Meet Dr Mandi Carr - Senior Lecturer, School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences
Research shows that being around animals helps support our mental health and wellbeing. So apart from being my passion, it’s a privilege to work with them every day. From cows and sheep to alpacas and goats, each day brings the chance to build skills and knowledge through hands-on learning that is meaningful.
Whether it’s practical work with the animals or using innovative virtual reality and robotic teaching technologies, I get to participate in a student’s learning journey. Supporting their journey, seeing their growth, sharing their experience of doing something for the first time, the laughter and tears all drives me to do things better.
My journey to academia wasn’t the traditional pathway. I left my family home and travelled interstate to learn and develop my skills as a vet. I worked in both private practice and government throughout QLD and NSW, undertook further study at multiple universities before circling back home to create a livestock focussed clinical teaching hospital. During this time, I got to combine my passion for providing high quality animal health care to the surrounding community while shifting from being a student to a graduate.
My research spans several areas. It includes creating frameworks for veterinary clinical teaching that support student learning in the workplace. It also examines the use of virtual reality and other innovative technologies in student education. Another focus is identifying ways to improve the health and welfare of livestock. I also work on solutions that increase the sustainability, productivity and profitability of livestock industries.
One of the things that continues to drive me the most is being able to upskill colleagues and students and creating work-force ready animal health providers. My work isn’t always visible or glamorous, but every small action, interaction or conversation has the ability to influence, create curiosity and motivate.
How do you start your day?
My day starts with a cup of tea surrounded by animals. Whether it be throwing a ball to the dog brigade, hanging out with our group of hand raised sheep or organising cattle for my practical teaching session, I take the time to plan and prepare for the day.
Where do you do your best work?
Working outside in livestock yards is my happy place. It’s where problems are solved and ideas are created. My outside office is filled with animals, dust and smells that fuel my soul and keep me striving to grow and learn. There is not much that a day in the yards with a bunch of good people can’t fix or remedy.
What is the philosophy you live and work by?
Courage. Honesty. Respect. The journey of life comes with problems to solve, lessons to learn, experiences to enjoy, and accomplishments are measured by the size of the obstacles that you have had to overcome. The only impossible journey is the one you never start!
How do you balance health and wellbeing at work?
Honestly, it’s the little things. A coffee with a colleague, an ice block in the sun, a walk around the oval with one of our dog brigade or a celebration of a small win with colleagues. I cherish the high fives, our lunchtime antics and even hosing down the cattle yards (there’s something refreshing about washing all that mess away and starting with a clean place).
I am lucky to be surrounded with people who help me to stop, laugh, regroup and reboot each and every day.
