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2H - Roundtable discussions

Tracks
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Tuesday, July 8, 2025
1:30 PM - 3:25 PM
River View Room 4 - Level 2

Overview

River View Room 4 - Level 2


Speaker

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Assoc Prof Jun Chih
Curtin University

Response to mental wellbeing training: the role of university in whole-person development

Biography

Associate Professor H Jun Chih is a Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training instructor and one of the Wellbeing Champions at Curtin University. She is also a course coordinator, biostatistician and teaches quantitative research methods, supervises Honours and PhD students, and provides statistics consultations to colleagues across the Faculty of Health Sciences. Jun has been awarded several teaching excellence awards and is a Curtin Academy Fellow and a Higher Education Academy (HEA) Senior Fellow. Her iSOLT research interests include whole-person growth and mental wellbeing. She has published >80 peer-reviewed journal papers and been awarded >$6 million research funding.
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Dr Angie Nguyen
UNSW

Examining educators’ perspectives and practices of decreased grading approach in a medical program

Biography

Dr. Angie Nguyen holds the role of Education Design and Quality Manager at UNSW. Her research focuses on curriculum design and development, evaluation, education management and leadership, professional development, and cross-cultural research. Dr. Caroline Joyce is a Lecturer within the School of Medicine at Western Sydney University. Her scholarly pursuits revolve around assessment design and implementation, psychology, and educational research. Dr. Carl Parsons serves as a Senior Lecturer at the School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, where he also holds the position of Head of Assessment. His academic pursuits encompass assessment design and implementation, anatomy, and educational research.
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Mr Martin Walsh
University Of Auckland

Understanding the Impact of Group Formation Methods on Group Dynamics and Academic Outcomes in Postgraduate Courses

Biography

Martin Walsh (To be added) Dr. Udayangi Muthupoltotage Lecturer in the Department of Information Systems and Operations Management at the University of Auckland Being qualified in multiple disciplines, teaching experience spans a range of Software Engineering, Information Systems, Information Management, and Business Administration tertiary courses at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. A keen researcher of educational technologies and technology-enhanced learning, the use of augmented and virtual reality in teaching and learning, signal and image processing, data mining, and digital literacy, with research outputs in well-ranked, refereed journals and conferences.
Dr Tahereh Khollas-pourshafie
Lecturer
Flinders University Of South Australia

Wisdom Education for Achieving the Aspirations of the 2024 Higher Education Accord?

Biography

Dr Tahereh Khollas-Pourshafie has over 30 years of experience in academic and community development, specialising in teacher education and in developing academic skills and English language proficiency for diverse student populations at universities and communities in India, Australia, Timor-Leste, Israel and Botswana. Dr Pourshafie is a committed advocate of moral-based education and the promotion of peace and harmony to achieve community and environmental sustainability. She is deeply passionate about acquiring knowledge in wisdom education and fostering environments that inspire participants to pursue wisdom and express it through thoughtful speech and actions. Dr Pourshafie believes that to achieve an ever-advancing civilization, it is essential to nurture individual growth and contribute to the greater social good. She approaches learning with humility and values engaging in discussions to gain insights from others. She enjoys consultations, believing that it is through the clash of diverse opinions that the spark of truth is ignited.
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Mrs Leandi Newth
Torrens University

Addressing Barriers to Success: Ensuring Equity and Inclusion in the First-Year Experience for Higher Education Students

Biography

With over 13 years in the education sector, Leandi specialises in online education, contributing extensive expertise in managing large cohorts, implementing robust student retention strategies and employing innovative teaching methodologies. As a Course Coordinator and Senior Learning Facilitator, she has played a significant role in shaping and leading the development of curriculum and student support initiatives at Torrens University. As an award-winning designer, Leandi brings over 17 years of design industry experience, with post graduate qualifications in UX Design and Leadership.
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Mrs Hannah Schmith
Senior Learning Facilitator
Billy Blue College Of Design At Torrens University Australia

Co-presenter

Biography

With over 10 years of experience in graphic design industry practice and 5 years in education and curriculum development, Hannah has been a key driver in enhancing learning methodologies and student engagement within the Torrens University Design and Creative Technology sector. As a Subject Coordinator and Senior Learning Facilitator, she has led continuous improvements in subject materials and assessments, ensuring alignment with learning design principles and industry standards. Hannah's work reflects a commitment to innovative, student-centered learning and professional development.
Dr Mei Hui Liu
National University Of Singapore

