Janek Mamino

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Background

I have been at the college since January 2022. Prior to that, I worked as an instructor for 17 years in the outdoor adventure sector. I entered the sector through community projects using outdoor experiences to foster personal development for young people in Ireland. My main interest was travel and I took any adventurous job which came with flight tickets and a new destination. I found I preferred to spend extended time with students in small communities. I have worked on programmes in various countries living on remote islands, in desert canyons and on mountain ranges.

I completed my undergraduate degree at Manchester Metropolitan University and my masters at Edinburgh University. My dissertation was an action research project looking to improve an instructor's ability to design programmes to encourage the transfer of learning. Professional practice and the creation of programmes which impact life post-course are my research interests. My other academic interests include Environmental ethics, the philosophy of education, policy and politics of education, Deep Ecology and Phenomenology.

Teaching Responsibilities

Teaching

  • Facilitation and Reviewing in Outdoor Education
  • Research Skills

Module Leader 

  • Applied Adventure Education Practice
  • Social Theory for Adventure Education
  • Adventure Operations and Risk Management

Qualifications

BSc. (Hons) Outdoor Studies and Sports

MSc Education

Sea kayak Leader

Canoe Leader

White Water Kayak Leader

Rock Climbing Instructor

Mountain Leader

Wilderness First Responder

Main Outdoor Adventure Interest

My main interests have changed as I have gained more experience. Initially my interests centred on challenge and uncertainty. I liked to carry heavy bags, cycle fast and paddle rivers which challenged me. Over time I have tried to stop seeing the non-human world as my playground and to give it respect as an entity in its own right. Though long days on the sea are still exciting, I hope to have a more ecological perspective seeing the challenge as a relationship rather than a competition.