Alumni Spotlight
🎓 Alumni Spotlight: Dr. Jake Valentine – Class of 2013
From curious science student to public health changemaker, Jake Valentine’s journey proves that passion, persistence, and a bit of data can truly transform lives. He’s not just crunching numbers – he’s helping make Victoria one of the safest places in the world to have a baby.
🧠 Current Role
Jake currently works as a Senior Data Analyst at Safer Care Victoria, part of the Victorian Department of Health. His role? Analysing birth data from across the state to improve the safety and quality of Victoria’s healthcare system. (Ambitious? Absolutely. Exaggerated? Not in the slightest.)
🔬 From Curiosity to Career
Jake’s pathway began at Berwick College, where his passion for medical science took root during VCE. That spark led him to Monash University, where he completed a Bachelor of Biomedical Science alongside Advanced German Linguistics.
During his Honours year, Jake conducted the largest study of its kind in Victoria, investigating the health and economic burden of fungal infections in cancer patients. The outcome?
✅ Two medical journal publications
✅ A national conference presentation on the Gold Coast
✅ Winner of the 2017 Monash Biomedical Science Honours Prize
This success fuelled his desire to bring research into real-world practice. He went on to complete a PhD at the University of Melbourne, with the Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology. Over the course of his doctoral studies, Jake developed advanced infection surveillance systems using big data, published seven peer-reviewed articles, presented at national conferences, and worked with government stakeholders to ensure funding models supported vulnerable patients across Australia.
🏫 Berwick Highlights
Jake reflects fondly on Year 12, where the shared determination of students and teachers created a strong sense of support and camaraderie.
A standout influence? Frau Cairns, his German teacher: “She went above and beyond. She opened doors I thought were impossible and inspired me to keep going when things got tough – a truly great teacher.”
💬 Favourite Quote “Short term pain, long term gain.” A motto Jake lived by throughout VCE – and one that continues to shape his work and ambitions today.
📊 From Thesis to Statewide Impact
From writing Victoria’s largest study of its kind as a student to now analysing birth outcomes across the entire state, Jake’s journey shows what’s possible with curiosity, hard work, and a genuine drive to make a difference.
Today we were lucky to welcome back Berwick College alum Ty Barrot (Class of 2020) to speak with our year 8 Indonesian students. Ty’s passion for language learning and education was truly inspiring - and it's a journey that began right here at Berwick College!
Ty is currently in his fifth year of a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Bachelor of Arts (Honours) at Monash University, majoring in Indonesian Studies. He’s now writing an honours thesis that bridges both his legal and Indonesian language interests. Earlier this year, Ty even completed a legal internship in Jakarta with the Indonesian Judicial Research Society, marking nearly a decade since he first started Indonesian at Berwick back in year 7.
Originally considering a career in education, Ty made a last-minute - but thoughtful - switch to law after VCE results were released in 2020. He had studied Legal Studies in Year 11 and had long been drawn to the legal field. That decision has since opened up diverse opportunities for Ty, from research and public speaking to international internships.
Despite not pursuing a teaching degree, Ty has remained strongly connected to education. He’s spoken to students across Victoria and even returned to Berwick previously to support VCE classes. His enduring connection to Indonesian studies began at Berwick College:
“It became one of my primary interests and played a key role in shaping the direction of my university studies. It’s exciting to see the program evolving, and I look forward to seeing future students discover the same passion I did.”
Ty also credits his success to the support of standout educators, especially Ms Liana Mannens, a former Berwick College teacher (and alum!). As his Indonesian and English teacher in year 12, her dedication - through exam prep, essay feedback and constant encouragement - was instrumental. She even encouraged Ty to run for College Captain in 2020, during what became a very unique and challenging pandemic year.
To top off a fantastic visit, Ty and the Indonesian faculty were able to celebrate Bu Lauren Manolitsa’s birthday – herself a proud Berwick College alum and now an Indonesian teacher at the school – with some delicious Indonesian treats shared at lunchtime (as well as a little conversation in Indonesian!).
Ty’s Favourite Quote?
"People are not independent entities. We all exist in relationship with one another."- Hannie Rayson, Extinction
Thank you, Ty, for sharing your time and story with us today. You've shown our students the power of language - not just as a subject, but as a gateway to opportunity, connection and global experience. Your journey is a reminder of how far a love of language can truly take you.
📢 Berwick alumni — got a story to share or know someone who does? Email alumni@berwickcollege.vic.edu.au