Student life at the School of Regulation and Global Governance (RegNet)

I joined RegNet in 2017 as a Master of Philosophy (Regulation & Governance) student. My research examines industry tactics to resist public health policies.

After graduating in 2012 with a double degree in Commerce (International Business) and Arts (Political Science), I went on to work as a Policy Officer for the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE) and as a Management Consultant at Ernst & Young.

After four years of work and a gap year abroad, I found that not having a Master’s degree was a barrier to employment in some countries abroad. So I applied to join RegNet’s M.Phil program as an opportunity to take up further study, and to convert research I produced for a previous employer into a thesis.

My RegNet M.Phil project studies how and why private industries use expert consultants to exchange information with regulatory authorities; and how this practice may influence policy developments concerning product risks. With encouragement from my supervisors, I recently presented my research at the Global Alcohol Policy Conference 2017.

The coursework and weekly seminars at RegNet have added a depth, rigour and interdisciplinary world view that has improved my research and professional capabilities immensely. Most memorably, the community of open, available and encouraging peers and colleagues–at all levels of RegNet–has enriched me personally.

Living in Canberra as a Graduate Student is great: it’s relaxed, engaging, safe and progressive. As a university town located in the seat of Federal Government, it draws subject matter experts year-round. There are fabulous bars, restaurants and active societies. Serene spaces for hiking, rowing, and cycling are on your doorstep. The Sapphire Coast is a beautiful two-hour-drive away, and Sydney and the ski fields are only three. As you can tell, I’m a fan.

The M.Phil program at RegNet has been a rewarding opportunity to go deeper on a topic of interest from my career, without the daunting time commitment of a PhD. To all whose career inspires burning questions: consider RegNet’s M.Phil as an option for further study and intellectual engagement!