Dr Michael T Buchanan

60 Seconds - Dr Michael T Buchanan

Dr Michael T Buchanan is Senior Lecturer and co-coordinator of the Bachelor of Teaching / Bachelor of Arts (Melbourne) degree. He is a member of the School of Religious Education and is based at the University's Melbourne Campus.

How would I spend my ideal day?

In the garden attending to my interest in growing fruit and vegetables.

In life I have learnt…

That being a mere worker in the vineyard of the Lord is the most amazing accomplishment.

Something that inspires me...

Students who have a lot of disturbances going on in their lives and somehow are able to get up each day and come to ACU and strive against so many odds to achieve and succeed.

What would surprise most people about my job?

That lecturers don't have three months holiday each year.

What has been the most significant development in my field since starting my career?

The incredible amount of diverse research being accomplished and the amazing contributions my colleagues and I are making at a local, national and international level.

If I could invite any five people to dinner, who would they be and why?

My Mum and Dad, because they are the most amazing people I know; Jo Cross, my grade six teacher, because she is amazing and nurtured within me a love for learning and education. She still inspires me to this day; Sr Patricia Brain MSS, because she has a simple way of making Jesus real in daily life; Pope John Paul II, because he loved the world and had the ability to transform it; And, the refugee and migrant children from the Atherton Gardens Homework Club, because they are so enthusiastic about their lives in Australia and believe that all things are possible.