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STEM Academy at Flinders

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College of Science and Engineering STEM Academy at Flinders University

The STEM Academy is leading STEM education in Australia by supporting passionate educators who bring Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics to inquiring young minds.

The College of Science and Engineering’s STEM Academy is home to leading STEM educators and researchers. Our focus is on applying research-informed and practice-led STEM education into our teaching to provide high quality learning experiences for our students.  Our aim is to work with university colleagues and schoolteachers across Australia to facilitate STEM teaching innovations and promote the concept of teaching STEM like a STEM professional.

We are passionate about expanding opportunities for educators and students with a curiosity about the world around them. We are leading changes within the university and heading initiatives in the broader education community to encourage the participation of indigenous students, women, students from rural and remote areas and the public in general to engage in STEM education.

The STEM Academy will host workshops and events, create new textbooks and education materials and provide curriculum reviews to support educators to enhance their approaches and offerings.

Together, we are inspiring the next generation of scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians to make bold discoveries and important innovations for the future.

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STEM Teacher Professional Development

Meet our team

The STEM Academy is a team of dedicated educators and researchers from the College of Science and Engineering. Learn more about the team leading the way in STEM education research and new scientific discoveries. 

Karen Burke Da Silva
Professor Karen Burke da Silva - Director

Dean (Education), College of Science and Engineering

“Teach like a scientist! That is my approach to educating students, fellow academics and the public. If we can showcase the importance of science in everyday life, we have an opportunity to strive toward a better future.”

Karen is one of Australia’s most influential STEM educators, recognised with awards including the prestigious Australian University Teacher of the Year.

Karen is nationally and internationally recognised for her research on student transition, inquiry, fieldwork and student success and wellbeing. As well as, her contributions to STEM textbooks, curriculum reviews, workshops and keynote presentations.

Karen is the founder of the Saving Nemo Conservation Program which involves university students, school children and the public in research and science through Citizen Science projects.

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Dr Anna Shillabeer
Dr Anna Shillabeer - Computing, IT and Mathematical Sciences

"I firmly believe the fundamental outcome of teaching should be to develop independent learners that question, criticise and test everything they see and encounter in the world. I always strive to maintain an enthusiasm for the individual student and their unique learning goals and future aspirations.”

Anna Shillabeer is the Teaching Program Director (Computing and Mathematical Sciences) at Flinders. She has more than 20 years’ experience in higher education, corporate capacity building and health information and has worked in universities in Australia, the US and Vietnam.

Anna’s research focuses on personalised healthcare and education technology and performance improvement. She is considered a world expert in Vietnamese medical education.

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Dr Brett Wilkinson
Dr Brett Wilkinson - Computing, IT and Design

“I believe games and play are part of our culture and how our current generation share their stories. Games provide a unique, powerful and engaging way to consider, understand and experience knowledge.”

Brett is a lecturer in computer game development and serious gaming at Flinders. His teaching has an emphasis on discovery-based learning, utilising games, and game mechanics to encourage engagement and motivation.

Brett has designed a range of games and virtual experiences for the classroom and learning. He worked with students on award-winning serious games for learning mathematics, new languages, how to program, Australian history and mental health awareness.

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Dr Carl Mooney
Dr Carl Mooney - Computer Science

"Teaching computer science and computer programming is more about teaching problem solving than learning a programming language. I take the approach that by teaching the steps to solve the problem, rather than focussing on the language, the language becomes almost irrelevant."

Carl is a lecturer in the College of Science and Engineering at Flinders. His teaching areas include computer programming, database systems and software engineering.

Carl is interested in the community applications of computer programming and has assisted in the production of e-learning modules to aid in the transition to retirement for various groups around the country.

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Dr Hayden Tronnolone - Mathematics

"Many people are exposed to negative attitudes towards maths. Yet, when faced with an interesting puzzle, as we've seen on social media, someone may devote hours to finding a solution. Without realising it, they’ve become mathematicians. I aim to help students discover this same enthusiasm as they apply mathematics to real-world problems."

