Profile: Paul Hallahan - a master craftsman of his art

During his 27 years as a UNSW staff member, Paul Hallahan has been an exemplar of customer service and an enthusiastic model of inspiration for academics.

Throughout his career at UNSW, Paul has faced numerous challenges but he prefers to focus on his biggest successes – maintaining the workshop service through two relocations, implementing change into the combined workshop structure and, of course, providing a level of customer service that keeps everyone happy.

One of his regular clients is Professor Stephen Dain of the School of Optometry. He estimates that Paul has been servicing the Optics and Radiometry Laboratory for between 15 and 20 years.

“Paul and his staff have kept ORLAB going from providing the smallest bolt and nut through to salvaging antique equipment to adapting my best efforts at a working drawing and always improving on the concept. The quality of work is, at all times, absolutely excellent. The service is delivered with good humour, so it is always a pleasure to deal with Paul,” said Professor Dain.

Another long-term client is Professor Michael Guilhaus now of The Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry Facility in the UNSW Analytical Centre. Paul has assisted Professor Guilhaus and his research team with the development and construction of revolutionary new analysers for mass spectrometers. The project required a wide range of skills and techniques – down to designing new machines to produce the components required.

“The end result was that the prototype worked immediately after the last component was tested and assembled. The new technology was 10 times better than the previous technology and instantly attracted attention around the world. Paul's workshop and his dedication to excellence was crucial to this success,” said Professor Guilhaus.

Paul loves his job and says UNSW has provided him with years of mentally stimulating work that always offers something different. He also believes that by working in higher education he is helping lay the foundations for the future.