Researcher Highlights
An inquiring mind
Associate Professor Juanita Todd
Motivated by curiosity, Professor Juanita Todd applies her psychological training and leadership learnings to her work as a researcher and research leader.
Professor Juanita Todd had fully intended to become a clinician on the completion of her higher education. “I trained as a clinical psychologist, and my aim was to develop people’s coping skills for life,” Juanita says.
“It was a privilege to learn about the world through another’s eyes, understand the challenges they presented with and work with them to develop a broader or more effective range of skills so that no matter what life presented, they could cope better with it and have a sense of agency.”
But life had other plans because just as Juanita was completing her doctorate at the University of Western Australia an offer to join the University of Newcastle came her way. Academia on the other side of the country wasn’t initially on the table, but it presented a new and appealing opportunity. “I thought, well I do still have some questions so maybe I’ll just do this for a bit longer…” Juanita adds with a smile. “And you can imagine what happened next because the questions never end!”
It's this trait that’s guided Juanita through her life. “My beautiful late dad used to say, ‘Whenever other kids went out to play, you went out to investigate’,” says Juanita with a fond laugh. "I guess even when I was a kid, was driven by inquisition, by a sense of wonder. I think that’s something that’s always been in me.”
Partnering to deliver results
When universities first started encouraging researchers to partner with industry, Juanita realised that this was actually something that she has always done.
“I did my PhD embedded in my industry, which was health,” Juanita adds. “I was located on the grounds of a psychiatric hospital for my whole PhD.”
Juanita notes that one of the most enjoyable aspects of academia is the opportunity to work in partnership and make all parts of the academic world work together. “You get to engage with others, you get to enquire through others, and you also get to work with the enquiring minds of students,” Juanita says.
“So when it’s singing, it’s because all parts of the job are working together,” Juanita adds. “I think possibilities are limitless working at a university.”
Leading by example
For successful leadership, Juanita believes that visibility of diversity is key. “I am a passionate believer that diversity must be visible to support the attraction of a diverse future leadership,” Juanita says. “And it’s not just about gender, because there are different styles of leadership that are part of the diversity that we need to see as well.”
“I’m enjoying the opportunity to work with terrific teams and add to the styles of leadership within the university.”
Juanita recognises that she has been very well supported in Newcastle coming into academic life. “I am definitely here to give back,” Juanita adds. “I’m aware of how fortunate I’ve been, and the opportunities that I’ve had in my career.”
Having worked across the institution in a range of research and leadership roles, Juanita is well-positioned to take her knowledge, skills and curiosity and apply it to her role of Pro Vice-Chancellor Research after being appointed in mid 2023. “Every role that I’ve taken on at the University, whether it was research-support focussed or not, has offered valuable experience that informs my approach to my current role as Pro Vice-Chancellor Research.”
Juanita is a strong believer in listening and taking on perspectives outside of your own to forge a path forwards. “The more I’ve learned about the university from different angles, the more helpful it has been to any role I’ve been in,” Juanita says.
“When I saw this role come up it was right place, right time kind of argument,” Juanita says of this new challenge. “I think it’s an exciting time to learn from Zee (Upton) and Warwick (Dawson) who are people with very different and complementary skills to mine.”
“It’s not just the role, but it’s the whole team that’s attractive to me,” Juanita adds.
“What I bring to this role, like all my roles, is not all of the answers but a serious commitment to the academic that is a researcher, and their pathway of enquiry,” Juanita says.
Centring research
With a long, strong background in mental health research Juanita’s work has spanned a broad spectrum from the insights cognitive neuroscience bring to our knowledge of brain function in general to the potential to advance a deeper understanding of schizophrenia. “I am fascinated by the human condition and how the brain shapes (or in some cases distorts) our realities and passionate about research insights that can accelerate advances in prevention and treatment.”
In an area that is naturally multidisciplinary, Juanita knows first-hand the value of collaboration and perspective. “I learn constantly from other disciplines, not only from the insights they bring to bear on our research questions but on how to better explain my own field and appreciate its strengths and limitations.”
“In research teams the whole is always greater than the sum of its parts”.
As befits someone who’s overseeing a portfolio dedicated to research, Juanita has strong feelings about the subject. “At a research-intensive university, research is integrated into everything we do,” Juanita says.
“It’s part of the methodology that we take to the problem-solving; whether that’s how we’re going to balance our budget in a school or what grant we need to apply for, or what partners we need to advance a field of research, or how we excite and engage our student body.”
As to the future of Higher Education, Juanita is enthusiastic and optimistic. “It is true that some aspects of academic have changed over time, but I am still excited for early career academics,” Juanita says. “I’m excited for them about the opportunities ahead. And I’m still committed to sharing my excitement about STEMM for the whole potential pipeline of students that can come through the university.”
“Commitments to initiatives like HunterWiSe [link to https://www.newcastle.edu.au/research/centre/hunterwise] are such an important part of this.”
Juanita is embracing the potential of opportunity that comes with leading diverse teams. “Challenge is where you grow right?" She asks. “So long as that challenge sits within your abilities. But I’m also confident that I have the network to call on people if I’m uncertain.”
We are in a unique position here at the University of Newcastle, particularly in a region like ours where there is one University, spanning two large health districts, diverse industry and pivotal research institutes. “I’m relishing the opportunity for our researchers to engage outside the institution with more connections in the sector, to business, to community and other partners in the region and beyond,” Juanita adds.
“It’s the pursuit of enquiry that makes us who we are and is what’s going to carry us into the future of research.”
Women in STEM
Juanita is a co-founder of HunterWiSE, a group dedicated to promoting and supporting girls and women in STEM.
HunterWiSE features two interlinked actions aimed at increasing the number of girls and women participating in STEM through a school program and a series of networking events across the Hunter for women STEM professionals.
This approach is designed to steer women toward STEM, and encourage their retention in the STEM pipeline.
Find out more
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