Afternoon tea / poster viewing session / welcome reception
Tuesday, July 8, 2025 |
3:30 PM - 5:30 PM |
BelleVue Ballroom 1 - Level 3 |
Overview
BelleVue Ballroom 1 - Level 3
Details
3.30pm - 4.00pm Afternoon tea
4.00pm - Welcome speeches and formalities
4.15pm - Poster viewing session with drinks and canapes
Speaker
Dr Siew Hong Lam
Associate Professor
National University of Singapore
Challenges and the possible solutions to enhancing discipline-based education research in higher education: The ‘will’, the ‘skills’, and the ‘thrills'
Biography
LAM Siew Hong is an Associate Professor and teaches at the Department of Biological Sciences (DBS), Faculty of Science, NUS. He is currently the department’s Assistant Head of the Undergraduate Matters and the Co-chair of the Department Teaching Committee. He is interested in creating rich environments for active learning, the use generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) tools to enhance academic confidence in students, enhancing transferable employability skills to equip future-ready graduates, and enhancing professional development of fellow educators.
Dr Xin Xiang Lim
Lecturer
National University Of Singapore
Co-presenter
Biography
Dr. LIM Xin Xiang is a lecturer at the National University of Singapore’s Department of Biological Sciences, specializing in molecular biology and forensic science education. His research focuses on interdisciplinary learning, technology integration in education, and the use of AI to enhance learning experiences. Dr. Lim also leads innovative research in forensic science, including forensic proteomics, genetics, and drug analysis, aiming to advance both academic understanding and practical applications. A dedicated educator and researcher, he is committed to shaping the future of science education through innovative teaching methods and cutting-edge research. Dr. Lim’s work bridges disciplines and leverages technology to prepare students and professionals for the evolving demands of the scientific world.
Ms Jaime Doumas
Southern Cross University
From Classroom to Clinic: Enhancing Naturopathic Education Through Evidence-Informed Teaching Frameworks
Biography
Jaime Doumas is a dedicated educator and researcher with expertise in health science and education. With a background in Naturopathy (BHSc) and a Master’s of Teaching, Jaime has extensive experience in higher education, serving as a Course Coordinator and Program Manager in Nutritional Medicine and Naturopathy. Her research interests include the integration of GenAI in education and clinical practice, as well as innovative pedagogical strategies to enhance student learning. Jaime is actively involved in scholarship of teaching and learning, particularly within the health science degrees, and is a contributing member of a research team exploring student performance and confidence in practical assessments. Passionate about student success and evidence-based education, Jaime is committed to advancing teaching practices in health sciences, and naturopathic medicine.
Dr Narbada Saini
La Trobe University
Adapting Anatomy Education: A Retrospective Study of Student Outcomes and Feedback Across Instructional Transitions in 3rd Year Undergraduate Anatomy Subject.
Biography
Dr. Narbada Saini is a lecturer in Anatomy and a cardiovascular researcher whose current research focuses on understanding the role of inflammation in cardiac fibrosis and remodelling in various cardiovascular diseases. Over the last 15 years, Dr. Saini has had the privilege of teaching a diverse range of students across disciplines, including dental sciences, physiotherapy, radiodiagnosis, speech therapy, nursing, osteopathy, chiropractic, biomedicine, health sciences, exercise science, Chinese medicine, and postgraduate residents of orthopaedics, neurology, cardiovascular, and thoracic surgery.
Her teaching portfolio encompasses neuroanatomy, head and neck anatomy, musculoskeletal, visceral, and trunk regions, as well as embryology and histology. She has authored 10 research articles in leading journals such as Cardiovascular Research and the Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery and contributed a chapter to Bergman’s Encyclopedia of Anatomic Variations. Dr. Saini is now actively engaged in teaching research, continually enhancing her pedagogy to foster student success.
Dr Jency Thomas
Senior Lecturer
La Trobe University
Co-presenter
Biography
Dr. Jency Thomas is a senior lecturer and researcher at Latrobe University with a doctorate from the University of Newcastle. She teaches anatomy within the department of microbiology, anatomy, physiology and pharmacology at La Trobe University. Jency collaborates with colleagues in Public Health to study self-medication practices and management of type-2 diabetes among South Asians and migrant communities in Australia. She has numerous publications in reputable journals and has presented at various national and international conferences. Jency supervises multiple PhD students to completion under her guidance. She is also the recipient of fellowship from the Australian Academy of Science for her Metabolic syndrome Influencing Neurodegenerative Disorder (MIND) project. In 2020, her team earned the Vice-Chancellor's Teaching Award for implementing an employability module into undergraduate courses. She received the Vice-Chancellor's Award for Teacher of the Year for the same initiative and also received prestigious Australian Award for University Teaching (AAUT).
