Excelsia College

School of Education

Dr Edmund Sosu | Excelsia College Academic Staff

Master of Teaching Course Coordinator

Dr Edmund Sosu

PhD (Education), Master of Philosophy (Curriculum and Teaching), Bachelor of Education (Hons)
Contact Details

Email

edmund.sosu@excelsia.edu.au

Biographical details

Dr Edmund Sosu is a teaching and research academic with over ten years’ experience within the tertiary education sector. Edmund has worked as a secondary school teacher for the Ministry of Education, Ghana and a research and teaching assistant at the University of Cape Coast. Edmund’s ccommitment to education extends to community involvement, including serving as a ‘good news teacher’ and programs director for the Intellectual Choral and Drama Festival (INTELLECTO).

Profile of Edmund Sosu

Education

Edmund holds a PhD in Education from the School of Education at the University of Newcastle, Australia. Additionally, he possesses a Master of Philosophy in Curriculum and Teaching with a focus on History education, as well as a Bachelor of Education Honours degree with majors in History and Religion, both earned at the University of Cape Coast, Ghana.

Current projects

Subject department influences on teachers’ epistemological approach to reform programs. Edmund is co-authoring this paper with Associate Professor Robert Parkes from the University of Newcastle.

 

Multilingualism, Self-Regulation and Self-Efficacy as Individual and Institutional Strategies to Avert Occupational Burnout: An Exploratory Case Study of International On-Campus Pre-Service Teachers in Sydney, Australia. Edmund is co-authoring this paper with Dr Pegah Marandi and Professor Patrick Danaher.

Research Interests

Edmund’s research and teaching interests are centered around the broader fields of Curriculum and Pedagogy, Teacher Education, and Teacher Professional Development. Edmund’s research explores teaching methods, pedagogical strategies, and classroom technologies that can enhance the effectiveness of educators. Edmund also investigates the socio-emotional aspects of teaching, focusing on teacher well-being, burnout prevention, and strategies for fostering a positive classroom environment.

 

Edmund’s teaching goals focus empowering preservice teachers to be the best they can be, and this involves encouraging them to reflect on their thinking and to pass on this trait to their students. His research on teachers’ epistemic understanding is use in his lectures, challenging student-teachers to be reflective in their pedagogic decisions rather than teaching without deeper reflection. Hence, to Edmund, ‘effective teachers are reflective teachers.’

Publications

Kwarteng, K., & Sosu, E.S. (2017). Economic, social and political developments in Ghana: A relook at the Guggisburg era in the Gold Coast (1919-1927). Historical Research Letter, 41, 8-17.

 

Sosu, E. S. (2016). Analysis of preferred teaching styles used by History tutors.” International Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, 7 (1), 1-13.

 

Sosu, E. S. (2016). Hidden curriculum: Does it matter in a Ghanaian school setting? International Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, 7 (1), 36-46.

 

Sosu, E. S. (2016). Echoes of the past resurface in the present: A thread in the intellectual history of Ghana. Journal of Law, Policy and Globalization, 53, 15-24.

 

Sosu, E. S. (2016). Cultural imperialism and manipulation in Gold Coast: At the crossroad, the junction back home. Historical Research Letter, 53, 33-37.

 

Sosu, E. S., Paddy, P., & Mintah-Adade, E. (2014). Perceptions of history student teachers on teaching practice supervision. Research on Humanities and Social Sciences, 4 (16), 83-93.

Social Science Lecturer

Dr Tony Nyundu

PhD, MPhil

Contact Details

Telephone Number

02 9000 9604

Email

tony.nyundu@excelsia.edu.au

Biographical details

Dr Tony Nyundu is a Sociologist with special research interest on social movements, student protests, and global comparative studies on neoliberal higher education. He is currently lecturing Sociology for Social Workers, Critical Thinking and Reflection, and Research and Evaluation in Social Work Practice at Excelsia College in Sydney, Australia. Prior to his move to Australia later in 2017, Dr Nyundu was a lecturer in the Sociology department at the University of Johannesburg (2016), and at the University of South Africa (2017). He was a research coordinator for an international project called ‘Inclusive Identity’ with over 15 high schools in Johannesburg, under the department of Industrial Psychology at the University of Johannesburg and Tilburg University in the Netherlands (2015 and 2016). He was a research associate at The South African Research Chair in Social Change (Johannesburg), an associate at Mjaji Research and Development (Johannesburg), and an associate at Qualia Analytics LTD (England).

Profile of Dr Tony Nyundu

Education

Tony has a PhD in Sociology and Anthropology from the University of Newcastle – with a thesis titled ‘“Fees Must Fall” in a Neoliberal University?’: A Socio-Political Interrogation of the 2015-2016 Student Protests and the State’s Responses in South Africa”. He holds a Master of Philosophy in Sociology and a Honours degree in Sociology from the University of Johannesburg. He completed his BA degree in Human Resource Management, majoring in Psychology and Sociology from the University of Johannesburg.

Awards and Honours

Tony was awarded a Higher Degree by Research (HDR) Scholarship at the University of Newcastle for his PhD studies (2017-2021). For his Master’s degree, he was awarded both a National Research Foundation (NRF) Scholarship & Internship, and a Master’s scholarship from the Research Chair in Social Change at the University of Johannesburg (2013-2015). He was awarded a Merit Bursary by the Faculty of Humanities for his Honours’ degree at the University of Johannesburg (2012). In 2015, Dr Nyundu received a Golden Key International Honour for academic excellence.

Current Projects

Tony is currently working on his Multidisciplinary Podcast called The Visions & Tones, and he is also working on a few scholarly publications from his PhD research.

Associations

Tony is a research associate in the department of Sociology at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa.

Selected publications

Nyundu T and Hosseini S.A Hamed. (2023 – forthcoming book chapter). Higher Education under Neoliberalism: A perspective from South African Student activists. Routledge.

 

Nyundu, T. 2019. “Sangomas Are after People’s Money”: Family and Community Discourses Around the South African Youth, Journal of Commonwealth Youth and Development, 16(2): 1-10.

 

Nyundu T, Naidoo, K and Chagonda T. 2015. “Getting Involved On Campus’: Student Identities, Student Politics, and Perceptions of The Student Representative Council (SRC)”. Journal of Sociology & Anthropology, 6(1): 149-161.

