ANU Spaces – Professor Imelda Whelehan

Meet Professor Imelda Whelehan, the University's new Dean, Higher Degree Research.

Professor Whelehan, can you tell us what your role is at ANU?

I have academic leadership and oversight of HDR programs in terms of strategy, policy, quality assurance and quality of HDR student experience. I work closely with College Associate Deans of Higher Degree Research and I report to the DVC (Research) Professor Margaret Harding. I meet regularly with student stakeholders, especially those in the Postgraduate and Research Students' Association (PARSA).

What do you like about working at ANU?

Everyone I have met has been enormously friendly, and I have enjoyed the welcomes and offers of support (including advice about which suburb to live in). I enjoy contact with academics from all disciplines and hearing about our students' research projects. Higher degree research students are infinitely various and interesting - when you talk to people about their research you get a real insight into what motivates and excites them as a person.

What is your favourite part of the ANU campus?

When I lived on campus temporarily I spent many a happy hour sitting by the Fellow's Oval and reading. I also like the walk through campus to the Botanic Gardens.

Prior to ANU, you were based at the University of Tasmania, but you are originally from the UK - that's quite a move from the UK, to Tasmania, to Canberra! Tell us about the events that led up to you flying halfway around the world?

I am amazed at how little thought I put into the possible consequences of uprooting my children to come and live on the other side of the world! We travelled as a family of four, partly to allow my husband to take up an exciting role at the University of Tasmania and partly to allow me to pursue further opportunities as a research professor in the Faculty of Arts. Within a couple of years I took on the role of Pro Vice-Chancellor Research Training. I had never worked overseas and this provided an excellent opportunity to test my mettle. Post-Brexit, this seems like the best plan ever...

What have you found interesting about living in Canberra?

I like the range of social activities, markets and festivals, the urban walks and public spaces, the National Library, Old Parliament House, The National Gallery and the National Museum, Clouston and Hall Booksellers, and the Palace Electric Cinema. I have also begun to explore the surrounding countryside and wineries.

In your spare time, what hobbies do you enjoy?

I try to keep up with my research, which means a great deal is done in my spare time. Two of my hobbies - reading widely and watching films - are often part of my research efforts, because of my expertise in screen adaptations. My engagement in feminist scholarship means I try to keep abreast of current affairs in relation to issues of gender. I love bushwalking and will be enjoying a five day walk in New Zealand over Easter. I am a reasonably good gardener and cook and, after much trial and error, managed to grow a decent amount of vegetables in my garden in Hobart.

For Higher Degree by Research students wishing to contact you, how best can they do this?

Anyone can email me on dean.hdr@anu.edu.au. I can also be found ordering coffee at Gods in the Arts Centre around 8.30 most mornings.