Joining Macquarie in 2007, Dr Lurion De Mello, from the Department of Applied Finance, specialises in the research area of energy economics and behavioural finance.

Outside of work, Lurion enjoys cooking and is a keen cricketer, with some leg spin figures to rival Warnie.

“I love my cricket having played at club level in Perth. My best figures were 4/12 bowling leg spin.”

1. Something you feel proud of
I feel proud to have been a finalist in the Vice-Chancellor’s 2020 Learning and Teaching Awards, and proud of my wife for winning the Sessional Staff Award. I am also proud to have been given the opportunity to coach the U10s cricket team at the Carlingford Waratah Cricket Club.

2. A person you admire at Macquarie
I admire my wife, Leeanne Mendonca De Mello’s dedication to her students with her meticulous preparation, innovative and engaging delivery of her classes to students.

3. What you need to do your best work
Good access to information, data and an engaging audience. As well as opportunities for media engagement, and to attend events to connect with industry professionals.

4. The coolest bit of equipment you use in your work
At the start of the pandemic, I used a selfie stick, a chair and my backpack to deliver live webinars for Macquarie International.

5. Something people usually ask you when they find out what you do for living
“You are in finance, so where do you think the stock market will be heading?” and “I heard you on the radio, do you think petrol prices are going to go up even higher?

6. Something you’ve read recently that has had an impact on you
Recently I’ve been fascinated at how drones can be used in detecting and solving several problems in business.

7. A favourite photo from your camera roll
Meeting the High Commissioner of India to Australia, Ambassador Manpreet Vohra at the Australia India Business Council (NSW Chapter) event last month.

8. Your definition of success
When you take risks and try something new, and it ends up having a positive impact on society – whether it’s teaching or mentoring or coaching.

9. Where you live and what you like about living there
I live in Carlingford and it’s close to work, shopping centres, Flemington Markets and Costco! I’ve lived in the area since arriving in Sydney as a bachelor in 2007. I chose not to move because of the schools.

10. I’m happiest when…
I am in the kitchen cooking.