Sharon Kerr | Cultural Insights | Best Researcher Award

Dr Sharon Kerr, University of Melbourne, Australia

Based on Dr. Sharon Kerr’s extensive experience and achievements, she appears to be a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Publication profile

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Current Role and Impact

As a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Melbourne, Dr. Kerr leads the ARC-funded BlakAbility project, which aims to enhance the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals with disabilities. Her work directly contributes to improving outcomes and policy for this underserved group. 🌏

Research Affiliations

At the University of Sydney, she focuses on policy-related publications and casual tutoring. Her involvement in supervising Higher Degree Research students highlights her commitment to education and mentorship. 📚

Consulting and Leadership

Dr. Kerr’s recent role as a Training and Assessment Consultant at Asuria Training involved designing inclusive curricula and assessing the impact of AI on education. Her leadership experience includes establishing and managing the Australian College of Disability and Community Services, ensuring both international and domestic training contracts. 💼

Previous Roles and Contributions

With a background in education and accessibility services at Macquarie University, Dr. Kerr played a pivotal role in developing accessible learning materials and leading national and global programs. Her extensive consulting work at the Global Access Project further emphasizes her expertise in inclusive education. 🌍

Education and Qualifications

Dr. Kerr holds a Doctorate from the University of Sydney and multiple qualifications related to Indigenous education and social welfare. Her academic foundation supports her impactful research and practical contributions. 🎓

Research Impact and Publications

Her publications, including highly cited works on inclusive education and the role of AI in teaching, reflect significant contributions to her field. Her research has been recognized internationally, evidenced by citations and high impact factors. 📖

Awards and Recognitions

Dr. Kerr’s achievements include prestigious awards like the Macquarie University Innovation in Teaching and Learning Award and the Rotary Paul Harris Fellowship, showcasing her excellence and impact in education and disability services. 🏅

Achievements and Innovations

Dr. Kerr has successfully developed programs that not only benefit communities but also provide sustainable income streams for institutions. Her innovative approaches and strategic management in establishing key services and securing funding highlight her exceptional capabilities. 🚀

Publication top notes

Exploring the impact of artificial intelligence on teaching and learning in higher education

Exploring the impact of artificial intelligence on teaching and learning in higher education. Research and Practice in Technology Enhanced Learning, 12 (1), 1–13

Six practical principles for inclusive curriculum design

Users Perspectives on Learning Object Systems

What Undermines Higher education: and how this impacts employment, economies and our democracies

Exploring the impact of artificial intelligence on teaching and learning in higher education. Res Pract Technol Enhanced Learn 12 (1)

Learning environments–not just smart for some!

The selection and use of learning objects for teaching: User perspectives

Impact of accessible eBooks on learning outcomes of Indigenous students

E-books–a key to greater accessibility

Academic Achievements and Education

Dr. Macapugay is expected to complete a Doctor of Social Work from the University of Southern California in 2024, with a perfect GPA of 4.0. They have also earned a Master’s in Social Work with a focus on Nonprofit Management and Community Organizing from San Diego State University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the same institution. Their education is complemented by certifications in Indigenous Peoples Rights and fundraising, which add to their expertise in the social work field.

Contributions in Education and Program Development

Dr. Macapugay has made significant contributions to education through their role as an Associate Professor at San Diego City College. They have designed and managed various academic programs, including the first comprehensive educational and job preparedness program in homelessness services in the U.S., and multiple certificate programs in social work. They have also secured substantial grants to support student achievement and services, demonstrating a commitment to advancing education and community engagement.

Research and Published Work

Dr. Macapugay has published extensively in social work, focusing on culturally affirming pedagogy, community empowerment, and social justice. Their research addresses critical issues like homelessness, advocacy for marginalized communities, and dismantling stereotypes. Their scholarly work is well-recognized, and they have contributed to both academic research and practical applications in social work education.

Leadership and Advocacy

In addition to their academic roles, Dr. Macapugay has held leadership positions in civic engagement and health services, demonstrating a strong commitment to community service. Their work has been recognized with awards and features in various media outlets, highlighting their impact in both academia and the community.

Conclusion

Dr. Kirin Macapugay’s extensive qualifications, innovative contributions to social work education, successful grant acquisitions, and impactful research make them a suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Their work embodies the qualities of an outstanding researcher dedicated to academic excellence and social change.