We caught up with interim Dean (Education) for the College of Medicine and Public Health, Associate Professor Karen Lower, who explains why supporting first-in-family students at university is so important to her.

What is your role at Flinders?

I’m currently the interim Dean (Education) for the College of Medicine and Public Health. I’m looking forward to continue development of both the courses and educational experience we offer in the college, and supporting my colleagues to develop their own leadership in the education space.

How did you get into this line of work?

I’m actually Flinders University alumnus, having completed my Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree in 1997. After my PhD, I was awarded a Nuffield Research Fellowship and spent seven years at Oxford University, both in research and teaching. When the opportunity arose to return to Flinders University as a teaching and research academic, I jumped at the chance. I’ve been back in Adelaide for 14 years, and during this time I have had the privilege of moving into educational leadership, first as a course coordinator, then Teaching Program Director, and now interim Dean (Education) at CMPH.

Why did you pick this field?

While I enjoyed my wet-lab research (my background is epigenetic regulation of gene expression), I’m inspired every day by the opportunity to effect real change in people’s lives through education.

I am first-in-family at university, so I know first-hand how critical a sense of belonging is for students who may not have the advantage of having familial experience of higher education. I’m passionate about working at Flinders University, the university that provided me with my higher education, without which I wouldn’t have had the many wonderful experiences that I have had in my life. I see my role as interim Dean (Education) as a way to ensure we provide the next generation with the same opportunities I was afforded 30 years ago.

What’s your favourite part about working at Flinders?

My colleagues. The educators in our college (and throughout the University) are simply brilliant people – dedicated, intelligent, innovative and caring. It’s a privilege to work with them all and I couldn’t do my job without them.

How do you spend your spare time?

I try to catch up with friends as often as possible. I’m fortunate to live near the beach, so one of my favourite things is to play a podcast and go for a long walk.

What’s a fun fact about yourself?

I am (quite tenuously) related to King Charles.