Blake Cutler is a Researcher and PhD Candidate in the School of Education, Culture and Society within the Faculty of Education. Their research focuses on how young people’s experiences of schooling could be more engaging, equitable and inclusive. They are especially passionate about the use of research evidence in practice and addressing issues of social and educational injustice, with a particular focus on queer students and educators.

In service of these goals, Blake’s work draws on a variety of qualitative and quantitative methods from autoethnography to structural equation modeling. They currently contribute to two primary research activities within the Faculty of Education:

1. Monash Q Lab

As a member of the Monash Q Lab, Blake investigates how research evidence is used in schools, and how to support educators to better use that evidence in their practice. They have a particular interest in early-career teachers’ experiences of joining the profession and what it means to be a ‘research engaged’ educator. The Q Lab builds on the work of the Monash Q Project, a five-year partnership (2019-2023) with the Paul Ramsay Foundation.

2. Centre for Youth Policy and Education Practice (CYPEP)

Blake is an inaugural member of the CYPEP research team. In this role, they explore sociocultural and pedagogical issues within educational practice, especially in relation to young people’s gender and sexual identities, career aspirations and experiences of schooling in general. 

EDF4067 - Evidence into action

EDF1061 - Working in education: An introduction to the profession

EDF1062 - Approaches to teaching and learning

EDF5864 - Researching education policy and practice