Associate Professor Donovan is a Gumbaynggir man from the north coast of NSW, but grew up in the western suburbs of Sydney.
Associate Professor Donovan joined La Trobe in September 2022 after holding several leadership roles at Macquarie University and the University of Newcastle, and has a strong track record in research and engagement – including life membership of the NSW Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (AECG).
Associate Professor Donovan began his career as a nurse, before moving into education and obtaining his teaching degrees.
He received his PhD in Education from the University of Newcastle, with his research interests focussing on the pedagogical understanding of Aboriginal Education.
The focal point of this research was examining Aboriginal pedagogical practice from an Aboriginal student perspective, highlighting student voice in guiding pedagogical understandings.