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60 seconds with … Debbie McCormick

14 November 2007

Debbie McCormick's online persona or 'avatar'.

Name: Debbie McCormick
Org. Unit: School of Political and Social Inquiry, Faculty of Arts
Title: Research Assistant/PhD Candidate
Dept: Behavioural Studies

How long have you been with Monash University?

I began my academic journey with Monash University as a mature age student in 2000 and I'm now a PhD candidate. I've been an assistant lecturer and I'm currently a research assistant.

Prior to working at Monash, where were you located and what was your role?

My career with national and international corporate and community organisations spans more than 20 years. I have senior management roles in marketing, sales, visual merchandising and IT project management.

I'm involved in research activities and projects in the multi-user virtual environment (MUVE) Second Life. We are hosting a one day showcase at Monash Caulfield this Saturday that will give an overview of the potentials of the environment for corporate and education communication and collaboration. Attendees and speakers include IBM, Microsoft, Reuters, Swinburne University of Technology (co-host), Queensland University of Technology, Victoria University and Murdoch University.

What is it about your job that holds your interest or is particularly satisfying?

I am continually excited by what's around the corner in terms of technology and how it will affect our lives.

Of all the places in the world you would like to visit/re-visit, where is your favourite destination and why?

I visited Dubrovnik in what is now Croatia (for those old enough to remember, it used to be part of Yugoslavia) in 1980 before it was ravaged by war. I remember it being one of the only warm places in my travels around Britain and Europe (it was November).

What is the best piece of advice you have received?

Change the things you can change and don't worry about the things you can't.

What is something about yourself that most of your colleagues wouldn't know?

I got married in a Las Vegas wedding chapel (it was the second time around -- I'm currently on extended long service leave).