Training the next generation of Cambodian experts - Dr Christine Spratt
Alumni newsDr Christine Spratt has a master’s degree and PhD from Deakin. She credits her master’s degree with preparing her to be creative and innovative as she launched into a senior role as an education leader in health sciences. From there Christine has had a successful career in executive management, and teaching and learning in medical education and higher education.
Christine was awarded Emeritus Professor status after leading the development of the higher education portfolio at one of Victoria’s largest TAFEs, and working with leading Australian and New Zealand psychiatrists in the curriculum redevelopment for specialist psychiatry training at the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANCP).
In her next career move, Christine has started work in Cambodia where she’s striving to achieve teaching and learning improvement. Commencing an 18 month assignment at the Royal University of Phnom Penh, Christine will work with Dr Seak Sophat, Department Head, and Mr Lyna Khan to implement the Master of Science in Climate Change. Dr Seak established a department to train the next generation of Cambodian experts who will provide leadership to manage the country’s crucial natural resources and biodiversity. In Cambodia 80% of the population make their livelihoods in rural areas and where there is a heavy reliance on forestry and fisheries. Like many countries, Cambodia and the region face challenges in balancing the sustainability of their natural resources with economic development.
As a Deakin University Alumna, Christine aims to reflect the kind of collaborative and collegial approaches to capacity development that she was exposed to by the great teachers and researchers she learnt from in her postgraduate studies in the Faculty of Education at Deakin University.
Christine’s advice to students is to travel widely and take considered risks in developing your career.
If you are interested in contacting Christine for opportunities for collaboration and networking in research and education, please email her via the Royal University of Phnom Penh.