Andrew Turk - Brief Bio (October, 2007)

Andrew Turk has degrees in Surveying, Applied Science (Cartography) and Arts (Psychology Honours and Philosophy) and a PhD. In the 1970s and early 1980s he worked for the Australian Government producing topographic maps, involving surveying fieldwork in remote areas and development of computer-assisted techniques. In 1983 he commenced research at The University of Melbourne into design and production of tactual (raised-line and low-vision) maps and other graphics for blind and partially sighted persons. From 1993 he worked at Murdoch University, Western Australia, teaching undergraduate students, supervising postgraduate students and carrying out research and consultancy projects - specializing in: design and usability evaluation of user interfaces and websites; ethnographic and socio-technical methodologies for developing information systems; Geographic Information Systems; human factors aspects of interactive television; and cultural and ethical aspects of Information and Communications Technology. He has worked on projects with Indigenous communities in the Pilbara and the Ngaanyatjarra Lands areas of WA. Currently his research concentrates on Ethnophysiography (cultural / linguistic aspects of conceptions of landscape). He commenced a second PhD in Philosophy (Phenomenology) in February 2007. In July 2007 he retired but continues as an Adjunct Associate Professor at Murdoch University. Andrew spends most of his time at a 25 Ha (mostly bush) property at Porongurup where he is involved in community activities (especially Natural Resource Management), continues with his research and writes poetry.

Contact:

Email: a.turk@murdoch.edu.au

Phone: +61 (0)8-98531282

Post: 52 Gaalgegup Close, Porongurup, WA 6324, Australia