Abbey MacDonald

Dr. Abbey MacDonald is Associate Professor in Arts Education at the University of Tasmania and Senior Academic Fellow - Indigenous Exhibition Learning with Ngarrngga at the University of Melbourne. She serves as Deputy Associate Head Research for the School of Education and contributes significantly to arts education policy development, museum resources, and interdisciplinary education initiatives across Australia.

Her educational background includes:

• PhD from University of Tasmania (2015)
• Bachelor of Teaching (Honours) from University of Tasmania (2008)
• Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours) from University of Tasmania (2005)

Dr. MacDonald's research focuses on arts-based methodologies that inform educational policy and practice. She specializes in teacher professional development, STEAM education integration, museum and gallery learning resources, and interdisciplinary curriculum design. Her work bridges educational theory with practical applications through collaborations with environmental conservation organizations, cultural institutions, and social change initiatives. Her research methodology expertise in a/r/tography has positioned her as a national leader in arts-based educational research.

Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong trajectory toward interdisciplinary educational approaches, particularly in STEAM integration. Her work consistently examines how arts education can inform broader educational challenges, with increasing focus on collaborative methodologies, teacher identity formation, and culturally responsive pedagogies. A notable trend is her growing emphasis on Indigenous knowledge systems and their integration with Western educational frameworks.

Her significant awards include:

• InSEA Award for Excellence in Praxis in Education through Art (2024)
• Engagement Award, College of Arts Law and Education (UTAS, 2022)
• The Educator: Higher Education Rising Star (2020)
• Teachers Mutual Bank - ATEA Teacher Educator of the Year (2019)
• Vice Chancellor's Award for Early Career Academic Teaching (UTAS, 2018)

Dr. MacDonald actively supervises multiple doctoral candidates working on projects related to arts education, teacher identity, and interdisciplinary curriculum development. She has secured numerous research grants including the "Ngarrngga" project developing education resources for the '65,000 Years: A Short History of Australian Art' exhibition, "STEAM Horizons" exploring interdisciplinary education models, and multiple projects supporting teacher professional development in arts education across Tasmania.

She leads significant collaborative initiatives including Ngarrngga at the University of Melbourne, where she contributes to advancing methodological and pedagogical possibilities for Indigenous exhibition learning. Her work connects with numerous cultural institutions, environmental organizations, and educational stakeholders to create meaningful learning experiences that address contemporary educational challenges.