Biography and expertise
Biography
Erin Mackenzie, PhD, is Professor of Education and Associate Dean (Education) in the Faculty of Education at Southern Cross University.
Erin's work contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals
Her research program examines adolescent girls’ wellbeing within school contexts, with a particular focus on how psychological, social, and contextual factors influence coping, support-seeking, and motivation. Integrating expertise in educational psychology and STEM education, her work investigates the individual and systemic factors shaping girls’ participation, motivation, and persistence in STEM pathways.
Research
Erin's research is characterised by a commitment to intersdisciplinary inquiry, drawing together perspectives from psychology, education, and STEM disciplines to address complex issues concerning wellbeing and learning. She has led and collaborated on numerous research projects involving adolescent online interactions, mental health literacy, and the design of supportive educational environments that facilitate positive academic and psychosocial outcomes. She has substantial expertise in the design and delivery of professional development for educators and is co-author of Educational Psychology for Learning and Teaching (7th edition), a key text in teacher education programs across Australia and internationally.