our researchers

professor kok-sing tang

Academic Researcher
Kok-Sing Tang is a Professor and Director of Graduate Research in the School of Education at Curtin University. He holds a BA and MSc in Physics from the University of Cambridge and a MA and PhD in Education from the University of Michigan. His research examines the role of language, literacy, discourse, and multimodality in science education. Currently, he is researching the use of generative AI in secondary and higher education. Kok-Sing is a founding leader of the ESERA Special Interest Group Languages & Literacies in Science Education. He is also an editor-in-chief of the journal Research in Science Education (RISE). In 2024, he received the Humanities Teaching Excellence Award for HDR supervision and the Humanities Research Excellence Award for his research impact on generative AI in education.

dr Grant cooper

Academic Researcher
Grant specialises in the intersections of science education, artificial intelligence, digital technologies, and equity. His work critically examines Big Tech, surveillance capitalism, digital ethics, and the risks of emerging technologies exacerbating inequities while also exploring educational possibilities. He serves as an Associate Editor for Research in Science Education and is a member of the Editorial Board for the Journal of Science Education and Technology (both Springer Nature). With over 1,300 citations to date, Grant has secured nearly $300,000 in research funding.

associate professor Natasha Rappa

Academic Researcher
Natasha Anne Rappa is an Associate Professor at Murdoch University specializing in educational technology. She holds a PhD from the University of Sheffield and an MA from the University of Michigan. Her current research foci are Generative AI, simulation-based learning in virtual and mixed reality environments, massive open online courses, online learning, mobile learning, serious games, computer-supported collaborative learning, digital literacy and 21st-century skills/competencies. She is an Associate Editor of Pedagogies and has published articles in a broad range of highly-ranked journals. She was a recipient of Murdoch University's Vice Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Research and Innovation (Best Research Output) in 2021 and the Vice Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Postgraduate Supervision in 2024.

dr Martin Cooper

Academic Researcher
Martin Cooper is a Senior Lecturer and the Academic Lead for Graduate Readiness at Curtin University. Martin’s research interests focus on learning technologies with an especial interest in digital assessment. Most recently he has been investigating Generative AI and Assessment at tertiary level, Generative AI and assessment redesign in secondary school, and data analytics and inclusivity at tertiary institutions.

associate professor Karen Nonis

Academic Researcher
Dr Karen Nonis is Associate Professor in the School of Education at Curtin University. She previously held leadership roles at the Nanyang Technological University, The National Institue of Education, Singapore. In the past years at Curtin University, she has taught in Undergraduate Units such as Learning Theories, Diversity and Differentiation; Child Development and Pedagogies in Diversity for Post Graduate Educational qualification. She has experience in Teaching Practice for Pre-Service Teachers. Her administrative experiences range from Unit Coordination at Curtin University; Leadership as a former Prinicipal in a Special School, Singapore; and Leadership Roles in the Early Childhood and Special Education, Singapore NTU, NIE. Her research Interest relates to Motor Behaviour and Control, Pre-Service Teachers and Inclusion.

Craig Sims

Academic Researcher
Craig Sims is a Lecturer in Technology-Enhanced Education at Curtin University’s School of Education, where he focuses on the application of artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies in education. His research explores how AI, gamification, and virtual and mixed reality can improve student learning experiences by making them more engaging, accessible, and effective. Craig is a lead contributor to CeSL, an AI-driven chatbot designed to support students by promoting self-regulated learning and providing personalised, on-demand assistance. CeSL’s innovative use of natural language processing earned the Business and Law Award at the 2024 Curtinnovation Awards and was recognised as a finalist in the Student-Centric category of the WA LearnTech 2024 Awards. In addition, Craig’s commitment to innovative teaching was acknowledged through the Humanities Teaching and Learning Award for Innovative Teaching at Curtin University.

Buana PUTRA

PhD Researcher
Buana is a PhD student and RTP Scholarship recipient in the School of Education at Curtin University. He holds a BSc in Chemistry from the National University of Singapore and an MA in Education from the National Institute of Education – Nanyang Technological University. His research focuses on language and literacy in science education, with a current emphasis on the use of generative AI in secondary education. Previously, he worked as a chemistry and mathematics teacher at a secondary school in Indonesia.

CHENGRAN WANG

PhD Researcher
I am an incoming PhD student at the School of Education, Curtin University. I hold an MPhil in Science Education from the University of Macau and an MEd in Education from Shaanxi Normal University. Prior to joining Curtin University, I taught physics at a secondary high school for ten years. My research work has centered on the role of multimodality in science education, and my current research focuses on the application of Generative AI to enhance multimodal learning in science education.

Khansa ilyas

Research Assisstant & PhD Researcher
Khansa is a Research Assistant and PhD researcher in the School of Education at Curtin University. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Science Education and a Master of Philosophy in Educational Administration from University of the Punjab, Pakistan.Her research interests span organizational learning, knowledge management, leadership, and gender studies. Khansa’s previous work focused on pedagogical skills in science and understanding the dynamics of organizational learning within educational institutions. While her current research does not focus on AI, she holds a keen interest in the field, recognizing its trending significance and potential benefits in educational contexts.