I have a strong commitment to teaching, research and service that focuses on global justice, equitable development and sustainability.

I have previously worked on trade and development in the NGO sector in Nairobi and in Melbourne. I also worked for the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in Nairobi on the Global Environmental Outlook Report.

As a public intellectual, I strongly believe in engaging in academic research which makes a demonstrable contribution to people, society and the environment. In all the academic research projects that I have worked on, I have done so collaboratively with community-based organisations. Currently I am working with NGOs and farmers’ movements in India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, the Philippines, Uganda and the Pacific Island countries. I have written several policy papers collaboratively with NGOs from these countries.

My research expertise lies in international political economy of trade, global food security, agri-food production networks and the management and organisation of equitable and sustainable agri-food systems through agroecology. My area of focus has primarily been the Asia Pacific region, and within this region, India. 

Research Grants

I have demonstrated experience in leading and managing complex interdisciplinary research projects involving external partners in the area of equitable and sustainable food systems.

From 2015-2023, I have been awarded three grants by DFAT, for which I am the Primary Chief Investigator, totalling $830,000 to work on food security and sustainability in the Asia Pacific and in Africa.

In 2017, I received an ARC discovery grant of $257,000 to work on food security and the governance of local knowledge in India and Indonesia.

I am currently Cheif Examiner for the following subjects: 

International Trade Policy: MGF5730

International Institutions and Organisations: MGF5760

I am strongly committed to excellence in education and have continuously developed new and innovative approaches to inspire students to work collaboratively, creatively and diligently so that they genuinely enjoy their experience at Monash.

My curriculum materials allow students to develop a comprehensive understanding of social justice, egalitarianism and sustainability. In recognition of my contribution to teaching, in 2009, 2011 and 2016, I was a recipient of the Dean’s Commendation for Outstanding Teaching.

In 2022 I received the Dean’s Award for Excellence in Equity, Diversity and Social Inclusion Education.

In 2020 I received the student-nominated Monash Graduate Association’s Lecturer of the Year Award. 

Over my career I have supervised 18 Masters and Honours and 4 doctoral students to completion, all of whom have pursued research in the area of responsible management/ social justice/sustainable and equitable development. I am open to supervising students in the area of sustainable and equitable food systems. 

I actively contribute to external service in ways ranging from running short courses on the trade and development for NGOs, actively praticipating in conferences organised by NGOs and community based organisations, to writing reports for NGOs and serving on editorial boards of various journals.

1. CROS: I currently serve as convenor of Critical Reorientations on Organisations and Society (CROS) Research Interest Group in the Department. 
2. Research Committee: I currently serve on the Department's Research Committee. 
3. Milestones Chair: I served as a PhD Milestones Chair for the Department for a period of 3 years chairing a total of 37 milestone presentations.
4. EDSI Committee: From 2018 to 2022, I served on the Faculty’s Equity, Diversity and Social Committee as a representative of the Department, a role which I cherished.
5. Course Director: From 2012-2017, I provided strong education leadership through my role as Course Director for the Master of Diplomacy and Trade Program, a Faculty Program.