Griffith Institute for Educational Research - Insights
Dr Nicole Dargue is an early career researcher working within the Autism Centre of Excellence. Trained in neuropsychology, her research looks at factors that may enhance learning and communication. She specialises in non-verbal communication in children on the autism spectrum. Read More
Dr Wayne Usher is an experienced and versatile educator, currently working on the cutting edge of interdisciplinary research, fusing sport, psychology and social inclusion for people with disabilities. With a breadth of work experience in primary, secondary and higher educational settings and as a multi-skilled athlete and coach, Wayne is interested in research that supports social, community and organisational impact. Read More
Dr Yoriko Kikkawa is a dedicated GIER research fellow with expertise in research and understanding behaviours and practices from cross cultural and cross disciplinary perspectives. Arriving as an exchange student over 20 years ago with a Bachelor of Education and a keen curiosity in the cross-cultural differences between education in Japan and Australia, Yoriko now specialises in innovative qualitative research. Read More
Dr Loraine McKay is a consistent achiever, with strong guiding values in social justice and equity, who has created an international profile as a researcher in the fields of pre-service teacher identify development. Her work incorporates well-being, resilient-engagement, self-efficacy and agency to prepare teacher for the rigours of the professional world. Read More
Associate Professor Kevin Larkin is an inspiring and dedicated educator and researcher, who’s been working in the field of education his entire life. After 15 years as a primary school teacher and 14 years as a Deputy Principal, Kevin completed his Doctoral studies at Griffith in 2010, and has been working here since 2012, specifically with pre-service teachers in mathematics. He has been a long standing and valued member of GIER. Read More
Student learning in the 21st century is complex and requires a deep understanding of the realities of teaching in diverse, under resourced and uncertain contexts. Dr Sonal Nakar has developed her passion and intricate knowledge of ethics and ethical reasoning for teacher education, with a career encompassing private and public teaching in schools and the vocational education (VET) sector in India and Australia. Read More
Professor Leonie Rowan is the Director of GIER. Her research is strongly grounded in the pursuit of social and educational justice and she is passionate about changing the way we think and act, both consciously and unconsciously in the space of diversity. Read More
