Indigenous researcher aims to reshape education outcomes
A passion for creating change in education and supporting future generations of First Nations students has inspired CQUniversity PhD candidate Madeline Stewart to embark on a research journey that could help transform rural and remote schools across North Queensland.
A proud Juru-Birrigubba woman from the Burdekin region with Aotearoa (New Zealand) heritage, Madeline is one of a growing number of Indigenous researchers being supported through the CQUniversity Research Stipend Scholarship Australian Indigenous (Research).
The scholarship provides financial support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students undertaking a Master of Research or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), helping them focus on research that creates meaningful impact for communities.
After working as a classroom teacher and later in project and research roles at CQUniversity, Madeline said her experiences motivated her to pursue higher degree research.
"My research is looking at how First Nations-led policy approaches, grounded in community self-determination, can increase the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander teachers in rural and remote primary schools across North Queensland," she said.
"As a former classroom teacher, I know what it means to walk into a school system built on foundations that were never designed with First Nations teachers, children or families in mind, and I want to change that."
Now at the beginning of her PhD journey, Madeline is preparing to submit her Confirmation of Candidature and says support from CQUniversity's Jilbay First Nations Higher Degree by Research Academy has been invaluable.
"The support has been just unreal," she said.
"Having mob who have been through what you're going through there to support you is deadly."
The Jilbay First Nations HDR Academy provides culturally safe support, mentoring and connection for Indigenous higher degree by research candidates, helping students navigate the challenges and opportunities of postgraduate research.
Madeline believes more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should consider research as a pathway to creating lasting change.
"I would say to everyone considering it, this is your chance to leave something better than you found it, so why not?" she said.
"And especially to mob who are considering it, this is self-determination in action.
"Every First Nations person who completes a PhD changes what's possible for the next person and for the systems we're trying to improve."
Applications are currently open for the CQUniversity Research Stipend Scholarship Australian Indigenous (Research), which supports Indigenous students undertaking a Master of Research or PhD.
The scholarship forms part of CQUniversity's commitment to increasing Indigenous participation and success in research and empowering First Nations scholars to lead research that benefits communities, industries and regions across Australia.
Students interested in applying can learn more about eligibility requirements and application details on the CQUniversity scholarship website.
