More Indigenous students embark on research journey
Published on 01 November, 2012
An increasing number of Indigenous students are embarking on their PhD research journey with CQUniversity.
That's according to Professor Bronwyn Fredericks who recently attended the University's Orientation for commencing Higher Degree Research students, along with her Office of Indigenous Engagement colleague Donna Smith.
Donna Smith, Bronwyn Fredericks, Margaret Anderson and Emma-Lee Bradford chat about the PhD journey
Prof Fredericks is Pro Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Engagement) and BMA Chair in Indigenous Engagement. She said that two of the Indigenous students, Margaret Anderson and Emma-Lee Bradford travelled from North Queensland to Rockhampton for the Orientation. Both women are commencing their studies part-time and working full-time.
Margaret is undertaking a Masters in Creative Enterprise and is exploring aspects of Torres Strait food, including the social, cultural and historical contexts of food along with cookery techniques. She is a Home Economics teacher and thus brings a breath of knowledge, skills and abilities to her research.
Professor Donna Brien is Margaret's principal supervisor and Professor Fredericks is her Associate Supervisor.
Meanwhile, Emma-Lee is also excited about commencing her PhD exploring career development and education. Emma-Lee specifically sought out Associate Professor Bobby Harreveld to be her supervisor based on her past work.
"Emma-Lee is currently working as a Deputy Principal in a school where she is has a focus on education, training and career development. Her studies build on her focus and her passion," Prof Fredericks said.
She said there are a number of other Indigenous students enrolled in Higher Degree Research programs at CQUniversity.
"When I graduated with my PhD from CQUniversity in 2004 there were only around 25 Indigenous people with PhDs. There are now approximately 164 Indigenous Australians with PhDs," Prof Fredericks said.
"I look forward to seeing CQUniversity increasing its numbers of Indigenous people engaged in research and contributing to the number of PhD and Masters graduates nationally."