
Overview
Background
Dr Samantha Cooms is a proud Noonuccal Quandamooka mother and carer, she holds a Bachelor of Psychology (hons) majoring in Indigenous Studies, a Graduate Certificate in Indigenous Research and Leadership and a PhD in Business and is now a Lecturer in Management in the Business School at the University of Queensland.
Dr Cooms has a background in psychology and experience working in the mental health and disability sectors. She is passionate about disrupting hegemonic assumptions and promoting First Nations ways of knowing, being and doing. She has experience with using both qualitative and quantitative approaches to research with a special interest in the use of poetic inquiry for sharing voices and perspectives of First Nations peoples in qualitative research. Dr Cooms' research seeks to decolonise and Indigenise knowledges with a special focus on disability to address intersectional disadvantage and disrupt ongoing colonisation. In line with this, she is passionate about connecting First Nations perspectives of inclusion and sustainability.
Availability
- Dr Samantha Cooms is:
- Available for supervision
Qualifications
- Bachelor (Honours), Central Queensland University
- Doctor of Philosophy of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Studies, Central Queensland University
- Graduate Certificate in Indigenous Studies, University of Melbourne
Research impacts
Dr Cooms's research seeks to disrupt colonial assumptions of disability, sustainability, and inclusion as a means to address the intersectional disadvantage faced by First Nations peoples with disability and their families, carers and communities. Insights from her research can help to improve the access and delivery of disability services and supports for First Nations peoples in Australia.
Works
Search Professor Samantha Cooms’s works on UQ eSpace
2025
Book Chapter
Indigenising and Decolonising the curriculum in a Business School
Leroy-Dyer, Sharlene, Cooms, Samantha, Irving, Gemma, Staggs, Jonathan, Ruhanen, Lisa and Mitchell, Sean (2025). Indigenising and Decolonising the curriculum in a Business School. A Handbook on Indigenising Curriculum at The University of Queensland. (pp. 1-18) edited by Tracey Bunda, Katelyn Barney, Levon Blue and Laura Deane. Brisbane, QLD Australia: UQ Pressbooks.
2024
Journal Article
The rise of virtual yarning: an Indigenist research method
Cooms, Samantha, Leroy-Dyer, Sharlene and Muurlink, Olav (2024). The rise of virtual yarning: an Indigenist research method. Qualitative Research, 25 (1), 168-188. doi: 10.1177/14687941241234303
2024
Conference Publication
Teaching Aboriginal and Western approaches to management alongside each other: one approach for decolonising management education
Irving, Gemma L. and Cooms, Samantha (2024). Teaching Aboriginal and Western approaches to management alongside each other: one approach for decolonising management education. Management and Organizational Behavior Teaching Society Oceania, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 31 January - 1 February.
2023
Journal Article
Poetic inquiry: a tool for decolonising qualitative research
Cooms, Samantha and Saunders, Vicki (2023). Poetic inquiry: a tool for decolonising qualitative research. Qualitative Research Journal, 24 (1), 3-22. doi: 10.1108/qrj-05-2023-0071
2023
Journal Article
Decolonising disability: weaving a Quandamooka conceptualisation of disability and care
Cooms, Samantha (2023). Decolonising disability: weaving a Quandamooka conceptualisation of disability and care. Disability and Society, 40 (2), 1-24. doi: 10.1080/09687599.2023.2287409
2022
Journal Article
Our experiences of researching with our mob on our country: traditional custodians as researchers
Schmider, Joanne, Cooms, Samantha and Mann, Melinda (2022). Our experiences of researching with our mob on our country: traditional custodians as researchers. Journal of Australian Indigenous Issues, 25 (1-2), 38-58.
2022
Journal Article
Intersectional theory and disadvantage: a tool for decolonisation
Cooms, Samantha, Muurlink, Olav and Leroy-Dyer, Sharlene (2022). Intersectional theory and disadvantage: a tool for decolonisation. Disability and Society, 39 (2), 1-16. doi: 10.1080/09687599.2022.2071678
Funding
Past funding
Supervision
Availability
- Dr Samantha Cooms is:
- Available for supervision
Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.
Supervision history
Current supervision
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Doctor Philosophy
Reconciliation Action Plans: a multi-dimensional perspective of their social, educational and policy impacts & outcomes
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Faith Ong
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Doctor Philosophy
Gongan Business Model - Futuring the Indigenous Estate in Australia
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Sharlene Leroy-Dyer
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Doctor Philosophy
Exploring Indigenous institutional change through tiny homes: Can tiny homes address the housing needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people?
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Gemma Irving
Media
Enquiries
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