The Draft-Final Peer Feedback Approach: Mapping Iterative Student Learning in Interdisciplinary Group Work

Biography

Mei Hui, from the National University of Singapore, advocates for the use of feedback to promote self-reflection and is committed to developing effective and scalable methods for providing meaningful feedback, particularly in large, diverse classrooms. She also believes that learning should extend beyond the classroom and textbooks, to foster both academic excellence and personal growth for students. Formerly an Assistant Dean of Student Life, she views student activities as vital for preparing students not only for professional success but also for leading purposeful lives. As a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Food Science and Technology, she also contributes to the International Union of Food Science and Technology’s (IUOFST) Working Group on Education, tackling emerging issues related to teaching in the discipline.
Ms Teri Balser
University of Calgary

Leading past collapse: the role of universities in creating a sustainable future

Biography

Professor Teri Balser is long-time academic and leader – having been a dean, provost, and interim university president. Internationally recognized for her scholarship and teaching, she is a Principal Fellow with Advance Higher Education and has also been named U.S. Professor of the Year for Doctoral Universities, Fulbright-Nehru Distinguished Chair to India, and John Curtin Distinguished Professor. She is a trained coach and certified facilitator who brings the perspective of both scholar and administrative leader to her efforts to create change and renewed public purpose in tertiary education. She can be reached at www.teribalser.com
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Ms Melissa Fong-Emmerson
Edith Cowan University

Culturally Responsive Marketing: Insights into Indigenous students’ higher education decision-making processes.

Biography

Melissa is a trained educator and currently serves as a Unit Coordinator and Lecturer at Edith Cowan University (ECU), where she designs and delivers curriculum for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs in marketing. With over 15 years of professional experience in marketing and communications, Melissa has worked across corporate, not-for-profit, and government sectors, specialising in integrated business and marketing strategies for national and international organisations. Melissa’s research focuses on diversity, equity, inclusion and broader social justice issues, particularly within the educational, teaching and learning landscape. She explores these themes through various marketing lenses, including digital marketing, consumer behaviour, social marketing, internationalisation and marketing education. Melissa seamlessly integrates both her lived and extensive industry experience into her teaching, equipping students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for success in the evolving business and marketing landscape.
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Dr Claire Lambert
Edith Cowan University

Co-presenter

Biography

Claire possesses more than 15 years of industry expertise. Her professional background includes managing and mentoring young employees, aiding them in acquiring the necessary skills for thriving in their professional endeavours. Drawing from her professional experiences, Claire has seamlessly integrated these insights into her higher education teaching methods, with her work recognised both nationally and locally for its outstanding contributions to student learning. Claire’s research focuses on career development and the transition of graduates into the workforce, particularly within the field of teaching and learning. Additionally, she conducts research in marketing, with a specific interest in consumer behavior. As Associate Dean, Teaching and Learning, Claire is committed to improving student pathways into university and enhancing the overall student experience. She actively seeks opportunities to refine academic programs and ensure students are well-prepared for their future careers.
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Dr Anita Dewi
Lecturer In Information Studies
Charles Sturt University

Scaffolding approach in a niche discipline area: An investigation of Korean Studies students’ perception

Biography

Anita Dewi is a Lecturer, Course Director, and Workplace Academic Lead in Information Studies at Charles Sturt University (CSU). Prior to joining CSU, Anita spent her career as an information professional in the academic library sector. She is currently the Convenor of International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) Special Interest Group on Library and Information Studies Education in Developing Countries. Her research areas include work-integrated learning (WIL), professional identity, and information literacy. She can be contacted at adewi@csu.edu.au.
Dr Monica Short
Senior Lecturer
Charles Sturt University

Adopting kind, democratic, and participatory approaches that co-design learning opportunities fosters student-led learning and engagement.

Biography

The presenters are: Dr Monica Short, Associate Professor Erica Russ, Debbie Clathworthy, Andrew Prevett, Associate Professor Brenda Morris, Associate Professor Louise Whitaker, Dr Liz Reimer, Caroline Walters, Dr Caroline Lambert, and Dr Laura Tucker from the International Network of Co-operative Inquirers. We also acknowledge the generous support of Joanne Rose. Dr Monica Short is a senior social work lecturer and social science researcher at CSU. Monica facilitates the International Network of Co-operative Inquirers, of which she is a founding member. Monica is an expert social researcher with the CSU Gulbali Institute and an adjunct scholar with the CSU Australian Centre of Christianity and Culture. Her research shares pedagogical innovations that create student-led transformational learning moments.
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Assoc Prof Brenda Morris
Associate Professor, Associate Director, Undergraduate Supervisor
Carleton University

