A Moment with Trainer Dr Peter McNamara
Dr Peter McNamara notes that the journey he witnesses from the beginning of the JAF journey to completion is beyond inspiring. ‘Participants are often shy and nervous when they come into the first workshop. By the second workshop they are much more confident with their research endeavours and their supervisors. At first, participants often view their supervisors with deference. By the end of the second workshop, a transformation takes place. JAF participants start seeing themselves as equal research partners who are co-creating a body of work with their supervisors.’
The John Allwright Fellowship, which is delivered in partnership with ACIAR, covers important topics such as leadership, management and working in teams. In particular, one of the key skills that Peter and the other trainers in UNE’s International Capacity Building program focus on, is what is colloquially known as the ‘elevator pitch.’ In other words, participants are challenged to articulate how their academic research is important to solving problems in their communities, in an easy to understand way.
At the recent JAF training, Peter was co-facilitating with Seeseei Molimau-Samasoni, who is the Manager of the Biodiscovery and Molecular Research Division of SROS which is the Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa. Peter was thrilled to be working with Seeseei who he notes is ‘a dynamic and experienced trainer who clearly understands the needs of these students.’
Peter, who started his career as a primary school teacher, now runs a successful consultancy business, whilst also lecturing at the University of Wollongong in leadership, management and people development. One thing that remains consistent for Peter through his career journey is the ‘buzz I receive watching people, whether they are 5 or 50, develop, grow and transform!’
Peter’s PhD thesis focused on something many of us struggle with- time management. Peter notes ‘Most of us spend time being busy ‘doing stuff’ but we need to make sure that the most valuable 20% of our time is maximised.’ Peter also opines that personality plays a huge role in time management. ‘Time management challenges can arise for people who are personable, as they may spend a lot of their time engaging, and perhaps counselling, other people in a team.’ Peter also has expertise in the commercialisation of individual intellectual property. ‘This skill set is particularly useful for JAF participants as it gives them opportunities to think about how they can commercialise their own research findings. Participants develop a different lens to their research findings that can have both personal and organisational value.’
Peter clearly understands how to pique the interest of his students. He notes that ‘there is no worse insult than students who aren’t engaged.’ ‘I was a disengaged student when I was young and I have discovered that learners need to be involved, entertained and central parts of their learning journeys.’
Peter also praised UNE’s International Capacity Building team. He has enjoyed working with Associate Professor Phil Harrell, on many programs in the past. Peter further notes ‘Andrew Edwards (ICB team member) made sure everything was running smoothly for the participants. Professor Rebecca Spence (ICB’s Director) gave me significant support throughout the program. Rebecca and Andrew always had my back so I can do what I do best- engage, inspire and grow with the amazing participants.’’
