Although I attended high schools in Rockhampton, I left as soon as I could, living in places as diverse as Toowoomba, Brisbane, Melbourne, London, and Rochester (in upstate New York).  I was also lucky enough to have travelled in Asia and Europe.  As with so many other escapees from Central Queensland, however, I finally found myself drawn back to Rockhampton for family reasons. 

I have been teaching at Central Queensland University since 1997, and to my surprise I have found that I enjoy the laid-back lifestyle here—even though I still miss the bright lights, good bookshops, great coffee and cultural life of the big cities.

I am passionate about the areas in which I teach and research, and also about food, wine, travel and gardening. 

My goals for 2005 (in no particular order) are to finish painting my kitchen (red!); plant some passionfruit, citrus and roses in my garden; get my thesis accepted for publication; and successfully publish the next issue of Idiom 23, the university literary magazine.

 

 

Educational qualifications

Doctor of Philosophy, Media Studies

2003

La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria

Thesis topic:  “Louise Lovely:  The Construction of a Star”

For summary of dissertation, see “Research” page.

 

Master of Arts, English/Creative Writing

1994

State University of New York, College at Brockport, USA

Thesis topic: “The Traveller’s Daughter,” a creative non-fiction memoir and exploration of travel writing.

 

Diploma, Foundation Year Art and Design in Drawing

1983

Prahran College of TAFE, Prahran, Victoria

 

Bachelor of Arts, English/Drama and Art History

1981

La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria

 

 

Recognition

I was nominated for quality teaching awards in 1998 and 2003.

 

Two courses I developed have been showcased as exemplars.  See:

 

•  Desktop Publishing:  http://learning.cqu.edu.au/lt_resources/dtp.htm

•  Design Perspectives:  http://learning.cqu.edu.au/lt_resources/design_pers.htm

 

 

And also:

2004 (continuing)  Tutor, MLitt Students, Creative Writing, School of Humanities, Central Queensland University

 

November 5 2004  Opened art exhibition The Light Fantastic, by David Downer at Walter Reid Cultural Centre, Rockhampton

 

2004, 2005  Editor, Idiom 23

 

2003-2004  Treasurer, Rocky Flix film club

 

2003  Academic Advisor to Kevin McNulty, author, Needs Analysis, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Youth in Central Queensland

 

1999 (intermittent, continuing) Associate Editor, Metro Magazine, Melbourne

 

2001 (continuing)  Member of CQU Appeals and Exclusions Committee