Merryn McKinnon, the Associate Dean of Education in the College of Science at the Australian National University (ANU), shares her journey from marine science to science communication, and eventually to an academic leadership role. Her story illustrates the evolving landscape of science education, the challenges of balancing diverse disciplines, and the importance of inclusive leadership in academia.
McKinnon began her academic journey in marine science but soon discovered a passion for science communication during her honours year. Reflecting on this pivotal moment, she says, “Part way through my honours year I stumbled across…science communication,” which “blew my mind and pretty much changed the career path that I thought I was going to take.” This discovery led her to pursue a graduate diploma in science communication at ANU, which marked the beginning of her career in this field.
McKinnon highlights the changes in how science communication is perceived, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Over time, there’s been a gradual increase in recognition of what [science communication] actually means,” she notes, adding that, after the pandemic, people are more likely to respond with, “‘That sounds important. That sounds like something we need.’” This shift in recognition underscores the growing importance of effective science communication in contemporary society.
In 2020, McKinnon became Associate Director of Science Education at CPAS (Australian National Centre for the Public Awareness of Science), a position that broadened her understanding of educational leadership. She describes her initial foray into this role as a time of significant learning and adaptation. “I was probably a little bit surprised…I didn’t expect to enjoy the aspects of the associate director job that I did,” she says, particularly in areas like policy, governance, and supporting her colleagues in educational innovation.
McKinnon became the Associate Dean of Education for the College of Science in January 2023. In this role she is determined to advocate for her colleagues and push the boundaries of what is possible in science education. She sees her position as a platform to drive change and support the academic community in navigating the evolving educational landscape. “I’m going to be looking to push what is possible,” she declares, demonstrating her commitment to making a meaningful impact during her tenure.
One of McKinnon’s primary concerns is the perception that teaching is less valued than research within the academic community. She argues that this perception must change, especially if universities are to truly embrace research-led teaching. “If we are truly invested in research-led teaching, then yes, we need the quality research, but we also need to know how to embed that appropriately within our classrooms to equip our students properly,” she asserts. McKinnon believes that teaching quality is essential for preparing students for diverse career paths, not just research.
In addition to her administrative duties, McKinnon is passionate about promoting inclusive leadership. She travelled to Antarctica as part of the Homeward Bound program, a leadership initiative for women in STEMM; the experience reinforced her commitment to empathy and inclusivity in leadership. The program’s goal is to prepare women to take on leadership roles in STEM fields, giving them “the skills and the abilities to take a seat at the table and change… or have a voice in leadership on STEM issues.” This experience profoundly influenced McKinnon, particularly the recognition of the interconnectedness of global issues, as illustrated by her observation during her trip to the Antarctica: “We are all connected and everything we do impacts everybody else.”
As the Associate Dean of Education, McKinnon now grapples with the complexities of managing a diverse range of disciplines within the College of Science. She sees this diversity as both a strength and a challenge. “The diversity within the college…is both the blessing and the curse,” she explains. It enriches the educational experience but also makes it challenging to balance the needs of different disciplines. McKinnon is committed to providing “the support and the advocacy and…the infrastructure in every particular sense to enable [her] colleagues in the college to…innovate” while ensuring that these innovations do not add to the existing pressures on staff and students.
Overall, Merryn McKinnon’s journey from marine science to academic leadership is characterised by a deep passion for science communication, a commitment to inclusive leadership, and a dedication to fostering innovation in education. Her story highlights the evolving challenges and opportunities in academia, as well as the critical importance of empathy, inclusivity and adaptability in leadership. As she continues to navigate her role, McKinnon remains focused on supporting her colleagues, advocating for positive change, and preparing students for the future in a rapidly changing world.
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Rafael Florez, Multimedia Producer, Centre for Learning and Teaching
