Doctorate the dream of a lifetime
Dr Liz Allen and her daughters. Image: Phil Dooley, ANU
Completing a PhD is a special triumph for Liz Allen, who left school after year seven, and had the first of her four children at 17.
Dr Allen's doctoral studies in demography looked at childhood obesity and excess screen time.
The College of Arts and Social Sciences graduate says completing a PhD is a lifelong dream.
"The ANU, especially my mentors, helped me - the mum with four kids and an extremely modest background - overcome adversities to now work and teach at Australia's leading university," Dr Allen said.
"I hope I have shown my daughters how one's aspirations can be achieved through hard work, tenacity, and the support of key people."
Working through TAFE and university, Dr Allen uncovered a burning love for research that has been fostered by a series of mentors, such as former Dean of the College of Arts and Social Sciences, Professor Toni Makkai.
"I can only hope that my story can inspire other young people, especially those for whom adversities get in the way of pathways through school," she said.
"Ultimately, aspirations and the drive to be the best you can be, coupled with the right support will get you where you want to be. Sometimes all it takes is one person to say 'you can do it'."