Leveraging the power of Indigenous knowledge systems
The Transdisciplinary School (TD School) has appointed Susan Moylan-Coombs as the inaugural Indigenous Associate Professor of Practice.
Associate Professor Moylan-Coombs, Indigenous Associate Professor of Practice
Associate Professor Moylan-Coombs, a proud Gurindji and Woolwonga woman, joins UTS from the community development sector. She is the founder and leader of the Gaimaragal Group, a social impact organisation that draws on First Nations knowledge and holistic wellbeing principles to address inequality.
She has a longstanding connection to UTS, having previously delivered guest lectures on Indigenous knowledge systems to students in the TD School’s Bachelor of Creative Intelligence and Innovation and the Diploma in Innovation.
In her new role, she will leverage the power of First Nations history, cultural practices and kinship, as well as the knowledge systems that have sustained Indigenous communities for 60,000 years, to contribute to both teaching and research within the TD School. She will also draw on her extensive network to connect the School to new First Nations industry and community partners.
I really want to make a change and to influence and support people to think differently about who we are as First Nations people and about how we can leverage the difference in the western worldview and the Indigenous worldview to create new practices.
Associate Professor Susan Moylan-Coombs, Indigenous Associate Professor of Practice
“That’s particularly important in a university setting, because we’re shaping people’s way of thinking before they go into the workforce. We really need to start to influence that in a positive way because otherwise, our communities will continue to get left behind.”
A former media producer for the ABC and NITV, Associate Professor Moylan-Coombs was first introduced to the TD School by Stephen Rutter, the School’s Entrepreneur in Residence and a proud Trawlwoolway man.
According to Mr Rutter, Associate Professor Moylan-Coombs’ appointment is an important step towards embedding the University’s Indigenous Graduate Attribute commitment into TD School curriculum. These attributes prepare students to work with and for First Nations people and communities in culturally safe and respectful ways both during and after their time at UTS.
“My teaching experience at UTS opened doors for me to connect with incredible Indigenous colleagues. Among these extraordinary peers was Susan, who I invited to Acknowledge Country, speak and create a safe space where students could engage more deeply with our First Nations communities,” Mr Rutter says.
“Susan’s presence was always a highlight, consistently leaving a lasting impression on the students, who often shared glowing feedback about her impact.”
Beyond the classroom, Associate Professor Moylan-Coombs will be an active participant in TD School research and will also help guide the School’s strategic directions as they relate to First Nations content.
It’s essential that we have senior Indigenous leadership as part of our team. First Nations perspectives and knowledge create vital context for study and research. Indigenous knowledges provide a critical perspective in transdisciplinary teaching and research.
Professor Martin Tomitsch, Head of the Transdisciplinary School
“The appointment will strengthen the School’s transdisciplinary teaching, learning and research by incorporating Indigenous knowledges in coursework and in research in a meaningful, authentic and respectful manner.”
