Dr Juliana De Nooy is a senior lecturer at the University of Queensland, with her specific focus on intercultural narratives and travel literature (esp. Australia/France), intercultural communication (esp. intercultural pragmatics and ICC pedagogy), twins and doubles in contemporary literature and culture, computer-mediated communication (esp. intercultural) and theories of identity and difference. She has had a career teaching languages and intercultural communication both in France and Australia, "expanding the horizons of understanding" for her students. Juliana has written several successful books, the latest published just months ago. She notes teaching at the Ipswich campus of UQ when it first started up as a highlight of her career because, like her "many students, they were the first in their family to go to university and education was making a difference to their lives".

State High played a nurturing role in Juliana's upbringing with wonderful teachers encouraging and supporting her interests in the arts (languages, music, literature and teaching) before she had decided on a clear career path. This keen passion for the arts was represented through her performance in two school musicals. State High allowed her to thrive not just intellectually, but socially, through events such as gathering with her friends after the interschool debating competitions on Friday evenings, something she always looked forward to.

Juliana's career has led her to a point where she feels it is important to advocate that current State High students should follow their passions. She says "do something that you love, do it as well as you possibly can and doors will open". This mindset allowed Juliana to pursue a satisfying and fulfilling life that she has found to be very rewarding thus far.

Written by Eden Rees*

*NB: This alumni profile was crafted by a State High student as part of the school's student/alumni interview project during the 2021 Centenary celebration.