Co-presenter

Biography

Brenda Morris is Associate Director and Associate Professor (Teaching Stream) at Carleton University’s School of Social Work in Ottawa, Canada. Since 2022 she has co-led the International Teaching Mental Health Social Work cooperative inquiry focused on practice and pedagogy. Brenda’s research focuses on mental health social work education, field education and work integrated learning, student mental health and innovative inclusive social work pedagogy during periods of disaster or pandemic. A founding member of the International Network of Co-operative Inquirers, Brenda teaches critical social work practice and mental health. She is also supervisor of the Bachelor of Social Work professional degree program at Carleton University. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4614-4400
Associate Professor Erica Russ
Academic
Southern Cross University

Co-presenter

Biography

Associate Professor Erica Russ is a teaching scholar who lectures in social work and community welfare including work integrated learning (WIL) across undergraduate and post-graduate courses as Director of Field Education. Erica is a founding member of the International Network of Co-operative Inquirers. Drawing on her extensive professional practice experience and co-operative inquiry Erica has developed innovative collaborative approaches in teaching, particularly WI as evidenced by multiple scholarship publications.
Ms Debbie Clatworthy
PhD candidate
Charles Sturt University

Co-presenter

Biography

Mr Andrew Prevett
PhD candidate
Flinders University

Co-presenter

Biography

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Prof Therese Cumming
UNSW Sydney

Making University Accessible to All: The Inclusive Teaching Toolkit

Biography

Therese Cumming is a Professor of Special Education at the UNSW School of Education and Academic Lead, Education for the Disability Innovation Institute. Dr Ian McArthur is a hybrid practitioner working in the domains of experimental interdisciplinary practice, transcultural collaboration, sound art, experimental radio, metadesign, and education change.
Mr Aaron Saint-james
Research Officer
UNSW

Co-presenter

Biography

Aaron Saint-James is a Research Officer, casual academic and professional staff, and co-founder of Diversified at UNSW, championing neurodiversity, accessibility, and neuro-inclusion within education. As a Neurodiversity Consultant, he applies UDL principles to develop inclusive course frameworks, combining lived experience and professional expertise to advocate for accessible, equitable learning environments for all students.
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Assoc Prof Karin Watson
Director Education Excellence & Director EF Program
University of New South Wales (UNSW)

Co-presenter

Biography

Associate Professor Karin Watson SFHEA is the Director of Education at UNSW Sydney Pro-Vice Chancellor office. She is a Scientia Education Academy Fellow and Associate Professor in the Faculty of Arts, Design & Architecture. She also directs the UNSW Education Focused Program. Karin's teaching expertise centers on enhancing the student experience, particularly through student feedback literacy and fostering a sense of belonging in first-year education. Her leadership extends to building capability and learning communities among peers in higher education through mentorship and leadership programs.
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Dr Sarah Davey
University of South Australia

Can Alignment Between Tutorials and Practicals Enhance Connections and Improve the Learning Experience for Science Students?

Biography

Dr Sarah Davey is a medical scientist with a background in molecular biology and biotechnology. She received her PhD in Medical Science from the University of South Australia focusing on the von Hippel-Lindau tumour suppressor protein and a novel role in microtubule regulation. Sarah is a lecturer in the Biosciences team within the school of Clinical and Health Sciences. She actively teaches physiology, pathophysiology and genetics. She actively researches in Learning and Teaching with special interest in authentic assessment practices and the impact of Generative AI in tertiary education.
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Assoc Prof Kathie Ardzejewska
The University Of Notre Dame Australia

We’re a long way from nowhere but we’re not alone: Western Australian leaders form an Advance HE Fellowship Scheme CoP

Biography

Kathie Ardzejewska (PhD) is an Associate Professor with over 20 years’ experience in teaching and learning in higher education, the last eight of these spent at the University of Notre Dame, Australia. She is currently a Senior Academic Developer where she leads from inception, strategic University learning and teaching projects. Collaborating with, and supporting the academic community to design quality innovative curriculum that promotes positive student outcomes, she also assist academics to grow their evidence-based teaching practice and scholarship of teaching and learning. A Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, Fellow of the Higher Education Research and Development Society of Australasia (HERDSA) she uses this expertise to mentor and coach, and serve as an executive academic board member of several independent higher education providers. She teaches and researchers in scholarship and in leadership and wellbeing in higher education.
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Dr Ash Prosser
Lecturer, Professional Learning
Murdoch University

