Kristen Allen

Kristen Allen serves as Convenor of Enabling Pathways at the University of Newcastle's Pathways and Academic Learning Support Centre (Ourimbah campus). She holds an Associate Lecturer title and specializes in sociology of education, focusing on redefining success metrics in higher education to include non-numerical achievements. Her work emphasizes inclusive pedagogy and support systems for low socio-economic status (SES) students.

Education: Bachelor of Teaching/Bachelor of Arts (Hons), University of Newcastle.

Research Focus: Kristen's PhD research critiques traditional success metrics in higher education, advocating for broader definitions of student success. She explores how enabling programs empower students beyond conventional academic measures. Her work intersects sociology, educational policy, and student well-being.

Grants: Secured $235,732 for the 'Success from the Perspective of the Successful' project (2019-2022), plus multiple internal grants totaling $3,500 for research on student perceptions and STEM equity.

Awards:

• 2019 NAEEA Runner-Up Best Presentation
• 2018 Vice-Chancellor’s Teaching Excellence Award
• 2018 Health and Safety Excellence Awards

Teaching & Governance: Coordinated 16 courses with above-average teaching scores, including core Academic Literacies courses. Held leadership roles like Deputy Program Convenor (2016-2021) and Discipline Coordinator (Humanities, 2015). Active on Teaching & Learning Committee since 2015.

Labs/Teams: Part of the English Language and Foundation Studies Centre and Equity in Higher Education initiatives.