Amrita Kamath

Science educator Amrita Kamath moved to Australia with her family in 2018. Despite having masters’ degrees in education and science and a decade of experience teaching at top international schools, she still found it impossible to become a registered teacher here.

She decided to undertake an Australian Teaching qualification at Deakin which transformed into an exciting Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) opportunity.

Why did you want to do a PhD?

Science and education are two fields I am extremely passionate about. Throughout and beyond this PhD, I am keen to research ways in which we can enhance students’ understanding of and engagement in science, thereby motivating more students to pursue science, particularly biology-related careers.

Why did you choose Deakin to study a PhD and not another University?

I completed my Master of Teaching at Deakin and found the University’s administration and staff to be supportive and helpful. The experience was fulfilling, so I decided to apply for a PhD. The Master of Teaching degree allowed me to conduct a small research project that then became a pilot for my PhD research. The two degrees articulated together seamlessly.

What is your PhD project about?

Many students seem to discontinue science after school – they find it difficult, boring, or – even worse – both!

Through my research, I am working with secondary biology teachers to explore using guided inquiry-based strategies to enhance student learning and engagement and motivate them to pursue science careers.

How has Deakin supported you to achieve your goals?

Deakin has awarded me with a scholarship to pursue my PhD. My supervisors at Deakin are perfect mentors. On a broader level, Deakin understands students’ needs and situations. From providing support in terms of conference or field work travel, to immediate IT assistance, Deakin ensures we are taken care of.

What is the proudest achievement of your PhD?

My proudest achievement, I believe, is connecting with inspirational teachers who share my passion for teaching science in ways that enhance understanding and interest. I feel grateful to have found teachers who enthusiastically volunteered to work with me, to not only develop, but also to share our findings (i.e. effective guided inquiry based strategies) with other teachers through conferences and our project webpage.

The response we received from teachers has been promising! We believe that more students will be encouraged to pursue science related careers post-secondary if taught this way.

What role have your supervisors played in helping you during your PhD journey?

My PhD journey, while incredibly exciting, is also arduous at times. My supervisors – Associate Professor Peta White and Dr Piper Rodd – are there every step of the way to reassure and guide me in the right direction.

It is all thanks to them that I’m able to bring out the best in me!

How did you go about finding the right supervisor for you?

During my Masters thesis, Peta was my supervisor and we developed an effective mentor- mentee rapport where expectations were clear, bars were high, and encouragement was abundant and timely. The entire experience was not only insightful, but extremely enjoyable.

So, when Peta encouraged me to apply for a PhD, I did!

Peta introduced me to Piper and they became my PhD supervisors. Together, they make the perfect team – fair, firm, yet friendly and the exciting (and challenging) learning journey continues.

I am grateful and lucky to have them as my supervisors, but I also believe that for the supervisor to be ‘right’, I, as the student, have to do justice to the expectations and requirements of the degree.

How has your PhD helped you make an impact on society?

My hope is that my research will play a part in re-igniting a love of science and learning for the teachers and students I’ve had the privilege of working with.

Developing a lifelong interest in science is more important than ever before for the collective good of our community and society. Learning new, and hopefully exciting, ways to teach and learn science might inspire more people to re-engage with new ways of thinking and seeing our world.