- Over three decades of scholarship informed by critical perspectives in sociology, curriculum, pedagogy, assessment, & equity, Macdonald has raised the profile of HPE in schooling & brought social science perspectives to policymaking in HPE, physical activity, & sport nationally & internationally. The theoretical sophistication of her work has also brought HPE into mainstream education scholarship.
- Macdonald led the writing of the AC:HPE that has endured across nine “revisions” to better prepare young people as physically active & health literate citizens. Its strengths-based approach has been translated into sport (state, national & international policy development) & tertiary (e.g., student mental health; substance use) settings. Book chapter & keynote invitations followed, the most recent in China in 2019.
- With a successful record of nationally competitive & tendered funding (along with Jan Wright as the most awarded ARC DP recipient in the social sciences in HPE), Macdonald has supported 26 PhD students & several ECRs currently thriving in positions in academia & government across nine countries. Her undergraduate students, with their distinctive curriculum expertise, hold leadership positions in schools & the broader education sector. (442)
- As Head of the School of Human Movement Studies at UQ, Macdonald strived to achieve a balance of sub-disciplines across the social sciences, humanities & biophysical sciences in coursework programs, setting a benchmark for Australian & international programs. She was invited to Chair the inaugural Australian Heads of School group in 2013 and this strong multidisciplinary structure has positioned the School as second globally in QS World University Rankings by Subject.
- As PVC (T&L), Macdonald translated her expertise in the social sciences to produce a sector leading, student-centred UQ Student Strategy (2016-2020) that included emphases on blended learning (timely), active learning, authentic assessment & student health & well-being as core to student success. Her broad expertise in student well-being & “outsourcing” contributed to a successful 2023 MRFF grant (Hides et al.) that will continue to improve the safety & wellbeing of tertiary students.
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