critical Care). I grew up in Port Macquarie and I’ve just moved to Sydney after spending some time over in New Zealand. I have a background in nursing, paramedicine, disability and aged care support, and volunteer firefighting. I’m expanding my writing skills to reach people, share experiences, and work towards writing more journal articles.

Charlotte Lyons

Hi, I am Charlotte and I am studying a Bachelor of Communication specialising in news and media. Moving from Sydney to Bathurst to study was a big deal for me but I’ve absolutely loved the on campus life at Charles Sturt! Navigating university was definitely scary at first and reading these blogs actually helped me prepare myself! So, I hope to now share some of my own experiences as a third year student on Charlie too!

Charlotte Penhall

Hi! My name is Charlotte Penhall, and I’m currently studying a Policing and Public Safety degree at our great Port Macquarie campus. I love helping people whenever I can, and that played a big part in wanting to join the NSW Police Force.

Geilan Khodedah

Hello beautiful people, my name is Geilan (pronounced as J) and I’m a second-year Law and Criminal justice student here in Port Macquarie. I’m from Wagga Wagga and that’s where I also finished high school in 2022. Sharing my journey, experiences and passion wasn’t in my bucket for 2024 but I have been really enjoying sharing a little bit about myself and perhaps something that could help or guide other students through Charlie! Some of the things that I do in my spare time are volunteering, reading, walks, sketching/painting and basically anything that involves nature. Looking forward to sharing and writing more!! 

Hannah Porter

Hi, i’m Hannah, a third year Medicine student through Charles Sturt University, Orange. I am really excited to be back home in Parkes for my Clinical years where I live with my husband and our beautiful children. I am so excited to have the opportunity to study the new Doctor of Medicine course – a rural course for rural doctors & I love writing some articles on science and medicine, I hope you enjoy!

Joel Sheasby

Hello wonderful people! My name is Joel, and I’m a dentistry student from Canada. I moved to Orange in 2020 and spend my time working out, mountain biking, and doing anything outdoors! I’m looking forward to sharing my experiences as an international student, as well as the mischief I get myself up to in Australia.

Jordan Treloar

I’m a PhD student and a previous Charlie Editor. I love motorsport and it is a dream when all the Supercars roar around Mount Panorama in October. I look forward to writing and sharing content for all of you to enjoy. View all posts by Jordan

Kate Armstrong

Hi everyone, my name is Kate Armstrong (technically Katelyn) and I’m a Physiotherapy student at Charles Sturt Orange! I moved from Wagga Wagga, where I grew up. I graduated from Wagga Wagga Christian College at the end of 2021 after completing my HSC. Some of my passions include baking, reading, long walks & dancing! I’m really enjoying the opportunities as a Charlie Contributor! 

Meg Seis

Hi, I’m Meg Seis and I’m studying Veterinary Science at the Wagga Wagga Campus. I am from Dunedoo, a small town in central western NSW. I love the Wagga community and in my spare time can be found running around the rugby field (or playing any other sport I can find) and spending time with friends!

Michelle Curry

Hi I’m Michelle and I’m studying a Bachelor of Education K-12 in Bathurst.

Milan Maksimovic

Milan Maksimovic is an IT professional with over 25 years of expertise in product, program, and project management within the digital transformation. Holding a master’s degree from Charles Sturt, he is currently pursuing a doctorate focusing on “Strategies for Cybersecurity Challenges in AI-driven Digital Change”. Beyond his academic pursuits, Milan is a tennis coach for primary school-aged children and dedicates his free time to community initiatives. In 2021, he was honored with the Citizen of the Year medallion at the local level for his impactful contributions to bushfire relief efforts.

Nayma Bilal

My name is Nayma Bilal and I am a Doctor of Medicine student in Orange . I am a proud wife, mother and carer. As the eldest child of two academics, I’m a dedicated and hardworking student, activist, and proud, active member of the CALD community. I’m also an enthusiastic swimmer and adventure lover.

Remy Naughton

Hi, I am Remy! I’m studying a Bachelor of Communications (Journalism) on the Bathurst campus. I am originally from a small beach town but made the move to Bathurst in 2022 and absolutely love it! I am passionate about sporting, travel, music and current affairs! I look forward to writing about my experience and tips n tricks!

Shristi N

Hello!! I am studying Pharmacy at Charles Sturt. Navigating university as a mature-aged student was and is a crazy journey I wasn’t ready for. Charlie helped me a lot in adjusting. I used to run my own blog page many moons ago, and I hope to share some of my experiences with Charlie!

Timothy Van Veen

Hey Everyone. My name is Timothy and I’m from the Great not so big southern Charles Sturt campus in Albury-Wodonga. I am chopping my way through my Bachelor of Education (K-12) and hopefully nearly done. My main uni tip to share – is to take up every opportunity you can get! 

Valerie Chen

Hi everyone! My name is Valerie and I am an Oral Health student and a cartoonist living in Wagga Wagga.  I’ve done 30 different jobs in life and finally discovered dentistry as a dental assistant at the age of 30. I am excited to share my stories about how I went from a broke street vendor in Taiwan to a happy study mum in Australia, plus some study tips that works for me.