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Marianne Cherrington, Principal Lecturer in Applied Management

As a researcher in machine learning algorithms, I am keenly interested to know how things work and in which contexts they work best. We are living in such a dynamic era. I passionately believe that as educators we have an incredible opportunity to apply our expertise to help solve ‘wicked problems’ such as climate change or any one of a myriad of sustainability challenges in our disciplines, while thinking critically regarding the impacts of societal issues such as growing inequality.

Otago Polytechnic uses the UN Sustainable Development goals as a framework from which to delve into complex issues in a more holistic way. Although the UN SDGs have 2030 goals, I believe visionary mindsets that act on decisions for ‘our grandchildren’s grandchildren’ will force us to reflect, learn and teach in novel, exhilarating ways. Some of these approaches will be based on ancient wisdom; some will need nascent scholarship. We will require technologies that have yet to be imagined.

Aotearoa is such an amazing and unique place to live. But when Sir David Attenborough addresses the UN Security Council saying “no matter what we do now, it’s too late to avoid climate change” there is a bigger picture. Will my research make a difference? Will my teaching prepare tomorrow’s leaders? What can I possibly do?

Sir Tom Moore grabbed his walking frame and raised tens of millions of pounds for the NHS to make a difference fighting Coronavirus. It claimed him, yet he gave his optimistic best until his last breath. There is so much to do, and Otago Polytechnic has so much expertise across so many disciplines. I want to get involved. I want my international students to be global citizens in our ‘team of 5 million’. I intend for my research, studies and teaching to make a more impactful difference.

Marianne profile