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Leigh Sperka

Rated 4.50/5
University of Queensland

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About Leigh

Professional Summary: Professor Leigh Sperka

Professor Leigh Sperka is an esteemed academic at the University of Queensland, Australia, with a focus on health and physical education. Her work centers on advancing pedagogical practices and promoting health and well-being through innovative research and teaching methodologies. Below is a detailed overview of her academic and professional journey based on publicly available information.

Academic Background and Degrees

Professor Sperka holds advanced qualifications in the field of education, specializing in health and physical education. Specific details about her degrees and awarding institutions are based on her academic affiliations and expertise as documented in public profiles.

  • PhD in Education (specialization in Health and Physical Education) – Institution and year not publicly specified in accessible sources.
  • Additional qualifications in education and pedagogy, as inferred from her teaching and research roles at the University of Queensland.

Research Specializations and Academic Interests

Professor Sperka’s research primarily focuses on health and physical education, with an emphasis on curriculum development, pedagogical innovation, and the intersection of physical activity with social and cultural contexts. Her work explores how educational practices can foster well-being and inclusivity among diverse populations.

  • Health and Physical Education Pedagogy
  • Curriculum Design and Implementation
  • Social and Cultural Dimensions of Physical Activity
  • Inclusive Education Practices

Career History and Appointments

Professor Sperka has built a robust academic career at the University of Queensland, where she holds a significant role in the School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences. Her career trajectory reflects a commitment to both teaching and research in her field.

  • Current Position: Lecturer/Researcher, School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, University of Queensland.
  • Specific prior appointments or roles at other institutions are not detailed in publicly accessible sources at this time.

Major Awards, Fellowships, and Honors

While specific awards or honors for Professor Sperka are not widely documented in public sources, her contributions to health and physical education are recognized through her ongoing academic roles and publications. Any awards or fellowships will be updated as verifiable information becomes available.

  • No specific awards or honors listed in accessible public records at this time.

Key Publications

Professor Sperka has contributed to the academic field through a range of publications, including journal articles and collaborative works focusing on health and physical education. Below is a selection of her notable works based on public records such as academic databases and university profiles.

  • Sperka, L., & Enright, E. (2018). "The outsourcing of health and physical education: A scoping review." European Physical Education Review.
  • Sperka, L. (2020). "(Re)defining outsourcing in health and physical education." Discourse: Studies in the Cultural Politics of Education.
  • Additional publications exist in peer-reviewed journals, though a comprehensive list is constrained by access to full bibliographies in public domains.

Influence and Impact on Academic Field

Professor Sperka’s research has made notable contributions to the discourse on health and physical education, particularly in the areas of outsourcing and curriculum innovation. Her work addresses critical questions about how external providers influence educational outcomes and advocates for pedagogical approaches that prioritize student well-being. Her publications are cited in discussions on educational policy and practice, reflecting her growing influence in the field.

Public Lectures, Committee Roles, and Editorial Contributions

While specific details about public lectures, committee roles, or editorial contributions are not extensively documented in public sources, Professor Sperka’s involvement in academic conferences and university initiatives at the University of Queensland suggests active engagement in the broader academic community. Updates will be made as additional verifiable information becomes available.

  • No specific public lectures, committee roles, or editorial contributions listed in accessible public records at this time.