Jonnell Uptin

About Jonnell Uptin

Dr Jonnell Uptin is a Lecturer in Education at The University of Sydney's Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, affiliated with the Sydney Southeast Asia Centre. She holds a PhD from the University of Wollongong, along with qualifications in Teaching and TESOL. Her work focuses on marginalized youth populations, particularly refugee students and African-Australian communities, emphasizing intercultural education and systemic equity.

Education

• Diploma of Teaching (DipTeach.)
• Graduate Diploma in TESOL (UTS)
• Master of Education (University of Wollongong)
• PhD in Education (University of Wollongong)

Research Focus

Dr Uptin's research explores how educational systems can better support disadvantaged learners through:
- Narrative analysis of refugee youth integration
- Policy critiques addressing multiculturalism and equity
- Cross-cultural pedagogy for diverse classrooms
- Orphanage care dynamics in Thailand

Recent Contributions

Her 2023 study on Thai orphanages challenges conventional care models, while 2021 work reveals African-Australian youth negotiating racial identity in 'post multicultural' Australia. She actively critiques Australian educational policy direction in her 2021 policy analysis.

Awards & Recognition

• 2020 FASS Excellence in Teaching Award
• 2013 Springer Best Paper Award for refugee school transition research

Current Projects

Guiding two research students:
- Erjia GUAN: Classroom assessment strategies for young language learners
- Jane Zhang ZHANG: Inclusivity in NSW community language schools

Grants

Co-investigator on 2021 'Embodied Learning in Early Mathematics and Science' (ELEMS) project funded by NSW Department of Education.