Associate Professor, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau Kirsten Locke is an associate professor in education philosophy and theory who is interested in the systemic 'big picture' of education in universities. Kirsten has an interest in women, gender, equity, and all things politics. Key areas of focus include the current state of the university, the provision of teacher education in university settings, the role of the university in society, and communicating the importance of the university as an indispensable conduit to democratic citizenry.
PhD candidate, youth leadership in the Pacific, La Trobe University I am Kolaia Raisele, originally from the Fiji Islands. I am currently undertaking my PhD at La Trobe University's Department of Social Inquiry in Melbourne, Australia, where my research focuses on the complexities of youth leadership and civic engagement in the Pacific Islands. My academic journey began at the University of Canterbury, where I completed my Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Anthropology and Political Science, between 2013 and 2015. This early stage sparked my love for Pacific Studies and guided my academic and career path. Driven by a deep-seated interest in the Pacific region, I pursued further studies at the University of the South Pacific, earning a Postgraduate Diploma in Pacific Studies from 2017 to 2018. My commitment to this field led me to complete a Master of Arts in Pacific Studies at the same institution between 2019 and 2020. Recognizing the importance of effective teaching in academia, I also obtained a Postgraduate Certificate in Tertiary Teaching during 2020-2021, equipping me with the essential skills to educate and inspire others in my field. In August 2022, I embarked on my PhD journey at La Trobe University. This significant step in my academic career has been both challenging and rewarding, allowing me to further explore and contribute to the understanding of youth leadership and civic engagement within the Pacific Islands. Since March 2023, I have also been serving as a Casual Academic in the Department of Social Inquiry at La Trobe University. This role has provided me with the invaluable opportunity to engage with students and colleagues, fostering a collaborative and dynamic academic environment. My academic and professional qualifications reflect my unwavering dedication to the study of the Pacific Islands, with a special focus on the pivotal role of youth in shaping their communities. Through my research and teaching, I aim to make a meaningful contribution to both the academic community and the wider society, driven by a belief in the transformative power of engaged scholarship.
Senior Lecturer, School of Mathematical Sciences, University College Cork I am a senior lecturer in the school of mathematical sciences, focused on fluid mechanics in geology. Research interests include: Mathematical modelling, numerical methods, machine-learning, fluid Mechanics (low Reynolds number flow) in Geological problems, Statistical analysis of finite strain in rock mechanics, software development and object orientated technologies. Mathematical Modelling of Patterns in Geology and the Natural World: A fundamental hypothesis of my research is that attaining a greater understanding of the physical behaviour of rocks during deformation will lead to methods which allow estimation of the amount and type of deformation from the finite, observable pattern of inclusions exhibited in natural examples. Thus, the basic research question I address is how do rocks deform when subjected to stress?
Professor in Internet Studies, Curtin University Dr Katie Ellis is Professor in Internet Studies and Director of the Centre for Culture and Technology at Curtin University where I research disability and digital media.I have worked with people with disabilities in the community, government, and in academia and published widely in the area of disability, television, and digital and networked media, extending across both issues of representation and active possibilities for social inclusion.
Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Health, Southern Cross University I am an AHPRA registered paediatric Occupational Therapist and a Senior Lecturer undertaking teaching and research activities. My research program is focused on the health and wellbeing of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. I completed my PhD at the Telethon Kids Institute in Perth, WA. Following this, I undertook a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship at UNSW Sydney which involved co-leading the development of the Australian Longitudinal Study of Autism in Adults (ALSAA). I am passionate about conducting research which is co-developed and co-produced with the clients we are aiming to serve. This includes working with the Autistic community in research development and implementation. My research was utilised in the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitations of People with Disability as evidence, and also was cited within the National Autism Strategy. Conducting research which leads to real world impact and changes is a key priority and focus of my research.
PhD Candidate in the politics of school uniform policies, Griffith University Kayla Mildren is a PhD Candidate at Griffith University. Her research focuses on the intersections of youth, identity, and education.
