Projects per year
Personal profile
Biography
OVERVIEW
I am an award-winning transdisciplinary social researcher and educator. I am a romantic free spirit who has a deep concern for humanity and Mother Earth, and who is dedicated to bringing the water of life to the people to regenerate life by guiding humanity to question the status quo and remember, reconnect with and awaken their true selves and spirituality. My highly diverse knowledges and experiences, distinct perspective and unique abilities led me to be a forward-thinking and innovative visionary who balances intellect with heart- and spirit-driven purpose to challenge conventional thinking, beliefs and status quo; expand boundaries; break new ground; and creatively innovate and transform to liberate from imposed constraints for the greater individual and global good. I am at home between worlds and are bridging, transforming and transcending worlds. The diverse knwledges lead to approaching challenges from unique perspectives and concpetualising original ideas. I remind that the most powerful teachers reside within and in nature. I am emphasising the importance of harmony and fully developing individual potential (self-realisation) while fostering a sense of collective purpose for being healthy and thriving. My specific purpose is to contribute to transforming and transcending ancient Western and Indigenous paradigms by gaining a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of each and functioning as a bridge between these paradigms to enable all creatures to live in harmony and thrive.
I grew up in the socialist East Germany in an environment that highly valued Indigenous cultures and peoples, and shared several aspects with Indigenous cultures (collectivistic, relationship-based, holistic). Experiencing East Germany being colonised by West Germany, with West Germany invalidating East German ways of being-knowing-doing, imposing West German ways of being-knowing-doing, and bringing collectivistic and personal destruction, enables me to relate to Indigenous people experiencing colonisation. I voted against West Germany with my feet by migrating to and living in New Zealand and Australia. Being brought up in nature and based on Rousseau’s romantic values and pedagogy; enjoying the holistic East German education; studying horticulture, psychology, sociology and anthropology; engaging with diverse Indigenous, Aboriginal, Western and Eastern ways of being-knowing-doing; travelling and migrating to diverse countries; engaging in transformative learning; and directly experiencing Spirit led to me being profoundly connected with nature, embodying Romanticism, and being able to relate to and recognise the value and importance of ancient and Indigenous ways of being-knowing-doing.
Besides being a Sylff Fellow (Ryoichi Sasakwa Young Leaders Fellowship, Tokyo & Nippon Foundation), I am an affiliated researcher at the UC Health Research Institute and HEAL Global Research Centre, a research fellow at the Joint Centre for Disaster Research (Massey University, NZ), and an international associate at the Centre for Applied Cross-Cultural Research (Victoria University, NZ). I am the co-founder and former Deputy Chair of the Group of Energy Efficient Researchers (GEER) Australia and co-founder and former leadership member of the International Transformative Learning Association (ITLA). I am an Executive Committee Member of her university’s Collaborative Indigenous Research Initiative (CIRI), and a member of the Australian Indigenous Psychology Education Project (AIPEP) reference group.
I am specialising in translational transdisciplinary participatory, emancipatory, transformative qualitative research and especially Indigenist participatory action research to gain holistically and in-depth understandings of how to restore humans living in harmony with nature, their true self and each. For 20 years, I have been investigating the interaction of psychological and contextual/environmental (historical, natural/build, interpersonal, social, cultural, spiritual, economic, political) aspects and processes that that empower humans and communities effectively managing and even thriving in the face of change, uncertainty, risk and adversity. I am using philosophical lens that synergises salutogenic paradigm, complex adaptive systems theory, symbolic interactionism, and narrative theory. In particular, I am exploring the aspects and processes that influence risk reduction, preparedness, response to, recovery from and rebuilding after various natural hazards (bushfires, tsunami, earthquakes) and pandemics with peoples and communities in different countries (Australia, USA, NZ, Taiwan, Indonesia, Portugal). I am also inquiring into the individual and contextual/environmental aspects and processes that empower humans and communities effectively managing and even thriving in the face of change, uncertainty, risk and adversity. My research utlises and integrates relevant knowledges from diverse disciplines, cultures and spiritual traditions regarding disasters, climate change, human and planetary health and wellbeing, research and education/pedagogy, and sustainable living.
I have the tremendous privilege and honour to work two-way with the Indigenous Senior Elder Prof Ḻäwurrpa Elaine Maypilama and Yolŋu clan leaders, CEO/guardians and ceremony leaders living in very remote communities in the NT since 2015 and in Taiwan Indigenous peoples since 2017. I am very humbled and proud that the highly respected Senior Yolŋu Elder Shirley Nirrpuranydji adopted me in 2015. My moiety is Yirritja and my Yolŋu name is Nyaŋura (long-neck turtle). My skin name is Ŋarrtian, my tribe is Dhalwaŋu and my clan is Wunuŋmurra. I was the principal researcher for Dharray Manymakkung Pawaw Ga Gapuw – Manymak Energy Efficiency Project with six Australian Indigenous Communities in Northern Australia, which was funded by the Commonwealth Government with $ 9.12 million. This project was awarded several awards including the NAIDOC 2016 award for the Best Environmental Project. I am co-leading with Ḻäwurrpa “Waka Ngurrkanhayngu: Regenerating the existence of life” with past, current and emerging Yolŋu clan leaders since 2020 (also see here). I have been leading or being a team member of several Cat 1 (Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS), NHMRC MRFF), Cat 2 and Cat 3 grants totalling over $ 10.32 million.
