ICT staff and innovations honoured at Queensland tech awards event

By Greg Chapman

CQUniversity’s dedication to innovation in the ever-changing technology sector has seen two staff and a unique project recognised at the 2026 Australian Computer Society Queensland Tech Awards in Brisbane.

GenAI Project Manager in CQU’s Digital Services Directorate, Stephanie de Hoog, was named Professional of the Year, while Dr Sangeetha Kutty, Discipline Lead – Emerging Technologies, in the School of Engineering and Technology, received the Tertiary Tech Educator of the Year Award.

In addition to the two staff recognitions, CQU also won the Queensland IT Project of the Year with its project, From Applications to Opportunity: Reimagining Student Scholarship Delivery.

Stephanie said she felt “extremely grateful and proud” of the recognition.

“Especially to be recognised alongside the other finalists, who are all exceptional in their fields. I’m also really proud to have the opportunity to represent women in IT and regional Queensland,” she said.

Her award acknowledged Stephanie’s work with senior citizens in the Rockhampton community, helping them build basic cyber safety skills.

“They are often some of the people most vulnerable to scams and cyber-attacks, and it’s something I care a lot about,” she said.

“I hope the recognition gives me more opportunities to mentor and support students and young professionals coming into the industry.”

Stephanie moved into a new role as CQUniversity’s GenAI Project Manager, after working as a Senior Systems Engineer in Data and Cybersecurity since 2008.

“What I really enjoy about the role is the opportunity we have, as both a University and a technical community, to help shape how AI is adopted across Higher Education rather than simply reacting to it,” she said.

“The technology can be daunting, and I think the choices we make now really matter. Used well, AI gives us an opportunity to take away some of the busy work that has accumulated over the years and give staff and students more time to focus on the work, learning and interactions that actually add value. That’s the part I find genuinely exciting.”

Dr Kutty said she felt “deeply humbled and grateful” to receive the recognition. 

“To me, it acknowledges not just an individual effort, but the vital role educators play in shaping and empowering students,” she said.

“It also highlights the importance of technology education within universities. This recognition reflects the support, encouragement and guidance I have received from my mentors, colleagues and everyone who believes and values this work. I see it as something shared with all those who have been part of my journey.”

She added that to her, teaching is about empowerment. 

“Education has the ability to transform lives, and being part of that journey is incredibly fulfilling,” she said.

“There is something very special about the connection between a teacher and a student. It goes beyond transferring knowledge; it is about sparking curiosity, building confidence and helping students recognise their own potential. I feel an immense sense of satisfaction when I can create that spark in a student or see them grow through something they have learned in my class.

“CQUniversity’s motto, ‘Doctrina Perpetua’, resonates strongly with me because teaching itself is a journey of lifelong learning. Every time I teach, I share what I know, but I also learn, grow and become a better educator.”

CQU Senior Lecturer ICT Arjun Neupane was also a finalist in the Tertiary Tech Educator of the Year Award category.

CQU Director – Enterprise Enabling Systems Richard Godsmark, accepted the award for the From Applications to Opportunity project.

The project established an integrated, end-to-end capability spanning application, assessment, invitation, reward, and payment processes. Students now have continuous access to apply for key funding programs, including the Indigenous Student Success Program (ISSP) and Needs-Based Funding (NBF), rather than being restricted to specific application periods. The project also introduced the ability to proactively identify potentially eligible students and invite them to apply for donor-funded scholarships.

“This project was about more than technology. It was about rethinking how we connect students with scholarship support and making it easier for those who need assistance to access it,” Mr Godsmark said.

“At its heart, this project was built around a simple idea: students should not have to find support; support should find students. We are proud of the outcome and grateful for the recognition.”

He thanked the core team members involved, Roza Kalantary-Baker, Tahnee Maskell, and Paul Moore, as well as the broader Scholarships and Digital Services teams who contributed.

Another CQU project, Delivering the Commonwealth Prac Payment: A Cross-System Digital Capability for Student Support, was also a finalist in the Project of the Year category.

The awards were presented at a black-tie ceremony at Brisbane City Hall on 10 September.