Master of Education research: STEM retention and belonging as practice
Completed
A qualitative longitudinal study examining how female Australian STEM professionals sustained participation in STEM-related healthcare careers over a ten-year period. This research explored the role of belonging, relationships, identity and adaptability in career persistence.
Key focus: STEM retention, career embeddedness, belonging as practice, qualitative longitudinal methodology
Outcome: Master of Education thesis and foundation for ongoing research interests
Emerging Technologies STEM Ecosystem Research Scoping
In progress
Research scoping and conceptual framework development exploring how partnership-based STEM education ecosystems might support young people to develop emerging technologies capability, STEM identity and pathways into engineering and technology.
Key focus: AI-enabled learning, ecosystem partnerships, pathway development, identity formation
Outcome: Research questions, conceptual framework, literature review
Beyond Achievement: Practitioner writing and conference development
In progress
Development of practitioner writing and conference presentations exploring what STEM career journeys reveal about sustaining excellence and long-term participation. This work sits at the intersection of research, practice and professional learning.
Key focus: Practitioner-research, professional writing, conference engagement
Output: Articles, presentations, working papers
Tech School pathways and partnerships
Ongoing
Leadership and development of STEM programs and partnerships at Brimbank Tech School, Victoria University. This work connects schools, universities, industry and community partners to create meaningful learning experiences and pathways for young people in STEM.
Key focus: Educational partnerships, pathway development, ecosystem building, program evaluation
Contribution: Field-based learning, practitioner insights, partnership models
Future PhD concept development
Emerging
Conceptual development for a potential future PhD research project building on Master's research into STEM retention and emerging interests in emerging technologies STEM ecosystems. This includes literature review, research question development and methodological exploration.
Key focus: Research design, longitudinal methodologies, ecosystem evaluation, PhD preparation
Outcome: Refined research questions, methodological approach, proposal development