“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.

“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.

“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).

“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.

“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.

"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. 

"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.

"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. 

"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.