Her thesis was titled, Exploring my communication pedagogy in diverse undergraduate classes at a University of Technology: A self-study of practice. The study found that shifting from a technicist perspective to an aesthetic communication pedagogy has the potential to open up opportunities to provide more organic, situated and emergent ways of being, thinking and acting as teachers in diverse pedagogic settings.

It was judged by the SAERA panel to be the best thesis as it met the criteria of making an original contribution to knowledge; showing a high degree of research quality; and having potential impact to bring about educational change.

‘I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to explore a subject I am passionate about, that fostered my own growth and professional development.  I am grateful to my supervisor Professor Daisy Pillay without whose insight, guidance and expertise this PhD thesis would not have been possible.  Her encouragement inspired me to produce scholarly work and her creative influence prompted the implementation of arts-based methods,’ said Rawlinson.

She is also expressed her thanks to the Self-Reflexive group at UKZN, led by Professor Kathleen Pithouse-Morgan, Pillay and Dr Inba Naicker.