Dr Doreen Chandra is a recognised executive leader in tertiary education and a dedicated mixed methods researcher in the field of tertiary teaching and learning methodologies, including educational technologies and undergraduate research. She brings a steadfast commitment to fostering an inclusive, dynamic, and future-focused learning environment.

Currently serving as the Operations Manager, leading NZCCM’s general operations, providing strategic direction on college policies and processes, overseeing corporate services, registry, academic programs, quality assurance, and student clinic management. Her leadership is characterised by a commitment to academic innovation, student-centric success, research with impact, inclusive excellence, and global citizenship.

As a scholar, Dr Chandra’s research focuses on university teaching and learning in multidisciplinary fields of study, investigating perceptions and experiences of students and academics in enhancing university teaching & learning and research curricula. Dr Chandra’s current interest is in exploring the access and the ethical use of AI in tertiary education in New Zealand and understanding the perceptions of different educational stakeholders in creating a robust AI framework and policies for the PTE.

Dr Chandra drives initiatives that bridge theoretical inquiry with real-world application, and she is dedicated to cultivating learning environments where both innovation and critical inquiry thrive. She believes in the power of education to transform lives and is committed to creating academic spaces that are driven by a passion for discovery.

Areas of Expertise:
Undergraduate research, teaching & learning pedagogies, andragogy, perceptions theory, student experiences, educational technologies, inquiry-based learning, and sustainable development.

Selected Publications:
Chandra, D., V. (2023). Undergraduate Research Perceptions and Experiences: A New Zealand Study. New York, Nova Science Publishers, Inc. DOI: 10.52305/PEWS4301

Chandra, D., V. (2016). Reflections on science teaching in New Zealand schools. New York, Nova Science Publishers, Inc.

Tertiary Appointments:

• Operations Manager
• Registrar
• Campus Manager
• Head of Faculty (Health)
• Head of Faculty (ECE)
• Lecturer

Relevant Qualifications:

New Zealand Certificate in Tikanga (Matauranga Māori) Level 3
Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, New Zealand (2024)
Oxford Executive Leadership Programme (Certificate)
University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom (2023)
PhD (Education)
University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand (2022)
Grad Dip (ECE)
University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand (2012)
M.ED (Hons)
University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand (2011)
PGDip (Education)
University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand (2010)
B. Ed Teaching (Geography/History)
University of the South Pacific, Suva, Fiji (2004)

Graduate Supervision:
Available

Media Enquiries:
Available for media enquiries