Karen Tonge is an Early Career Researcher and Lecturer in The Early Years program at the University of Wollongong. With more than 20years experience working in Early Childhood she has developed strong connections and an understanding of the field for her work.
Karen’s primary research focus is the health and well-being of children and educators in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC). Central to this research is investigating the influence of quality interactions and environments on children’s and educators’ physical activity. Her research interests also include the role of nature-play in children’s learning and development, as well as the use of online interventions to support children’s health and well-being. Karen has published in a number of peer‐reviewed high‐quality international journals and regularly presents her research at both international and national conferences. Her teaching specialisations include Physical Environments for Learning in the Early Years, Curriculum & Programming, Quality Interactions and Professional Partnerships. Karen leads the Early Years Professional Experience program, and has developed many international academic and research partnerships. Karen’s previous role as an Early Start Engagement Coordinator at the University of Wollongong involved working with children, educators and communities in rural and remote contexts throughout Australia.