Professor Mary Ryan, the new inaugural Head of Department of Educational Studies, has been acknowledged internationally for her contribution to research in higher education, which includes an exceptional publication record and extensive experience in program development and research strategy. She joins us from her previous role as the Assistant Dean (Research) in the Faculty of Education at the Queensland University of Technology.

We sat down with her to learn more about her career and vision for the future of the Department.

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What has been your greatest career accomplishment to date?

“My greatest career accomplishment so far has been attaining this position to lead the new Department of Educational Studies. I’m very passionate about influencing new generations of teachers who we know will play a major role in enhancing the life opportunities of young people, their families and communities. I love that we are knowledge brokers who make the theory to practice links explicable with and for our professional field.”

What is your vision for the future of the department?

“My vision for the Department is to achieve excellence in impactful research. One of the key impacts should be on our own programs, so we prepare highly capable teachers with an inquiry mindset and a thirst for lifelong learning. I’d also like to raise our profile as the pedagogy experts at Macquarie, and the go-to education experts sought out by policy makers and for collaborative partnerships with education professionals.”

How do you maintain a work/life balance?

“Maintaining life balance for me is about being passionate about what I do. Work is such a big part of our lives that it needs to be sustaining. I also find that keeping fit and healthy is essential to maintain the fast pace. Oh and then there’s shopping… and coffee…”