 

Nyundu T & Smuts L. 2016.  A different kind of AIDS: Folk and lay theories in South African townships, South African Review of Sociology, 47:4, 132-136

 

Nyundu T and Naidoo K. 2016.’Traditional Healers, Their Services and the Ambivalence of the South African Youth’.  Journal of Commonwealth Youth and Development, 14(1): 144-155.

 

Research Report

Phakathi S., Malabela M., Nyundu T and Siweya P. 2016. Making a Living: The Safety Practices, Risks and Challenges of Informal Artisanal Miners in the Community of Blaauwbosch in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. Australian Aid.

 

Conference Papers

‘Understanding a place of Sangomas in the Lives of Young Men: A Sociological study of Chiawelo, Soweto’ – South African Sociological Association (SASA), 2014 and 2015.

 

‘Understanding a place of Sangomas in the Lives of Young Men: A Sociological study of Chiawelo, Soweto’ –The South African Research Chair in Social Change, 2013 and 2014.

‘Fees Must Fall in a Neoliberal University in South Africa’ – The African Studies Association of Australasia and the Pacific (AFSAAP) 42nd Annual Conference, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand, November, 2019.

Andrew Levula | IT | School of Business | Excelsia

Head School of Business

Associate Professor Andrew Levula

PhD, MICT, PGD, GCTE, BA | ACS CP & MAICD
Contact Details

Telephone Number

02 9000 9604

Email

andrew.levula@excelsia.edu.au

Biographical details

Associate Professor Andrew Levula has been an ICT professional, research and academic. He is the IT Program Director at Excelsia College and was instrumental in the development and accreditation of the Bachelor of Information Technology at Excelsia College. He brings over 15 years’ experience in IT Project Management, Academic Leadership and IT Curriculum and Course Development. Associate Professor Levula is committed to enhancing students learning experience and his teaching philosophy is that education should be an enjoyable and exciting journey. He is an advocate for education as a catalyst for change in people which is Goal 4: Quality Education of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

 

Associate Professor Levula’s industry experience includes having worked in the Telecommunication and IT managed services industry in the private sector as well as having worked as the manager project for the Ministry of Finance as a civil servant. He was directly responsible for managing the government department that delivered the whole of government’s IT application systems solution which included critical and non-critical government applications including its e-Government initiatives.

 

He has worked as an academic at The University of Sydney, Victoria University, Swinburne University, Federation University and Torrens University. He has also taught in many private higher education providers such as the Australian Institute of Higher Education, Sydney International School of Technology and Commerce and Crown Institute. Associate Professor Levula has a wide range of publication including journal papers, book chapters, conference papers, and industry case studies/ reports.

Profile of Associate Professor Andrew Levula

Education

Associate Professor Levula was awarded a PhD from the University of Sydney from the Faculty of Engineering and IT in 2016. He completed a master’s of ICT in IT Strategic Planning with distinction from the University of Wollongong in 2010. He also completed a postgraduate diploma in Computing and Information Systems from the University of the South Pacific in 2010 and a postgraduate certificate in Tertiary Education in 2021 from Victoria University. He also holds a degree in Information Systems and Economics from the University of the South Pacific which he completed in 2008 and a Diploma in Business in Applied Computing in 2002.

Awards and Honours

Associate Professor Levula was awarded the Teaching Excellence Award at Sydney International School of Technology and Commerce having been voted by his peers for his excellence as an academic in 2021. He was awarded the Project Management Institute, National Student Conference Paper in 2013 and his team was also awarded the Team of the Year Award in 2011 at ITC Services a department under the Ministry of Finance.

Research Interests

Associate Professor Levula has published academic papers on Quality of Life and Mental Health. He currently is engaged in the development of a Disaster Resilience Scorecard for Small Island Nations with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction. He is also undertaking research with a group of international collaborators on artificial intelligence and its use across different disciplines. His other projects include the development of a sustainable agile knowledge management framework as well as research on network infrastructure and cyber security.

Selected publications

Shah, Z.; Levula, A.; Khurshid, K.; Ahmed, J.; Ullah, I.; Singh, S. (2021) Routing Protocols for Mobile Internet of Things (IoT): A Survey on Challenges and Solutions. Electronics, 10(19), 2320-2349.

 

Levula, A., Harré, M., & Wilson, A. (2018). The association between social network factors with depression and anxiety at different life stages. Community mental health journal54(6), 842-854.

 

Levula, A., Harré, M., & Wilson, A. (2017). Social network factors as mediators of mental health and psychological distress. International Journal of Social Psychiatry63(3), 235-243.

 

Levula, A., Wilson, A., & Harré, M. (2016). The association between social network factors and mental health at different life stages. Quality of Life Research25, 1725-1733.

Lecturer & Course Coordinator, Master of Education Research

Professor Patrick Danaher

PhD in Education, MLitt in Australian History, GradDipTertiary Ed, BA(Hons) in Anthropology, BA in Anthropology, BEd

Contact Details

Telephone Number

02 9000 9709

Email

patrick.danaher@excelsia.edu.au

Biographical details

Patrick has worked continuously as an education academic since early 1991, first at Central Queensland University in Rockhampton, and then at the University of Southern Queensland in Toowoomba, prior to which he taught for nine years in secondary schools in Queensland and Victoria. He has been privileged to co-supervise several doctoral and research masters Australian and international students to completion. Patrick’s research interests include the education of occupationally mobile communities such as circus and fairground or show families; education research ethics, methods, politics and theories; and academics’, educators’ and researchers’ work and identities.

Profile of Professor Patrick Danaher

Education

Patrick completed his PhD at Central Queensland University in 2001, with a thesis entitled Learning on the Run: Traveller Education for Itinerant Show Children in Coastal and Western Queensland. His BA(Hons) thesis, entitled Structural-Functionalism Revisited: A. R. Radcliffe-Brown’s Influence on Selected Social Anthropological Monographs in the 1940s and the 1950s, was completed at Deakin University in 1992. He completed his MLitt at the University of New England in 1991, with a thesis entitled The Coming of the Light: The Response of the Darnley Islanders to the London Missionary Society.

Research interests

Research interests based on the 2020 Australian and New Zealand Standard Research Classification
390203 Sociology of education
390303 Higher education
390307 Teacher education and professional development of educators
390401 Comparative and cross-cultural education
390412 Teacher and student wellbeing

Research interests based on the 2008 Australian and New Zealand Standard Research Classification
130103 Higher Education
130307 Ethnic Education
130313 Teacher Education and Professional Development of Teachers
160809 Sociology of Education

Research interests based on the Dewey decimal classification system
370.72 Educational research
371.35 Distance education
371.82 Specific kinds of students; schools for specific kinds of students
378.12 Faculty and teaching
379.26 Educational equalization (equal educational opportunity)

Substantive research interests
Academics’, educators’ and researchers’ work and identities
Distance, online and open education
Doctoral students and supervisors
The education of mobile learners and communities
Education research ethics, methods, politics and theories
Rural education
Sociocultural foundations and contexts of education

Amazon author pages
http://www.amazon.com/Patrick-Alan-Danaher/e/B001JP9QX2/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1386810002 & sr=1-2-ent
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Patrick-Alan-Danaher/e/B001JP9QX2/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1386810039 & sr=1-2-ent

Google Scholar page
http://scholar.google.com.au/citations?user=899xdw0AAAAJ & hl=en

Current projects

Patrick is currently co-authoring a proposed research book about Australian teachers’ work and identities, and also currently co-editing a proposed handbook about autoethnography and self-study in education research, and a proposed special theme issue of an environmental education research journal. As well, he is keen to explore the methodological possibilities of dialogical autoethnography.

Authored and edited research books

Authored research books
Kelly, N. P., Clarà, M., Kehrwald, B. A., & Danaher, P. A. (2016). Online learning networks for pre-service and early career teachers. Palgrave Macmillan/Palgrave Pivot, pp. i-xix + 1-130. https://link.springer.com/book/10.1057/978-1-137-50302-2

 

Baguley, M. M., Danaher, P. A., Davies, A., De George-Walker, L. R., Jones, J. K., Matthews, K. J., Midgley, W. J., & Arden, C. H. (2014). Educational learning and development: Building and enhancing capacity. Palgrave Macmillan/Palgrave Pivot, pp. i-xiii + 1-165. https://link.springer.com/book/10.1057/9781137392848

 

Danaher, P. A., Davies, A., De George-Walker, L. R., Jones, J. K., Matthews, K. J., Midgley, W. J., Arden, C. H., & Baguley, M. M. (2014). Contemporary capacity-building in educational contexts. Palgrave Macmillan/Palgrave Pivot, pp. i-xiv + 1-170. https://link.springer.com/book/10.1057/9781137374578

 

Danaher, M. J. M., Cook, J. R., Danaher, G. R., Coombes, P. N., & Danaher, P. A. (2013). Researching education with marginalized communities. Palgrave Macmillan, pp. i-xii + 1-232. https://link.springer.com/book/10.1057/9781137012685

 

Bhopal, K., & Danaher, P. A. (2013). Identity and pedagogy in higher education: International comparisons. Bloomsbury Academic, pp. i-vi + 1-182. https://www.bloomsbury.com/au/identity-and-pedagogy-in-higher-education-9781441125552/

 

Danaher, P. A., Moriarty, B. J., & Danaher, G. R. (2009). Mobile learning communities: Creating new educational futures. Routledge, pp. i-xiii + 1-210. https://www.routledge.com/Mobile-Learning-Communities-Creating-New-Educational-Futures/Danaher-Moriarty-Danaher/p/book/9780415991599

 

Danaher, P. A., Coombes, P. N., & Kiddle, C. (2007). Teaching Traveller children: Maximising learning outcomes. Trentham Books, pp. i-xxiii + 1-122. https://www.amazon.com.au/Teaching-Traveller-Children-Maximising-Learning/dp/1858563771

 

Edited research books

Anteliz, E. A., Mulligan, D. L., & Danaher, P. A. (Eds.) (2023). The Routledge international handbook of autoethnography in educational research (Routledge international handbooks). Routledge, pp. i-xviii + 1-350. https://www.routledge.com/The-Routledge-International-Handbook-of-Autoethnography-in-Educational/Anteliz-Mulligan-Danaher/p/book/9781032119922

 

Mulligan, D. L., Ryan, N., & Danaher, P. A. (Eds.) (2022). Deconstructing doctoral discourses: Stories and strategies for success (Palgrave studies in education research methods vol. 11). Palgrave Macmillan, pp. i-xxix + 1-344. https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-031-11016-0

 

Mulligan, D. L., & Danaher, P. A. (Eds.) (2021). Researchers at risk: Precarity, jeopardy and uncertainty in academia (Palgrave studies in education research methods vol. 9). Palgrave Macmillan, pp. i-xxvi + 1-348. https://www.palgrave.com/in/book/9783030538569

 

Mulligan, D. L., & Danaher, P. A. (Eds) (2020). Researching within the educational margins: Strategies for communicating and articulating voices (Palgrave studies in education research methods vol. 6). Palgrave Macmillan, pp. i-xxi + 1-356. https://www.palgrave.com/in/book/9783030488444

 

Machin, T. M., Clarà, M., & Danaher, P. A. (Eds.) (2019). Traversing the doctorate: Reflections and strategies from students, supervisors and administrators (Palgrave studies in education research methods vol. 5). Palgrave Macmillan, pp. i-xxvii + 1-433. https://www.palgrave.com/gp/book/9783030237301

 

Collins, P., Igreja, V., & Danaher, P. A. (Eds.) (2019). The nexus among place, conflict and communication in a globalising world. Palgrave Macmillan, pp. i-xxv + 1-281. https://www.palgrave.com/gp/book/9789811359248

 

Erwee, R., Harmes, M. A., Harmes, M. K., Danaher, P. A., & Padró, F. F. (Eds.) (2018). Postgraduate education in higher education (University development and administration). Springer Nature, pp. i-xxxiv + 1-611. https://www.springer.com/gp/book/9789811052477

 

Ní Shé, E., Burton, L. J., & Danaher, P. A. (Eds.) (2018). Social capital and enterprise in the modern state. Palgrave Macmillan, pp. i-xxi + 1-329. https://www.palgrave.com/gp/book/9783319681146

 

