Lesley Friend

Dr. Lesley Friend is a Lecturer in the School of Education within the Faculty of Creative Industries, Education & Social Justice at Queensland University of Technology. With a PhD completed in 2020 from Australian Catholic University, Friend has established a robust research profile focused on early childhood literacy development, multimodal learning environments, and oral language practices in educational contexts.

Friend's research interests center on Early Childhood Education, Literacy Development, and Multimodal Learning, with particular attention to how disruption affects educational practices. The work explores innovative approaches to teaching phonics through children's literature, examines social communication through gaming for children with autism, and investigates the impact of globalization on classroom practices in diverse cultural contexts. Friend's research demonstrates a strong commitment to practical applications in educational settings, particularly in developing substantive oral language skills for young learners.

Analysis of Friend's recent publications reveals a clear trajectory toward understanding how multimodal communication, digital technologies, and sociocultural factors intersect in educational environments. The work spans from foundational classroom discourse analysis to cutting-edge research on virtual reality and multisensory makerspaces, showing both depth and breadth in educational research.

While specific awards are not documented in the available materials, Friend's consistent publication record in reputable journals demonstrates scholarly impact. The research has been published in journals including International Journal of Science and Mathematics Education, Journal of Language, Identity and Education, and Learning, Media and Technology, reflecting interdisciplinary reach across education, linguistics, and technology fields.

Friend has collaborated extensively with colleagues at QUT, particularly with Kathy Mills and Lynn Downes, suggesting active participation in research teams focused on language and literacy education. The work addresses critical contemporary issues in education, including how to maintain quality learning experiences during periods of disruption and how to leverage technology for enhanced educational outcomes.