So far, I authored and co-authored over 100 books, chapters, peer-reviewed papers, state and federal government reports, and national and international conference presentations in the fields of disaster preparedness and risk management, international migration, and collaboration (h-index Scopus 15, GoogleScholar 22, ResearchGate 20). I am serving as an editorial board member of Disaster Communication (since 2016) and Adult Education Critical Issues (since 2021). Since 2007, I am reviewing academic papers for various Q1 journals. I am an expert peer reviewer for NHMRC, Health Research Council of New Zealand and Canada Research. I have been awarded numerous national and international scholarships, fellowships and awards. In 2021, I have been highly commended for the UC Faculty of Health Outstanding Early Career Researcher.
RESEARCH PROJECTS & GRANTS
Total shared funding: $ 10.32 million
Year |
Amount |
Funding scheme |
Title |
Role & Project Team |
2025 |
$ 20,000
$ 22,088 (in-kind, pro bono)
|
Architects without Frontiers
Hames Sharley Architects |
Project Co-Leader with Indigenous Co-Leader Prof Elaine Ḻäwurrpa Maypilama Indigenous Yolŋu senior research consultants: Gundjarranbuy Rosemary Garrawurra Bayon James Garawirrtja Dhalirri Glen Gurruwiwi Yangarriny David Munyarryn Djotja Evelyn Bukulatjpi Gunitjawuy James Dhäwnypuma Gondarra Dhambulu Aaron Garawirrtja Dhalanarrmi Cyril Bukulatjpi | |
2025
2023 -24 |
$ 9,250
$ 15,000 |
Australian Museum
UC DVCR&E Seed Funding – Supporting Indigenous Research and Researchers |
Project Co-Leader with Indigenous Co-Leader Prof Elaine Ḻäwurrpa Maypilama Indigenous Yolŋu senior researchers: Gundjarranbuy Rosemary Garrawurra Bayon James Garawirrtja Dhalirri Glen Gurruwiwi Yangarriny David Munyarryn Djotja Evelyn Bukulatjpi Gunitjawuy James Dhäwnypuma Gondarra Dhambulu Aaron Garawirrtja Dhalanarrmi Cyril Bukulatjpi | |
2024 |
$ 12,699 |
NHMRC HEAL Network |
Project Co-Leader Lead Indigenous Yolŋu Project Co-Leader: Prof Elaine Ḻäwurrpa Maypilama Team: Dhalanarrmi Cyril Bukulatjpi | |
2022 - 23 |
$ 37,030 |
NSW Family and Relationship Counselling Marymead |
Marymead Regenerate Program Evaluation
|
Project Leader Team: Assistant Professor Clare Watsford (University of Canberra) Dr Stewart Sutherland (ANU) Monica Canning (UC MCP student) Thomas Pearson (UC MCP student) Jessica Chadakorn (UC MCP stud) |
2021 |
$ 4900 |
UC FoH Teaching Innovation Generating Education Research Grants (TIGER) (internal) |
Building capacity in Indigenous ways of being-knowing-doing: Yarning circles facilitated by Indigenous academics combined with oral and written individual and collective reflections |
Project leader Indigenous academics (FAD): Dr Paul Collis, Dr Wayne Applebee Psychology: Dr Tricia Brown, Dr Amanda George, Dr Carolyn Ng Tseung-Wong, Dr Dimity Crisp, Dr Vivienne Lewis, Dr Dean Buckmaster UC Teaching & Learning: Marina Martiniello & Tamsin Kemp |
2021 |
$ 5000 |
UC FoH Teaching Innovation Generating Education Research Grants (TIGER) (internal) |
Co-designing, co-implementing and co-evaluating an empowering discipline specific Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student Community of Practice Network Initiative |
Co-leader with Dr Holly Northam Team: Indigenous academics (FAD): Dr Paul Collins, Dr Wayne Applebee Psychology: Dr Tricia Brown, Dr Amanda George, Dr Carolyn Ng Tseung-Wong, Dr Dimity Crisp, Dr Vivienne Lewis, Dr Dean Buckmaster Nursing: Naomi Mahon, Emily Wallis UC Teaching & Learning: Marina Martiniello & Tamsin Kemp |
2021 - 24 |
$ 219,770
|
Cat 1 - AIATSIS
|
“Waka Ngurrkanhayngu: Regenerating the existence of life”: Reducing the risk of natural an d social disasters - reviving and strengthening Indigenous law, culture and governance in re |
Project Co-Leader & CI with Indigenous Co-Leader Prof Elaine Ḻäwurrpa Maypilama Bukulatjpi, Yalu · Yuŋgirrŋa Dorothy Bukulatjpi, Yalu · Evelyn Djotja, Yalu · Tanya Yurrranydjlil, Yalu · Joanne Gemulunuy, Yalu · Prof Douglas Paton, CDU & UC · Prof James Smith, Menzies School of Health · Dr Rowan Bedggood, Swinburne Uni · Tahir Ali, CDU · Duncan Poulson, ASIC |
2020 - 24 |
$ 322,235 |
Cat 1 - NHMRC MRFF Bushfire Impact Research Grant |
Supporting mental health through building resilience during and after bushfires: lessons from the 2019-20 bushfires in southern NSW and the ACT |
CIB Research team members: · A/Prof Jacki Schirmer · Prof Douglas Paton · A/Prof Theophile Niyonsenga |
2020 - 21 |
$185,000 |
Cat 2 – The Hospital Research Foundation |
“Regeneration”: Utilizing creative arts to facilitate bushfire recovery |
CI Research team members: · A/Prof Jordan Williams · A/Prof Jacki Schirmer |
2020 |
$ 7,514 |
UC Faculty of Health Seed Funding (internal funding) |
Natural disasters, community resilience and wellbeing: Joining the dots
