Guru of the Month - Elizabeth Taylor
 | Prof. Elizabeth Taylor, AODean |
Elizabeth graduated in engineering in 1978 from University of New South Wales and worked as an engineer for 10 years, the bulk of that time with the Maritime Services Board of NSW. She was involved in design and on site management of a number of projects, including Balmain Coal Loader, the development of No 3 Berth Darling Harbour and the Ferry Jetty Reconstruction Program. She then joined the University of Technology, Sydney as the part time Women in Engineering Coordinator and remained in that position for 4 years. Subsequently she joined the university as an academic. During the next 9 years she was involved in the redevelopment of the engineering curriculum at the university. In July 2001 she took up the position of Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Systems at Central Queensland University.
Elizabeth has also completed a law degree. She has been an active member of the Institution of Engineers, Australia and in 1996 she was President of Sydney Division (17,000 members). Presently she is on the Board of Directors of RedR (Registered Engineers for Disaster Relief) and Engineers Media. In 1998 she was awarded the Boeing Medal for Excellence in Engineering Education.
In 2003, His Excellency the Governor appointed Elizabeth Chairperson of the Board of Professional Engineers of Queensland and in June 2004, Elizabeth was invited to become a member of the Manufacturing Leaders Group - an advisory working party to the State Government's Minister of the Department of State Development and Innovation.
On Australia Day 2004, Elizabeth celebrated her recognition as an Officer in the Order of Australia (AO). She received this award for service to engineering education through the design and implementation of innovative academic programs, to professional associations and to enhancing the status of women in the profession and promoting it as a career option.
Elizabeth faces our ten questions... (and adds her own title)
Guru or Learning Partner?
1. Why did you become an academic in the first place?
Through a series of events that were not planned or remotely contemplated. My first love at that stage (10 years after graduation) was my career - on site construction and contracts management. I was a very disinterested student during my education. My education was first class in the technical sense but it did not inspire or even remotely mirror the practice of engineering. I remember standing at the gates after graduation saying 'never again'. Change occurred because I did the unthinkable at that time in history. I got pregnant so I was advised that my career on site would no longer be an option and I was to be transferred back into the design area. I decided on a career change and again by accident ended up as a Women in Engineering Coordinator, studying law part time. I discovered that curriculum and content are a living canvas of ideas and competing ideologies and I became hooked on the challenges this presents. Thus I moved into an academic career to continue the intellectual journey.
2. Is it still the same?
Absolutely. Challenging, frustrating and satisfying. I love to work with people who dare to ask WHY and are prepared to change: Academics, technical and administrative colleagues - industry, community and government people are all part of a stimulating learning environment.
3. Biggest mistake you've made in your career?
Early in my career taking the role of passive vessel and assuming that I did not have anything of value to say. I was a faithful product of my education.
4. The big thing you got right?
Listening and being open to challenges to my own ways of thinking.
5. Powerpoint or OHP?
Or perhaps neither - whatever will enhance learning. There is no single or right answer just a complex interplay between learners (both students and teachers) to create learning environments that suit their learning needs.
6. Best advice you ever received?
Not direct advice but the outcome of a lesson. I was lucky enough to job share with a colleague who continually asked me "why?" every time I made blanket statements or assertions. I was being asked to be intellectually honest about how my own history informed my 'objective judgement'. It is a lesson I have never forgotten.
7. Worst advice you ever received?
"Just put up with this (eg incompetence, abusive organisational behaviour) - there is nothing you can do".
8. Biggest challenge you've overcome?
Moving beyond the intellectual and emotional constraints of my own history.
9. What advice would you give to new academics?
Engage with and respect other ways of thinking.
Maintain your integrity and academic rigour across ALL your activities.
10. What quote inspires you as an academic?
"Professionalism is about being a voice, not an echo". I'd add - so is academic integrity.
Last Updated Wednesday September 15th, 2004