From HIT Lab Australia
38 years young (going on 39), married (13yrs this year) with three boys (4, 6 & 10). Spent 20 years in workforce before joining UTAS as undergrad 2005 (full-time). Have been an active member of the Christadelphian community for twenty years now, being involved in Bible study, pastoral work, missionary work (India) and public speaking (delivering Bible addresses to public and Christadelphian community meetings alike). Enjoy discussing ‘weighty’ matters with all folk, believing the best preaching (of anything important in one’s life) is through a genuine ear & respect for the individual even when you may be at odds with their belief-set.
UTas Enrolled Course(s): Bachelor Computing/Science
Year of Study: Fourth (of double degree); last semester coming up
Majors / Minors: Minor in Psychology; Major in Geography & Environmental Studies
Activities: Spending time with family; Bible study; Bushwalking
Likes: Meeting diversities of people and diversity IN people; allowing people to find the means to express their ‘hidden’ talents to the betterment (not detriment) of others
Dislikes: The reality that many at the receiving end of tertiary education seem unable, at times, to appreciate the depth of knowledge with which many academic staff are endowed with: i.e. the sense of respect that such depth deserves. Also the gap that exists sometimes between that depth of academic professionals and the means to impart this effectively to students. Comes back to an effective interface for learning: something brought up by Professor Furness in his time here!
What are your plans after study?
Looking to further my understanding in the area of environmental management. I like being out in the field but don’t want my years experience both behind a desk (administration/managerial) and face-face with people (sales/marketing) to lay dormant. I believe in active management that engages people and like to put people in touch with tools that make their day-today living more worthwhile.
What do you find most exciting about Human Interface Technology (HIT)?
The HITLab promises the potential to realise my own aspirations by interfacing people with technology that can enhance environments. For e.g. in the form of augmented reality to enhance education, people may find a greater connection with the subject matter and thus their retention of information may be greater.
Any Advice for Prospective HIT Students?
Approach this discipline with a clean slate but ensure that slate is broad (no fixed expectations). Remember this is about bridging the human mind to environments but to do so BETTER! This means challenging traditional perceptions.
So take the mixed reality bull by the horns and hop on board!
