Pepi Smyth

Pepi Smyth is a trained scientist and communications professional with nearly 30 years' experience in the Western Australian higher education sector.

She is a research translation specialist working in research and media strategy and has trained many researchers and PhD student on ways to distil their lifetime's work into a catchy sentence. Pepi has been an advocate for science communication for many years, through the establishment of the WA Science Awards and holding roles as the Western Australian Vice President of Australian Science Communicators and National Science Week. Currently the Communications Manager at UWA, Pepi focuses on internal communications to students and staff.

Ms Selina Torrance (UWA DVCO)

Ms Selina Torrance heads the newly created portfolio of University Operations as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Operations). Selina has 20-plus years' experience in executive management roles, leading large and diverse teams across banking, financial services, insurance and health.

Selina has held senior executive positions at BankWest, HBF and P&N Bank, and served on Curtin University's Faculty of Health Sciences advisory board. She is also a former Telstra Business Women's Award winner (medium-to-large business category, WA), graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) and graduate of Leadership WA.

The Operations portfolio includes People & Culture, IT, Risk, Safety & Compliance, Campus Management, Brand Marketing & Recruitment, Student Accommodation & Community, Venues Management, and Transformation & Improvement.

Viknash VM

Viknash VM, MAICD, is a dedicated professional with a deep commitment to advancing the higher education and international student experience. He currently serves as the Coordinator of International Student Support at the University of Western Australia (UWA), where he leads strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing the well-being and engagement of international students.

Before his current role, Viknash served as the Communications and Engagement Officer for the Global Engagement Office at UWA, where he played a role in enhancing the university's global presence.

His expertise extends to the postgraduate space, where he made a substantial impact as President of the Postgraduate Student Association (PSA) at UWA. During his tenure, Viknash managed Research Week 2023 and redeveloped the association's engagement strategy, achieving a remarkable 180% increase in student engagement, and was a strong advocate for HDR students.

In addition to his role at UWA, Viknash serves as the Board Secretary for the Council of Postgraduate Associations (CAPA), where he plays a crucial role in ensuring compliance as an incorporated association, national policy discussions and advocacy efforts that influence the postgraduate landscape across Australia.

Viknash has received numerous awards in recognition of his outstanding contributions to student support, leadership, and engagement, reflecting the significant impact of his work. Viknash holds a Bachelor's in Commerce (Accounting) and a postgraduate qualification in International Relations. He is also a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (MAICD), reflecting his ongoing commitment to leadership and professional development across the higher education sector.