How did you end up here at UiA?
I came to Kristiansand to pursue a master’s degree in mathematics education, and it was the academic community and UiA in general that convinced me to work here. That's why I applied for a PhD and later obtained a permanent position as an academic employee. Although I’m not originally from here, it is unlikely that I will change jobs anytime soon. There are so many things I value here: my colleagues, the department management, the academic community, and the flexibility I have, and it would be difficult to find all that elsewhere.
Can you tell us what a typical day at work looks like for you?
One of the best things about my daily routine is its variety. I usually arrive at the office between 7:30 and 8:00, and I start my day chatting with colleagues over coffee. This is actually an important reason for me to come to work early, as it provides an inspiring start to the day and contributes to the good work environment we have here.
After the first cup of coffee, I often check for any important emails to respond to. Then I look at the list of things that need to be done and start with those that are most urgent or that I feel most inspired to work on. This list can include everything from practical tasks such as booking travel and signing contracts to more creative tasks such as preparing classes/lectures, writing a research paper, or giving feedback to students. Students are always a high priority, and I aim to ensure that they never have to wait unnecessarily long for feedback from me.
Although I always have a lot to do in the office, a significant part of my work involves venturing out of the office. I not only teach and attend meetings, but also travel to schools to collaborate on development projects, or attend conferences to present and learn. For better or worse, I can take my job anywhere. This also gives me the opportunity to travel to our research centre, Xristos, located on Lesvos, Greece, where I plan to spend two weeks in late June/early July to write research articles and a proposal.
I believe it’s crucial to disseminate the knowledge I gain through my teaching and research to a broader audience, not just my fellow researchers. Therefore, I actively engage in writing opinion pieces, delivering public science lectures (at events such as Lørdagsuniversitetet or Arendalsuka), and have written a book to help parents with math homework. This engagement also means that I receive requests, such as from the Norwegian Directorate for Education and Research, to consult on centrally given maths exams in secondary schools.
One of the strengths of my position and the management is the flexibility to take on additional assignments and customise my role. With a single permanent job, I can still enjoy a wide range of work tasks, providing me with ample opportunities for professional growth and further career advancement if I desire.
Is collaborating with colleagues important to you in your daily work?
Absolutely, I can always knock on someone’s office door if I need help or advice. The traditional image of a lone researcher solving complex problems alone in their office is outdated. On the contrary, it's invaluable to discuss thoughts, ideas, and opportunities with others. Sometimes, these discussions take place informally in the hallway or in each other’s offices. Other times, we schedule meetings to focus on specific issues. I’ve noticed, especially after the pandemic, how crucial this is to my daily work.
How do you balance research and teaching responsibilities?
My area of research is in mathematics education, which means that my research focus is closely tied to my teaching at UiA. I teach various mathematics courses for teacher education, basing all my teaching and planning on my research knowledge. In turn, my own teaching and students present an exciting avenue for exploring new research possibilities. Hence, I have published an article featuring my own students as informants, and I have several planned articles on different topics. When undertaking research in mathematics education, my teaching forms an integral part. How can I model and apply evidence-based research into my teaching?
It may seem straightforward, but combining theory and practice is not always a simple task. It's a constant process that I’m committed to improving upon, which is why communication with students is vital to me. I aim to create a conducive learning environment where we apply what we teach.