Q & A with the UTS Head of School of Built Environment
What does a typical day look like?
Every day is quite unique and different, there is always something interesting or unexpected coming up. This is part of why I love the academic environment (never a dull moment!). Currently I have lots and lots of zoom meetings and daily check-in's with staff. In between its planning and budgets for next year, facilitating accreditation visits (which are now all virtual), writing papers for journals and conferences, submitting applications for funding and connecting with our Industry Partners. Outside of work, a typical day for me consist of long walks with my kids and husband, and going for a run (10km +).
What advice would you give to your 18 year old self?
"Hold on, don’t stress so much, its going to be one good ride!" I think it’s a fine balance between being very dedicated and still having enough time to LIVE life. One of my favourite series 'This is us' said it quite perfectly: "Catch the moments of your life, catch them while you're young and quick, because sooner than you know it, you'll be old and slow... and there'll be no more of them to catch".
Whats your secret to success?
I focus on the positives. I see the extraordinary in the ordinary. If you can do this, you are always thankful, and when you are thankful you enjoy life, and when you enjoy life and enjoy what you do, you work even harder.
Whats the most challenging aspect of your role and how do you overcome it?
The fact that there's only 24 hours in a day! In academia there is always more to do, one more paper to write, one more conference to attend. I developed strategic planning and time-management skills over the years which are really helpful in my current role.
What is the most rewarding thing about being Head of School of Built Environment?
Definitely the people! Being part of an amazing team of Staff and Students, who instantly made me part of the family when I arrived here beginning of the year, and to now grow together with these "family members" and see how our school are being increasingly recognised as one of the leading Built Environment Schools in Australia. My motto for our school is 'whatever good things you build, end up building you'. Invest your time and energy in doing good things in life, this will be your greatest reward!