|
Research team member Research team members: · Assist/Prof Léan Obrien · A/Prof Tricia Brown · Dr Janie Busby Grant · Assist/Prof Ro McFarlene · Dr Mel Mylek · Assist/Prof James Neill
|
2019 - 20 |
$ 49,990 |
Collaborative Indigenous Research Initiative (CIRI) (internal funding) |
Community Based Disaster Risk Resilience for Sustainable Indigenous Development: A Comparative Study between Remote Indigenous Communities of Northern Australia and Pakistan |
Project Leader & CI Research team members: · A/Prof Elaine Ḻäwurrpa Maypilama · Bukulatjpi, CDU · Prof Douglas Paton, CDU · Prof James Smith, Menzies School of Health · Prof Noor Jehan, University of Peshawar, Pakistan · Tahir Ali, CDU · Yuŋgirrŋa Dorothy Bukulatjpi, Yalu · Rosemary Gundjarranbuy, Yalu · Stephen Dhamarrandji, Yalu |
2019 |
$ 4,860 |
UC Faculty of Health Seed Funding (internal funding) |
Australia-Taiwan Indigenous Exchange Initiative |
Principal Investigator – project leader
|
2018 - 19 |
$ 75,000 |
CDU Rainmaker Readiness Grant (internal funding)
Aims: · 2 applications ARC Discovery · 1 application ARC Linkage (with Red Cross) |
Using Arts to heal, reduce the risk of disasters and adapt to climate change: Australian-Taiwanese Indigenous Cultural Knowledge and Skills Exchange and Creation
This is a research program consisting of three interdependent projects |
Principal Investigator – project leader Research team members: · Prof D. Paton, E. L. Maypilama, M. Moss, T. D. Lee, B. Zeng (all CDU but different disciplines & colleges) · L. Min (Shih-Chien University, Taiwan) & Y. Lin (Taipei Medical University, Taiwan) · J. Meredith – partner investigator Red Cross NT Branch · Elders, artists, art centre managers & Red Cross personnel in two Australian and two Taiwan Indigenous communities |
2017 - |
unspecified |
READ Panel Tender RFT 70007256 NFA Department of Social Services |
|
Chief Investigator A Variety of CDU researchers
|
2017 - 18 |
$ 10,000 |
CDU Rainmaker Start-Up Grant (internal) |
Arts Related Disaster Risk Reduction: Australian-Taiwanese Indigenous Artist’s Cultural Knowledge & Skills Exchange and Creations |
Principal Investigator – project leader Research team members: Prof Douglas Paton, A/Prof Ioannis Michaloudis, Dr Benxiang Zeng, Dr Michelle Moss, Dr Jelena Zeleskov Doric (all CDU but different disciplines) |
2017 |
$ 50,000 |
Cat 2 - Australian Federal Department of Industry, Innovation and Science (DIIS) via Energy Consumers Australia (ECA) |
Researcher Principal Researcher: Dr Rowan Bedggood (Swinburne University) Research team member: Nikki Willand (RMIT) | |
2016 - 2019 |
$ 200,000
|
Cat 2 – Australian Federal Department of Industry, Innovation and Science (DIIS) via Energy Consumers Australia (ECA) |
Seed funding for Group of Energy Efficiency Researchers (GEER) Australia
|
Deputy-Chair GEER Dr Rowan Bedggood (Swinburne University), Dr Phillippa Watson (University of Tasmania), Dr Michael Tipps (University of Wollongong) |
2016 - |
unspecified |
PMC2015: CERP Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet |
Establish a Collaborative Evaluation, Research and Planning Panel 2015 |
Chief Investigator A Variety of CDU researchers |
2013 - 2016 |
$ 9,120,996 |
Cat 2 - Australian Commonwealth via the Australian Federal Department of Industry, Innovation and Science (DIIS) |
Principal Investigator/Chief Investigator A Indigenous Essential Services Pty Ltd, Charles Darwin University, Northern Territory Department of Housing, East Arnhem Shire Council, Centre for Appropriate Technologies/Bushlight | |
2007 |
$ 30,000 |
Cat 3 - Ministry of Health and Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management, New Zealand
|
Articulating community beliefs about avian flu and pandemic preparedness
|
Principal Researcher Prof D. Paton (Utas, Tasmania) and Prof D. Johnston (Massey University, NZ) |
RESEARCH SUPERVISION
PhD Students Completed
- Rachel Tumminello - Deepening the environmental volunteer narrative to increase environmental organisations’ collaboration in mitigating climate change (2nd SV with Prof Douglas Paton, Dr Emma Hudson-Doyle (NZ)) - RTP, Mace-bearer
- Steven Sutton - Cultural drivers of disaster response behaviour and their cross-cultural applicability: Simeulue Island (2nd SV with Prof Douglas Paton, A/Prof Saut Sagala (Indonesia)) - RTP, Mace-bearer
- Tahir Ali (Pakistan) - Community based disaster risk management for sustainable development: A comparative study between Northern Areas of Pakistan and Australia (2nd SV with Prof Douglas Paton, A/Prof James Smith, A/Prof Lawurrpa Maypilama, Dr Noor (Pakistan)) - RTP SS, CDU Prize for best PhD Disertation
MA Students Completed
- Thomas Pearson - Families experiences of Marymead’s Regenerate program following the 2019-2020 bushfires in Australia (with Assist Prof Clare Watsford, A/Prof Stewart Sutherland (ANU))
