Sara’s research interests are situated where education, policy, assessment and technology meet. She is passionate about equitable access to quality education for all.
Before joining the Department of Education, Sara was studying for her PhD in Education at the University of Sydney where she was awarded the inaugural NESA scholarship from the Centre for Educational Measurement and Assessment (CEMA) and the University of Sydney Doctoral Travel Scholarship which enabled her to spend three terms as a Recognised Student in the Oxford University Centre for Educational Assessment (OUCEA). Her doctoral research focuses on national education policies and the international assessments used to measure their success.
Prior to her PhD studies, Sara gained a MEd (Leadership) from the University of New South Wales where she wrote her thesis on the future of schooling and emerging technologies. She also holds a Graduate Certificate in Psychology from UNSW and a BEd in Primary Education from Edith Cowan University.
During her career, Sara has enjoyed many years as a classroom teacher, school leader, and lecturer in curriculum development. Most recently, she has specialised in assessment, working as a C-suite executive for a global EdTech company and on the OECD’s global PISA for Schools program.
Sara is a Research Officer with the Learning for Families through Technology (LiFT) project which is a collaboration between Ferrero international and three research groups in the Department of Education: Applied Linguistics, Learning and New Technologies, and Families, Effective Learning, and Literacy. The project aims to examine key questions about children’s learning with technology, with a focus on language and literacy skills. Sara’s contribution to the project is centred upon the development of digital book platforms including guidelines for the ethical and effective use of Generative AI in Education and literacy learning.
Sara is also a Department Associate with the Oxford University Centre for Educational Assessment.
