BSc BioMedSci (Hons)

Katya Dunham’s journey began in Aberdeen, Scotland, where her dad’s heavy involvement in local theatre helped shape her childhood. Frequent backstage visits to the historic His Majesty’s Theatre felt like wandering through a maze of timeless stories. “It was fascinating – and of course super creepy thanks to all the ghosts!” she laughs. 

In high school, Katya’s leadership skills emerged when she and a friend revived the Sixth Form (Year 12) ball. “Bringing back the formal seemed like a great idea at the time, but it was so awkward, like the movie Footloose with everyone standing around the edges, but when the DJ played ‘Relax’ by Frankie Goes to Hollywood, everyone started dancing, and it turned into a great night!” This early experience would hint at her future career, but at the time her aspiration was to become a nurse. 

She began a nursing degree at Dundee University in 1991 but soon realised her true interest lay in the science behind health. Transferring to Biomedical Science at Aberdeen University allowed her to explore disease from a scientific angle while valuing the human element. After graduating in 1995, Katya moved to Melbourne and worked at the Burnet Institute, where she became a supervising scientist in the HIV Clinical Research Lab. After a few years, she began to look for new opportunities and aimed to pursue a PhD focused on mother-to-child HIV transmission and safe breastfeeding practices in India to enhance health outcomes in areas where clean water and formula were scarce. “Unfortunately, the project couldn’t proceed for a variety of reasons, which was disappointing at the time.” However, this setback opened a new door within the Institute’s marketing and community engagement team. “I was already involved in outreach and education programs, and this was a chance to continue making a difference in a new way.” 

Katya thrived in marketing, which she explains is just a different kind of science. “Marketing is all about using data, experimentation and problem solving to test theories that help us understand and influence consumer behaviour.” She also “crammed in a bunch of short courses to learn the ropes and was thrown into the deep end” running marketing and fundraising campaigns, creating a TV ad, producing a range of publications, articles and media releases, and managing some major events. “I have always been creative and a pretty good writer, so combined with my ability to understand and communicate the research, it felt like a seamless transition.” This would ultimately define her future career. 

In 2002, Katya took on a role in Marketing, Media and Publications for the Faculty of Business and Economics at Monash University. This began a five-year journey, during which time she took on more senior roles including Marketing and Recruitment Manager for the Faculty of Law and ultimately Marketing Services Manager for the University. “My first boss at Monash was amazing. He was the catalyst for driving me to seek more senior roles. In each position I was given more and more responsibility and opportunities to grow my expertise across all areas of marketing, student recruitment and community engagement.” 

After Monash, Katya ran her own marketing consultancy for a few years and began a part-time role as Marketing & Communications Manager at Mentone Girls’ Grammar in 2008. “Following the birth of my son, I transitioned to a full-time role at the School. It was an incredible experience that further fuelled my passion for education, and it was wonderful to contribute to a school within my local community,” she reflects. “It was there I learned the mantra of ‘surprise and delight’ from the Principal of the day, which is something I strive to incorporate into all my work.” 

After eight fulfilling years, Monash once again came knocking and for nearly five years, she led the Engagement and Marketing Services team at Monash Business School. “I had a large team of about 30+ staff across all areas of marketing, communications, student recruitment, alumni development, community partnerships and more. It was a brilliant group, and we had the opportunity to create some real magic!”  

Katya returned to Mentone late in 2021, this time as Director of Advancement at Mentone Grammar. Her role was crucial in celebrating the School’s Centenary in 2023, which she approached with enthusiasm, creativity and a good dose of determination. Notable achievements included being the lead writer and editor of the captivating book The Changing Face of Mentone Grammar, producing a special Centenary ‘history’ video and developing a range of Centenary events including a ‘Mentonians vs Firsts’ Sports Day, an Art Show, the magnificent Gala Ball, an outdoor Movie Night and the biggest ever Reunion Lunch. “The Centenary year was a whirlwind and an enormous team effort that certainly tested us more than once but was incredibly fulfilling!” Katya says. “Each project was a chance to honour and expand upon the School’s rich history and importantly to bring our extended community together.” 

Her work has also included practical innovations such as a major redevelopment of the School’s website and the recent launch of a new parent app, as well as the significant project to reimagine the uniform into the impressive ‘Centenary Collection’. “Managing such diverse projects has been challenging but also an opportunity to innovate and push boundaries,” she notes. “The teamwork and creativity involved have also been truly inspiring.” 

Katya’s deep passion for Mentone Grammar is evident in her commitment and affection for the School. “We always intended for our son to attend Mentone Grammar and had him enrolled very early, but now as both a parent and a staff member, I genuinely love this School,” she says. “It’s about being part of a community deeply committed to education and development and it’s an exciting time as we look to the future.” 

Katya embraces the quote by Confucious that “Roads were made for journeys, not destinations,” and believes every experience, even the tough ones, are an important part of growth. “If I have any advice, it’s follow your passions, welcome every change as a new adventure and surround yourself with people who inspire you, believe in you and who give you strength.”  

From organising her Year 12 formal in Aberdeen to becoming a scientist and now thriving as an executive leader at Mentone Grammar, Katya’s story is a testament to passion, creativity and embracing every opportunity. 

 By Steph Kinnear