Dr Debbie Macpherson

Technical Officer

place Professional Services
GPO Box 2100, ADELAIDE, SA, 5001

I completed my B.Sc. (Hons.) in the School of Biological Sciences at Flinders University and my PhD. in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at Adelaide University under the guidance of Prof Paul Manning and A/Prof Renato Morona. I undertook postdoctoral training with Prof Joseph Lam at the University of Guelph in Canada.

I returned to the School of Biological Sciences in 2006. My main interests are within the fields of Microbiology and Molecular Biosciences, in particular the laboratory experience. I am an education focussed academic, passionate about student engagement and learning.

I am also based in the Centre for Innovation in Learning and Teaching, where I run the College of Science and Engineering Demonstrator and Tutor training programs, the Teaching and Learning program for Topic and Course Co-Ordinators and assist with the delivery of FFOUT and other workshops related to the Scholarship of Learning and Teaching. I provide academic support within the College of Science and Engineering and for Teaching Specialist academics. I also support Students as Partners projects across the University.

Qualifications

Graduate Certificate in Higher Education (2014)

Post Graduate Diploma - FFOUT (2012)

PhD, Dept of Microbiology and Immunology: University of Adelaide (conferred 1995)

Bachelor of Science, Honours, School of Biological Sciences: Flinders University (conferred 1988)

Bachelor of Science, School og Biological Sciences: Flinders University (conferred 1987)

Honours, awards and grants

2012: Teaching and Learning Innovation Grant: Looking back and feeding forward to build laboratory practical skills. Prof Melissa Brown, Dr Debbie Charter, Dr Lisa Schmidt, Mr David Bain.

Key responsibilities
  • BIOL2771 Biochemistry
  • BIOL2772: Molecular Biology
  • BIOL3761: Foundations in Microbiology
  • BIOL3782: Advanced Microbiology - Microbial Ecology and Infectious Diseases
  • Centre for Innovation in Learning and Teaching (College of Science and Engineering)
Teaching interests

I am passionate about the scholarship of learning and teaching and my interest involves actively engaging students in the learning experience. My main focus is the laboratory environment, including the development of student skills, inquiry-based practicals and data presentation.

I teach in the topics BIOL2702: Genetics, Evolution and Biodiversity, BIOL2771: Biochemistry, BIOL2772: Molecular Biology, BIOL3761: Foundations in Microbiology, and BIOL3782: Advanced Microbiology, Microbial Ecology and Infectious Disease.

I also support academics in their teaching, particularly those is the College of Science and Engineering, through my role in the Centre for Innovation in Learning and Teaching.

Topic coordinator
BIOL2771 Biochemistry (Prac Coord)
BIOL2772 Molecular Biology (Prac Coord)
BIOL3761 Foundations in Microbiology (Topic Coord)
BIOL3782 Advanced Microbiology (Prac Coord)
Topic lecturer
BIOL2772 Molecular Biology
BIOL3761 Foundations in Microbiology