 Graeme
was one of the first students in the newly introduced Science degree
course at UNSW. He graduated with First Class honours in Physics in
1962 and then enrolled as a PhD student in the School. His thesis
was in experimental surface physics, investigating thermally induced
defects on semiconductor surfaces. In those days experimentalists
built much of their equipment and the skills Graeme acquired in vacuum
systems and the like were to stand him in good stead in his later
work.
Graeme joined the staff of the School of Physics after obtaining
his PhD. During a career extending over more than three decades
he made outstanding contributions to all three areas by which academics
are judged: research, teaching, and service to the institution and
the discipline. His research continued in surface physics and semiconductors
until the mid 1980’s when, together with Professor Ken Taylor,
he formed a new Advanced Electronic Materials research group, which
built very much on his knowledge and experimental skills. He was
co-author of some 170 papers in the international research literature,
as well as a comparable number of conference papers.
He was a dedicated teacher and served as Director of First Year
Studies in the School for over twenty years. He not only ensured
that the large First Year teaching program ran smoothly but took
particular pleasure in lecturing the first section of the syllabus
to incoming students. At the other end of the spectrum he was a
diligent and caring supervisor of some 20 PhD students, including
many international students.
His service to the School and to the University was equally outstanding.
Most notably he was Chair of the Board of Studies of Science and
Mathematics for some ten years, and was a member of the Academic
Board of the University for the same period, including chairing
the Board’s Undergraduate Studies Committee. On top of this
he also played a significant role in the secondary Higher School
Certificate syllabus and examination committees, chairing the latter
committee for some years.
After his retirement Graeme continued his work as a visiting professor
in the School until his death in January 2003. In recognition of
his contributions the newly redeveloped courtyard entrance to the
School will be named the “Graeme Russell Lawn”.
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