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Update your browserI have been fortunate to learn from internationally renowned scholars across the world who have shaped contemporary literature in my field. During my PhD, I was advised to treat the PhD not as an end goal, but as one step forward in a lifelong research journey. That advice made me approach academia as a marathon rather than a sprint, and to value incremental progress throughout my career. It has sustained my research with enthusiasm and diligence at every step of the way.
A sense of accomplishment—that quiet “yes!” moment when I have resolved something challenging. I feel excited when I track down a source that is difficult to locate or when I am enlightened by new information. I give myself a discreet shoulder pat when I finally finish a paper. I enjoy learning, observing and exploring ideas. I value the freedom of thought and the opportunity to analyse issues in depth. Travelling, meeting new people and learning from diverse perspectives are also aspects of my work that I love. I do not see my work as merely “work”. My transition into academic was a considered lifestyle choice.
I am not a cancer researcher, nor an environmental scientist addressing climate change. I work in taxation, a field shaped by politics, contested priorities and, often at times, a disconnect between scholarship and practice. Yet tax research plays an essential role in promoting ethical governance and equity within society. As economic and technological environments evolve, tax systems must adapt accordingly. Tax is not static; it requires continual monitoring and adjustment. In that sense, tax resembles water in a swimming pool; it demands ongoing maintenance—if you have a pool at home, you know what I mean—to ensure fairness, integrity and public trust.
Christina Allen is a senior lecturer at Curtin University in Western Australia, a fellow of the Advanced Higher Education, a executive committee member of SHAPE Futures and the academic representative of the Taxation Centre of Excellence at CPA Australia. She was awarded her PhD and master’s degrees in taxation law from the University of Western Australia and graduated as the valedictorian from the Faculty of Business and Law of Edith Cowan University. She widely publishes in taxation law and policy and has a particular interest in the interdisciplinary area of tax and technology.
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