Ms Jaime Doumas
Southern Cross University
Fostering Competence and Confidence: Student Perspectives on Practical Assessments in Health Education
Biography
Jaime Doumas is a dedicated educator and researcher with expertise in health science and education. With a background in Naturopathy (BHSc) and a Master’s of Teaching, Jaime has extensive experience in higher education, serving as a Course Coordinator and Program Manager in Nutritional Medicine and Naturopathy. Her research interests include the integration of GenAI in education and clinical practice, as well as innovative pedagogical strategies to enhance student learning. Jaime is actively involved in scholarship of teaching and learning, particularly within the health science degrees, and is a contributing member of a research team exploring student performance and confidence in practical assessments. Passionate about student success and evidence-based education, Jaime is committed to advancing teaching practices in health sciences, and naturopathic medicine.
Dr Denise Demmer
Curtin University
Just keep swimming: positioning students’ growth mindsets as a critical factor for university success
Biography
Denise Demmer, PhD, BSc (Hons), is an Associate Lecturer involved in curriculum development and ensuring quality processes in teaching delivery. Her research interests include competency-based medical education and assessment, growth mindset, and experiential and reflective learning.
Dr Estelle Watson
Professional Teaching Fellow
University Of Auckland
Exercising excellence: The design of successful Capstone courses in the Exercise Sciences.
Biography
Dr Watson holds an academic background in Exercise Science and Health Sciences Education. She completed her undergraduate and Masters degree in Exercise Science at Stellenbosch University (South Africa). In 2016, she earned her PhD from the University of the Witwatersrand (South Africa), where her research area focused on physical activity and health outcomes in vulnerable populations. She has 38 scientific publication and over NZ$500 000 in research funding. She has a Post Graduate Diploma in Health Sciences Education, 13 years experience teaching in higher education and is currently a Professional Teaching Fellow at the University of Auckland. Her current educational research focuses on improving course quality, assessment and design.
Dr Jency Thomas
Senior Lecturer
La Trobe University
Comparing Student Outcomes and Perceptions in Online vs. Blended Learning Formats for a Second-Year Human Anatomy Subject
Biography
Jency Thomas is a senior lecturer and researcher at Latrobe University with a doctorate from the University of Newcastle. Her doctoral research focused on the effect of type 2 diabetes on brain functions in particular the hippocampus, which is critical for memory consolidation and cognitive functions. Jency collaborates with colleagues in Public Health to study self-medication practices and management of type-2 diabetes among South Asians and migrant communities in Australia. She has numerous publications in reputable journals and has presented at various national and international conferences. Currently, Jency supervises multiple PhD students, with five having successfully completed their doctoral thesis under her guidance. Jency is a highly regarded academic who has received number of recognitions for her teaching including Vice-Chancellor's Award for Teacher of the Year for the same initiative. In 2022, Jency and her team received the prestigious award from the Australian Award for University Teaching (AAUT).
Ms Laurita Stoneman
Australian Catholic University
Experiences of casual academics working remotely: A systematic review.
Biography
Laurita Stoneman is a casual nurse academic and PhD candidate researching the experiences of casual nurse academics who work remotely in Australia. Laurita is an experienced clinical nurse educator and has extensive nursing experience across many specialty areas.
Dr Bhawana Bhatta Kaudal
University Of Melbourne
Student perceptions of meaningful learning
Biography
Dr Bhawana Bhatta is a soil scientist and education focused academic at the University of Melbourne. She has extensive experience teaching and coordinating soil science, plant science and first year biology subjects. Since beginning teaching in 2017, she has been passionate about engagement and equity in higher education. She has focused on creating inclusive learning environment where students feel they belong, supported, and learn at their best. Her pedagogical research focuses on unpacking the complexity around how students learn and the ways in which we can assist students in becoming lifelong learners. Her main goal as an educator is to enable learners to enjoy learning process and perform at their best
Ms Fran Corcoran
Senior Lecturer
Australian Catholic University
The nexus between academics and creative designers in Game-Based Learning
Biography
Fran is a nurse of 30 years. During this time, she has worked around Australia in various clinical roles including acute medical-surgical, palliative care, paediatrics and in the military. She has also had a strong history in nursing education having worked at 4 universities, one TAFE and as a nurse educator in two hospitals.
Currently she is a Senior Lecturer at Australian Catholic University with roles including Deputy Head of School, Course Coordinator and Learning and Teaching Governance. Her research interests are learning and teaching focused with projects including escape games, game-based learning and branching scenarios.
