Teaching context and philosophy

On this profile are a range of TiPs — Teaching in Practice strategies — on how to maximise flexibility, accessibility, engagement, and equity in course design and delivery.

All the TiPs provided here are evidence-based and, as such, are presented alongside data showing they work. Many can be implemented in any course, regardless of discipline or level.

More broadly, my philosophy is to use evidenced-based approaches to teach the real-world relevance of science and challenge students to think for themselves in order to become invested participants in their own learning. Everything I do is student-centred. My instruction is tailored to the individual needs of each student and leverages their unique cultural, personal and educational backgrounds to elevate each student to reach their full potential. My students come to appreciate their individual learning is highly valued and this in turn results in students becoming highly motivated to succeed. The TiPs on these pages are the strategies I’ve used to obtain these outcomes. Try some, they’ll probably work for you too.

My teaching has been recognised by:

- UNSW Vice Chancellor’s Award for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning in 2021

- UNSW Scientia Education Academy Exemplary Teaching Practice Award in 2023

- UNSW Teaching Award for Outstanding Contributions to Student Wellbeing in 2024

- Evolution & Ecology Research Centre Outstanding Postgraduate Supervisor Award for 2024

- Elected as a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA/Advanced HE) in 2024

- Penny Bernstein Distinguished Teaching Award in 2025

- Australian Awards for University Teaching (AAUT) citation in 2025