Date: 9th June 2026
Media coverage - COEMinerals PhD student Tom Tildsley joins Academic Senate/College Board at University of Newcastle
We’ve very proud of our PhD student Tom Tildsley, wo joins the University of Newcastle Academic Senate College of Engineering, Science and Environment Board - as celebrating in the University’s Higher Degree Research (HDR) newsletter (pasted below/as above)
Meet your new UON Academic Senate HDR Representative: Tom Tildsley
G’day, my name is Tom Tildsley, and I am currently serving as both an Academic Senate and College Board (CESE) student representative for the HDR cohort at the University of Newcastle. I have recently been confirmed in my PhD program in chemical engineering, investigating the fascinating area of mineral processing and seeking to address the current state of processing circuits through new technologies.
My time in school has shifted from Newcastle to regional NSW in Cobar, but along this journey, I have been absorbing valuable skills and important rules to live by. I completed my Bachelor of Chemical Engineering (Honours) in 2024 at the University of Newcastle and spent half a gap year before progressing with postgraduate study. If I’m not at the university for my PhD, I will typically destress at the gym or spend time out with friends and family.
I have maintained the belief that supporting students is important at any stage of study. I’m not an overly extroverted person, but nonetheless, I am always happy to have a chat, especially when it concerns the student experience. I will particularly be interested in getting involved with the HDR Student Festival coming up on the 3rd of August. Meeting other HDR students will be my priority throughout this exciting event, especially as an avenue to showcase the exciting research being undertaken!
I have been actively pursuing more feedback from HDR students, so any queries or comments would be welcomed. If you are ever interested in chatting in person, I will often be at Coffee Connections events, and will likely attend the very useful HDR training sessions throughout 2026.
I am based in the NIER precinct of Callaghan Campus with the ARC Centre of Excellence for Enabling Eco-efficient Beneficiation of Minerals (COEMinerals), office A206. Otherwise, if you can’t find me in person, but need to relay any issues or feedback, my email is at thomas.tildsley@uon.edu.au.
Looking forward to meeting some lovely new HDR students!