Riddle, S., Harmes, M. K., & Danaher, P. A. (Eds.) (2017). Producing pleasure in the contemporary university (Bold visions in educational research vol. 59). Sense Publishers, pp. i-vii + 1-259. https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-94-6351-179-7

 

Rossi, D. M., Gacenga, F., & Danaher, P. A. (Eds.) (2016). Navigating the education research maze: Contextual, conceptual, methodological and transformational challenges and opportunities for researchers (Palgrave studies in education research methods vol. 2). Palgrave Macmillan, pp. i-xvii + 1-289. https://www.palgrave.com/de/book/9783319398525

 

Larkin, K. M., Kawka, M., Noble, K., Janse van Rensburg, H. M., Brodie, L., & Danaher, P. A. (Eds.) (2015). Empowering educators: Proven principles and successful strategies. Palgrave Macmillan, pp. i-xxi + 1-167. https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-319-39853-2

 

Lock, J., Redmond, P., & Danaher, P. A. (Eds.) (2015). Educational developments, practices and effectiveness: Global perspectives and contexts. Palgrave Macmillan, pp. i-xxii + 1-177. https://link.springer.com/book/10.1057/9781137469939

 

Redmond, P., Lock, J., & Danaher, P. A. (Eds.) (2015). Educational innovations and contemporary technologies: Enhancing teaching and learning. Palgrave Macmillan, pp. i-xviii + 1-170. https://link.springer.com/book/10.1057/9781137468611

 

Harmes, M. K., Huijser, H., & Danaher, P. A. (Eds.) (2015). Myths in education, learning and teaching: Policies, practices and principles. Palgrave Macmillan, pp. i-xxvii + 1-205. https://link.springer.com/book/10.1057/9781137468611

 

Postle, G. D., Burton, L. J., & Danaher, P. A. (Eds.) (2014). Community capacity building: Lessons from adult learning in Australia. National Institute of Adult Continuing Education, pp. i-x + 1-277. https://www.amazon.com.au/Community-Capacity-Building-David-Postle/dp/1862017220

 

Midgley, W. J., Davies, A., Oliver, M. E., & Danaher, P. A. (Eds.) (2014). Echoes: Ethics and issues of voice in education research. Sense Publishers, pp. i-xii + 1-248. https://brill.com/display/title/36895

 

Midgley, W. J., Danaher, P. A., & Baguley, M. M. (Eds.) (2013). The role of participants in education research: Ethics, epistemologies, and methods (Routledge research in education vol. 87). Routledge, pp. i-xviii + 1-262. https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/edit/10.4324/9780203078389/role-participants-education-research-warren-midgley-patrick-alan-danaher-margaret-baguley

 

Danaher, P. A., De George-Walker, L. R., Henderson, R. W., Matthews, K. J., Midgley, W. J., Noble, K., Tyler, M. A., & Arden, C. H. (Eds.) (2012). Constructing capacities: Building capabilities through learning and engagement. Cambridge Scholars Publishing, pp. i-xv + 1-290. https://www.cambridgescholars.com/product/978-1-4438-4179-5

 

Midgley, W. J., Tyler, M. A., Danaher, P. A., & Mander, A. (Eds.) (2011). Beyond binaries in education research (Routledge research in education vol. 59). Routledge, pp. i-xxiv + 1-277. https://www.routledge.com/Beyond-Binaries-in-Education-Research/Midgley-Tyler-Danaher-Mander/p/book/9780415846233

 

Arden, C. H., Danaher, P. A., De George-Walker, L. R., Henderson, R. W., Midgley, W. J., Noble, K., & Tyler, M. A. (Eds.) (2010). Sustaining synergies: Collaborative research and researching collaboration. Post Pressed, pp. i-xviii + 1-161. https://research-repository.griffith.edu.au/handle/10072/62823

 

Danaher, P. A., & Umar, A. (Eds.) (2010, September). Teacher education through open and distance learning (Perspectives on distance education). Commonwealth of Learning, pp. i-xii + 1-185. https://oasis.col.org/items/f6792ff3-e333-4046-a981-74210e7184ec

 

Danaher, P. A., Kenny, M. D., & Remy Leder, J. (Eds.) (2009). Traveller, nomadic and migrant education (Routledge research in education vol. 24). Routledge, pp. i-xxvi + 1-241. https://www.routledge.com/Traveller-Nomadic-and-Migrant-Education/Danaher-Kenny-Leder/p/book/9780415652919

 

Henderson, R. W., & Danaher, P. A. (Eds.) (2008). Troubling terrains: Tactics for traversing and transforming contemporary educational research. Post Pressed, pp. i-xvi + 1-235. https://catalogue.nla.gov.au/Record/4364081

 

McConachie, J., Singh, M. J. G., Danaher, P. A., Nouwens, F., & Danaher, G. R. (Eds.) (2008). Changing university learning and teaching: Engaging and mobilising leadership, quality and technology. Post Pressed, pp. i-xvii + 1-395. https://catalogue.nla.gov.au/Record/4394191

 

McConachie, J., Harreveld, R. E., Luck, J. T., Nouwens, F., & Danaher, P. A. (Eds.) (2006). Doctrina perpetua: Brokering change, promoting innovation and transforming marginalisation in university learning and teaching. Post Pressed, pp. i-x + 1-267. https://catalogue.nla.gov.au/Record/3820142

 

Coombes, P. N., Danaher, M. J. M., & Danaher, P. A. (Eds.) (2004). Strategic uncertainties: Ethics, politics and risk in contemporary educational research. Post Pressed, pp. i-xii + 1-210. https://catalogue.nla.gov.au/Record/3297415

 

Danaher, P. A. (Ed.). (1998). Beyond the ferris wheel: Educating Queensland show children (Studies in open and distance learning no. 1). Central Queensland University Press, pp. i-xiv + 1-209. [This book received the 1999 Open and Distance Learning Association of Australia Award for Excellence in a Book or Non-Print Production Detailing Research.] https://catalogue.nla.gov.au/Record/366094

