The temporary employees in academic positions contribute to the success and internationalization of the institution, both in academia and industry. I want to represent them as an important part of the university.
Lucia Castro Herrera
Department of information systems
- I want to represent the temporary employees as members of the university who continuously contribute to the success and internationalization of the institution both in academia and industry. In addition, I relate to the importance of work-life balance and a structured approach to our daily lives as researchers.
- I decided to run for the University Board after a conversation with some colleagues about the future after our positions end, the next steps we could take, and the challenges we face. The uncertainty and temporary nature of our jobs is distinctive from the experience of other employees and students. As an international student, immigrant, and a mother, I can relate to most of the challenges and opportunities that temporary employees face such as limited time, uncertainty and difficulty to balance research and family life.
- Therefore, using my diverse skills and knowledge of Norwegian language, it would be an honour for me to represent the temporary employees at the University Board for this period and work to improve communication, opportunities, and working conditions so that we are ready to face the job market and represent the University as we move forward in our careers.
- I currently serve as the student representative for the department of information systems. As a result, I’ve become familiar with the routines and procedures that govern the PhD program and the University. I work closely with my colleagues and make sure the lines of communication are open and that PhDs and Postdocs get the support needed to fulfil their research. I would like to continue this practice at a university level. I am an emergency manager by profession and my ability to remain calm and quickly assess situations. In addition, my international and Norwegian experiences can serve as an advantage in addressing the needs of temporary employees during and after our time at UiA. Moreover, I count with multitasking and attention to detail skills that can be useful during this Board term.
Education:
- Research area: Social media listening practices in the context of crisis management.
- Area of focus: Crisis, emergency, and risk management
- Thesis: Human Smuggling: “World’s Responsibility” – A study of human smuggling routes and trends from and to Colombia.
Work experience:
Board experience: