Turning a diagnosis into purpose
Six years ago, on an ordinary flight back from a work trip, a casual conversation changed the trajectory of Geoff Augutis’ life.
The Bundaberg local and CQU alumnus was sitting beside a university professor and struck up a conversation.
“He explained his role in supervising PhD students, and I casually mentioned how I’d always wanted to pursue a PhD myself,” Dr Augutis recalls.
He said the passenger’s response was direct and unexpectedly challenging: "Why not do it now?"
“I had no answer. A year later, I enrolled – not knowing where it might lead, just a vague sense that I wanted to contribute to something meaningful.”
At the time, his business Queensland Computers, which he founded with brother Luke 20 years prior, was thriving financially, but faced a critical gap: the technology it sold wasn’t being used effectively in classrooms.
“This realisation sparked an effort to not just sell, but to empower schools to maximise the value of their investments. "My PhD, initially a vague ambition, soon became focused on addressing these real-world challenges,” Dr Augutis explained.
Through research, Dr Augutis said he stumbled upon an unexpected gap – the untapped potential of peer facilitation, where students help one another integrate technology into their learning.
“This discovery shifted my thesis, and I envisioned using my findings to help educators design more effective programs – a vision rooted in both personal and professional fulfilment.”
But life had other plans.
In February, after a brief foray into Muay Thai kickboxing for fitness, the 37-year-old husband and father of three children began experiencing unexplained dizzy spells.
“A series of scans revealed a 40mm brain tumour. What was initially thought to be benign turned out to be a rare and slow-growing form of brain cancer called oligodendroglioma,” Dr Augutis said.
The diagnosis didn’t stop the determined candidate from completing his PhD.
“I contacted my supervisors Linda Pfeiffer and Michael Cowling and notified them of my situation and that I would be undergoing surgery, aware of the possibility that the procedure might impair my cognitive abilities,” he explained.
“Remarkably, I emerged unscathed, both physically and mentally, and my work continued.”
On Tuesday 10 December, Dr Augutis crossed the CQUniversity graduation stage to not only officially receive his doctorate, but to share his inspiring story with the graduating crowd as the guest speaker.
And his speech barely left a dry eye in the house.
His journey, from launching a successful business with his brother while studying an undergraduate degree, to navigating a life-altering diagnosis – has reinforced one truth: life rarely follows a linear path, but even in uncertainty, there is purpose.
“Whether mentoring young talent at our company, working to improve technology in schools, or cherishing moments with my family, I am focused on leaving a legacy of impact and gratitude.”
Dr Augutis' journey isn’t just a story about overcoming obstacles. It’s about embracing them, finding meaning in the struggle and striving to make every moment count.
