2013 USQ Faculty of Sciences Alumnus of the Year: Anthony Leicht
When the words ‘science and people’ are typed into google images, results vary from photos of babies, to doctors, to professors, to famous science figures. This year, another image will be added to the results; Anthony Leicht, USQ Faculty of Sciences Alumnus of the Year for 2013.
Anthony Leicht has completed an astounding four degrees with the University of Southern Queensland, most recently a Doctor of Philosophy. His employment history is broad, commencing as a Research Assistant at USQ followed by Senior Lecturer, Director, Deputy Director and currently Associate Professor at James Cook University, Townsville. Anthony is also an accomplished researcher and writer, with an extensive list of publications including Theses, internationally recognised journal articles as well as International and National abstracts and conference proceedings.
What has Anthony achieved in his lifetime so far that has resulted in him winning this prestigious award? Find out more by reading the full interview with Dr Anthony Leicht.
 |
2013 Faculty of Sciences Alumnus of the Year: Anthony Leicht
|
1. What did you dream of doing as a career when you were a child?
I wanted to be a Scientist or Doctor when I was younger, definitely something health related and science based.
2. What subjects did you study in high school? Were you academically driven, sporting, arts etc?
I was very academically driven and studied pure sciences - Maths, Physics, Chemistry etc. I performed very well academically and was also a state basketball player
3. What was your first degree/course? Did you stick to this career path or interest? Why or why not?
My first degree was a Bachelor of Applied Science in Animal Biology at USQ. After that, I completed my Honours at USQ focusing on exercise physiology followed by a PhD and Grad diploma in Education at USQ. I started with animal biology and then moved into the academic side of exercise science and was successful in obtaining a role as soon as I graduated from USQ with James Cook University.
4. Why did you choose to study at USQ?
I chose USQ because I lived in Toowoomba and could not afford Brisbane. USQ also offered the courses that I wanted to study including all of the post-grad courses as well. Since I had grown up in Toowoomba, I also knew people that could help and the lecturers were able to respond to my questions quickly.
5. What was the next step for you after graduation? Did you have a plan or fall into something?
I submitted my PhD in May of 1999 and by June, I was offered a 6 month contract at James Cook University as an Academic. When I graduated the following April, I was offered Full Time employment at James Cook University (JCU) and have been there ever since.
I guess in that regard, you can say that I fell into this line of work. I was interested in a Post Doctorate or academic position and knew an academic at JCU in another department who mentioned an opening in exercise science, I had an interview, was offered the position and started in June.
6. What do you consider is the key to success?
Working hard and being focused and doing something that you do enjoy, as opposed to something where you are just going through the grind. Doing tasks that I really enjoy helps me focus on what I want to do.
7. Why do you think you were nominated for an Alumnus of the Year Award?
I was nominated by my wife and family who are very proud of me. I have worked hard in my own position as well as with others and deserve the recognition I guess. I feel very honoured to receive this award.
8. Who has been the biggest influence in your life and why?
Through High School and University, my mother and grandparents were influential as they supported me and helped me out as much as possible. They were keen to help me achieve. After marriage, my wife has been incredibly supportive and since 2000 my children have also impacted my life. All of my achievements are the result of my families support.
9. What advice do you have for others in your Faculty about how to attain success in your chosen work field?
I refer back to what I said are the keys to success in conjunction with having a solid support base. Do what you really want to do, focus on the tasks and enjoy.
10. Do you think that you have found your ideal job and what you were born to do or is there still some searching to do?
This is an interesting question and the answer is yes and no. Like all jobs, I have good and bad days but the good outweigh the bad so I can honestly say that my ideal job is essentially what I am now doing. I love to teach and research and this job combines the two. I enjoy interacting with students but would not be quite fulfilled unless I had the other aspects of being an academic; the research. When I started my PhD, I did not necessarily have the vision of being an academic, but I fell into teaching and had great mentors which inspired me. I love developing the curiosity of students and seeing them grow. I have learnt that this position is what I am interested in.
11. What are your plans for the future career wise and personally?
I look forward to watching my children grow up. I have 10 and 12 year old children and want to watch them develop through adolescence and beyond. I will remain in a professional environment at JCU or consider another University if the right opportunity arises. There have been some trying times but I would like to continue along this academic path professionally. I would also like the opportunity to travel more and develop further international collaborations which have already begun. Another big goal of mine is to take time out to breath and pursue other interests. A large part of my life has surrounded academia, research and supporting a department at a University with a lot of different colleagues and across campuses. I would like to develop a life outside academia.
