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Team Member Profile - Dr Miriam McGarry
Dr Miriam McGarry

Dr Miriam McGarry

Senior Consultant
Since joining FPC in 2020, Miriam has applied her research experience in diverse contexts. With postgraduate and doctoral qualifications, Miriam is skilled in a range of qualitative data collection and analysis approaches. She has a keen interest in the intersection between environmental and social issues, using her research and analysis skills to contribute to evaluation consultancies in complex policy areas.
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Background
Expertise
Projects
Qualifications

Professional Background

Miriam works across a range of content areas at FPC, with particular interest in research-led projects. She enjoys working in project areas of built and natural environments, social policy, and cultural industries. Her approach combines rigorous academic research methods with practical application to complex policy areas.

In addition to her Senior Consultant role at FPC, Miriam also works at a a not-for-profit architecture and design firm on housing, public space, environmental restoration, and design research projects. She also hosts a podcast on policies relating to housing affordability, aimed at making complex policy issues accessible to broader audiences.

Since joining FPC in 2020, Miriam has worked on a range of projects in the areas of environmental management, energy efficiency and sustainability, creative industries, public space, and emergency management.

Areas of Expertise

Miriam's expertise spans the intersection of environmental and social issues, with particular strength in qualitative research methods, cultural policy analysis, and complex systems evaluation. Her interdisciplinary approach combines sociological insights with practical policy applications.

Qualitative Research
Environmental Policy
Cultural Industries
Urban Planning
Desktop Research
Literature Reviews
Housing Policy
Environmental Justice

Specialist Expertise

  • Qualitative Research Methods: Skills in qualitative data collection and analysis, including interviews, surveys, and ethnographic approaches
  • Desktop Research and Literature Reviews: Expert in comprehensive literature reviews and desktop research methodologies for complex policy areas
  • Complex Systems Analysis: Ability to understand and evaluate complex systems involving multiple stakeholders and intersecting policy domains
  • Data Synthesis: Skilled in synthesising diverse data sources to produce coherent analysis and actionable recommendations
  • Policy and Planning Expertise: Knowledge in policy areas including urban governance, cultural policy, housing and environment.

Selected Projects

Miriam has contributed to diverse research and evaluation projects spanning environmental management and sustainability, cultural policy, and urban planning. Her work demonstrates expertise in qualitative research methods, complex policy analysis, and stakeholder engagement across multiple sectors.

Social and Economic Outcomes from the Reef Builder Project

The Nature Conservancy • 2022-2024

Assessed social and economic impacts of shellfish reef restoration across 13 sites in Australia. Conducted comprehensive research into impacts on fishing, diving, tourism, education, and community participation through interviews, surveys, and case studies.

Evaluation of the Outdoor Trading Program

Moonee Valley City Council • 2021

Evaluated COVID-19 response program supporting hospitality, hairdressing, and fitness businesses. Conducted online surveys and phone interviews to assess program effectiveness in supporting economic recovery and community engagement.

Alternative Body Disposal Options Research

Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust • 2023

Conducted desktop research on alternative body disposal options to reduce environmental impact. Completed comprehensive literature review and in-depth research project, with results presented to stakeholders via online presentation.

VicScreen Content Development Programs Evaluation

VicScreen • 2024

Evaluated four key program offerings including Development on Demand, Originate Suite, Frame Doc Labs, and First Peoples Writers Workshop. Conducted comprehensive program logic development and gender impact assessment.

VicScreen Skills/Work Placement Program Evaluation

VicScreen • 2024

Evaluated placement, attachment and internship opportunities program. Conducted comprehensive evaluation including gender impact assessment and wide-reaching stakeholder consultation across the creative industries sector.

VicScreen Audience Engagement Program Evaluation

VicScreen • 2023

Evaluated program supporting audience engagement in creative industries. Developed program logic, conducted comprehensive documentation review, and implemented primary data collection including surveys and stakeholder interviews.

Streets as Shared Spaces Program Evaluation

Victorian Government • 2023

Evaluated program supporting 42 councils in trialling street activations to strengthen amenity and economic vitality. Conducted document reviews, interviews, and surveys with participating councils and stakeholders.

Sustainable Apartments Pilot Monitoring and Evaluation

Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate (ACT) • 2025

Evaluating pilot program exploring feasibility and costs for apartment buildings to transition off gas systems. Developing evidence base for fully electric apartment building pathways and energy transition strategies.

Homeward Bound Impact Evaluation

Homeward Bound • 2021

Contributed to mid-term impact evaluation of leadership program for women in science. Conducted focus groups, surveys, and interviews to assess individual, organisational, and broader program impacts.

Solar for Low Income Households Trial Evaluation

Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (NSW) • 2020

Conducted midterm process evaluation of innovative solar program providing rooftop systems to eligible households. Analysed program efficiency and effectiveness through stakeholder interviews and data analysis.

Empowering Homes Pilot Process Evaluation

Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (NSW) • 2020

Evaluated pilot program providing interest-free loans for battery and solar-battery systems in Hunter region. Synthesised evidence to inform state-wide program roll-out and design improvements.

Fire Ready Victoria Program Evaluation

Country Fire Authority • 2020

Evaluated community bushfire safety program targeting high-risk areas. Conducted comprehensive evaluation including online surveys, interviews, and stakeholder workshops to assess program effectiveness and community impact.

Education & Qualifications

Miriam's educational background combines sociology and history, providing a strong foundation for her interdisciplinary approach to research and evaluation in complex policy areas, particularly at the intersection of environmental and social issues.

  • Doctor of Philosophy (Sociology)
    University of Tasmania, 2018
    Doctoral thesis examined the impact of MONA (Museum of Old and New Art) on cultural policy and urban planning in Hobart, applying social science qualitative research methods to understand the complex relationships between cultural institutions, policy development, and urban governance.
  • Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in History
    University of Melbourne
  • Graduate Certificate in Research Methods
    University of Tasmania

Professional Experience

  • Senior Consultant - First Person Consulting (2020-present)
  • Head of Research - OFFICE (not-for-profit architecture and design firm) (2023-present, part time)
  • Researcher and tutor - Monash University, University of Tasmania, University of South Australia (various periods, previous)
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    • Capability Building
    • Play. Listen. Learn
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