Today is a special day as we celebrate the promotion of Lelanie Smith, Head of Community-based Projects and supersmart Aeronautical Engineer, to the role of Associate Professor. Professor Smith (how awesome does this sound) isn't just a colleague; she's also been an amazing boss, mentor, study leader, and one of the most brilliant people ever!

Throughout her career, Lelanie has shown outstanding leadership skills. She's been a supportive boss who encourages teamwork and inclusion, making our workplace a better place for everyone. As a mentor, Lelanie has been like a guiding light, helping others (especially Sharne and I) find our path in academia, and perhaps in life as well. She's shared her wisdom and experience, empowering us to reach for our goals and overcome challenges. As a study supervisor, she may seem intimidating because she is very pedantic, but she actually gives helpful feedback and supports everyone around her in their personal and professional development.

To many of us, Lelanie is a true hero and living legend. Her dedication to making a difference in academia and advocating for positive change inspires us all to do our best and make our mark on the world. Congratulations Professor Lelanie Smith on your well-deserved promotion! Your hard work, leadership, and kindness have made a lasting impact on all of us. We're excited to see what amazing things you'll accomplish as Associate Professor!