Kieran Balloo

Biography

Kieran has been a university educator and researcher for nearly 15 years. He has a PhD in psychology and began his tertiary career teaching research methods to undergraduate psychology students. He later moved into academic development, where he specialised in pedagogic and educational research. He currently teaches and leads units in academic literacy and coordinates pathway diploma programs. Kieran has held academic leadership roles, including Associate Head (Learning, Teaching and Student Success) and Program Director. He is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

Kieran's work contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals

Research

Kieran is a social scientist and mixed methods researcher specialising in the field of higher education pedagogy. His research explores university learning, teaching and assessment practices, with a focus on issues surrounding student transitions, equity, and wellbeing. His work emphasises the importance of innovative and inclusive educational practices to enhance the university experience for diverse student populations, including those undertaking alternative pathways to higher education. Kieran is a member of the editorial board for Teaching in Higher Education, and his research is published in leading educational journals. He has been awarded, as Principal or Co-Investigator, a total exceeding AUD$800,000 in competitive grants from prestigious funders, including the Australian Centre for Student Equity and Success, the Economic and Social Research Council, and the Wellcome Trust.