DR Kcasey McLoughlin feels “excited” and “humbled” to have been chosen as one of seven recipients of the University of Newcastle’s Women In Research Fellowship, saying it complements her own interest in and commitment to gender equity.
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UON Pro Vice Chancellor, Research and Innovation, Professor Deborah Hodgson said the fellowship was designed to champion diversity and gender equity in the workplace and support the development of women’s academic careers.
She said women represented 56 per cent of the university sector workforce, but held only 35 per cent of senior academic positions.
“The program empowers recipients to pursue their research goals, manage their career trajectory and exceed in ways that may otherwise not be possible,” Professor Hodgson said.
Fellows have access to mentorship from senior academics; training, placement and travel opportunities; as well as support juggling family and carer responsibilities.
“I was really excited and really humbled by the opportunity,” said Dr McLoughlin, who is a lecturer in Newcastle Law School.
“It’s a real investment in my career.
“It really lifts my spirits that my employer is supportive of women in research and willing to think creatively about how to address some of the barriers or hurdles of women progressing at the university.”
Dr McLoughlin’s PhD was conferred in 2016 and received the Australian Political Studies Association PhD Thesis Prize. It explored the relationship between gender and judging in the High Court of Australia.
“It used to be thought that women spoke in a different judicial voice,” she said.
“My research shows its not as simple as that – people don’t judge based on gender alone.
“Judging is more or less a human activity.
“It’s important to have diversity in voices so it reflects the population.”
Dr McLoughlin said she was interested in applying her research in domestic courts in the United Kingdom and USA and international courts.
She said she was also interested in how the law can be used as a tool to achieve gender equity and exploring the notion that the law is gendered or reflects a particular gender bias.
She said the fellowship will allow her to attend international conferences and provide a research assistant to help “turbo-charge my research output for the year”.
Helen Gregory
Helen Gregory joined the Newcastle Herald in 2010. She is the masthead’s education reporter and has written for the H2 and Weekender sections, as well as across a range of issues. Helen is a Walkley Award winning journalist and was also part of the Newcastle Herald team that won the United Nations World Environment Day Media Award for Environmental Reporting.
Helen Gregory joined the Newcastle Herald in 2010. She is the masthead’s education reporter and has written for the H2 and Weekender sections, as well as across a range of issues. Helen is a Walkley Award winning journalist and was also part of the Newcastle Herald team that won the United Nations World Environment Day Media Award for Environmental Reporting.