Dr Howard Sercombe | Excelsia College | Head School of Social Work

Head of School of Social Work

Professor Howard Sercombe 

Contact Details
Biographical details

Professor Howard Sercombe has been a practitioner, researcher and academic in the social practice field for over forty years. He was a mission kid, growing up on the edge of the Great Victoria Desert in Western Australia.  He has worked on the street in welfare suburbs of Perth, developed services for Indigenous young people in the outback of Western Australia, worked with Eastern European gypsy communities in Glasgow, and heroin users in de-industrialising towns in Scotland.  He has been a researcher and academic in Australia and the UK and is recognised internationally especially for his work in professional ethics and the impact of neuroscience on our understandings of young people.  He has degrees in Social and Political Theory, Theology and Social Work, and a PhD in Sociology, looking at the way that societies like ours think about young people.  He is the author/co-author of Youth Work Ethics(Sage, 2010), Youth Studies: An Australian Perspective (Pearson, 1998) Youth and the Future (NYARS, 2002).  He has published over a wide range of subjects, ranging from analyses of the Aboriginal economy to bullying, and has close to a hundred book chapters and refereed articles in print. He is currently the General Secretary of Youth Work NSW, the Professional Association of Youth Workers in NSW.  He is the joyful father of five boys, and is married to Dr Helen Wolfenden, a broadcaster and radio/podcast academic.

Profile of Professor Howard Sercombe

Education

Howard has degrees in Social and Political Theory, Theology and Social Work.  His PhD studied the way that societies like ours think about young people, looking at the history of our concepts of youth and the way that they are represented in the media. 

Research Interests

Howard has a long term interest in the way that different knowledge systems work, the way they interact with each other and the ways that people translate knowledge from one system to another.  His work on how the neuroscience of adolescence is applied to social interventions with young people or to their education in one example of this.

Selected publications

Books

Bessant, J. Sercombe, H. and Watts, R. (1998) Youth Studies: an Australian perspective.   Melbourne: Addison Wesley Longman.

 

Reports

Sercombe, H. (2011) Professionalising youth work in Southern Africa: Observations and recommendations. Outcomes of a fact-finding tour of Zambia and South Africa, August 2011. Glasgow: University of Strathclyde.


Sercombe, H and Taylor, P (2010) A Code of Ethics for Community Learning and Development Report on Consultation. Glasgow: Standards Council for Community Learning and Development. Available at http://www.cldstandardscouncil.org.uk/files/Consultation_Report.pdf


Sercombe, H. , Omaji, P., Drew, N., Love, T., and Cooper, T. (2002) Youth and the future: effective youth services for the year 2015, Hobart: National Clearinghouse for Youth Studies. ISBN: 1 875236 54 6

 

Book chapters

Sercombe, H. Mundine, K., Stanley, C., and Wolfenden, H. (2022) Decolonising the Curriculum: who is in the room. In Young, S. and Strudwick, K (eds) Teaching Criminology and Criminal Justice: Challenges for Higher Education London: Palgrave.


Sercombe, H. (2019) The challenge of the brain: what can the new adolescent neuroscience tell us , what are its limits, and where could it go from here? In Hendry, Leo and Kloep, Marion, Reframing Adolescent Research London: Routledge 97-116.


Sercombe, H., Sweeney, J. Milburn, E., Liddell, M., McLeod, R., Denning, P., (2018) Scottish Youth Work: same, but different. In Cousee, F and Williamson, H. (eds) The history of youth work in Europe volume 6.Strasbourg: Council of Europe Publishing European Youth Work.


Sercombe, H. (2018) The ethical foundations of youth work as a profession. In The Handbook of Youth Work Practice London: Sage..


Sercombe, H. (2015) In the Service of the State: Youth Work under New Labour. In Bright, G. (ed) Youth Work: Histories, Policy and Contexts. London: Palgrave 38-57


Sercombe, H. (2015) Youth Work in the Context of a Global Sociology of Youth In Heathfield, M. and Fusco, D. Unequal Age: Young People, Inequality and Youth Work. New York, Taylor and Francis. 19-35.


Sercombe, H (2013) Thinking ethically. In Curran, S., Harrison, R., and MacKinnon, D. Working with young people London: Open University/Sage 109-115.


Sercombe, H and Paus, T. (2013) What does the ‘Teen Brain’ research say, and what does it mean for practitioners? In Curran, S., Harrison, R., and MacKinnon, D. Working with young people London: Open University/Sage 48-57.


Sercombe, H. (2011) Negotiating roles and boundaries. In Practising Social Work Ethics Around the World: Cases and Commentaries Banks, S. and Nøhr, K. London: Routledge

 

Articles published in refereed journals


Wolfenden, Helen, Howard Sercombe, and Adrian Renzo. (2022) Banging tunes in the basement: Finding online community in COVID-19 lockdown. Radio Journal: International Studies in Broadcast & Audio Media 20(1) 65-84.


Tulloch, Rowan, Helen Wolfenden, and Howard Sercombe. (2021). Designing Alternate Reality Games for effective learning: a methodology for implementing multimodal persistent gaming in university education. Media Practice and Education. Online edition: January. doi:10.1080/25741136.2020.1864179.


Wolfenden, H. Sercombe, H. and Tucker, P. (2019) Making practice publishable: What practice academics need to do to get their work published, and what that tells us about the theory-practice gap. In Social Epistemology 33(6):555-573


Sercombe, H (2014) Risk, adaptation and the functional teenage brain. Brain and Cognition. Volume 89, 61–69


Sercombe, H. and Donnelly, B. (2013) Bullying and agency: a framework for intervention. Journal of Youth Studies. 16:4 491-502


Sercombe, H. (2010) The teen brain research: critical perspectives. Youth and Policy. No 105, 71-80.


Sercombe, H. and Sercombe, J (2010) Working the document: Using Ethics Cards to operationalise the Youth Work Code of Ethics. In Ethics and Social Welfare Vol 3 No 2 316-321


Sercombe, H. (2010) The gift and the trap: working the “teen brain” research into our concept of youth. Journal of Adolescent Research Vol 25 No 1 31-47.
Sercombe, H. and Paus, T. (2009) The teen brain research: implications for practitioners. Youth and Policy No. 103, Summer, 25-38.


Sercombe, H. (2008) Living in Two Camps: The strategies Goldfields Aboriginal people use to manage in the Aboriginal economy and the mainstream economy at the same time. Australian Aboriginal Studies, December 16-31.

