Rae Cooper

Dr. Rae Cooper is a Senior Lecturer and early career researcher at Queensland College of Art and Design (QCAD) within Griffith University. She holds multiple roles including International Convenor for QCAD, Regional QLD Engagement Convenor, and membership in the Creative Arts Research Institute and Griffith University Indigenous Research Unit. Her research focuses on visual communication design, First Nations cultural protocols, decolonial ethics, and music's role in Indigenous health. She leads international study tours and advocates for culturally diverse teaching strategies.

• Education: Doctor of Visual Arts (Griffith University 2015-2021), Graduate Diploma in Education (QUT 2012), Master of Design Futures (Griffith University 2009-2010)

Research interests span visual communication design, Indigenous education pathways, and health equity through music. She has pioneered courses integrating international experiences and industry partnerships, emphasizing accessibility for underrepresented groups. Her funded projects explore First Nations design education, ethics visualization, and music as a cultural determinant of health.

Teaching innovations include international study tours and work-integrated learning programs. She has supervised over 10 doctoral candidates in design and arts-related fields. Professional activities include scholarship assessment, conference presentations on pedagogy, and board roles in arts organizations.

Labs/Teams: Active contributor to Creative Arts Research Institute and Griffith University Indigenous Research Unit, collaborating across disciplines to advance decolonial methodologies and cultural equity initiatives.