60 seconds with… Tinashe Dune

Tinashe teaches across 10 allied health disciplines simultaneously within the Interprofessional Health Science team in the School of Science and Health, including paramedicine, occupational therapy, health promotion, health services management, physiotherapy and podiatry. Her teaching focuses on the influences of social determinants of health and their relationships to local, national and global health. She was awarded a 2015 Western Sydney University Learning and Teaching Award for Excellence in Teaching.

How long have you worked at the University and what's the best thing about working here?
I have worked at the University since June 2013 (two-and-a-half years). I love working here because Western Sydney University shares my passion and drive for enacting inclusion, embracing diversity and celebrating the strengths of a multifaceted community.

Which campus are you based on?
Campbelltown.

What is your favourite place on one of the University's campuses and why?
Oliver Brown at Parramatta South for all of the chocolatey goodness they have on offer, and the little white sleeping pod in the Parramatta South library…I hope I don't snore.

When you're not at work, what will we find you doing?
Making a mess, singing at the top of my lungs and dancing like no one is watching with my 18-month-old daughter… When I'm not doing that I am at Pole Fitness – happily dancing knowing that no one is watching!

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A world-famous A-list actress and comedian – step aside, Whoopi Goldberg.

What was your first job?
McDonald's Fries Attendant. Following a fryer incident (from which I still bear a scar) I was promoted to Cashier. It was a very proud day when I was 15.

What has been your greatest success?
Convincing my brother and retired parents to move from Canada all the way to Australia - now to convince my sister to move Down Under.

If you could go to just one country in the world for a vacation, which country would it be and why?
Madagascar. I have watched the movie so many times I am becoming convinced that the animals there would all sing and dance with me.

What is your favourite movie?
I recently watched The Martian and it reminded me of an academic career – the importance of collaboration, the risk inherent in trying something new, the pride in accomplishing a relatively inaccessible goal and the value of things you thought were simply waste.

If you could invite anyone to dinner who would it be and why?
My Dad. He is the best story-teller I know – entertaining, emotive, informative, inspirational, hilarious and impactful. I use his style of communicating in my teaching and the students really enjoy it. I think I owe my Dad dinner.