Dr. Elizabeth Summerfield Shares Insights on ‘Finding Your Voice in Research’

The UIII Faculty of Education hosted its 32nd Lunch Talk on August 27, 2024, featuring Dr. Elizabeth Summerfield, a visiting research fellow from the University of Adelaide and a representative of Australian Volunteer International (AVI). Dr. Summerfield delivered an insightful presentation titled “Finding Your Voice in Research: When the ‘Personal is Political.’”

At the event, Dr. Summerfield shared her journey in academia, focusing on how personal experiences can profoundly influence research. She began by recounting her PhD backstory at the University of Melbourne, explaining how her life experiences starting from when she was little till her university life shaped the questions she asked and the research paths she pursued.  

In particular, she shared fascinating discoveries about a prominent Australian environmentalist and even touched on connections to Albert Einstein's work. She discussed how Einstein’s philosophies and scientific principles influenced her thinking and research methodology. Specifically, she explored Einstein’s views on the interconnectedness of personal experiences and broader societal issues, encapsulated in the notion that “personal is political.” 

She explained that “the personal is political” became a phrase that guided her through the complexities of her research. She emphasized that acknowledging the personal elements in scholarly work not only enriches the research process but also brings a deeper understanding of the subject matter. 

She also wove in wisdom from various sources to illustrate her points. She quoted Prophet Muhammad, saying, “The ink of the scholar is more sacred than the blood of the martyr,” to highlight the profound impact of knowledge. She also referenced Nelson Mandela’s famous statement, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world,” underscoring the transformative power of education.  

Additionally, she encouraged attendees to maintain a spirit of inquiry, echoing Einstein’s words: “Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning.” 

The presentation concluded with an engaging Q&A session, where participants explored the implications of the ideas of integrating personal narratives into academic research. The discussion highlighted the balance between objective analysis and the subjective influences that shape a researcher’s perspective. 

The Lunch Talk is part of UIII’s ongoing initiative to promote critical thinking and encourage scholars to share and/or be inspired by other scholars. Dr. Summerfield’s talk aided the audience—faculty members and graduate students—to reflect on their own research journeys and the role that personal experiences play in their scholarly endeavors. 

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