My research

I have research interests in cultural/religious diversity; anti-racism; migration and multiculturalism; social equity and belonging, with a particular focus on Indigenous-settler relations, and especially within diverse/religious communities. I adopt a decolonial perspective in my research and study culture and society through networks of media texts (print and digital).

My research skills include both quantitative and qualitative methods, such as content analysis, surveys, discourse analysis, semi-structured interviews, participant observation, and digital ethnography. I am constantly exploring new, creative ways to tackle emerging social issues.

I have developed two main research areas of interest: 1) Media discourses about Australian religion 2) decolonial perspectives in study of religion and 3) addressing issues of social equity and inclusion in diverse, intersectional communities in Australia.

1. Media discourses about Australian religion

My doctoral research was the first study to examine how Australian media constructs discourses through an expanded conceptualisation of religion. Since 9/11, substantial research has narrowly focused on media constructions of Muslims and Islam. In my doctoral findings, I argue that these limited understandings of religion are also reflected in other religions, including the majority religion, Christianity. Comparative findings from the UK, Canada and Finland through the ‘Religion on an Ordinary Day’ project further reinforced this finding.

2. Decoloniality and religion

In my PhD, I investigated how ‘religion’ is constructed, contested and negotiated in Australian media discourses and found the persistence of a British/colonial influence on Australian public discussions about religion. Specifically, institutional, white/Anglo and patriarchal perspectives were dominant in framing these discussions, while minority and female perspectives played marginal roles; Indigenous perspectives were glaringly missing. Through this research, I argue that the complex relationship between Christianity, colonialism and whiteness persists in contemporary society and requires further interrogation.

2. Social and communicative inclusion for diverse communities

I’ve engaged directly with over 60 community members from migrant, refugee, and multicultural backgrounds as a Research Fellow on Australian Research Council Discovery and Linkage projects. My work bridges cultural and religious diversity research with practical advocacy—collaborating with community organisations, policymakers and social service providers to address equitable access to health, housing and employment. Through in-depth qualitative research, I translate lived experiences into actionable insights that inform policy and practice. Currently, I’m leading a project spotlighting the reproductive health experiences of migrant Asian women—amplifying voices that have been historically marginalised in healthcare discourse.

Academic Memberships

1. International Sociological Association (ISA)

2. Australian and Aotearoa New Zealand Communication Association (AANZCA)

3. Australian Association for the Study of Religion (AASR)

4. The Australian Sociological Association (TASA)

5. Asian Media and Cultural Studies Network (Deakin University)

6. Mobilities‚ Diversity and Multiculturalism Stream (Alfred Deakin Institute, Deakin University)