John Rafferty

Dr. John Rafferty is a Senior Lecturer in Environmental Education at Charles Sturt University, affiliated with the School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences and the Gulbali Research Institute. He is a key figure in the Regional Centre of Expertise in Education for Sustainable Development, Murray Darling (RCE-MD), recognized by the United Nations University, and actively contributes to national and international discourse on sustainability education.

Education:

• Doctor of Philosophy (Policy Implementation), Australian Catholic University, 2008
• Master of Education (Educational Leadership), Australian Catholic University, 1997
• Graduate Diploma in Applied Science (Teacher Librarianship), Edith Cowan University, 1992
• Diploma of Teaching (Primary), Australian Catholic University, 1987

John Rafferty's research is centered on education for sustainability, environmental justice, and climate change education. He explores how science education can respond to future environmental challenges and advocates for the integration of natural environments and new technologies into pedagogical practices. His work emphasizes institutional reform, teacher development, and community engagement in sustainability initiatives. He has contributed to shaping educational responses to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in the Australian context.

His recent publications reflect a strong interdisciplinary focus, bridging environmental science, education policy, and social justice. Themes include wildlife disease as a social issue, rural environmental justice, STEM in early childhood, and operationalizing sustainable development goals nationally. His work consistently emphasizes community-based approaches, stakeholder collaboration, and the role of education in driving systemic change.

Professional Affiliations and Service:

• Vice President, Australian Association for Environmental Education
• Reviewer, Higher Education Studies
• Reviewer, Australian Journal of Environmental Education

Dr. Rafferty has been involved in multiple outreach initiatives and public engagement projects, including sustainability leadership forums and community co-ops focused on environmental and social equity. His collaborative research with Helen Masterman-Smith and others has received media attention, highlighting real-world applications of his academic work. While specific grants and student supervision are not detailed, his leadership in multi-institutional projects suggests significant advisory and project management roles.

He is actively engaged in research and professional activities, with publications spanning over two decades and recent outputs in 2022. His work is hosted within the Gulbali Research Institute, which supports interdisciplinary environmental research at CSU.