Failing Allowed

Embarking on a research degree is an incredibly exciting experience. Yet it can also be very daunting. Even at the best of times, research work is physically, emotionally, and psychologically demanding. For research candidates with mental health struggles and different learning needs, this high-pressure environment is not easy to navigate. In this episode, Florence interviews Antoinette Pavithra (Pavi), a PhD candidate and research assistant at Macquarie University's Centre for Health Systems and Safety Research at the Australian Institute of Health Innovation (AIHI). With tenacity, good humour, and compassion, Pavi reflects on her own tumultuous journey as an international student and research candidate, and where she finds courage and resilience in challenging times. She also shares her on-the-ground initiatives to set up support networks for fellow candidates with mental health issues and invisible disabilities.Pavi's current research explores the theoretical and practical factors that influence the efficacy of culture change interventions within healthcare systems. She has previously conducted and assisted with research using mixed methods to understand and map far-right extremism within Australia, clinical and surgical communication between healthcare professionals and patients, mental health wearable device deployment and use, and the construction of Aboriginal identity through commercial state-driven and community-run tourism initiatives in Australia. Pavi has also worked with students internationally and in Australia, tutoring, mentoring, coaching and lecturing across units in English Literature and Medical Anthropology. Her research interests span healthcare systems practices, patient safety, digital healthcare, human-technology assemblages, mental health, justice and society, and open knowledge production practices.To get in touch with Pavi about her current support initiatives, contact her at: antoinette.pavithra@mq.edu.au Articles on invisible disabilities and higher education: The Road to Higher Education With an 'Invisible Disability': https://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2016/09/there-is-no-right-way-to-learn/501044/ 'Invisible' disabilities campaign calls on community to 'think outside the chair': https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-12-06/think-outside-the-chair-invisible-disabilities-campaign/10567322 Resources and supports:  https://www.disabilityaustraliahub.com.au/invisible-disability/http://www.asan-au.org/ https://www.neurodiversityhub.org/https://thinkoutsidethechair.com.au/join-the-movement/Music by Ketsa, Nature Shuffle, Free Music Archive

Everyone loves a success story, but what is it, and what does it involve? In the world of academic research, success is typically measured and rendered visible through things like grant income, fellowships awarded, or papers accepted for publication. Yet, many academics will also admit that underneath their achievements are much less visible foundations: mistakes, messiness, detours, uncertainties, and long periods of feeling stuck or not knowing how to proceed. What happens when we dig deep into the experience of failing? What makes a failure meaningful?  Can we slow down the speed with which we rush to tell success stories, including success stories about our failures? What difference might that make for how we work, live and learn, and relate to each other? In this episode, Florence interviews Dr. Michelle Jamieson, a mind-body researcher and Higher Degree Research Learning Advisor in the Humanities at Macquarie University. Trained as a medical sociologist, Michelle’s research is guided by an enduring fascination with the mind-body relation in health and illness. Her current project explores the role that felt experience plays in doing research through the lens of mindfulness. Michelle is the creator of The Mindful Researcher, a practice-based course that teaches research candidates to navigate the challenges of thesis writing with greater awareness, emotional intelligence and care. Michelle also runs regular meditation sessions for staff and students at the university and is author of the blog www.themindfulresearcher.comTo find out more about Michelle's research and teaching, visit her here.Also check out her guest blog post, 'Experience matters: mindfulness and doctoral education'. Music by Ketsa, Nature Shuffle, Free Music ArchiveImage by Jasper Garratt, Unsplash 

What comes to mind when you think of the word 'failure'? Florence Chiew introduces this podcast series - a collection of stories, facts, reflections, and advice about how people learn to navigate different kinds of struggles and setbacks, in work and in life. Failing Allowed is supported by the Make your Mark at Macquarie University Leadership Initiative. Music by Aakash Gandhi, YouTube Audio LibraryArtwork by Philipp Trubchenko, Unsplash