Jacqueline Phillips is a Professor of Neurophysiology and Chair of Academic Senate at Macquarie University. With a passion for animals, it was a high school work experience placement with a local vet that cemented her interest in undertaking undergraduate studies in Veterinary Medicine at the University of Sydney.
Throughout her degree, Jacqueline was fortunate to be involved in several opportunities that significantly influenced her career direction – including a CSIRO Summer Research Scholarship and a 6-week intensive leadership training program at Cornell University in America.
The period of intense learning and collaboration at Cornell University saw Jacqueline mentored by Research Leaders – expanding her horizons and inspiring her to consider a career in research. A highlight of the experience was being recognised on a Nature paper, a milestone she didn’t completely grasp the significance of at the time.
Following the completion of her undergraduate degree Jacqueline spent 2 years working as a Veterinarian. Through this fulfilling role, Jacqueline developed her medical, surgical and professional skills. But her Cornell experience was still top of mind, which saw her proactively seek a career in research.
Jacqueline embarked on basic neuroscience based PhD at the Australian National University, with the culmination of her PhD resulting in three significant milestones; submitting her PhD on the 1st September, celebrating her 30th birthday on the 2nd and welcoming her first child on the 3rd. Following her PhD, Jacqueline took up her first research position as a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Auckland, NZ.
Jacqueline recalls celebrating with collaborators and her team highlights of her career – whether on papers, grants or when a significant breakthrough was achieved through identifying an important genetic mutation.
In addition to her research, Jacqueline has been engaged in learning and teaching for undergraduate and postgraduate students; being awarded a Vice Chancellors Award for teaching and a Carrick Institute Award for Learning and Teaching in Higher Education. Her currently responsibility as Chair of Academic Senate at Macquarrie represents a senior role within the University, leading academic governance and oversight of scholarship, excellence and quality assurance in education and research.
Mentors have played a pivotal role in Jacqueline's career trajectory, particularly during periods of professional transition and growth. Her journey began with supportive Veterinary Professors who fostered her initial research endeavours as an undergraduate. This was followed by the guidance of a brilliant scientist as her postdoctoral supervisor, who instilled in her the importance of nurturing others in their professional development. More recently, a network of distinguished female Professorial colleagues have provided valuable insights into leadership across both professional and personal spheres.
To form a strong mentoring relationship, Jacqueline believes trust is integral and the approach needs to be tailored to the mentees stage of life. She aims to foster an environment for frank and open discussions, recognising the importance of having a sounding board from someone who is not a direct line of report.
Away from the office, Jacqueline treasures the release she gets from exercising – whether enjoying a swim or training for her next marathon or bike event. On the weekends she can often be found at her local beach as a volunteer for Surf Life Saving or at the local park with her dogs.