Alexandra Wake

Professor Alexandra Wake is a senior academic leader, educator, researcher and media professional whose career spans higher education, journalism, government and international engagement. She is Professor of Journalism in RMIT University's School of Media and Communication, Program Manager of the Graduate Diploma in Journalism, President of the Journalism Education and Research Association of Australia (JERAA), a member of the World Journalism Education Council, and is serving her third term on the RMIT University Academic Board. Her leadership interests centre on academic governance, institutional strategy, policy development, industry engagement and the future of media and communication education. 

 

Over more than four decades, Professor Wake has built a reputation as an influential leader in journalism and communication education, combining scholarly excellence with deep industry engagement and public impact. She has taught and led programs at RMIT University, Deakin University and Dubai Women's College, and has been invited to contribute to curriculum reform, academic quality processes and professional education initiatives in Australia and internationally. Her work has consistently focused on preparing graduates for leadership in rapidly changing media, communication and creative industries. 

 

Professor Wake has extensive experience building partnerships across universities, industry, government and community organisations. She has worked on international development and capacity-building projects in countries including South Africa, Solomon Islands and Myanmar, and has collaborated with media organisations, professional bodies and advocacy groups on initiatives that strengthen journalism, communication and democratic participation. Through leadership roles in national and international organisations, she has contributed to policy discussions, professional standards, curriculum innovation and workforce development. 

 

Before entering academia full-time, Professor Wake spent more than 25 years as a journalist, editor, broadcaster and media executive working across Australia, the Asia-Pacific and the Middle East. She held senior editorial and production roles within the ABC and other major media organisations and has also worked in government as a senior adviser to an education minister. These experiences continue to inform her leadership approach and provide strong connections across industry, government and the wider public sector. 

 

An internationally connected scholar and educator, Professor Wake has held appointments as a Visiting Scholar at Columbia University and an Academic Fellow at the Constructive Institute at Aarhus University. She plays leadership roles in global journalism education networks, including the World Journalism Education Council, and is an active participant in international collaborations focused on higher education, media innovation, gender, technology and democratic communication. 

 

Professor Wake's research examines the intersection of media, communication, leadership, wellbeing, diversity and technological change. She is internationally recognised for her work on journalism and trauma, media ethics, newsroom culture and journalism education, and is committed to research that informs professional practice, public policy and social impact. She is Oceania Co-Leader of the UK-based Journalism Education Trauma Research Group, a member of the Dart Centre Asia Pacific, an adviser to Mindframe for Journalists, and a participant in the UNESCO UniTWIN Network on Gender, Media and ICTs. 

 

Throughout her career, Professor Wake has been a strong advocate for the role of universities, independent media and public-interest communication in democratic societies. Her leadership is characterised by a commitment to academic excellence, industry relevance, collaborative partnerships and creating opportunities for students, staff and communities to thrive in periods of significant social and technological change.

 

Grants:

Professor Wake is working on a range of Australian Government funded projects, but is equally happy working with small industry partners on significant projects.

Australian Journalism, Trauma and Community (externally led by Monash University). Funded by: ARC Discovery Projects 2023 via Other University from (2024 to 2027)

Mitigating the impact of the media on stigmatising attitudes towards people with severe mental illness (administered by the University of Melbourne). Funded by: NHMRC - Investigator Grants from (2024 to 2028)

 

Working with an interdisciplinary group she has received RMIT and industry funds to run a pilot program and symposium Carrying the Story: a newsroom trauma prevention program in 2026-27.

Fellowships:
- Visiting Scholar, School of International and Public Affairs, Columbia University

- Academic Fellow, Constructive Institute, Aarhus University, Denmark 

- Academic Fellow, Dart Centre for Journalism and Trauma (Asia Pacific), Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism

Awards:

Professor Wake has received multiple awards for industry, teaching, service and research as an individual and as part of larger teams including:  RMIT School of Media and Communication Dean’s Award for Indigenous Engagement (2023); Dean’s Award for Impact and Engagement (2022);  Top Performer, Media Star Award (Design and Social Context) RMIT University, (2022);  Commendation, Media Star Award (Design and Social Context), RMIT University (2021); Dean’s Award for Award for Indigenous Engagement (2020); Dean’s Award for Program for Impact and Engagement (2020); Commendation, Media Star Award (Design and Social Context), RMIT University (2020); Top Performer, Media Star Award (Design and Social Context), RMIT University (2020); Media Star Award (Design and Social Context), RMIT University. (2017); RMIT University Teaching Award for Programs that Enhance Learning (Graduate Outcomes). (2015); Long-listed for a Walkley Grant for Innovations in Journalism, from the national association of Australian journalists the MEAA (2015).