With a passion for learning and a commitment to fostering community, Emma Vanzyl has already made remarkable contributions in both academic and leadership arenas.
A 2019 graduate of Caulfield Grammar School, she has carried the values and lessons from her school days into her university studies and wider pursuits. Emma recently completed an Honours year in Genetics and Genomics at Monash University, where she undertook a ground-breaking research project in population genetic modelling. She is currently advancing her work at the Hudson Institute of Medical Research, working to bridge theoretical work and translational medicine.
Reflecting on her time at Caulfield, she describes those years as pivotal in shaping her identity and ambitions. Experiences both in and outside the classroom helped build this foundation. Support from teachers such as Ms Katselas, who taught Methods in Years 10 and 11, and Mr Barry, her Head of House, played a significant part in her personal and academic growth.
Leadership became an integral part of her school experience. From captaining her water polo team to working within the Wellbeing Portfolio of the Year 12 Student Committee, she discovered the power of quiet leadership. She learnt how much impact can come from listening, noticing, and lifting others up. These lessons continued to shape her approach in subsequent roles.
After leaving Caulfield Grammar School, Emma pursued a Bachelor of Science Advanced – Research (Honours) at Monash University, where her academic talents flourished. The research focus of her degree opened her eyes to future career opportunities in both academia and applied research, and she is now preparing for the next phase of her education by considering a PhD starting next year.
Alongside her studies, she made a significant impact on others, awarded the Monash Leaders Scholarship in 2024 and 2025, taking on the Peer Mentoring Coordinator role for the Faculty of Science. Leading initiatives to support first-year students, she focused on creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for nearly 2,000 newcomers.
Returning to Caulfield Grammar School in 2023 as a Numeracy Teaching Aide marked a meaningful full-circle moment. Walking the same corridors that once nurtured her as a student was a powerful reminder of how far she had come. While helping students tackle their mathematical challenges, she aimed to create a supportive environment that resonated with their individual learning styles.
Emma’s story is a testament to the power of adaptability, hard work, and strong values. She encourages current students to take advantage of every opportunity, to both enhance their experience at Caulfield and lay the foundations for success well beyond school.
Looking to the future, she hopes to combine her passion for research with her dedication to education and community. Whether pursuing a PhD, contributing to impactful scientific projects, or continuing to mentor others, she is poised to make a profound difference in her chosen fields. Her quiet but steadfast leadership and her drive to balance technical expertise with human connection serve as an inspiration to anyone navigating their own studies and career paths.
Emma exemplifies the spirit of innovation, compassion, and resilience shaped by Caulfield Grammar School. From research labs to classrooms, her contributions remind us all that leadership comes in many forms – often revealed through empathy, determination, and a commitment to lifting others as you rise.
