Our People
Centre Directors
Melissa DerbyORCID Number: 0000-0002-0962-6267 My primary area of research is in early literacy, and in particular, in exploring the role of whānau and localised curriculum in fostering foundational literacy skills. More generally, I have an interest in Māori education and success. | |
Olivera KamenaracORCID Number: 0000-0003-0444-0823 My research interests include philosophy in/of education, educational policies and politics, critical pedagogies, teacher agency, advocacy and activism, professional identities, professionalism, cultural diversity. |
Centre Members
Margaret CarrORCID Number: 0000-0002-7742-4587 | |
Jeanette Clarkin-PhillipsORCID Number: 0000-0003-4322-4197 Jeanette's interests include: formative assessment, early childhood learning environments, leadership, social justice and family empowerment and educational policy. | |
Bronwen CowieORCID Number: 0000-0003-3578-0791 My research is focussed on classroom interactions and learning, with an emphasis on Assessment for Learning in science and technology classrooms and culturally responsive pedagogy in science education. | |
Bronya DeanORCID Number: 0000-0001-7487-8279 My research interests centre around the musical experiences of young children and their families. | |
Greta DromgoolView full profile | |
Frances EdwardsORCID Number: 0000-0003-2736-1765 | |
![]() | Janette Kelly-WareORCID Number: 0000-0001-9671-7855 Diversity, the arts, and nature-based education connected to sustainability are all areas where it is possible for adults and children to see, think, and act differently. |
Maggie Lyall | |
Hoana McMillanMāori education, Kōhanga reo, indigenous education, Kaupapa Māori, Māori assessment practices, educational leadership and Māori communities | |
Linda MitchellORCID Number: 0000-0001-9428-3192 Professor Linda Mitchell is internationally recognised for her evaluation and analysis of early childhood education policies. Her research has influenced the development of policy frameworks that support good teaching and learning both in Aotearoa New Zealand and internationally | |
Monica Payne | |
Sally PetersAssociate Director of the Early Years Research Centre at the University of Waikato My main research interests relate to transitions, key competencies and children’s thinking (working theories). These interests interweave, with a central focus on the ways in which learning can be fostered within and across settings, and some of the dilemmas associated with this. | |
Lesley RamekaAssociate Director of the Early Years Research Centre at the University of Waikato Lesley is a Senior Research Fellow at the Wilf Malcom Institute of Educational Research, Division of Education, University of Waikato. Lesley has worked in early childhood education for over 30 years, beginning her journey in te kohanga reo and working in a number of professional development and tertiary education providers over the years | |
Barb WhyteORCID Number: 0000-0001-6489-4275 | |
Hazel WoodhouseHer research explores innovative ways to support families’ transition to school with a focus on building connections and relationships between stakeholders. | |
![]() | Jenny Young-LoveridgeORCID Number: 0000-0002-7328-1611 |