Jane Kirkham

Dr Jane Kirkham is a Research Fellow in the School of Education at Edith Cowan University (ECU). Her research focuses on school wellbeing systems, student and teacher motivation, and educational psychology. She leads a three-year project (2024–2027) exploring how interconnected elements of school ecosystems influence psychological wellbeing among K-12 students and staff. Previously, she served as a Senior Psychologist at the Association of Independent Schools of Western Australia (AISWA) and held teaching roles across Australia, the UK, and South Africa.

Dr. Kirkham holds a PhD from the University of Western Australia (2024), a Master of Education (1996), and qualifications in gifted education and special needs. She is a Fellow of the Australian Psychological Society’s College of Educational and Developmental Psychologists and maintains international affiliations with the American Psychological Association.

Her research interests emphasize systems-based approaches to wellbeing, student engagement, and the sociocultural factors influencing academic choices. Notable contributions include the 'Wellbeing Tree' framework and studies on gender disparities in mathematics course selection. She has received awards for her contributions to gifted education (2006/2017) and professional service (2017).

• Key Projects: Three-year wellbeing ecology study (ECU), Wellbeing Tree initiative
• Professional Affiliations: Australian Psychological Society (Fellow), American Psychological Association (International Affiliate)
• Grants: Fogarty Foundation Postgraduate Research Prize (2021)

Her work bridges educational psychology, policy, and practice to create evidence-based strategies for holistic school environments.