IMAS staff farewell Dr Kelvin Michael

IMAS staff turned out in force today for a morning tea to farewell a long-serving and much-loved colleague, Dr Kelvin Michael (pictured, right, centre).

Kelvin’s long association with the University of Tasmania dates back to 1980, when he began studying towards a Bachelor of Science with majors in physics and mathematics.

He became Dr Michael in 1989 after completing a satellite-based study of ocean-atmosphere heat fluxes in the School of Geography & Environmental Studies.

After a stint at the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO), Kelvin joined the University staff in 1991 as a lecturer in the Institute of Antarctic and Southern Ocean Studies (IASOS), which was subsumed into IMAS on its creation in 2010.

Kelvin has been a dedicated teacher at both undergraduate and post-graduate level, supervising 25 PhD students through to completion, as well as a passionate researcher with 45 publications to his name.

In addition to Kelvin’s skill and dedication as an academic, colleagues at his farewell also spoke warmly of Kelvin’s humour and patience as a lecturer and graduate research coordinator, and his commitment and courage as a long-term delegate of the NTEU.

Kelvin’s contribution to the University also extended to the sporting arena, where he was noted for his prowess and enthusiasm at University Golf Days, in the University Squash Club, and on table tennis tables on both the Aurora Australis during an Antarctic voyage and, more recently, on dry land.

Good luck in retirement, Kelvin!