Co-presenter

Biography

Dr Ashleigh Prosser SFHEA is a Lecturer in Professional Learning at Murdoch University in Perth, Western Australia. Ashleigh holds a BA(Hons-1st) and PhD in English & Cultural Studies from The University of Western Australia, and a Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership from Queensland University of Technology. Ashleigh has over a decade’s experience working in Australian higher education, and her research focuses on tertiary teaching and professional learning, and popular culture studies, specialising in gothic and horror. Ashleigh is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, and Associate Editor of The Australasian Journal of Popular Culture.
Mr Shaloom Mbambu Kabeya
Assistant
Institut Supérieur des Techniques Appliquées (ISTA)

Promoting Sustainable Development Against the Poisoning Cancer in Higher Education in Sub-Saharan Africa: The Case of the DRC

Biography

Shaloom Mbambu Kabeya is an Architect and Environmental Engineering professional, holding a Master's degree in Innovation Design. He serves as an Assistant Lecturer in Higher and University Education (ESU) and has been a researcher in education since 2014, focusing on combating anti-values in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Sub-Saharan Africa. He has mentored students since 2015 and is a member of the International Advisory Committee at ACADEMICSERA. Currently pursuing a Doctorate, his research focuses on the environment, renewable energy in construction, community development, and spatial planning in aquatic environments. He is an advocate for the fight against climate change.
Dr Safiya Okai-ugbaje
Lecturer
Australian National University, Canberra

Sustaining rigor and depth in student learning and attainment in the age of generative AI

Biography

Dr Safiya Okai-Ugbaje is a Lecturer at the ANU School of Cybernetics. She co-teaches and convenes a course where students learn the basics and core concepts of building technological systems from the ground up. She is an information systems and educational technologies researcher interested in emerging technologies, and passionate about going beyond theoretical propositions, to the practical and sustainable applications of these theories. Safiya is a passionate educator who leverages the research-led teaching, and teaching informed by research philosophy. From her research, she has developed tools to support student learning, and through a mobile learning framework she developed, she successfully demonstrated how local opportunities can be effectively utilised to address contextual problems and improve learning and teaching outcomes. Within the AI domain, Safiya is interested in leveraging the benefits of AI while upholding the depth and rigor of higher education learning.
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Prof Michelle Picard
Pro Vice Chancellor Learning And Teaching Innovation
Flinders University

Shaping academic integrity in higher education: Case studies of ‘walking the walk’

Biography

Professor Michelle Picard is interested in academic integrity and developing educative approaches to academic integrity both as a higher education leader and as a researcher. She currently serves as Pro-Vice Chancellor Learning and Teaching Innovation at Flinders University. Michelle has held a number of leadership positions prior to joining Flinders Deputy Director within the English Language and Foundation Studies Centre at the University of Newcastle and Dean of Teaching and Learning in the College/Faculty of Arts, Business, Law and Social Sciences at Murdoch University as well as Acting Executive Dean from March to October 2022. Her fields of expertise include all levels of academic literacy development including academic integrity, TESOL, higher education, online and blended learning and English for Academic Purposes. Michelle has lived and worked in Australia, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, and The Sultanate of Oman and regularly taught programs in Singapore.
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Dr Angie Nguyen
UNSW

Exploring the Impact of Competency-Based Grading with Internal Numerical Scoring on First-Year Students' Learning Strategies & Support requirements

Biography

Dr. Nga T (Angie) Nguyen holds the role of Education Design and Quality Manager at UNSW. Her research focuses on curriculum design and development, evaluation, education management and leadership, professional development, and cross-cultural research. Dr. Caroline Joyce is a Lecturer within the School of Medicine at Western Sydney University. Her scholarly pursuits revolve around assessment design and implementation, psychology, and educational research. Dr. Carl Parsons serves as a Senior Lecturer at the School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, where he also holds the position of Head of Assessment. His academic pursuits encompass assessment design and implementation, anatomy, and educational research.
Miss Yuran Wang
The University of Adelaide