- Monica Canning - Evaluating disaster recovery interventions for children: A solutogenic and socio-ecological systems approach (with Assist Prof Clare Watsford, A/Prof Stewart Sutherland (ANU))
- Jenna Richard – Transforming the lived experiences of non-Indigenous healthcare workers working in remote Indigenous communities: A strength-based approach
- Linél Franck - Using social and emotional learning to improve wellbeing and protect against suicide in Indigenous Australian secondary boarding school students (with Prof Douglas Paton & Prof Richard Midford)
- Siobhan Evans - Benefits of dance on wellbeing in older adults: A closer look at tango and swing (with Prof Douglas Paton & Dr Jelena Zeleskov Doric)
- Katie Astley - The experiences of healthcare workers delivering FIFO services to rural and remote Indigenous communities (with Prof Douglas Paton)
Honours Student Completed - Primary SV for all
- Amie Furlong - Safety During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Learnings from Aboriginal Elders, Aboriginal Organisations and Aboriginal Communities (with Prof Pat Dudgeon (UWA) - HD, 1st class
- Manav Porwal - (Re)introducing Ancient Holistic Culturally Relevant Education to Cultivate and Restore Individual and Collective Self among People of Two of the Oldest Living Civilisations – Australia and India: A Systematic Grounded Theory Literature Review
- Sarah Hill - Arts and Culture for Health and Wellbeing: Enhancing Western Psychology with Insights from Indigenous Knowledges and Practices (with Indigenous A/Prof Steven Sutherland (ANU))
- Constance Teunissen - (Re)Connecting with one’s true nature: How community eco-art supports transforming and connecting during disaster recovery
- Luella Adams - Creative arts during bushfire recovery & regeneration: Evolutionary sources (with Prof Robyn Bartel (Monash) - HD, ist class
- Anna Williams - Disaster recovery & regeneration: Cascading and compounding influences (with Prof Douglas Paton, Prof Jacki Schirmer) - HD, ist class
- Stephen O'Shea - (Re)viving Indigenous knowledges and practices after the Black Summer bushfires (with Indigenous A/Prof Steven Sutherland (ANU)) - HD, ist class
- Jessica Vander Hoeven - Balancing community and emergency management: Perspectives around extreme natural hazards
- Nikki Curtis – Songs of freedom: Popular songs as pathways for healing the past and instilling hope for the future in Australia (with Prof Douglas Paton) - APS Prize, 1st class
- Belinda Howarth - Gifted university students: A qualitative study of why they choose to use or hide gifted abilities (with Prof Douglas Paton)
- Christiana Powell – Coping in paramedics(with Prof Timophy Skinner) - APS Prize, 1st class
EDUCATION
Education Awards
2023 Indigenization of the Curriculum Award (Psychology team under my leadearship), Faculty of Health Learning & Teaching Awards
2021 Two FoH TIGER grants awarded for innovative multi-disciplinary and cross-faculty education research projects I conceptualized
2020 Faculty of Health Teaching Award - Nomination by Discipline Head
2020 UC Reconciliation Award 2020 Nomination for the development of the Indigenising the Curriculum Framework by PVC-A
Education Committees
2020 -
- Australian Indigenous Psychology Education Project (AIPEP) Project Reference Group (nominated and invited)
- FoH Galambany Reconciliation Working Group
- Leading Psychology Indigenising Team
2018 – 23 Steward & Leadership Committee Member of the International Transformative Learning Association (ITLA) (invited)
Teaching
2025 Leading the Psychology Indigenising the Curriculum Team
- Understanding People and Behavior (600 students)
- Health Psychology (100 students)
- Qualitative Research (HDR unit) (20 students)
- Cross-cultural competence, Indigenous ways of being-knowing-doing and qualitative research workshops for 1st Year Psychology, Honors and MClinical Psychology students
2024 Leading the Psychology Indigenising the Curriculum Team
- Health Psychology
- Qualitative Research (HDR unit) S1 &S2
- Co-convening Industry and Community Engagement (Health) WS
- Cross-cultural competence, Indigenous ways of being-knowing-doing and qualitative research workshops for 1st Year Psychology, Honors and MClinical Psychology students
2023 Leading the Psychology Indigenising the Curriculum Team
- Health Psychology
- Qualitative Research (HDR unit)
- Cross-cultural competence, Indigenous ways of being-knowing-doing and qualitative research workshops for 1st Year Psychology, Honors and MClinical Psychology students
2022 Leading the Psychology Indigenising the Curriculum Team
- Health Psychology
- Qualitative Research (HDR unit)
- Cross-cultural competence, Indigenous ways of being-knowing-doing and qualitative research workshops for 1st Year Psychology, Honors and MClinical Psychology students
