Since 2000 I have been lecturing in plant physiology and am now teaching students from first year through to postgraduate levels, on topics such as photosynthesis and plant stress. My central approach is to establish relevance and genuine interest in learning to reach my students. Whether you call it experiential learning, the flipped classroom or research-based undergraduate teaching, it provides the context to unlock pathways for deep and lifelong learning, with only the sky being the limit, literally: after all this is where plants reach too – helping make the oxygen we breathe, and even the ozone layer!

In addition to my teaching I also bring experience from various university service areas. As Associate Dean of Education I drive programme development in my faculty. I have experience with CUAP approval and auditing procedures, as well as legislative and regulatory frameworks in the NZ tertiary education sector. I develop and apply university educational policy, academic strategy and new initiatives, e.g. on improving teaching quality, as well as implementing new teaching technologies and approaches.

As the Inaugural Chair of the Lincoln University Student Experience Board I am responsible for the strategic promotion of programmes and pedagogical practices that enhance the academic and campus student experience. As the founder and leader of the Lincoln University Lecturer’s Learning Community of Practice I coach staff on topics of pedagogy and teaching innovation, often with input from educational experts.

I make a special point of including Kaupapa Maori in my own teaching and as the faculty representative of the university wellness group, I help design new initiatives to increase staff and student wellbeing on campus, including for students from diverse sociodemographic groups.

I would like to bring all these experiences and my passion for teaching and learning to the Ako Aotearoa Academy Executive Committee and am keen to contribute to the future development of the Academy and Ako as a whole.