Celebrating Fathers in Our Community
This Father's Day, we take a moment to recognise and celebrate fathers, grandfathers, stepfathers, carers and father figures, both at home and here in the School of Biomedical Sciences.
Image: Prof Stuart Mazzone with sons (top and bottom left); A/Prof Michael Menden with daughter (top right) and Prof Matt Watt with sons (bottom right)
Within our school community, many of our academic and professional staff balance careers with the role of raising and supporting families. This Father's Day, we're proud to share the stories of some of the fathers whose experiences remind us that there are many things to be grateful for.
A/Prof Michael Menden
A/Prof Michael Menden is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology and Bio21 Institute, where he mentors the next generation of scientists and develops artificial intelligence to advance precision medicine. While his academic career is deeply rewarding, fatherhood gives him a different perspective on learning, curiosity and life: "Being an Associate Professor is rewarding. Being called 'Dad' is still my favourite title."
Image: A/Prof Michael Menden with daughter
At work, I mentor PhD students. At home, my toughest peer reviewer is nine years old.
Prof Stuart Mazzone
As Professor of Neuroscience in the Dept of Anatomy & Physiology and Director of the Centre of Research Excellence: IMPACT Chronic Cough, Stuart Mazzone leads research aimed at improving the lives of people living with chronic disease. A father to two sons (and ‘’exceptionally good soccer players”), Jake (23) and Louis (10), he says parenthood has taught him to appreciate both the joys and challenges of raising children. This Father's Day, while he’ll be travelling for work in Barcelona, he's looking forward to making up for lost time with his boys when he returns – doing something his sons like to do.
Image: Stuart Mazzone with sons
What are you grateful for this Father's Day?
A beautiful and supportive family, living in a peaceful country, and having so many opportunities that many around the world do not.
What’s changed since you’ve had your children?
"The number of grey hairs I have! In all seriousness, not a lot. Perhaps I have more confidence in my ability to be a reasonable dad, but otherwise the challenges are individual and unique."
You come to love and appreciate not just the highlights of raising children, but also the hard work as well.
Prof Matt Watt
Professor Matt Watt's research in the Dept of Anatomy & Physiology focuses on understanding how proteins regulate metabolic disease and liver fibrosis, helping drive discoveries that could improve health outcomes for future generations. At home, he's dad to three boys, Charlie (19), Max (17) and Sam (14). He is especially grateful this Father's Day that his children are thriving and that he can still spend time with his own father.
Image: Prof Matt Watt with three sons
My boys are healthy, well-adjusted, happy, and diligently navigating their way through life’s opportunities and challenges.
What has surprised you about parenthood?
"Despite shared genetics and the same home environment, the boys have developed some very different personality traits and quirks that make them quite unique. Yet, despite this, they have generally grown up and hit certain milestones and exhibited general behaviour traits at the same age."
What’s changed since you’ve had your children?
"What hasn’t!! The arrival of each kid has changed the dynamic of the family and life: #1 was easy, #2 came and we could play man-on-man defence, but #3’s arrival meant more complexity and a team defence!
Every step has (mostly) been a pleasure and I wouldn’t want it any other way.
While Father's Day is a special occasion for many, we know that it can also be a difficult time for some. We also acknowledge those who may be grieving, separated from loved ones or reflecting on complex family experiences. Our thoughts are with all members of our community this Father's Day.