Hayden is a lecturer at Flinders. He is passionate about changing the perceptions of mathematics and showing how intuition, experimentation and creativity are a part of mathematical thinking.

Hayden’s research has been recognised with multiple awards. He has applied mathematics in diverse fields such as the fabrication of optical fibres, yeast growth for wine production, and particle separation.

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Associate Professor Ingo Koper
Associate Professor Ingo Köper - Physics and Molecular Sciences

“Students will learn best when they are engaged, motivated and interested in what I am teaching. And engagement starts with an engaged and motivated teacher.”

Ingo is a physical chemist, researcher and lecturer at Flinders. He is passionate about science education and science outreach and has pioneered innovative teaching strategies that place students at the centre of their learning.

He joined the Flinders team in 2009 and while maintaining an active research career in biophysical chemistry became more and more interested in education research. He has been recognised for multiple teaching awards from the College of Science and Engineering.

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Dr Jean-Marc Hero
Dr Jean-Marc Hero - Ecology and Conservation Biology

“Cultural competency and integrating Indigenous knowledge into the science curriculum empowers our students to work with traditional owners as guardians and managers of biodiversity in the future.”

Jean-Marc has taught ecology and conservation biology at universities around the world for more than 30 years. As scientist and educator, his focus is on integrating Indigenous science into the undergraduate curriculum and providing students with cultural competency, work-ready skills and applied experiential learning in Australia ecosystems.

He has worked with Paul Spearim, Gamilaraay Nation Elder and educator, to create “Biodiversity Yarning Circles” an experiential learning program that combines Aboriginal / First Nations science of “Caring for Country” with the traditional STEM academic science of conservation biology.

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Dr Jeanne Young Kirby
Dr Jeanne Young Kirby - Natural Science Teaching Program Director, Learning Analytics

“All students come to University with a unique set of life experiences, knowledge and skills. I believe we must encourage them to identify and embrace their existing knowledge to become lifelong learners.”

Jeanne is a senior lecturer of biology at Flinders. Her research focused on enhancing student transitions for students between secondary and tertiary biology education.

Jeanne is passionate about providing active learning experiences for students to build their confidence and develop transferable skills such as critical thinking, self-reflection, information literacy, group work, and effective oral and written communication for lifelong learning.

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Professor Maria Parappilly
Professor Maria Parappilly (AO) - Physics and molecular sciences

“I believe nurturing creativity and imagination through STEM education is important to transform the way the students are learning the fundamentals.”

Maria is a physicist, lecturer and award-winning STEM educator. She has been recognised nationally and internationally with prestigious awards including the Australian Institute of Physics Education Medal and Medal of Order of Australia for her service to science education and women in STEM.

She leads a two-year STEM Enrichment Academy project, is the founder of the STEM Women Branching Out group and the immediate past chair of Physics Education Group (PEG) of Australian Institute of Physics (AIP).

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Dr Masha Smallhorn
Dr Masha Smallhorn - Biological Sciences

“I strive to improve the learning experience of my diverse student cohort by actively engaging them in the learning process. I believe students must be challenged to extend the boundaries of their understanding and be supported to take risks in their learning journey.”

Masha is a lecturer in the biological sciences at Flinders. She has led the development and implementation of inquiry-based learning in core biology topics at Flinders.

Masha is passionate about supporting student transition from high school to University. Her education innovations have improved student engagement, experience and learning outcomes.

Masha has been recognised with the Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching and an Executive Dean’s Excellence in Teaching Award.

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Study Environment

Dr Narelle Hunter
Dr Narelle Hunter - Biological Sciences

“I am passionate about supporting students through their transition to tertiary education. I endeavour to engage students and encourage them to develop an understanding of what it means to be a scientist.”

Narelle is a lecturer of biological sciences at Flinders. She is a part of a team focussed on student engagement and development of innovative learning materials, delivery methods and modes to provide a student centred and interactive learning experience in the biological sciences.

Narelle has designed, built and implemented a range of e-learning materials. She was awarded the Dean (Education) Award for Excellence in Teaching for her contributions to the College of Science and Engineering.

