With our foundation in Christ, William Clarke College is a servant-hearted community that seeks to know and respond appropriately to the needs of others. We strive to develop extraordinary learners who demonstrate a passion for serving others, whether at a local, national or global level. We believe learning finds its deepest purpose when it serves the flourishing of communities.

Established in 2009, the Alumnus of the Year award recognises an outstanding former student who has not only excelled in their field but embodies that calling through both character and contribution. We were therefore delighted to announce that Dr Adam Mylonas, from the Class of 2015, was named Alumnus of the Year for 2025 at our recent Presentation Day celebrations.

Since graduating from the College 10 years ago, Adam has pursued a path in biomedical engineering marked by curiosity, discipline and a desire to use his skills for the good of others. His story is not only one of academic excellence; it is a story shaped by service, faith and an unwavering commitment to ensuring people, especially those with limited access to healthcare, receive the care they deserve.

After Year 12, Adam completed a double degree in Biomedical Engineering (First Class Honours with a High Distinction average) and Medical Science (Immunology) at the University of Sydney, followed by a PhD in Medicine and Health. His PhD research focused on using artificial intelligence (AI) to improve radiotherapy, a treatment used by many cancer patients in Australia. “Since my second year at university, I’ve been fortunate to work with some of the world’s leading experts to improve radiotherapy using AI, with the aim of making treatments more effective and reducing side effects,” Adam noted.

One of the greatest challenges in radiotherapy is motion. As the body naturally moves –through breathing, digestion or changes in the bladder – tumours shift. Current standard treatment methods can partially miss the tumour or damage healthy tissue. While some technologies use implanted gold markers to track movement, these require additional surgery and are not available for all patients. Adam’s research aims to solve this problem using AI alone, enabling real-time tumour tracking without markers or expensive equipment. As a result, Adam, together with his PhD supervisors, have invented an AI solution for existing radiotherapy machines that tracks tumour motion during treatment using standard X-ray images.

The impact of this achievement is significant. It has the potential to reduce side effects, improve accuracy and make high-quality cancer treatment more accessible around the world. And yet, Adam speaks of it with quiet humility. “It’s incredibly humbling to know that next year we plan to treat the first cancer patients using this AI technology, which has the potential to make a real difference in people’s lives,” he shared.

Reflecting on the teachers who shaped him at the College, Adam was quick to affirm that “the teaching was fantastic. I really remember all my teachers. They were great role models, very passionate about what they were teaching and I really enjoyed coming to class.” He spoke warmly of his Science lab work, flipped-classroom experiments and the ways Mr Dan Miller, his Physics teacher, sparked a love of exploring how technology and humanity intersect. “It’s hard to come away from that without being inspired by his passion,” he said.

Adam’s time at William Clarke was rich with opportunities beyond the classroom. Completing his Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award ignited a lifelong love of the outdoors; volunteering with the Sound and Lighting team gave him early experiences in leadership and serving others; and his involvement in GLO, including serving as a GLO Prefect, laid the foundation for his faith. Yet the most defining moment came during the Solomon Islands Mission Trip in Year 10. As Adam recalls, the experience was “eye-opening in many ways”. Seeing the limited healthcare facilities in remote communities helped shape his desire to work in a field that could make a tangible difference. His early ambition to join the family veterinary practice evolved into a fascination with medicine and a drive to improve the lives of others. “That trip was life-changing. It completely shifted my perspective,” he reflected.

Throughout his journey, Adam’s faith has remained central. He spoke openly about the intensity of completing a double degree, a PhD, research work and late nights in the lab. “Looking back over 10 years, I can see how God guided each step,” he said. “I couldn’t have done it on my own. Relying on God and having church support was essential.” Today, Adam and his wife Caroline, continue to live out that faith as active members of The Bridge Church in Kirribilli.

Despite the demands of his work, Adam has spent the past 12 years volunteering as an Athletics Official for Australian Athletics and Little Athletics. What began as noticing a shortage of officials during his own career as an elite race walker has become a faithful commitment to community sport. He is now one of Australia’s youngest World Athletics Bronze Referees, a testament to his steady, generous character.

Speaking with Adam after Presentation Day gave a wonderful insight into both the groundbreaking research he is undertaking and the values that have guided him since leaving William Clarke. When asked about his future plans and advice for students, he emphasised that “it’s okay not to know what you want to do yet. Just stay curious and keep exploring all these new fields as careers are forever changing.” He also highlighted the importance of stepping beyond classroom learning. “It’s very important when you’re studying a lot and working to find something you can do outside of that. Take time to reset and connect with God in creation for example”. Above all, Adam encouraged students “not to be afraid to ask questions or try new things. Just keep pushing, get involved and trust in God.”

Adam’s story is a powerful reflection of what it means to be an extraordinary learner. It is not only about curiosity and courage but also about faithfulness and a heart for serving others. His work will continue shaping the future of cancer treatment, but just as importantly, his example encourages our community to follow where God leads and to use our gifts for the good of the world.

In recognising Adam as Alumnus of the Year for 2025, the College celebrates not only an outstanding academic and researcher but also a humble and dedicated servant of others. His journey reminds us that learning grounded in faith has the power to transform communities and bring hope into some of the most challenging aspects of people’s lives. We congratulate Adam on this well-deserved honour.

By Catherine Sanchez, Publications Officer