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STRICTLY SPEAKING | CALVING
The impact of global warming has introduced new terms to our vocabulary , like anthropocene , biomass and carbon footprint . A word now gaining currency that has been around for a while , at least for whalers and glaciologists , is calving – the process whereby a glacier or iceberg throws off a mass of ice .
It ’ s a deeply resonant usage that portrays the large mass of ice as somehow animate , giving birth to its offspring like a cow , or indeed a whale – that other giant of the Arctic oceans that may well have inspired this use of the word .
There is another verb with the same form in English that has a different origin , but an apt sense . Calve appears in various British English dialects , particularly that of Lincolnshire , meaning ‘ To fall in as an undermined bank or side of a cutting ’ ( OED online ).
Its origin is uncertain , perhaps related to cave or a Dutch verb , af-kalven , but its connotations of destruction and collapse seem more appropriate to the everincreasing melting events .
They are signs of a looming disaster , rather than metaphors for renewal as implied by the more familiar word . But perhaps we need to retain these positive undercurrents of meaning , to help conceptualise our environment as a living entity capable of survival and rebirth .
Dr Adam Smith is the convenor of the Editing and Electronic Publishing program at Macquarie University .
NEW SCIENCE DEAN FOR WSU
Graciela Metternicht has joined WSU as its new Dean of the School of Science .
Born and raised in Argentina , Metternicht will head west from UNSW Sydney where she is currently professor of Environmental Geography in the School of Biological , Earth and Environmental Sciences .
Her research interests include environmental geography , with a focus on geospatial technologies and their application in environmental management and policy .
Metternicht said it is an exciting time to be joining WSU , particularly since it was named world ’ s best for sustainable development in the latest THE University Impact Rankings .
“ WSU is uniquely positioned to create enduring impact at regional , national and international levels through its world-leading education , research and engagement with industry and community ,” Metternicht said .
INDIGENOUS FOCUS AT TORRENS Torrens has created two Indigenous-focus roles in its Health Sciences team .
Lesli Kirwan has been appointed Senior Learning Facilitator – First Nations Curriculum , and Ren Perkins as Learning Facilitator – First Nations Curriculum .
“ These identified academic roles are the first of their kind at our university and an exciting step towards our Reconciliation Action Plan ,” said Rochelle Morris , Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Liaison Officer .
Kirwan , a proud Ngarabal Yugambal woman from the far north of NSW , said “ engaging two Aboriginal academic staff in the health vertical to share knowledge and culture with staff and students is an exceptional move in the right direction ”.
Perkins is a Quandamooka man with connections to the Wakka Wakka Nation , and has worked in Indigenous education for over two decades .
“ I am most looking forward to working with the team at Torrens University to help promote the university as a place which embraces and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures ,” Perkins said .
SWINBURNE DOUBLES DOWN After acting in their roles for several months Swinburne has now appointed Jim Ogloff AM ( left ) as Dean of the School of Health Sciences , and James Verdon as Dean of the School of Social Sciences , Media , Film and Education .
Ogloff has more than 35 years ’ experience in clinical and academic positions and is Distinguished Professor of Forensic Behavioural Science and Director of the Centre for Forensic Behavioural Science at Swinburne .
“ I am honoured to have been appointed as Dean to help lead the health expansion strategy and to realise the goals in the Horizon 2025 strategy ,” Ogloff said .
Verdon has been at Swinburne since 1997 , during which time he has held the positions of program coordinator of VET offerings in Screen and Media , course director of the Bachelor of Film and Television , and most recently , chair of Swinburne ’ s Department of Film , Games and Animation .
“ I am energised and excited by the opportunity as Dean to lead a School firmly committed to fostering and supporting sustainable , just and creative futures through genuine innovation in our teaching , research and engagement ,” Verdon said .
NEW DEPUTY VC AT MACQUARIE
Professor Rorden Wilkinson is Macquarie University ’ s new Deputy Vice-Chancellor ( Academic ).
The international trade , global governance and international development expert joins Macquarie from UNSW , where he is Pro Vice-Chancellor , Education & Student Experience and Professor of International Political Economy .
Wilkinson is a passionate advocate for increased access to higher education and a champion of the role universities play in transforming lives .
Macquarie ’ s VC and President Bruce Dowton added that Wilkinson ’ s “ skill set and experience closely aligns with Macquarie ’ s goals of truly putting students first ”.
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