Dr Erica Ho
Adjunct Fellow
University of Technology Sydney
PhD in Education
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About
I am an Adjunct Fellow in the Dean's Unit at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) Business School. My research focuses on supporting researcher development and wellbeing, and I am passionate about promoting a peer community approach to Higher Degree by Research (HDR) education.
Having recently gone through the PhD journey myself, I deeply understand the challenges faced by HDR students and the importance of effective support during that process. This experience helps me connect with HDR students and offers valuable insights into how to guide and support them throughout their research journeys.
I formed the PhDummies ("no dumb questions") group in 2019 and established the HDR Peer Community in 2022 at the University of Sydney (USYD) to create safe spaces for students to share ideas, seek help, and learn together. My research on HDR communities and online environment design provides evidence-based strategies for facilitating peer learning and collaboration.
Since joining UTS Business School in 2024, I have been applying my research to strengthen HDR students' peer connections and researcher identity to enhance their wellbeing. Currently, I am working on projects that support researcher development and wellbeing by building meaningful connections among students and fostering impactful peer support communities.
Before beginning my research on learning communities and collaborative online environments, I worked as a college lecturer and university tutor. That's where I discovered my passion for mentoring students in Higher Education, and it continues to inspire my work today.
Research interests
Peer support
Online communities
Higher education
Student wellbeing
Researcher identity
Collaborative learning
Doctoral education
Experience
Adjunct Fellow @ The Dean's Unit, University of Technology Sydney (UTS) Business School
Research Analyst @ The Dean's Unit, University of Technology Sydney (UTS) Business School
Doctoral Researcher @ Centre for Research on Learning and Innovation (CRLI), University of Sydney (USYD)
Research Assistant @ Computer Supported Learning and Cognition Centre (CoCo Lab), USYD
Course Coordinator & Lecturer @ HKU School of Professional and Continuing Education (SPACE)
Teaching Assistant @ University of Hong Kong (HKU)
Visiting Postgraduate Researcher @ Department of Informatics, King’s College London (KCL)
Postgraduate Researcher @ HKU Center for Information Security and Cryptography (CISC)
Grants and funding
USYD Graduate Research Activities and Development Scheme (GRADS) 2024 for two projects:
Teaching
Course Coordinator & Lecturer @ HKU School of Professional and Continuing Education (SPACE)
Intellectual Property, Technology and Ethics (2014-2017)
Introduction to Information Technology (2012-2013)
Teaching Assistance @ University of Hong Kong (HKU)
Creativity, Technology and Law (2012-2016)
Legal Aspects of Computing (2010-2015)
Legal Protection of Digital Property (2013-2014)
Legal aspects of I.T. and e-commerce (2012-2013)
HKU Department of Computer Science Best Tutor Award 2011-2012, 2013-2014, 2014-2015, 2015-2016
Education
Doctor of Philosophy (Education) USYD
The Paulette Isabel Jones PhD Completion Scholarship
ASCILITE Student Bursary Award
Postgraduate Certificate in Laws (Intellectual Property) LondonU
Certificate of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education HKU Centre for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning (CETL)
Master of Philosophy (Computer Science) HKU
Postgraduate Scholarship
Bachelor of Engineering (Computer Science) HKU
Dean's Honours List
Advanced Certificate in General Studies (Applied Science in Information Technology) HKU SPACE
Principal’s Honours List
I share things related to technology, education and research at https://cocolaberica.github.io/ for learning and leisure.
In the spirit of reconciliation I acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. I pay my respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
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