Melanie Brooks

Melanie Brooks is an Associate Professor and Associate Dean (Research) in the School of Education at Edith Cowan University (ECU). Her academic roles include leadership in research and teaching, specializing in Religion, Education, and Leadership. She holds a Ph.D. in Foundations of Education from the U.S. (2009). Her research focuses on school leadership dynamics in socio-religious contexts, particularly Islamic schooling, and addresses ethno-religious conflict, culturally responsive practices, and global educational challenges.

Brooks has conducted research in multiple countries, including Australia, the U.S., Egypt, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines. She leads international collaborations on religion and education, and co-edits Fulbright Chronicles. Her recognitions include the 2019 'Bridge People' Award from AERA and a Fulbright Senior Scholar Grant (2015). She has supervised doctoral research on topics like Chinese language teaching in Australian schools and Saudi job training satisfaction.

Key research themes include: leadership in conflict zones (e.g., Southern Thailand), frameworks for critical spirituality in Islamic schools, and cross-cultural educational policy. She has contributed over 50 peer-reviewed articles, books, and chapters, addressing topics like Muslim student racialization, principal roles in diverse settings, and graphic novels for religious literacy.

Professional roles include editorial board memberships for 12+ journals, including Journal of School Leadership and Journal of Educational Administration and History. She also serves on the Perth Montessori School Board and chairs ECU's Fulbright Alumni Association branch.