Cris has extensive expertise in different languages express mathematical ideas, and how different languages are used for teaching and learning mathematics.
She is particularly interested in mathematical expression in non-Indo-European languages, including languages that have not formally been used in schooling, such as many Australian Indigenous languages. She also interested in policies and practices associated with the use of different languages in mathematics education, with a focus on Indigenous education. She lectures in mathematics education with expertise in the early acquisition of mathematics and cultural contexts of mathematics.
Cris has a PhD in Mathematics Education from RMIT University (2013), a Graduate Diploma in Primary Education from CDU (2003), a BA (First Class Honours) from University of Western Sydney (1996) in Text and Writing and a BA from the University of Melbourne (1995) majoring in linguistics. She was a postdoctoral researcher in the Research Unit for Indigenous Language at the University of Melbourne (2016-2018) and the Umeå Mathematics Education Research Centre at Umeå University, Sweden (2014-2016).
Current research project: Identifying mathematical expression in diverse Australian Indigenous languages for teaching and learning mathematics
Former projects include:
children's mathematical concepts in Mawng
Improving the teaching of mathematics in Papua New Guinea elementary schools by using local languages and cultural practices
Effects on the demand of reading ability when translating mathematical tasks between different languages
Frame of reference in Iwaidja: Towards a culturally responsive early years mathematics program
Cris supervises Master’s and PhD students in her areas of expertise.