Dr Olivia Evans
Early Career Teaching Award

Award type: Science

Olivia is a Gomeroi woman and grew up on Awabakal land. She completed her PhD in Social Psychology at the University of Newcastle in 2019 and began an Indigenous Postdoctoral Research Fellowship at the Australian National University in 2020. She developed and has co-convened an undergraduate course on culture and psychology since 2022, focusing on Indigenous psychology, decolonisation, and cross-cultural considerations. The course situates mainstream psychology in the culture from which it has emerged and then explores some psychological implications of practicing psychology as a westernised science.

Olivia is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and collaborative learning environment that develops students’ critical thinking and cultural responsiveness. She is passionate about helping students understand the structural, social, and cultural factors that shape the lives of individuals, particularly minority groups like Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Course assessments are designed to generate critical reflection, for instance, the final exam prompts students’ to reflect on topics such as the APS apology and their responsibilities as future psychology graduates. This focus on critical thinking and real-world application ensures that students gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, equipping them to navigate Australia’s diverse cultural landscape and make meaningful contributions to the communities they serve.