2021 Leading the Psychology Indigenising the Curriculum Team
- Foundations of Psychology
- Health Psychology
- Qualitative Research (HDR unit)
- Cross-cultural competence, Indigenous ways of being-knowing-doing and qualitative research workshops for 1st Year Psychology, Honors and MClinical Psychology students
2020 Leading the Psychology Indigenising the Curriculum Team
- Foundations of Psychology (first year, WS, 96 students)
- OSP S2
- Cross-cultural competence and qualitative research workshops for Honors and MClinical Psychology
2019
- Introduction to Psychology (first year, WS, 77 students)
- Health Psychology (69 students)
- Cross-cultural competence and qualitative research workshops for Honors and MClinical Psychology
2018 - Course Coordinator Bachelor of Psychological Sciences (Honours)
Unit coordination & lectures/tutorials/workshops:
- Psy140 Introduction to Psychology A
- Psy209 Social and Cultural Psychology
- Psy355 Applied Psychology
- Psy426 Ethics and Professional Issues
- Psy791 Honours Thesis
- Psy792 Honours Research Project
Calibration documents prepared for: Honours Program, Psy140, Psy209, Psy355
2017 - Course Coordinator Bachelor of Psychological Sciences (Honours)
Unit coordination & lectures/tutorials/workshops:
- Psy140 Introduction to Psychology A
- Psy202 Developmental Psychology
- Psy209 Social and Cultural Psychology
- Psy355 Applied Psychology
- Psy791 Honours Thesis
- Psy792 Honours Research Project
APAC Accreditation documents prepared for: Honours Program & above units
2016 - Course Coordinator Bachelor of Psychological Sciences (Honours) starting Semester 2
Unit coordination & lectures/tutorials/workshops:
- Psy140 Introduction to Psychology A
- Psy141 Introduction to Psychology B (co-coordination)
- Psy202 Developmental Psychology
Lectures:
- Psy355 Applied Psychology
2015 - Unit coordination & lectures/tutorials:
- Psy140 Introduction to Psychology A
- Psy141 Introduction to Psychology B (co-coordination)
- Psy355 Health Psychology
Lectures:
- Psy202 Developmental Psychology
- Psy355 Applied Psychology
2014 - Unit coordination & lectures
- Introduction to Psychology A, 100 level
- Developmental Psychology, 200 level
Lectures:
- Applied Methodology – Qualitative Research, MA level (Clinical Psychology)
- Cultural, Social & Psychological Aspects of Emergency and Disaster Management, Master of Emergency & Disaster Management
EDUCATION ADDITIONAL
2025
- Leading the decolonising and Indigenising of the curriculum workshops at the discipline level
- Invited to present the Climate Change and Mental Health lecture at the Western Pacific Climate and Health Responders Course in 2025 conducted by the Global Consortium on Climate and Health Education (GCCHE) at Columbia University and in collaboration with their esteemed partners, including the Lancet Countdown Oceania Regional Centre
- Inivted to present at the ANU Fenner School
2024
- Leading the decolonising and Indigenising of the curriculum workshops at the discipline level
- Mentoring A/Prof Tuguy Esgin, Dean Indigenous Engagement, Faculty of Business & Law, Curtin Uni re decolonising and Indigenising
- Mentoring Prof Ahmed Moustafa, Head of School Psychology & Computational Modeling, Faculty of Society & Design, Bond University re decolonising and Indigenising
2023
- Leading the decolonising and Indigenising of the curriculum workshops at the discipline level
- Indigenising of the curriculum workshops at the discipline, faculty and UC level
2022
- Leading the decolonising and Indigenising of the curriculum workshops at the discipline level
- Indigenising of the curriculum workshops at the discipline, faculty and UC level Organising & facilitating two full-day Indigenising Yarning Circles with Indigenous academics Dr Wayne Applebee and Dr Paul Collis at the Australian National Botanical Garden for the psychology discipline
2021
- Leading the decolonising and Indigenising of the curriculum workshops at the discipline level
- Indigenising of the curriculum workshops at the discipline, faculty and UC level
- Leading 2 TIGER grant funded education initiatives
- Leading developing an Indigenising unit for FoH
- Invited IAIPEP presentation - Indigenising the psychology curriculum: Overview of journey
- Invited FoH Galambany Reconciliation Working Group presentation – Indigenising the psychology curriculum: Overview of journey
- Organising & facilitating two half-day online Indigenising Yarning Circles with Indigenous academics Dr Wayne Applebee and Dr Paul Collis for the psychology discipline
2020
- Leading the decolonising and Indigenising of the curriculum workshops at the discipline level
- Four workshops for psychology discipline team (1.5 h for undergraduate & honours teaching team & 1.5h for Masters Clinical Psychology team):
