Postgraduate Research Student Profile
Tracey Avery
What are you studying in the Faculty of Architecture Building & Planning?I'm undertaking a PhD in Architectural History, looking at the role of domestic furnishings in development of Australian identities in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century.
What inspired you to take up postgraduate research study?
After working in the heritage conservation field for the last 13 years (8 with the National Trust in the UK and 5 as a consultant in Australia), I wanted to undertake research on a topic that would make use of my practical experience and give me further academic grounding. I had done a small amount of casual lecturing while working, which I enjoyed and felt that a PhD would also give me the opportunity to consider an academic career.
What did you study before commencing your research degree? At which university?
I completed a BSc (Hons) in Zoology at the University of Queensland in 1986 and did the Postgraduate Diploma in Art Gallery & Museum Studies at the University of Manchester in 1990.
What attracted you to the Faculty?
I have been fortunate to receive the Faculty's Nell Norris Scholarship, enabling me to study full-time in Melbourne. The Faculty and the University support opportunities for overseas research experience, offering grants for fieldwork and conference attendance. During my candidature I have had two trips to the UK, conducting archival research, presenting conference papers and spending three months as a Visiting Scholar at the Royal College of Art, in London.
How are you finding you research experience? What are the highlights?
The highlight has been receiving the Nell Norris Fellowship which has allowed me to study full-time! I appreciate the access to excellent library collections, research seminars and diverse training courses on offer across the university. My research experience is also enhanced by the campus's close proximity to great food, cinemas, bookshops and galleries.
What are you planning to do when you have completed your research degree?
As long as I can continue to research, write and spend some time working in historic interiors, I will be looking to work in either a university or museum/heritage organisation.