Associate ProfessorSophie Goldingay

Sophie Goldingay currently holds the position of Associate Professor and Course Director for the Bachelor of Social Work at Deakin University's School of Health and Social Development. Her leadership experience is extensive, including roles such as Associate Head of School (Teaching and Learning), Social Work Discipline Lead, Bachelor of Social Work (Hons) Course Director, Chair of the Faculty of Health Access Equity and Diversity Committee, and Vice President of the Australian and New Zealand Social Work, Welfare, Education and Research (ANSWWER). From 2021 to 2023, she was seconded to the National Indigenous Knowledges Education Research and Innovation Institute at Deakin, where she led and supported various disciplines, including law, public health, nursing, and social work, and contributed to curriculum development. Her research employs mixed methods and decolonising approaches to establish an evidence base for best practices in higher education and secondary school learning environments, with a focus on students who are neurodivergent. Her accolades include the Vice Chancellor's Award for Outstanding Contribution to Education and Employability in 2022 and for Excellent Contributions to Equity and Access in 2012, along with two teaching awards: one as part of a project team from the School of Health and Social Development, and a Commendation for Excellence in Teaching from the Faculty of Health.