- Indigensing the Psychology Curriculum
- Indigenous ways of being, knowing and doing
- UC PD Week – ItC Stories in Practice Session Panel member
2017-19
- Honours Convenor leading honours team (4 colleagues, 8 supervisors)
- Mentoring three colleagues
2015-19
- Mentoring four PASS leaders & four-five markers
CONFERENCE & SYMPOSIA ORGANISATION
2024 Organised “An evening showcasing place-based research with Yolŋu clan leaders from the very remote Galiwin’ku on Elcho Island (NT)” with 4 clan leaders, VC, FoH ED, many UC directors including Director for Research & 96 participants at the Ann Harding Centre
2021 Organisation Committee 19th International Transformative Learning Conference (ITLA) at Michigan State University (USA)
2020 invited to be session facilitator at the European Society for Research on the Education of Adults (ESREA) TPLE Conference 2020 by The Network Conveners Prof Michel Alhadeff-Jones, Prof Alexis Kokkos, Prof Anna Laros, Prof Linden West
2024 Organised “An evening showcasing place-based research with Yolŋu clan leaders from the very remote Galiwin’ku on Elcho Island (NT)” with 4 clan leaders, VC, FoH ED, many UC directors including Director for Research & 96 participants at the Ann Harding Centre
2021 Organisation Committee 19th International Transformative Learning Conference (ITLA) at Michigan State University (USA)
2020 Organised“An evening showcasing Yolŋu (NT) research through discussion & doc screening” with 2 Yolŋu researchers, 6 Yalu Aboriginal Corporation board members, PVC Indigenous, FoH Deputy Dean & 150 participants at the Ann Harding Conference Centre
2020 invited to be session facilitator at the European Society for Research on the Education of Adults (ESREA) TPLE Conference 2020 by The Network Conveners Prof Michel Alhadeff-Jones, Prof Alexis Kokkos, Prof Anna Laros, Prof Linden West
2019 Organised 2-day Taiwanese-Australian Indigenous Knowledges Symposia Plants Seeds for Collaborations with Indigenous Taiwanese grassroots organiser and representative of the Kanakanavu people in the Taiwanese Council of Indigenous Peoples, Associate Professor Chin-ju Lin from Kaohsiung Medical University (KMU).
2019 Organised an interdisciplinary UC delegation comprising academics from the Faculty of Health and the Faculty of Arts and Design to engage in a reciprocal visit. The team included Wayne Applebee, Kamileroi Elder, researcher and PhD scholar; Stirling Sharpe, Indigenous PhD scholar in sports management; and Dr Holly Northam OAM, Head of Nursing and Restorative Practice researcher. The team participated in, and presented at, the International Symposium of Indigenous Knowledges, Health and Sustainable Development at KMU. After the symposium, the UC delegation joined the other international representatives to travel to mountain regions of Taiwan to stay in Taiwanese First Nation peoples’ villages who KMU has long-term collaborations with. The visit concluded with presentations and panel discussion at an extraordinary event - the International University Social Responsibility (USR) EXPO organised by the Center for University Social Responsibility and the Ministry of Education in Taiwan. These exchanges led to the University of Canberra (UC) and KMU signing a memorandum of understanding in October 2019.
2018 Scientific Committee of the Improving Residential Energy Efficiency (IREE) 2019
2018 GEER Energy Efficiency Symposium 2018
2017 Steering Committee and Co-Chair of the International Committee of the International Transformative Learning Conference at Columbia University (USA) (2018)
2017 GEER Round Table Discussion 2017
2017 An Evening of Disasterology: Meet the Disaster Experts at CDU (attended by two NT Ministers) (initiated & led)
2016 Scientific Committee of the Improving Residential Energy Efficiency (IREE) Conference (2017)
EDITORIAL BOARD MEMBER
2021 - Adult Eduction Critical Issues
2020 - Topical Advisory Panel Member International Journal Environmental Research and Public Health (Q1)
2016 - Frontiers in Communication – Disaster Communication
RESEARCH ASSOCIATE
2024 - Affiliate Researcher NHMRC HEAL Network’s HEAL Global Research Centre
2023 - Affiliate Researcher UC Health Research Institute
2020 - 21 Affiliate Member of the ANU Disaster Risk Science Institute
2019 - 22 Affiliate Researcher of the Australasian Centre for Resilience Implementation for Sustainable Communities (CDU)
2011 - Sylff Fellow - The Royichi Sasakawa Young Leaders Fellowship Fund, Nippon Foundation – Tokyo Foundation, International
2010 - Centre for Applied Cross-Cultural Research, Victoria University, NZ
2009 - Joint Centre for Disaster Research, Massey University & GNS Science, NZ
EXPERT REVIEWER
- Health Research Council of New Zealand (HRC)
