Professor Simon Sheather, former Dean of Gatton College of Business and Economics at the University of Kentucky and Brenton Clarke, Adjunct Senior Lecturer in the School of Mathematics, Statistics, Chemistry and Physics at Murdoch University

For Adjunct Senior Lecturer Dr Brenton Clarke, learning has never stopped. Since retiring from full-time teaching in 2021 and continuing his contribution to Murdoch University through the School of Mathematics, Statistics, Chemistry and Physics (MSCP), Brenton has remained an active member of the international statistical community, sharing knowledge, contributing to research conversations and building connections that span continents.

Earlier this year, Brenton travelled to the United States as part of academic and personal pursuits, visiting leading institutions including Columbia University, Cornell University, the University of Kentucky and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Along the way, he met with researchers, postgraduate students and long-standing collaborators, strengthening academic relationships while creating new opportunities for research and knowledge exchange.

At Murdoch University, we know that great ideas grow through connection. Research thrives when people come together to share perspectives, challenge assumptions and learn from one another. Brenton’s visit is a powerful example of how our academic community reaches beyond geographical boundaries, fostering collaborations that contribute to knowledge and innovation around the world. It also highlights the important role adjunct academics play in enriching our learning environment and extending Murdoch University's global research networks. 

^{View of the clock tower from the Statler Hotel Breakfast Restaurant at Ithaca Campus of Cornell University}

Sharing expertise with the next generation

The academic component of Brenton’s journey began at Columbia University in New York, where he delivered a seminar to postgraduate students in the Department of Statistics. The presentation drew on decades of research experience and explored both classical and modern approaches to statistical modelling, inference and robust estimation.

Presentation title: Reconciling Least Squares and Robustness in the Two-Way Layout Fixed Effects Experimental Design with an Example from R. A. Fisher’s book The Design of Experiments.

The seminar sparked discussion around complex statistical problems and provided students with an opportunity to engage directly with an experienced researcher whose work has contributed significantly to the field. For Brenton, the opportunity to connect with emerging statisticians was one of the most rewarding aspects of the trip.

Reflecting on his travels, Brenton said:

“Probability and Statistics is a global discipline. The challenges we work on may differ from place to place, but curiosity, collaboration and the pursuit of knowledge are universal. This trip was a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with colleagues, share ideas and learn from researchers and students who are helping shape the future of the discipline.”

Exploring collaboration across disciplines

At Cornell University, Brenton reconnected and interacted with internationally recognised researchers in statistics, data science and veterinary science. Discussions ranged from statistical theory and probability through to practical applications in animal health and agricultural research. These conversations highlighted the increasingly interdisciplinary nature of modern statistics, and the important role statistical methods play in addressing real-world challenges.

One notable visit involved Cornell's Animal Health Diagnostic Centre, where Brenton learned about how large-scale veterinary data is being used to identify diseases and support animal health outcomes across the United States. The experience reinforced the value of collaboration between statisticians and subject matter experts in developing solutions to complex problems.

Building international academic networks

The next leg of the journey took Brenton to the University of Kentucky, where he delivered a colloquium and met with academic staff and postgraduate students working across diverse areas of statistical research. Conversations covered machine learning, statistical consulting, mixture modelling, social network analysis and probability theory, demonstrating the breadth of contemporary statistical science.

These discussions provided an opportunity to exchange ideas, learn about emerging research directions and share insights from Australian perspectives on teaching and research. They also reinforced the importance of international academic networks in supporting innovation and developing future researchers.

Returning to a significant chapter of his academic career

A particularly meaningful part of the journey was Brenton’s return to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he had worked as a visiting academic more than four decades earlier. Reconnecting with former colleagues, meeting current researchers and engaging with postgraduate students offered a unique perspective on how both the discipline and academic institutions have evolved over time.

During his visit, Brenton met academics working across statistics, biostatistics and data science and participated in a range of scholarly discussions. He also delivered his seminar to staff and students, generating thoughtful discussion and demonstrating the enduring relevance of foundational statistical theory in contemporary research settings.

The visit was also a reminder that academic relationships can span decades, creating opportunities for collaboration, mentorship and shared learning throughout a career.

Valuing the contribution of our adjunct academics

Murdoch University is fortunate to benefit from the knowledge, experience and commitment of its adjunct academics. Through teaching and joint supervision of research students, mentoring, research and professional engagement, adjunct staff continue to make valuable contributions to the University's mission and to the success of our students and researchers.

Brenton’s visit demonstrates how these contributions extend well beyond the local campus. By maintaining international collaborations, sharing expertise and participating in global research conversations, adjunct academics help strengthen Murdoch University's reputation and create opportunities for future partnerships.

As the School of Mathematics, Statistics, Chemistry and Physics continues to foster impactful research and meaningful engagement, stories like this remind us that academic connections have the power to transcend distance, inspire new ideas and contribute to a brighter future for our academic community and the wider world.