Dr Liu-Fei Tan
Lecturer (Teaching Specialist (Acad))
College of Medicine and Public Health
I am a Chinese-born Malaysian with a unique family history. Like many, I witnessed my parents build and grow their business despite their lack of formal education. My brothers and I are the first generation in our family to attend university. While my three brothers have all become surgeons, I have pursued a career in academia—much to my father’s amusement, as he still jokingly refers to me as a “fake doctor.”
At the heart of my teaching philosophy is a commitment to inclusivity, student-centred learning, and evidence-based practice. I see my role not just as a teacher, but as a facilitator and mentor, someone who supports and guides students as they grow into confident, curious, and capable learners. I am passionate about science and deeply invested in helping students find their place within it. I believe learning should be engaging, creative, and responsive to individual needs. That’s why I strive to create a classroom environment where students feel safe to explore, encouraged to ask questions, and empowered to think critically.
Ultimately, my goal is to help students become innovative scientists who not only understand their field but also contribute to it in meaningful and imaginative ways.
I hold a PhD in Medicine (Research) from Flinders University, which I completed in 2017. Prior to that, I earned a Bachelor of Biotechnology (Honours) from Flinders University in 2009, graduating with first class honours and receiving the university medal.
2024: Vice-President and Executive Dean’s Teaching Excellence Award (College of Science and Engineering).
Data informed, cross-discipline redesign of STEM8001 to address students’ academic literacy and foster their success and integration into Flinders University’s commuting
2023: Vice-Chancellor's Award Excellence in Teaching
Ready Set Go! Igniting and Supporting Career Preparation throughout the Curriculum
2022: Student-Led Teaching Awards, CMPH Honourable Mention
2020: Vice-President and Executive Dean’s Teaching Excellence Award (College of Medicine and Public Health)
Inspiring inquiring minds: Developing your own research hypotheses which you can test in the Laboratory
As Deputy Course Coordinator, Master of Biotechnology, I work with the Course Coordinator to map curriculum, monitor learning-analytics dashboards and trigger early interventions for at-risk students, directly linking program design to day-to-day success.
I coordinate several biotechnology topics for both first-year and third-year students within the College of Medicine and Public Health. These topics not only emphasize theoretical content but also focus on developing practical skills essential for the field. This dual focus is crucial as it ensures that students are not only knowledgeable about the latest scientific theories and advancements but also proficient in applying these concepts in real-world settings. By integrating practical skills into the curriculum, we prepare students to meet the demands of the biotechnology industry, enhancing their employability and readiness to contribute effectively to scientific research and innovation.
Additionally, I coordinate STEM8001 Advanced Professional Skills. This core course within the College of Science and Engineering is designed for international Master’s students in science, biotechnology, mathematics, engineering, and computer science. Throughout the course, our students focus on developing a wide range of transferable skills essential for effectively communicating their scientific endeavors to diverse audiences. We emphasise continuous skill improvement to prepare them as future contributors and leaders in various fields, including community, industry, and government.
I am also the Academic Integrity Officer for the College of Medicine and Public Health, assisting staff and students with academic integrity matters across the college.
Biotechnology at Flinders - Open Days 365
Sturt Rd, Bedford Park
South Australia 5042
South Australia | Northern Territory
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