Devorah Wainer

Why did you choose UTS?
I was invited by a Professor Jakubowicz at UTS to become a Doctoral Scholar.

What motivated you to undertake a research program?
At the time of his invitation I had many questions arising from my work experiences. Initially I was motivated to research and learn for my own personal satisfaction. Within that academic environment I was flying high.

Later, during the research process my motivation changed. I became passionate about my discovery and findings. Then the possibility of reaching a global audience motivated me.

What did you personally gain from your studies?
Personally I gained a new life opening to a new world. I started as a mature-aged student and have flourished intellectually, scholastically, emotionally, spiritually and socially. I respect myself for persisting with the development of a new research methodology that would hold to academic rigor and maintain a coherent convergence with my transdisciplinary theoretical framework. I learnt to write in a way previously unknown to me. And found a voice with gravitas. Meeting scholars and students who in turn are motivated by my work is a joy and a blessing for me. Gaining a first class pass from all three examiners has given me the encouragement and enthusiasm to continue researching.

What is your research topic?
My research topic is within the field of Refugees and Human Rights. ‘Beyond the Wire’ accounts for the seeker of asylum who unwittingly becomes entangled in the Australian detention regime. The thesis provides a lens through personal visits to Villawood Detention Centre for studying the interpersonal and intrapersonal experiences behind the wire.

My findings show the Australian Government’s response to people seeking asylum reflects an uncoupling of the letter of the law from the spirit of the law. I am arguing for a paradigm encompassing ethics more than politics and law with which to conceive and receive the 21st-century refugee.

What was it like to be a research student at UTS?
To be a PhD research student was isolating, frustrating, glorious and a huge growth experience. Mostly I learnt to trust myself— my intuition and my academic scholarship.

I had four different supervisors each with their own worldviews and academic frameworks. Each has wonderful personal qualities and a range of different knowledge. I valued each supervisor's appreciation and encouragement of my work although at times they did not "get" it.

I experienced UTS as an institution to have a superbly understanding and supportive approach when I became critically ill during my PhD years.

Is there any advice you would give to students who are studying this program?
First without hesitation I can say that a PhD is the most gratifying and privileged passage in my life. I say to any student regardless of age or circumstance. "Do it. Don't hesitate and then stay the course when it gets tough".

Second my amazingly supportive and understanding family, friends and support structures were vital to my success and I imagine will be to yours too.

Ensure from the very beginning that you are allocated a suitable panel of supervisors. Then learn quickly to be guided by each one appropriately. This is YOUR project so avoid being swayed hither and thither by your supervisors and colleagues.

Seek out a small community of academics who can enlarge your own thinking. Lastly I would say that it's important to find ways to rekindle your passion, curiosity and energy if any fail during your research years.