Lindy Osborne was probably destined for life as an academic ... even though it wasn't originally part of her life plan.
The QUT lecturer had built a name for herself with one of the state's top architectural firms, but switched to teaching two years ago.
"My father was an academic and my brother and sister work in universities and they all wanted me to as well ... but I was on a different path," she said.
Those paths merged, however, as her architecture work started focusing on designing education spaces.
Ms Osborne worked on buildings at Griffith University and the University of Queensland and was the senior architect on the $550 million South Bank Education and Training Precinct in Brisbane.
"Becoming an academic wasn't something I planned on - it just seemed to happen," Ms Osborne said.
"I started off doing hospital design and worked on a teaching hospital, which led to designing teaching spaces.
"I specialised in designing university and teaching spaces, and then started teaching part-time at QUT. When I was offered a full-time position for 2008, I decided it was my chance to be surrounded by students and really get excited about architecture again."
Ms Osborne was employed under QUT's Early Career Academic Recruitment and Development program (ECARD) - which includes a one-year development program that fast-tracks university careers and is particularly beneficial for people making the transition from industry to academic life.
"I knew about teaching but I didn't fully understand the research and service part of life for an academic - ECARD was excellent because it filled the gaps," Ms Osborne said.
"It was a very supportive environment and it equipped me for that transitional period from working in industry to academia. That really served to build my skills and confidence, and validate that I'd made the right decision."
Ms Osborne said receiving a QUT Vice-Chancellor's Performance Award had been one of the highlights of her first year of teaching.
Over the next few years she will expand her focus to include research and is about to enrol in a PhD at QUT.
"I want to focus on the shift from physical learning environments to virtual learning environments, and what that means for the design of space and buildings," she said.
QUT's director of Human Resources, Graham MacAulay, said QUT was the only university in Australia with a dedicated Early Career Academic Recruitment and Development (ECARD) program for those new to academia.
"This program is opening the door to new opportunities for young academics who are keen to work their way up the university career ladder," he said.
The one-year development program provides academics with a comprehensive suite of skills, knowledge and abilities to ensure a successful academic career, as well as support and opportunities to develop strong networking and collaborative relationships.
Media contacts: Mechelle McMahon, QUT media officer, 07 3138 2130 or ml.mcmahon@qut.edu.au.
** High-res photo of Ms Osborne available for media use.
