Academic excellence recognised by new Dean’s List

More than 100 students have been named on the inaugural School of Computing Technologies Dean's List, which recognises top-performing students.

Students gathered to celebrate their academic achievements at an awards ceremony earlier this month, showcasing the next generation of talent who are helping shape the future of technology in an increasingly AI-driven world.

Master of Cybersecurity student Jayachandra Naraginti Babu reflected on the significance of the moment, which was a culmination of years of hard work and effort.

“My focus has always been on understanding concepts and giving my best efforts, rather than chasing grades,” he said.

“This recognition reassures me that consistent effort truly pays off.”

The Dean’s List was launched this year as a way for the School of Computing Technologies to recognise more of its students outside of existing awards programs, which are more industry focused.

The top 3% of undergraduate and postgraduate students enrolled in the School are admitted to the list.

“Being in the top 3% of my cohort is something I am really proud of,” said Abhijith Mahendran, Master of Information Technology student.

“It gives me a lot of motivation to keep going. I think that feeling is going to follow me into my career as well.”

Second year Bachelor of Computer Science (Professional) student Hannah Pham echoed this sentiment.

“It feels rewarding to know that the effort I've put in has been recognised,” she said.

"Especially as I entered this degree not knowing 100% if tech was the right path for me, this achievement really motivates me to keep going.”

Dean of the School of Computing Technologies, Distinguished Professor Karin Verspoor, said she was delighted to celebrate students’ hard work and success.

“As there were only a very limited number of formal awards for academic excellence available in our School, we established the Dean’s List to ensure a greater number of high-performing students are acknowledged and rewarded for their hard work,” Verspoor said.

“Students who achieve academic success often do so not because they expect or covet recognition, but because they have a strong passion for their fields and a desire to push themselves to be the best they can be.

“We were proud to shine a spotlight on these students and showcase the depth of talent, dedication and outstanding academic achievement in the School of Computing Technologies.”

Student Hannah Pham (left) and friends receiving their certificates.

Students highlight value of hard work

Vivek Baitaru, Master of Cyber Security student, attributed his success to a genuine passion for his discipline, which encouraged him to take learning into his own hands.

“Rather than just relying on lectures and slide decks, I made a point to dive deeply into independent research and apply those broader concepts to my exams and assignments,” he said.

Baitaru also built strong relationships with his lecturers and tutors, who helped him identify opportunities to attend industry events, which were valuable learning experiences.

“Hearing from senior professionals in cybersecurity helped me learn new concepts, make valuable connections, and grow my practical understanding of the field.”

Final-year Bachelor of Software Engineering student, Evelyn Lie, also credited the people around her – particularly her close group of friends – with supporting her study journey.

“I was lucky to meet a group of friends early on in my first semester who are all really hardworking, and we’ve stuck together since,” she explained.

“Because we’re familiar with how each of us works, we naturally team up for group projects, and it makes a big difference.

“We have a lot of discussions and honestly just motivate each other to do better. That consistency and support really helped me stay on track.”

The ceremony celebrated students’ hard work and success.

Setting students up for long-term success

Mahendran said that the work ethic he gained from studying at RMIT will shape his future career trajectory.

“The skills and perspectives I have developed at RMIT are going to play a big part in getting me [where I want to go].”

Mahendran aspires to leverage his interests in technology and business to become a solutions architect or chief technology officer. He is also looking for opportunities to give back to the community.

“I want to give back... whether that is mentoring students who are just starting out or contributing to the broader tech community in Australia.

“I know how much the support of the people around me has meant throughout my own journey, and I would love to be that person for someone else down the line.”

Many of the students aspire to work in AI and support national security in the face of challenges posed by the new technology.

Cybersecurity student Hemanth Petlu said that he wants to contribute to a secure AI future.

“After completing my master's degree, I aim to work as a cybersecurity analyst or security engineer, focusing on vulnerabilities and threat detection and secure system designs.

“Today's world is more focused on AI, I would like to contribute to this space, ensuring security remains a core part of technological development.”

Lie added that she desires to make a positive impact on the world through her work.

“I think it’s important to build technology that doesn’t just exist for the sake of it or create more problems but instead contributes to something meaningful,” she said.

“I’m also really interested in being part of work that considers sustainability, especially with how things are going environmentally.

“I just want to grow into someone who builds things that are useful, responsible, and make a difference in some way.”

Congratulations to all of the students named on the Dean’s List for 2025. You can view the full list here.

22 April 2026

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