From practice to paradigm: GenAI in personalised language learning

Biography

Yuran Wang is a second-year PhD student in the School of Education at the University of Adelaide. Her research focuses on educational technologies and language education, particularly how technology transforms learning, with a special emphasis on AI’s impact on personalised learning. She has taught across early childhood to higher education in recent years, bringing practical insights into her research. Her work explores the intersection of technology, learning, and personalisation, aiming to bridge research and practice in education.
Dr Annika Herb
The University of Newcastle, Australia

A collaborative approach to enhance student learning: Reflecting on the Bachelor of Arts Online

Biography

Annika Herb is the Education Development Lead at the University of Newcastle. Her research focuses on academic development, the scholarship of teaching and learning, gender and sexuality, and young adult literature. She is a co-editor of Storying Plants in Australian Children's and Young Adult Literature: roots and Winged Seeds, an Associate Editor of the International Journal of Young Adult Literature. Annika is a co-editor of Moving Your University Course Online: A Roadmap for Design, Development and Delivery (Routledge, 2025).
Dr Clare Lloyd
Senior Manager, Education Development
The University of Newcastle, Australia

Co-presenter

Biography

Clare Lloyd is the Senior Manager, Education Development at the University of Newcastle. Her research focuses on online education, academic development and technology enhanced learning. She is on the Editorial Board of Advances in Online Education: A Peer-Reviewed Journal. Lloyd was the Academic Division lead for the BA Online project, and is co-editor of Moving Your University Course Online: A Roadmap for Design, Development and Delivery (Routledge, 2025).
Dr Puvaneswari P Arumugam
Deakin University

Exploring the Impact of the HERDSA Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS) Special Interest Group (SIG): Strengthening Identity and Engagement

Biography

Dr Puvaneswari P Arumugam is a third-space academic (Lecturer, Learning Futures) at Deakin University’s Faculty of Business and Law Learning Innovations team. Her research interests include studying the perceptions and identity issues relating to third-space academics/professionals and stakeholder perspectives of digital literacy. Puva is also a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy; a mentor in the ASCILITE Community Mentorship Program and an Executive Committee (Communication) member for HERDSA at the Victoria Branch.
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Dr Lynette Pretorius
Lecturer
Monash University

Co-presenter

Biography

Dr Lynette Pretorius is an award-winning educator and researcher who interlaces imagination and insight to reimagine what higher education can be. Drawing on interdisciplinary expertise, she weaves together diverse ideas, lived experiences, and pedagogical innovations to create inclusive and transformative learning environments. Lynette has extensive experience teaching across undergraduate, postgraduate, and graduate research levels, including supervising PhD students. Her research advocates for compassionate, equitable, and creative learning environments, with particular focus on doctoral education, academic identity, student well-being, and AI literacy. An author of numerous peer-reviewed publications, including two academic books that explore the lived experiences of graduate research students. As a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, Lynette has also been internationally recognised for her leadership in teaching and learning.
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Dr Kashmira Dave
UNE

Co-presenter

Biography

Dr Kashmira Dave is an experienced academic and educational learning design specialist with over 20 years of experience in teaching, learning design, and research. Her work spans diverse fields, including learning and teaching in HE, curriculum development, learning design, third space, active learning, technology integration, inclusion and ePortfolios in higher education. As a Senior Lecturer in Academic Development at the University of New England, Kashmira leads professional development initiatives, supports curriculum innovation, and oversees projects that enhance SoTL for academic staff. Kashmira is a published researcher and reviewer, her passion is advancing educational practices through evidence-based strategies fostering a community of practice in higher education.
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Dr Catherine Gao
Assistant Professor
Southern University Of Science And Technology

Knowledge Production in Australia Higher Education (1991-2024): A Panorama Through Automated Text Mining

Biography

Catherine Yuan Gao is Assistant Professor in the Centre for Higher Education Research at Southern University of Science and Technology. Her research interests include globalisation and internationalisation of higher education, Intercultural education, and STEM education. Catherine has held various educational research, teaching, and consulting positions over the past nine years, including Research Fellow in CIRES of Victoria University, Senior Research Officer in the Centre for Higher Education Equity and Diversity Research (CHEEDR) at La Trobe University. Yuan obtained her PhD from the Centre for the Study of Higher Education at the University of Melbourne, MEd with distinction from University of Bristol, and honours Bachelor of Arts (double degree) from Peking University, China.
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Ms Xuechun Wang
the Chinese University of Hong Kong

Co-presenter

Biography

Wang Xuechun is currently a PhD student in Department of Educational Administration and Policy, Faculty of Education, the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Her current research focuses on higher education, NLP, Meta-analysis, AI-STEM.
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