Sarika Kewalramani

Sarika Kewalramani is a Senior Lecturer in Education at Swinburne University of Technology, affiliated with the School of Social Sciences, Media, Film and Education. She is a leading researcher in inclusive STEM and robotics education, with a strong focus on early childhood and marginalized communities.

• PhD in Education, Monash University
• Senior Lecturer, Swinburne University of Technology
• Founder, All Inclusive Robotics (AIR) Play Program
• Co-convenor, EECERA SIG 'Digital Childhoods, STEM and Multimodality'

Her research focuses on enhancing STEM education through inclusive, multimodal, and technology-integrated pedagogies. She investigates how robotics and digital tools can foster social-emotional development, equity, and engagement in young learners, particularly those from disadvantaged, Indigenous, and neurodiverse backgrounds. Her work bridges theory, practice, and policy, with strong community and international collaborations.

Her recent publications highlight trends in gender equity in STEM, digital competence in early education, robotics for autism support, and inclusive curriculum design. These works reflect a deep commitment to social justice, teacher development, and sustainable educational transformation.

Scientific Awards:

• Australian Teacher Education Association (ATEA) - Early Career Researcher Award (2023)
• Vice Chancellors Future Focused Research Award (2023)
• Deans Nomination Award for Teaching, Research, and Service (2023)
• European Science Education Research Association Travel Award (2019)
• Nominated, Australian Technologies Teacher Educators Network (2024)

Sarika actively supervises PhD students in areas such as digital competency, environmental education, and multimodal STEM learning. She has secured over $3M in research funding from the Victorian Government, Invergowrie Foundation, and Collier Charitable Fund. She leads the Swinburne STEM Education Research Group and collaborates with STEM Incubators, STEM Sisters, and international policymakers. Her work includes developing professional development programs and evidence-based curricula that are implemented across early childhood settings in Australia and beyond.