- Canada Research Chair
- NHMRC grants
AWARDS & GRANTS
2021 Faculty of Health Outstanding Early Career Researcher (10 years post award) - Highly Commended
2020 Research to Impact Scholarship
2019 ResearcHER Publishing Coaching Program (10 weeks)
2019 Research Leadership Development Program (2x 2 days)
2017 Erasmus Staff Mobility Grant – Euro 2000
2016 Erhard – Jensen Initiative – US$ 2500
2015 CDU Travel Grant - $ 2500
2012 UWA Travel Grant - $ 1850
2007 Australian Population Association Christabel Young Research Grant - $ 2000.
2007 NZ Department of Labour Graduate Research Sponsorship - $ 5000.
2007 New Zealand European Union Centres Network Domestic Fees Scholarship - $ 1940.
2000 Massey University Scholar.
2000 Freemasons Scholarship - $ 5000.
1999 Massey University Extramural Student`s Society Scholarship 1999 valued at $ 500
1998 Evening Standard Prize in Written Communication 1998
SCHOLARSHIPS
2005 TEC Top Achievers Doctoral Scholarship[1] - $ 58,000 plus fees over a two year period.
2004 Ryoichi Sasakawa Doctoral Young Leaders’ Scholarship - $ 18,000 plus
research expenses and tuition fee over a one year period.
2004 University of Tasmania International Postgraduate Research Scholarship - $ 72,000 plus international PhD fees of $12750 and health cover per year for a four year period.
2003 Massey University PhD Scholarship - $ 54,000 plus fees over three year period.
2002 Ryoichi Sasakawa Masterate Young Leaders’ Scholarship - $ 24,000 plus research expenses and tuition fee over two years period.
2002 Massey University Masterate Scholarship – $ 12,000 over one year period.
FELLOWSHIPS
2007 Claude McCarthy Fellowship - $ 5000.
2007 Visiting Scholar, CAPSTRANS, University of Wollongong, Australia.
2005 Visiting Scholar, CAPSTRANS, University of Wollongong, Australia.
MEDIA PRESENCE
2024
From local to global, this conference shared wide-ranging solutions for climate adaptation and mitigation – Collaboration and Evaluation Case Study Croakey Health Media, editor Melissa Sweet & author Alison Barrett, December 18, 2024
2023
From remote housing to federal parliament, Indigenous-led co-design is a game changer, Croakey Health Media, editor Ruth Armstrong & author Alison Barrett, November 18, 2023
2022
- AIATSIS Native Title Newsletter, 2022, Issue 1, pp. 5-8: Waka Ŋurrkanhayngu: Regenerating the existence of life
- HEAL2022: engaging with climate complexity through snapshots and stories, Croakey Health Media, editor Ruth Armstrong & author Marie McInerney, December 7, 2022
2021
- UNDRR Prevention Web - Reclaiming and reviving indigenous knowledges to reduce disaster risk
- UC UNCOVER - Reclaiming and reviving indigenous knowledges to reduce disaster risk
- Australian Story: Unlikely partnership between Magda Szubanski and 'Egg Boy' helping to heal bushfire-hit communities à Regeneration
2020
- The Conversation & National Library Panel “From the ashes: Australia reimagined”
- Chair: Nicoale Hasham (The Conversation – Editor Environment)
- Panel: Prof Barbara Norman (UC), Assist Prof Petra Buergelt (UC) & Dale Nimma (Charles Sturt University)
2019
- Taiwan Keynote Presentation
- Community Visit Indigenous Taiwanese Village Namashia
- https://www.cna.com.tw/postwrite/Detail/265646.aspx
- https://freshweekly.tw/?pn=vw&id=3101y65vhll1
- https://news.pchome.com.tw/living/cna/20191205/photo-15
- https://chinapost.nownews.com/20191129-878363
- https://news.pchome.com.tw/living/cna/20191205/photo-15755235458986018009.html
- https://times.hinet.net/mobile/news/22682403
- Taiwanese-Australian Indigenous Knowledges Symposia Plants Seeds for Collaborations
- Invited to participate in a short podcast interview for the ANU Crawford School of Public Policy’s Policy Forum
2018
2017
2016
- ABC Radio Interview 28th October 2016 – Disaster Risk Reduction Research at CDU
2012
- Articles in UWA NEWS:
- Article in Massey Alumni: The migration process
- Radio interview: 6PR nightline with Graham Maybury
2006 Radio interview: SBS Radio, German Program
[1] Only the top 4% of PhD students in New Zealand are eligible to apply for this scholarship.