Head School of Business

Dr Sarah Eyaa

PhD
Contact Details

Telephone Number

02 9000 9604

Email

sarah.eyaa@excelsia.edu.au

Biographical details

Dr. Sarah Eyaa has been an academic in the field of business management for over 20 years in higher education institutions in Uganda and Australia. Over the course of her career, Sarah has served at different levels of higher education academic administration in addition to lecturing. In research, Sarah has published on a range of topics in her areas of research interest, supervised several postgraduate research theses and reviewed journal articles as well as book chapters.

Profile of Dr Sarah Eyaa

Education

• Doctor of Philosophy (Management), University of Newcastle, Australia

• Certificate in University Assessment, University of Newcastle, Australia

• Certificate in University Teaching, University of Newcastle, Australia

• Graduate Diploma in Purchasing and Supply, Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply, United Kingdom

• Master of Business Administration (Procurement), Maastricht School of Management, Netherlands

• Bachelor of Commerce (Marketing), Makerere University, Kampala

Research Interests

• Supply chain management

• Procurement and purchasing management

• Operations management

• Ethics, governance, and corporate social responsibility

• Issues in global business management

• Issues in higher education

• Indigenous African philosophies

Selected publications

Journal Articles
  1. Tenakwah, E. S., Tenakwah, E. J., Amponsah, M., Eyaa, S., Boateng, E., & Okhawere, N. (2022). Adoption of Sustainable Technologies During Crisis: Examining employees’ perception and readiness across cultures. Sustainability14(8), 4605.
  2. Eyaa, S., Sridharan, R., & Ryan, S. (2021). Determinants of opportunism in Uganda’s manufacturing sector: a comparison of two sectors. Journal of Global Operations and Strategic Sourcing14(3), 414-437.
  3. Mpeera Ntayi, J., Ngoboka, P., Ndahiro, I., & Eyaa, S. (2013). Leadership ethical orientations, mindfulness, and procurement contract performance in the COMESA central governments. World Journal of Entrepreneurship, Management and Sustainable Development9(2/3), 87-110.
  4. Derek, F., Tukamuhabwa, B. R., & Eyaa, S. (2012). The effect of trust and commitment on vertical collaboration and physical distribution service quality. International Journal of Business and Behavioral Sciences2(4), 49-67.
  5. Friday, D., Ntayi, J. M., Muhwezi, M., Eyaa, S., & Tukamuhabwa, B. (2012). Collaboration arrangements, internet technologies and physical distribution service quality. Universal Journal of Management and Social Sciences, 2.
  6. Ahimbisibwe, A., Muhwezi, M., & Eyaa, S. (2012). Supplier Opportunism, Contract Managements and Service Delivery in Public Prrocuring and Disposing Entities (PDEs) in Uganda. Journal of Public Procurement and Contract Management1(1), 64-84.
  7. Ntayi, J. M., Eyaa, S., & Semukono, F. (2012). Perceived enforcement of informal buyer-supplier contractual arrangements in Ugandan small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Global journal of management and business research12(8), 43-59.
  8. Tukamuhabwa, B. R., Muhwezi, M., Eyaa, S., & Saturday, J. (2012). Explaining Outsourcing Performance in Uganda’s Commercial Banks. Information Management and Business Review4(1), 18-29.
  9. Tukamuhabwa, B. R., Eyaa, S., & Friday, D. (2011). Mediating variables in the relationship between market orientation and supply chain performance: A theoretical approach. International Journal of Business and Social Science2(22).
  10. Eyaa, S., & Oluka, P. N. (2011). Explaining non-compliance in public procurement in Uganda. International Journal of Business and Social Science, 2(11).
  11. Friday, D., Ntayi, J. M., Muhwezi, M., Eyaa, S., & Tukamuhabwa, B. (2011). Vertical collaboration and physical distribution service quality in Uganda’s soft drinks demand chains. International Journal of Economics and Management Sciences1(1), 42-52.
  12. Ntayi, J., Ahiauzu, A., & Eyaa, S. (2011). Psychological climate, catharsis, organizational anomie, psychological wellness, and ethical procurement behaviour in Uganda’s public sector. Journal of Public Procurement, 11(1), 1 – 32.
  13. Ntay, J. M., Eyaa, S., & Kalubanga, M. (2011). Ethical culture of SMEs and perceived contract enforcement in Ugandan buyer-supplier contractual arrangements. Eastern Africa Social Science Research Review27(2), 51-90.
  14. Ntayi, J. M., Munene, J. C., & Eyaa, S. (2010). Salesforce behavioural performance of accounts relationship managers (ARMS) in Uganda’s commercial banks: A qualitative analysis. Journal of Retail & Leisure Property9, 5-23.
  15. Mpeera Ntayi, J., Byabashaija, W., Eyaa, S., Ngoma, M., & Muliira, A. (2010). Social cohesion, groupthink, and ethical behavior of public procurement officers. Journal of Public procurement10(1), 68-92.
  16. Ntayi, J. M., Rooks, G., Eyaa, S., & Qian, C. (2010). Perceived project value, opportunistic behavior, interorganizational cooperation, and contractor performance. Journal of African Business11(1), 124-141.
  17. Ntayi, J.M., Namugenyi, I. & Eyaa, S. (2010). Supplier delivery performance in Ugandan public procurement contracts. Journal of Public Procurement, 10(4), 479 – 511.
  18. Ntayi, J., Eyaa, S. & Ngoma, M. (2010). Moral disengagement and the social construction of procurement officers’ deviant behaviors. Journal of Management Policy and Practice, 11(4), 95 – 110.
  19. Eyaa, S., Ntayi, J., & Namagembe, S. (2010). Collaborative relationships and SME supply chain performance. World Journal of Entrepreneurship, Management and Sustainable Development, 6(3), 233 – 245.
  20. Eyaa, S., & Ntayi, J. M. (2010). Procurement practices and supply chain performance of SMEs in Kampala. Asian journal of business management2(4), 82-88.
  21. Ntayi, J.M., Munene, J.C., Eyaa, S., & Namugenyi, I. (2009). Vicarious learning, locus of control, development networks and sales force behavioral performance: A qualitative analysis of account relationship managers (ARMS) in Uganda’s commercial banks. Journal of Business and Behavioral Sciences, 21(1), 140 – 152.
Book chapters
  1. Okhawere, N. and Eyaa, S. Higher education in troubled times: Understanding the response mechanisms adopted to assist students (pp.273-295). In Baiza, Y. (Ed)., Education in Troubled Times: A Global Pluralist Response. Available at: https://www.cambridgescholars.com/product/978-1-5275-8602-4
  2. Basnet, B., Eyaa, S., Namisamgo, F. and Okhawere, N. Employee motivation determinants: The case of international students in Australia (Chapter 1). In Msengi, C.M., Lartey, G.K., and Sprott, K.R. (Eds)., Contemporary Issues in Multicultural and Global Education. Available at: https://www.igi-global.com/book/contemporary-issues-multicultural-global-education/263383
  3. Boadu, G., Kansiime, P., Eyaa, S. and Said, S. Culturally responsive education: Reflections and insights for enhancing international student experience in higher education (Chapter 3). In Smith, C., and Zhou, M (Eds)., Handbook of Research on Teaching Strategies for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse International Students(2022). IGI Global. Available at: https://www.igi-global.com/book/handbook-research-teaching-strategies-culturally/274536
  4. Basnet, B., Eyaa, S. and OKhawere, N. Determinants of employee motivation: A comparison of operational and non-operational staff (Chapter 6). In Montoya-Reyes, M., Mendoza- Muñoz, I., Gabriela Jacobo-Galicia, G., and Samantha Cruz-Sotelo, S.E. (Eds)., Ergonomics and Business Polices for the Promotion of Well-being in the Workplace (2022). Pennsylvania, USA: IGI Global. Available at: https://www.igi-global.com/book/ergonomics-business-policies-promotion-well/263381
  5. Kansiime, P., Said, S. and Eyaa, S. “What kind of Blackfella are you anyway?”: Digital violence, intersectional racism and discrimination against Australian Aboriginals and Black Americans (Chapter 17). In Özsungur, F., (Ed.), Handbook of Research on Cyber Approaches to Public Administration and Social Policy (2022). Pennsylvania, USA: IGI Global. Available at: https://www.igi-global.com/book/handbook-research-cyber-approaches-public/283957
  6. Namisango, F., Eyaa, S., Kansiime, P. and Tusasiirwe, S. Ubuntu in the diaspora: Its conservation and comparison with other world views (Chapter 18). In Mukuni, J., and Tlou, J (Eds.), Understanding Ubuntu for Enhancing Intercultural Communications (2021). Pennsylvania, USA: IGI Global. Available at: https://www.igi-global.com/book/understanding-ubuntu-enhancing-intercultural-communications/266383
  7. Tusasiirwe, S., Kansiime, P., Eyaa, S., Namisango, F. and Bulamu, N. Living and revitalising Ubuntu: Challenges of passing on Ubuntu values to the younger generation and attempted strategies to overcome them (Chapter 8). In Mukuni, J., and Tlou, J (Eds.), Understanding Ubuntu for Enhancing Intercultural Communications (2021). Pennsylvania, USA: IGI Global. Available at: https://www.igi-global.com/book/understanding-ubuntu-enhancing-intercultural-communications/266383
  8.  Eyaa, S. Evaluating the Contribution of an Entrepreneurship Training Degree Programme in Solving Unemployment through Job Creation: The Case of Entrepreneurship Graduates of Makerere University (Chapter 3). In P.B. Mihyo (Ed.), Employment Policies and Unemployment in Eastern and Southern Africa (2014), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: OSSREA.
  9. Ntayi, J.M., Omagor, C., Byaleero, S., and Eyaa, S. Procurement practices, collaborative relationships, and company performance within the private sector: a case of Small and Medium Enterprises in Uganda (Chapter 2). In (Eds.), Procurement Trends in Uganda, Fountain Series in Law and Business Studies (2009), Fountain Publishers, Kampala, Uganda.
Edited Book
  1. Procurement Trends in Uganda, Fountain Series in Law and Business Studies (2009), Fountain Publishers, Kampala, Uganda. (Eds. Ntayi, J.M., Ssewanyana, J., and Eyaa, S) (ISBN-10:9970029711; ISBN-13:978-9970029716)
Study Guides/Monographs
  1. Eyaa, S. (2019), Operations Management Study Guide, Level 5 – Advanced Diploma in Procurement and Supply, Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply, United Kingdom.
Christina Williams | Social Work Lecturer and Field Education Coordinator | Excelsia

