Connected Conversations | Sean Lambert
Ever wonder who keeps the rent paid, the power on, the water flowing, and the pantry stocked in the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences? Services, Infrastructure and Equipment Support Officer, Sean Lambert, is one of the few familiar faces you may recognise around the faculty. Originally studying a forensics science degree, fascinated by TV shows like CSI, Sean never thought his studies would bring him to sunny Adelaide.
Please tell us a little bit about yourself.
Hi friends, my name is Sean, but you may also know me by one of the many lovable nicknames I have across the faculty — my favourite one being ‘Sean the Magnificent’, coined by the ever-entertaining Andrew Buchanan. But, in reality, I was just named after my father’s favourite James Bond actor and plain old ‘Sean’ will also suffice!
I graduated with a forensic studies degree from the University of Canberra and I joined the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences’ Technical Services team approximately four years ago. It has been the most enjoyable time of my life so far, working for the University of Adelaide, and I thoroughly enjoy the people and am humbled to be a small part of an organisation that is helping shape the next generation of health and medical sciences professionals.
Tell us a bit about your time at the University.
I am a Services, Infrastructure and Equipment Support Officer, part of the Technical Services team. Along with many others, I have the absolute pleasure of working closely with legendary team members like Carroll DeVizio and Roshini Somashekar.
As for what my team does — that is very complex question, and it would take a novel to effectively outline what we do! However, if you think of the faculty in terms of a (very) large household, I would say my team helps to ensure that the rent is paid, the power is on, the water is flowing, the pantry is stocked, and the kids are happy!
What has been your journey to get where you are today?
Straight after Year 12, like countless others, I rushed to apply to university but I was not completely sure on what I wanted to do. So, I did what any self-respecting teenager would do — I rushed head-first into a human biology degree that I was not completely committed to.
After a lot of soul searching, chocolate, and many sleepless nights, I realised that this particular degree was not for me. I then completed the semester before deciding to take a hiatus from studying and reflect on what I actually wanted to study. This was a meaningful deviation from ‘the plan’ because it allowed me time to see what else was out there and hone in on my childhood interests and, eventually, I found my calling – forensic studies!
After my bachelor’s degree, I moved to Adelaide — because the weather is ten times better than Canberra — and was lucky enough to have a friend who put me on the trail of my current University position. I haven’t looked back since!
What do you love most about working at the University of Adelaide?
I feel like the best part of working at the University is the people that occupy the space, who make it such a compelling work environment. Their dedication to keeping the University of Adelaide as one of the top-tier universities in the world is admirable and inspiring.
The need to constantly innovate and grow our infrastructure to meet the developing needs of our staff, students, and researchers is one of the best parts of working in this role. There is no better feeling of accomplishment (and relief!) than seeing a plan/development/build come together.
Where’s your favourite spot on campus?
Hub Central is my favourite spot on campus, but not for any deep and meaningful reason — it just has the best food on campus!
What inspired you to pursue a career in health?
When I was younger, I was always fascinated by CSI and forensic science TV shows, but with the daily grind of growing up, school life and just life in general, I lost sight of my passion. But, thanks to my hiatus from studying, I was able to rediscover my inquisitive nature and find a field I could apply that into. Although my role now is not exactly chasing down bad guys, investigating blood spatter analysis, and conducting fingerprint analysis – I apply a lot of my strategic planning and critical thinking skills gleaned from my forensic studies into my role at the University every day.
Have you ever had a life-changing experience?
Multiple! Some I learned from and some I am still learning from but the one that had a significant impact on me was when I migrated to Australia from Sri Lanka at the age of 16. I was just coming out of my introverted shell, making tons of friends, enjoying the beautiful tropical weather and, suddenly, my parents decided it was a good idea to migrate to Australia!
Now, obviously, when you are a 16-year-old, you already have your life mapped out and know exactly what you are doing and where you want to be in your life. So, I made my case to my parents, and I actually thought there was a chance that they would let me stay back in Sri Lanka for a few years with my grandparents until I finished high school. Shockingly, my parents didn’t go for my plan and decided to move to Australia anyway, and it forever changed the course of my life.
Looking back, I am appreciative of the decision they made as it put me on the trajectory to achieve my goals and had a positive effect on my overall quality of life. Thanks, Mum and Dad!
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
I am a passionate combat sport enthusiast, dog lover, owner of an obnoxiously loud sports car and a sucker for a box of Shapes.
What’s the motto that you live by?
I won’t pretend to be profound or enlightened (give me a few centuries) enough to claim that I live by a motto. But I do believe in being kind to all beings and to live and let live.
See also: Imagine by the late, great and powerful John Lennon.