Have you met: Joanna York

What did you do before UNSW?

Well prior to this role I was actually employed within UNSW at the Grants Management Office. But in regards to my employment history I’ve had quite a varied background with positions in Local and State Government and charity organisations. My interest in community development actually led me to UNSW in early 2008 to undertake a Master of Social Development, and I haven’t left since.

Why did you choose this role?

It’s exciting to be involved in start-up phase of something that is so innovative. Through my role at the GMO I was actually involved in the administrative set-up of this program and even at that time found the focus of the program highly interesting. A few months later my role popped up on the Jobs@UNSW website and with great excitement I put together an application. And here I am…

What do you do at BE?

I’m the Senior Research Officer in the Healthy Built Environments Program, which sits within the City Futures Research Centre. This role is quite varied and with the guidance of my manager, A/Professor Susan Thompson, I have been involved in website development, compiling quarterly reports, business planning and budgeting and committee support. Next year, once all the HBEP’s contractual requirements are in place, my role will have a greater focus on research which I am very much looking forward to.

What do you enjoy most about your current role?

The variety of tasks and the people I have come into contact with. Currently we are touring around the various urban and rural Area Health Service offices and it is reassuring to speak to the employees, and personally observe how passionate they are about the well-being of their communities.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

In the last few months I have developed quite a passion for fitness. Unfortunately this has coincided with a growing love of cakes and sweets. Oh well…

One thing people may not know about you?

Hard question, I’m an open book.