Social Work Lecturer and Field Education Coordinator

Christina Williams

Social Work Degree, Certificate in Biblical Counselling 

Contact Details

Telephone Number

02 9000 9604

Email

christina.williams@excelsia.edu.au

Biographical details

Christina Williams has been a Social Work Practitioner for over 18 years. She has both domestic and international experience in the areas of child protection, hospital social work, aged care, mental health, disability and clinical social work. Christina managed a community mental health program for a large not for profit organisation in Australia for 12 years and established their NDIS mental health support coordination program. Over the years Christina fostered relationship development within the community and strongly believes in collaboration and networking. In her role as program manager, she supervised and trained social workers and social work students in the work place and developed a keen interest in equipping and training evolving social workers.  

Christina started her academic career with Excelsia College in October 2022 as Social Work Lecturer and Field Education Coordinator. Having strong and varied practice experience, she is excited to support students with developing their social work skills by preparing for and completing their field placements.

Christina is passionate about social justice, providing opportunities for growth both in individuals and communities and creating environments where individuals can live a fulfilled and meaningful life. She is hoping to pass this passion on to social work students and supporting them in becoming social work practitioners who will make a positive impact in the lives of those who they will support in future.

Profile of Christina Williams

Education

Christina holds a Social Work Degree from The Catholic University of Applied Sciences, Aachen, Germany, where she graduated in 2000.

Christina completed a certificate in Biblical Counselling through the Christian Counselling and Education Foundation’s School of Biblical Counselling.   

Research interests

Christina’s research interests include development of innovative social work field education, models of disability support in Australia and community mental health. 

Current projects

Christina is involved in developing innovate social work student placement models that align with the evolving structures of the welfare industry in Australia.  

Associations

Christina is a member of the Australian Association of Social Workers.

