MrSyed Muhammad Salman Mehdi

I am a PhD candidate in the School of Education at Deakin University, researching the out-of-school digital technology engagement of secondary school students. My work uses qualitative research methods to explore how young people's everyday technology habits are shaped by their social and educational environments beyond the formal classroom.

Prior to my doctoral studies, I spent over a decade working extensively in secondary education in Pakistan. I held key school leadership and operational roles, including Principal, Headmaster, and Academic Coordinator. My practical experience focuses on daily campus management, staff timetabling, curriculum coordination, and student wellbeing systems. I have also contributed to higher education teaching as a visiting lecturer in educational leadership and business studies.

At Deakin University, I contribute to institutional governance as an elected Graduate Research Student Representative on the University Academic Board and work as a Sessional Academic. Deeply involved in the local Melbourne education community, I also volunteer as a secondary school Youth Mentor with the Raise Foundation.

My professional interests include educational administration, school operations, student engagement, youth mentoring and digital technology in education. I welcome collaborations across both academic research and the school education sector.

I am currently interested in research and teaching collaborations related to youth, education, technology engagement, and out-of-school learning.