A lecturer in Allied Health, Dr Melanie Hayman is riding the wave of success. In the past fortnight, she has completed her PhD and was named the winner of the national 5 Minute Research Pitch against 14 other competitors on the Gold Coast. Yet, she hasn’t let it go to her head, keeping her focus on spreading the importance of physical activity far and wide.
What was a recent highlight of your life?
It would definitely have to be a combination of finishing my PhD, winning the national 5 Minute Research Pitch competition, and watching my son graduate from kindy – all in the past two weeks!
Are you a CQUni Alumni? If so, what did you graduate in?
Yes, I completed my undergraduate degree in Human Movements Science some time ago now.
What was the moment that made you choose your career?
I chose an undergraduate degree in Human Movements because I love sport and exercise. I chose my Masters in Education because I wanted to share my passion for sport and exercise with others, and I chose my PhD because I am very passionate about living an active lifestyle and this includes during pregnancy when the health benefits of physical activity not only benefit the mother, but also her unborn child.
What is the best thing about your CQUni campus?
In Rocky it’s definitely the people I get to work with – it is great to be a part of such a supportive and inclusive team.
What’s the biggest way a student has surprised you?
Having past students tell me that they chose teaching as a career because they wanted to ‘be like me’, is pretty inspiring. Seriously, what more could you ask for than to positively influence the life of someone else? It’s moments like those that keep me motivated to be the best I can be because you never know who might be watching or listening.
If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?
I really wish that we as humans could be more understanding and compassionate for one another. I hate the ‘us’ and ‘them’ mentality. I’d love to see us working together to achieve bigger goals than those that only benefit individuals.
Who was your childhood hero and why?
My mother. She is still my hero today. She continues to inspire me every day with her commitment to her family, friends, her work and her students.
Who is the most famous person you’ve ever met?
That’d probably have to be Wayne Bennett when he was here for The Cathedral College Sports Presentation evening quite a few years back. I was very privileged to have sat at his table and to have enjoyed his company for the night. He is actually a really funny and very down to earth guy. I can see why so many of his players, past and present look up to him.
