Dedicating 25 years to researching and teaching about Indigenous rights and environmental management, Associate Professor Sandie Suchet-Pearson’s passion to help heal our world is inspiring.

Her research led her to co-author the book Songspirals, which shares Aboriginal women’s wisdom of Country through songlines, and was longlisted for the Stella Prize this year. The book was also featured at the NT Writers’ Festival last month, where four generations Aboriginal women came together to read from the book.

1) In a nutshell, my job is to…
Work with amazing people and places, be inspired by them, and do my best to pass some of that inspiration along.

2) A person at Macquarie that inspires me is…
My wonderful colleague Kate Lloyd who is always there with a massive smile and who can walk the walk like no one else.

3) This year I want to…
Rewind the clock and start all over again in a world which is based on love, care and kindness.

4) The scariest thing I’ve ever done is…
Quad biking off the wrong side of a sand dune in Namibia.

5) As a kid, I was…
Very easily stirred (but not shaken).

6) My guilty pleasure is…
Definitely chocolate and cake, preferably a fabulous big chocolate cake with lovely rich icing!

7) I’m scared of…
Human beings not looking after each other and our amazing world.

8) The most important thing I’ve learned this year is…
Never take for granted being able to give someone a hug.

9) I’m happiest when…
I’m camping in Australia and southern Africa with my amazing family.

10) If I had the day off today, you would find me…
In my garden desperately trying to grow something.