Research interests
Member of Climate Change Adaptation Resilience and Recovery Network
Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
Education/Academic qualification
PhD, fully funded through scholarships, Massey University
… → 2011
Award Date: 12 May 2011
Master, 1st class honours, fully funded through scholarships, Massey University
Award Date: 1 May 2004
Bachelor, (Major Psychology), Massey Scholar, Massey University
Award Date: 12 May 2001
Bachelor, Horticulture, Institute for Horticulture, Dresden-Pillnitz, Germany
Award Date: 1 Jan 1993
Bachelor, Trade Certificate Horticulture (2 years apprentice), Germany
Award Date: 1 Jan 1988
External positions
Affiliate researcher, Healthy Environments and Lives (HEAL) Global Research Centre
2023 → …
Affiliate researcher, UC Health Research Institute (HRI)
2022 → …
Editorial Board Member, Adult Education Critical Issues
2021 → …
Affiliate researcher , ANU Disaster Risk Science Institute
2020 → 2021
Executive Committee Member, UC Collaborative Indigenous Research Initiative
2019 → …
Affiliate Researcher, Australasian Centre for Resilience Implementation for Sustainable Communities (CDU)
2019 → 2022
Steward & Leadership Committee Member, , International Transformative Learning Association (ITLA), international
2018 → …
Deputy Chair Group of Energy Efficiency Researchers (GEER) Australia, Group of Energy Efficiency Researchers
2016 → 2019
Editorial Board Member, Disaster Communication
2016 → …
Sylff Fellow , The Royichi Sasakawa Young Leaders Fellowship Fund, Nippon Foundation – Tokyo Foundation, International
2011 → …
International Research Associate , Centre for Applied Cross-Cultural Research, Victoria University, NZ
2009 → …
Affiliate researcher, Joint Centre for Disaster Research, Massey University & GNS Science, NZ
2009 → …
Fingerprint
- 1 Similar Profiles
Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
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“Waka Ŋurrkanhayŋu - Regenerating the existence of life” - Repatriation Pathway
Buergelt, P. T., Maypilama, L., Garrawurra, G. R., Garawirrtja, B. J., Gondarra, G. J. D., Munyarryn, Y. D., Gurruwiwi , D. G., Munyarryn, N. B., Bukulatjpi, D. C., Garawirrtja, D. A., VARDOULAKIS, S. & Matthews, V.
1/02/25 → 30/06/25
Project: Research
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project "Waka Ŋurrkanhayngu: Regenerating the Existence of Life": Co-creating the Repatriation Resilience Pathway Sub-Project
Buergelt, P. T., Maypilama, L., Garrawurra, G. R., Garawirrtja, B. J., Gurruwiwi , D. G., Munyarryn, Y. D., Bukulatjpi , D. E., Gondarra, G. J. D., Garawirrtja, D. A. & Bukulatjpi, D. C.
17/05/24 → 31/12/25
Project: Research
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Waka Ngurrkanhayngu: Regenerating the existence of life
Buergelt, P. T., Paton, D., Bedggood, R., Smith, J. A., Maypilama, L. E., Dhamarrandji, S., Yurrranydjlil, T., Gundjarranbuy, R., Bukulatjpi, Y. D., Ali, T. & Poulson, D.
1/02/22 → 25/02/24
Project: Research
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BR: Bushfire Recovery
WILLIAMS, J., SCHIRMER, J., Buergelt, P. T. & MCKENZIE, V.
6/10/20 → 31/12/21
Project: Research
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Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic: Safety practices and insights from Aboriginal Elders, Organisations and Communities.
Furlong, A., Milroy, H., Ryder, A., Kashyap, S., Buergelt, P. T., Mascall, C., Edmonds, S., Mitchell, MI. & Dudgeon, P., 15 Feb 2025, In: International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction. 118, p. 1-60 60 p., 105263.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open Access -
An evening showcasing place-based research with Yolŋu clan leaders from the very remote Galiwin’ku on Elcho Island (NT): “Waka Ngurrkanhayngu: Regenerating the existence of life”
Buergelt, P., Maypilama, L., Garrawurra, G. R., Garawirrtja, B. J., Gondarra, G. J. D. & Munyarryn, Y. D., Jul 2024, 1 p.Research output: Textual Creative Works › Other contribution
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Award-winning “Dharray manymakkuŋ pawaw ga gapuw” Energy Efficiency Project with Very Remote Indigenous Communities: Ground-breaking Features & Learnings
Maypilama, L. & BUERGELT, P., Nov 2024, p. 1-1. 1 p.Research output: Contribution to conference (non-published works) › Paper › peer-review
Open Access -
Decolonising and Indigenising a psychology curriculum using a strategic, holistic, transformative, iterative long-term journey approach: Overview, reflections and learnings
Buergelt, P., Brown, T., George, A., van Boxtel, J., Ng Tseung-Wong, C., Crisp, D., Martinello, M., Kemp, T., Applebee, W., Collis, P., Boer, D., Busby Grant, J., Kelty, S., Lewis, V., Neill, J. T. & Pymont, C., Nov 2024, p. 1-1. 1 p.Research output: Contribution to conference (non-published works) › Paper › peer-review
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The development and use of Community Engagement Theory to inform readiness interventions for natural hazard events
Paton, D., Becker, J. S., Johnston, D., Buergelt, P., Tedim, F. & Jang, L., 2024, In: Australasian Journal of Disaster and Trauma Studies. 28, 1, p. 37-56 20 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Activities
- 1 Invited talk
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Research with energy consumers: Pitfalls and successes experienced across LIEEP projects
Petra BUERGELT (Speaker)
10 Oct 2018Activity: Talk or presentation › Invited talk