Donna Rooney

Donna Rooney is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), specializing in adult learning across diverse settings including workplaces, communities, and higher education. She holds a Doctor of Education from UTS and has been recognized with a University Medal and industry awards for her innovative methodologies. Her research explores socio-material theories, public pedagogy, and ecological frameworks in adult education. She has led funded projects such as the NDIA STEPs program evaluation and the LeadingPod initiative on social media in business. Rooney teaches in UTS's Master of Education (Learning and Leadership) program, coordinating courses like 'Learning and its Trajectories' and supervising doctoral students in adult learning beyond traditional educational institutions.

Education:

• Doctor of Education, UTS (2008)
• Graduate Certificate in Research Commercialisation, UTS (2007)
• Bachelor of Education in Adult Education, Honours (First Class and University Medal), UTS (2002)

Research Interests: Adult learning in public spaces, workplace learning, informal learning ecosystems, professional education, and continuing professional development. She emphasizes practical applications of theory in community and organizational contexts.

Funded Projects:

• NDIA STEPs Program Evaluation (2019–2020)
• LeadingPod: Social Media in Business (2015–2018)
• Engineers' Continuing Professional Learning (2011–2013)

Awards:

• University Medal (2002)
• Industry Award for Novel Methodologies

Rooney is actively involved in curriculum design and supervises PhD/Master’s students focusing on adult learning in non-traditional environments. Her work bridges theory and practice, addressing challenges in professional development and community education.