Margaret Carter

Since beginning work at James Cook University (JCU) in 2010 - initially in Singapore and currently, Australia - my relentless motivation and challenge has been leading and sustaining meaningful blended learning environments that enhance student learning and experiences within higher education. I have intentionally intertwined my research, teaching and community engagement, to form an assemblage to deeply explore each domain whilst simultaneously enhancing the collective. This process has led to me being awarded a 2017 national citation for outstanding contribution to student learning for leading a transformative and ethical community of inquiry approach in the guidance and counselling program.

My scholarly work with higher degree research candidates – locally and globally - focuses on leading socially sustainable change. My research informed consultancy has required sustained leadership and collaborative partnerships with colleagues, field workers, education organisations, students and professionals. Outcomes include: action research projects of inclusive teaching and learning environments where diversity and differences are responded to and adjustments are made.

My scholarship and research in cyber safety and mental health is grounded in my understanding that mental health is everyone’s business. Currently I am leading an internal LTSE - Learning, Teaching and Student Engagement - project rethinking how curriculum can better support guidance, counselling and career development students’ mental health and how promotion, prevention and early intervention strategies can be integrated into the culture of higher education institutions.

My main areas of research and educational consultancy include -

• Professional teacher and student
• Preventing cyber bullying
• Mental health and wellness
• Young children's social behaviour
• Character education
• Third culture kids