At the UNE School of Law we have many marvellous staff from a variety of different backgrounds. One of the kindest and most socially conscious academic members of the UNE School of Law is Dr Sharllene Marimuthu. Sharllene is also an amazing asset to the UNE School of Law as she can speak 5 different languages – English, Bahasa Malaysia, Bahasa Indonesia, Tamil and some Malaysian Hokkien!
Sharllene came to UNE as a lecturer in May 2013 after completing her PhD at Monash University. Before this Sharllene finished her law degree at the University of London as well as completing a master’s degree from University Malaya in Malaysia. During this time, Sharllene practiced as a barrister predominantly in civil litigation.
Sharllene chose to study law as a result of her dad saying ‘we need a lawyer in the family, all families do.’ Her mum however argued she should become a teacher. Sharllene wisely chose a path that combined both.
Sharllene hanging out with ‘Skippy’
Sharllene has taught many areas of law in both Australia and Malaysia but she particularly enjoys teaching Civil Procedure. Teaching this important area of law allows Sharllene to use her expertise from her years as a legal practitioner. Students have often contacted Sharllene to say how the knowledge and skills she has taught them is invaluable when they enter into legal practice.
Sharllene is also interested in food -and not just to eat- you see food does not always have to end in someone’s stomach, it can also end up in a research paper! Sharllene is interested in regulations surrounding new food which is placed on the market, food security and safety. Sharllene’s interest in this area was piqued as a result of her long standing research interests relating to the regulation of advertisements of food, cosmetics, dietary supplements and medicinal products.
Sharllene loves living in Armidale with her two teenage sons and notes Armidale is unique, as it is a hybrid of city and rural living. ‘There are hardly any traffic jams, and you are always the next person in line. People are friendly in Armidale, and I have made some wonderful friends.’
Sharllene enjoying a bushwalk in a national park
Sharllene values the small and authentic moments in life and has taken full advantage of everything Armidale has to offer. She is currently participating in weekly salsa dancing lessons and goes on regular bushwalks with her beloved dog ‘Skippy’! Skippy is extra special as he is a rescue dog from the New England Doghouse. ‘Skippy’ has also been known to make guest appearances in Sharllene’s podcasted lectures-much to the delight of her many students. As if she is not accomplished enough, Sharllene is also an excellent artist, in particular, she enjoys experimenting with colours and colour combinations.
Sharllene’s Dog ‘Skippy’
Thank you for sharing your fascinating story with us Sharllene!
