60 seconds with Professor Janice Aldrich-Wright

When did you start working at Western and what was your first role?

I began working at the Western Sydney University in 1988, starting out as a casual Laboratory supervisor on a 14-week contract, teaching in first year Chemistry at the Penrith campus when we were the Nepean College of Advanced Education. Teaching inspired me to undertake a PhD while continuing to work at the University. The resulting thesis was awarded the Cornforth Medal for the best PhD thesis in chemistry, in Australia.

Describe your current job/role in 100 words or less:

• Teaching both undergraduates and postgraduate students in the School of Science and Health together with an international research reputation in anticancer and bioinorganic research that is evidenced by over 100 published papers.
• Mentoring staff and students, with the aspiration to encourage a vibrant, productive and collaborative environment.
• Leading our Science and Gender Equity initiative at Western Sydney and working to ensure that we value and treat all staff equally and with respect.

What’s the best thing about your job?

• That every day is unique although sometimes overwhelming in volume!
• Working with students to achieve their personal goals.
• Seeing the face of a postgraduate student when they hold their first publication in their hand… Priceless.

What do you love most about working at Western?

I have been here so long that I feel a bit protective about Western Sydney University perhaps because I was there at its “birth”. What I love is that it is fresh, there is a “can do” attitude and that it is willing to be unconventional if that will improve the outcomes for students or staff. We seem to like colouring outside the lines.

What are you going to be working on in the next 12 months?

• The SAGE bronze award application, gathering the information that is required to allow us to provide a comprehensive and honest appraisal of our gender and equity journey.
• Working with four postgraduate students who will be completing their PhD’s and introducing new postgraduate students to the research team.