My first career was as a secondary science teacher. Having completed a PhD in science education I held academic positions at Monash University, University of South Australia, Flinders University and the University of New England. Currently, I work part-time for the Teachers Registration Board of South Australia as a Research Analyst while consulting in my other days.

My passion is about helping learners to think about and explore their world through a scientific lens. Learning in science is not about accruing facts but about developing a deeper understanding of the interactions and complexities of our world. Questioning, challenging and not accepting the obvious in our thinking helps to promote continual growth of our knowledge and ideas throughout our lives!

I apply these same principles to my research collaborating with colleagues in other universities and educational organisations in Australia (NSW, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia), New Zealand (Palmerston North, Wellington), Canada (Ontario), Brazil (Sao Paulo), UK (London, York) and USA (Massachusetts, Chicago, Washington DC, Atlanta), and South Africa. Key areas of my research include evaluation and assessment; STEM education; cognition and how students learn; curriculum design and implementation; teacher pedagogical reasoning; and, rural education.

I have worked extensively with stakeholders outside of the university environment where research skills and insights can be applied and implemented in practical ways that are relevant to the specific context. Data that are collected, analysed and interpreted reliably are important regardless of the institution. 

I hold an extensive publication record including books, book chapters, research articles and reports. I have also presented at many international and national research conferences, either as a keynote speaker or researcher.