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60 seconds with … Nick Economou

23 July 2008

Name: Nick Economou
Org. Unit: School of Political and Social Inquiry, Faculty of Arts
Title: Doctor

How long have you been with Monash University?

16 years.

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

I lectured in politics at the old Gippsland Institute of Advanced Education (now the Monash University Gippsland campus) for three years. Before then I had the classic sessional existence for some three years at the old Swinburne Institute of Technology (now university) which I really enjoyed.

What challenges are ahead in your current role?

Balancing teaching and research demands -- that and making sure that we don't lose sight of how important our students are (especially our undergraduate students) to our reason for being.

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

What's not interesting or satisfying about studying Australian politics?

What is your favourite place in the world and why?

Oakleigh -- love the cakes, love the coffee, love the people (cheaper than flying to Athens!).

What is the best piece of advice you have received?

Get over it -- move on.

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

I once played bass guitar in a band called Desperate Alliance that, as the Monash University entrant, won the 3RRR Victorian Battle of the Bands competition in 1986.