Post Graduate Profile

Jan McLeod

PhD candidate, School of Humanities and Social Science

Discipline: History
Faculty / Division: Education and Arts
Email: Jan.McLeod@newcastle.edu.au
Campus: Callaghan, Newcastle

Current Research

Thesis Title: Transformation, Technology and the Tropics: An examination of the Papuan Campaign through the lens of the Field Ambulance
Supervisors: A/Prof Wayne Reynolds (Principal); Dr Michael Ondaatje (Co-Supervisor)

Abstract
The research centres on key themes of transition and transformation. It examines factors which impacted on the Australian Field Ambulance units and their provision of medical care during the Papuan Campaign of 1942. These factors include the effects of technological advances, terrain, environment, and strategic decisions.  Such issues raise important questions regarding priorities, logistics, supply and support. The key themes of transition and transformation underpin discussion of the three distinct phases of the Papuan Campaign - Port Moresby to Kokoda; Kokoda to Soputa; the Beachhead Battles.  Each stage brought with it a unique set of problems for medical personnel and patients, and highlighted the need for adaptation and transformation among field ambulance units. The experiences of the 2/4 Field Ambulance in Papua will be considered as a case study to enable a comparison with other Australian and American medical units.  Assessment of the degree to which medical problems on the Kokoda Track were inevitable or avoidable, consideration of the variety of factors which influenced the medical units' efficacy, and an evaluation of the role played by the field ambulance units at this crucial time in Australian history will be undertaken in light of the overarching theme of transformation.  The pivotal nature of the Papuan campaign and its role as a turning point for Australia's foreign relations also invites a re-consideration of themes of imperial decline, Australia's decreased reliance on Britain, inter-operability in the South West Pacific Area, and the developing relationship with the United States.

Academic Background

  • 2010 - Ph D Candidate
  • 2009 - M.A Candidate
  • 2007 - Bachelor of Arts (Honours)
    • "A Soldier's Diary: History's First Draft" 
  • 1996 - Diploma in Secondary Education - History / English (Awarded With Merit)
  • 1995 - Bachelor of Arts

Academic Awards

  • 2007 Faculty of Education & Arts Honours Scholarship (History)

Professional Background

Tutor - History 1051: Issues in Australian History, University of Newcastle (2008-2010)
Secondary School Teacher - NSW Department of Education, Employment & Training (1996 -1998)
Workplace Trainer / Area Coordinator - NSW Roads & Traffic Authority (1998-2001) 

Research Experience

Research Assistant - Various projects, Centre for Research into Ageing, University of Newcastle (2003 - 2007)
Clinical Assistant - Hunter Community Study, Centre for Clinical Epidemiology & Biostatistics, University of Newcastle (2004 - 2005)
Administration - School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle (2005)
Project Officer -  SHOAMP: Study into Health of Aircraft Maintenance Personnel, Centre for Clinical Epidemiology & Biostatistics, University of Newcastle (2002 - 2003)
Transcribing  - Qualitative Research Lab / Faculty of Business & Law / Faculty of Health, University of Newcastle (2003 - 2007)

Memberships

  • 2010 History Post Graduate Group, University of Newcastle
  • Australian History Association