Dr Ajit Kaur

I was born and raised in Amritsar, India, often referred to as the “Holy City” for its spiritual and cultural significance as the home of the Golden Temple. After completing my schooling, I earned a Master of Economics, followed by a Master of Education from Guru Nanak Dev University. 

Motivated by my interest in adolescent psychology, I pursued a PhD in Educational Psychology at the University of South Australia, supported by the University President’s Scholarship. My doctoral research employed a mixed-methods design—using online surveys and semi-structured interviews—to explore the impact of role stress and existential stress on adolescents’ wellbeing, with a focus on the mediating role of emotional intelligence. Framed by an ecological systems lens, my work highlighted how both internal and external influences shape adolescent mental health and I continue to seek collaborations in this field.

I am full member of the Centre for Research in Educational and Social Inclusion. To date, I have published five peer-reviewed papers, presented at three international conferences, and delivered a keynote address at the 8th World Mental Health Summit in 2021.

Beyond academia, I am deeply committed to community engagement and multicultural education. I volunteer as a Punjabi language teacher with the Ethnic Schools Association of South Australia (ESASA) and am associated with National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) as an interpreter in English, Hindi, Punjabi, and Urdu.

My research and teaching are grounded in a commitment to adolescent wellbeing, inclusive pedagogy, and sustainable school systems. For me, education is both a passion and a privilege—one that allows me to guide young people in their learning, support their wellbeing, and collaborate with colleagues to improve outcomes for all learners.

Thanks for visiting my profile.

Ajit Kaur, PhD