About
Dr Terry Kessaris is a Lecturer in Indigenous Studies and Cultural Competency at Edith Cowan University, holding a casual (part-time) appointment. An Alawa and Marra woman from the Northern Territory, she has lived and taught on Noongar Boodjar (Perth, Western Australia) for twenty years. Her academic background includes qualifications in Education and Sociology, with a PhD in Sociology from Charles Darwin University expected in 2025.
Her research applies decolonial frameworks to examine racially hegemonic barriers affecting Indigenous life outcomes. Current work focuses on whiteness and social control within imperial contexts, emphasizing how systemic inequalities manifest in educational settings. She investigates Indigenous students' educational aspirations versus structural barriers like resource disparities and cultural disconnects in schools.
Her recent publication analyzes survey data revealing Indigenous students' strong educational aspirations despite facing unequal access to technology, family academic support, and geographical displacement from home communities. The research challenges deficit narratives by demonstrating that the 'gap' lies in resource allocation rather than student motivation.
No scientific awards or major honors are documented in the provided materials. Her work emphasizes culturally responsive pedagogy and staff-student relationship quality as critical factors for Indigenous student retention and success.
