Raised on Dharug Country, living in Naarm, Sam is passionate about the transformative agency of the arts to foster social change and collective care.

I am an an award winning educator, design researcher and creative companion. I have dedicated my career to experiential art and design practices, inclusive higher education, trauma-informed and co-creative mental health initiatives that foster recovery and healing, cultural revitalisation, community belonging and social change.

Qualifications
Masters in Therapeutic Arts (2022-2024)
MIECAT Institute
Doctor of Philosophy (Media and Communication)
Western Sydney University
Advanced Diploma in Graphic Arts
Billy Blue School of Graphic Arts
TESOL Certificate
University of NSW
Bachelor of Arts (Honours)
University of Sydney

Awards
2019 & 2018 National Design Award for Social Impact
Melbourne Indigenous Transition School Digital Storytelling Program
2019 Victorian Premier Design Award (Commendation)
Marngo Designing Futures
2018 Vice Chancellor’s Award for Reconciliation
Swinburne University of Technology
2015 Vice Chancellor’s Award for Community Engagement
Swinburne University of Technology
2011 Vice Chancellor’s Award for Teaching Excellence
Western Sydney University

Work History
2023- current
Academic and Research Fellow
Deakin University

2024
Art Therapist (Placement)
Palliative Care South East

2014-2022
Senior Lecturer (Design & Photomedia)
Academic Director (Community Engagement)
Researcher, Centre for Transformative Media Technologies
Swinburne University of Technology

2006-2013
Lecturer (Visual Communication)
Western Sydney University

Certification & Skills
WWCC, CPR & First Aid, Red Cross
Cultural Competency Training, Koorie Heritage Trust

Volunteering
Griefline Volunteer Counsellor (2023-2024)
Ward Volunteer, Royal Melbourne Children’s Hospital (2023-2024)