Alfred Mupenzi | Early Childhood Education Lecturer | Excelsia

Lecturer Early Childhood Education

Dr Alfred Mupenzi

PhD Education, Master of Public Administration & Management (MAPAM), Bachelor of Arts – Education (BA-Education)

Contact Details

Telephone Number

02 9000 9604

Email

alfred.mupenzi@excelsia.edu.au

Biographical details

Dr Alfred Mupenzi is an experienced lecturer with over seven years experience lecturing Sociology within the Master of Teaching (Primary) program at Western Sydney University. Alfred also has one year of experience teaching different early childhood education units at Excelsia College. Alfred’s teaching in early childhood education spans from multiculturalism and multilingualism, child, family and partnerships, growth and development, through to special needs education.

 

Dr Mupenzi has also carried out research projects in other contexts outside Australia within education. For the past five years, Dr Mupenzi has worked with students who come from a refugee background. In Australia, some of these students were resettled, others arrived seeking asylum and have faced a very uncertain journey. Dr Mupenzi has been a refugee and asylum seekers project officer at Western Sydney University working in the engagement team doing outreach to high schools, community settlement organisations and university students to advance access and completion of tertiary education. Alfred is on the Board of Directors at The Bread and Butter (TB&B) Project, a social enterprise which supports newly arrived refugees to build a career in baking and easily transition into the employment sector in Australia.  

Profile of Dr Alfred Mupenzi

Education

Dr Mupenzi completed his PhD from Western Sydney University. He completed his Master’s (MAPAM) and Bachelor’s (BA Education) degrees from Makerere University in Uganda. He also holds an advanced diploma in social and philosophical studies from Katigondo National Major Seminary in Uganda.

Research interests

Dr Mupenzi has experience in qualitative and mixed research methods and specialises in equity, diversity, migration, and social justice education. He has published several peer reviewed articles on educational resilience. Alfred is also a research assistant engaged in different research projects at Western Sydney University.

Current projects

Conflicting demands of settlement and tertiary education in Australia for refugee background students? A critical metaphor analysis

Refereed Journal and Conferences publications

Mupenzi A., (2022). Navigating the Australian Education System Refugees and New Arrivals: An Insider’s View. In Smith, S., & Zhou, G., Handbook of Research on Teaching Strategies for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse International Students (pp. 265–287). IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-7998-8921-2.ch014

Mupenzi A., (2018). Educational resilience and experiences of African students with a refugee background in Australian tertiary education. The Australasian Review of African Studies, 39(2), 122–150. https://doi.org/10.3316/informit.972112134052612

Mupenzi, A., Mude, W., & Baker, S. (2020). Reflections on COVID-19 and impacts on equitable participation: the case of culturally and linguistically diverse migrant and/or refugee (CALDM/R) students in Australian higher education. Higher Education Research and Development39(7), 1337–1341. https://doi.org/10.1080/07294360.2020.1824991

 

 

Williams, T., Abbott, P., & Mupenzi, A. (2015). “Education at our school is not free”: the hidden costs of fee-free schooling in Rwanda. Compare45(6), 931–952. https://doi.org/10.1080/03057925.2014.938611

 

Mupenzi, A., Naidoo, L., & Gannon, S. (2019). “From Kyangwali to Sydney” Life History Narrative and Postcolonial Theory in Refugee Educational Studies. Widening Participation and Lifelong Learning21(2), 44–66. https://doi.org/10.5456/WPLL.21.2.44

 

Mupenzi, A., (2018). Narratives of displacement, resilience, and education: experiences of African students with a refugee background in Australian tertiary education. Western Sydney University.

 

Mupenzi, A., (2016) Refugee background students in tertiary education: An insider’s view AARE Conference Papers – AARE

Michael Parzakonis | Excelsia College | School of Education

Associate Lecturer Education

Michael Parzakonis

Master of Teaching (Secondary), Bachelor of Arts (Ancient History & Management) – University of Sydney
Contact Details

Telephone Number

02 9000 9604

Email

michael.parzakonis@excelsia.edu.au

Biographical details

Michael is a passionate advocate for the power of education as a tool for change and progression as a society, not only in relation to knowledge and technology, but our collective ideas and cultural values. One of his favourite quotes being, “Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel.”  Socrates, Ancient Greek Philosopher (5th Century BC).

As an Associate Lecturer, Michael aims to play a significant role in helping upcoming educators develop their skills and passions to become accomplished educators who can kindle the flames of our future generations.

Profile of Michael Parazakonis

Education

Michael completed a Bachelor of Arts (Ancient History and Management) at the University of Sydney in 2016. He studied a variety of topic areas, including Archaeology, History, Anthropology, Classics, Linguistics, Business Management and Accounting. Additionally, at the University of Sydney, he completed a Master of Teaching (Secondary), specialising in Ancient History, Business Studies and Commerce.

Recent projects

Helped launch an Action Research Project relating to the development of literacy skills for students in Southwest Sydney. This was an initiative he was part of as a committee member of the HPG team within an NSW Department of Education school setting.

Research Interests

• Collective Memory and the Teaching of History

• Literacy Education

• Cognitive Load Theory

• Differentiation for High Potential and Gifted Students

Associations

Member of the History Teachers Association of NSW since 2017.

Member of the NSW Teachers Federation since 2018.

NESA Accredited Proficient Teacher.

Adam Willing | Social Science | Exclesia

Social Science Lecturer

Adam Willing

 Master Social Work Counselling 

Contact Details

Telephone Number

02 9000 9604

Email

adam.willing@excelsia.edu.au

Biographical details

 Adam Willing is a trauma therapist and social work practitioner, with a Masters in Counselling Social Work. For over 10 years Adam has worked within the contexts of child protection, domestic and family abuse, family therapy, parenting and caregiver support, out of home care, child and adolescent mental health, and complex and developmental trauma. 

 

Outside of Excelsia College, Adam is currently dividing his time working in the non-government sector as a child, adolescent and family counsellor and his own private practice. 

Profile of Adam Willing

Education

 Adam has attained his Masters’ degree in Counselling Social Work in 2020 with an undergraduate degree in Social Work. 

Awards and Honours

 Adam has undergone specialised training in child protection, sandtray therapy, and trauma-informed therapy. 

Research interests

 Adam is predominantly interested in trauma informed practice, attachment-based therapy, and creative and expressive therapies. 

Associations

 Adam is a current member of the Australian Association of Social Workers.