I am a Teaching Specialist who is deeply committed to training scientists to effectively communicate their research to a variety of scientific and lay audiences. Outstanding communication skills are now vital for a successful career in science and I designed, coordinate and teach a highly successful science communication program at the University of Melbourne. My aim is to embed the teaching of communication skills throughout our science curriculum.
Underpinning my teaching is my own practice of communicating the wonders of science to a large and broad audience as a radio broadcaster and blogger. I have my own weekly science segment ‘Weird Science’ on the breakfast show of 3RRR, Australia’s largest community radio station. I also broadcast on Sundays with the 3RRR Einstein-a-go-go team and blog weekly at www.espressoscience.com.
2015 Crowdfunding: The Big Roo Count – resurveying Australia’s tropical macropods ten years on, $20,555 (http://www.pozible.com/project/195117)
2014 University of Melbourne Learning and Teaching Initiative ‘Customised learning: using real-time student feedback to shape curriculum’, $9,324
2010 Faculty of Science Learning and Teaching Initiative ‘Building an online bridging program to cater for the diversity of students in first year Biology’, $23,037
2007 Development Grant for Innovation in Large Group Teaching ‘Catering for diversity in large classes in biology by developing a series of integrated, interactive online teaching resources’, $32,000
2006 Melbourne University Early Career Researcher Grant ‘Anthropogenic habitat disturbance: how do mammals respond behaviourally? $37,928
Awards
Education and training
GCUT,
University of Melbourne 2007
PhD,
University of Melbourne 2006
BSC (Hons),
University of Melbourne 2000
BA,
University of Melbourne 1998
Awards and honors
Faculty of Science Dean's Award for Excellence in Engagement (Outreach and Science Communication), University of Melbourne,
2015
Faculty of Science Dean's Award for Excellence in Lecturing, University of Melbourne,
2014
GEM Scott Grant for Excellence in Lecturing, University of Melbourne,
2010
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