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Dr Sherry Randhawa - Engineering

"There is truly a need to captivate students and deliver content with confidence and inspiration. I constantly challenge my students to think for themselves and encourage them to develop an attitude of lifelong learning."

Sherry is a biomedical and computer systems engineer. She is a senior lecturer at Flinders and has developed engineering curriculums with a focus on student-centred learning. She has been awarded the Dean (Education) award for excellence in teaching for her contributions to the College of Science and Engineering.  

Sherry is an active contributor to student outreach programs including as an executive committee member of IEEE SA Women in Engineering and facilitator for STEM workshops for rural country high school girls. 

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Dr Sue Pyke
Dr Sue Pyke - Chemistry

"Inspiring and enabling students to understand the excitement and relevance of chemistry and how it underpins their diverse discipline areas is essential for the future."

Sue is a chemistry lecturer at Flinders. She combines a research background and more than 15 years' teaching experience to empower students to discover their ability to understand and apply the logic of chemistry successfully.

Sue's efforts to inspire interest in chemistry beyond Flinders include facilitating chemistry outreach activities at Science Alive, workshops for year 9 students and their teachers at the Flinders STEM enrichment conference, professional development support and promotion of Women in Chemistry.

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Dr Tessa Lane
Dr Tessa Lane - Geographical Information Systems

"Everything is somewhere. GIS is a powerful tool used across all disciplines and lets us answer the question of 'where?'"

Tessa has a PhD in Coastal Fluvial Geomorphology and teaches GIS studies for students spanning a range of disciplines. Her work includes using GIS to answer spatial questions relating to the dynamics of modern coastal and river systems. As a teacher, she is passionate about using hands-on learning to show students how GIS can be used across a range of disciplines and platforms to solve problems. 

Tessa has provided strategies and support for teachers in high school and university settings on how to implement GIS into course curriculums. 

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Study Environment

Dr Vlatka Zivotic-Kukolj
Dr Vlatka Zivotic - Kukolj - Electrical and Mechanical Engineering

"No matter how good a theory is, its application is what counts the most."

Vlatka teaches electrical and mechanical engineering at Flinders. She is passionate about hands-on learning opportunities to achieve a deeper level of understanding for students. 

Vlatka's teaching aims to foster the next generation of thinkers, innovators and creative engineers. She supports her students to apply their knowledge and experience beyond the context of just engineering. She is an advocate for engagement of government and private organisation to support work-integrated learning placements.

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Dr Sue Pyke
Dr Nassar Asgari - Engineering

“ I believe the practical component of a topic is where deep learning is achieved. By putting theory to test in the labs, students learn how theory can be used to tackle real-world problems and build confidence in their capabilities and see themselves as career-ready.”

Nasser Asgari holds a bachelor degree in Electronics Engineering, a masters in Communication Systems Engineering, and a PhD in Computer Engineering. He joined Flinders University in 1998 and since then he has been teaching in the field of electronics, microcontrollers, sensors and actuators, robotics, and automation.

Nasser is the course coordinator for Electrical and Electronic Engineering degrees at the College of Science and Engineering and has expertise in automation and robotics in applications such as the use of robotic systems in assistive technologies or detecting people in disaster zones. He has been involved in the robotics competitions and outreach programs for several years and has been working with local schools in introducing the students to the robotics world.

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Study Engineering

STEM: Outreach Program

The Flinders STEM Outreach Program aspires to inspire high school students, teachers and the wider community to understand and enjoy the STEM disciplines of science, computing, engineering, mathematics and the environment.

STEM: Outreach

STEM: Women Branching Out

STEM Women Branching Out, is an initiative established for young women in STEM at Flinders aiming to support their choice of studying STEM; provide them with a greater awareness of what STEM study and work involves; and improve their confidence.

STEM: Women Branching Out

STEM Enrichment Academy

Flinders University with support from the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science is offering an exciting new enrichment program for Year 9 girls only. The program involves hands-on activities and opportunities to engage with women working in a range of STEM professions.

STEM Enrichment Academy

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Last Updated: 09 Oct 2020
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