Humpback whales across the southern hemisphere are being used as indicators of environmental and climatic change in Antarctica through Griffith University-led research.
Associate Professor Susan Bengtson Nash, Centre of Planetary Health and Food Security
The Humpback Whale Sentinel Program, headed by Associate Professor Susan Bengtson Nash from the Centre of Planetary Health and Food Security, uses whale health data, collected annually for the past 13 years from migrating whale populations across the southern hemisphere, to provide important clues about the status of the Antarctic sea-ice ecosystem.
“Conducting research inAntarctica is extremely challenging due to the travel logistics, the expense, and now with the number of expeditioners kept to an absolute minimum due to COVID-19,” says Associate Professor Bengtson Nash.
“The Humpback Whale Sentinel Program, however, avoids all of these problems by collecting whale-blubber samples from humpback whales during their winter migration to breeding grounds in warmer waters.”
Using a modified dart to take tiny samples of whale skin and blubber from humpback whales in their breeding grounds in Eastern and Western Australia, Colombia, New Caledonia, and Brazil, the team get a snapshot of the health of the whale populations, specifically the accumulated fat stores and pollution burdens, diet, and the number of pregnant females.
“The sampling technique is well-established and minimally invasive and often likened to a mosquito bite for the whale, with the blubber tissue having few nerves,” said Associate Professor Bengtson Nash.
Whale skin and blubber sample taken from humpback whales in their breeding grounds
“The small samples we get can tell us a lot about the whale population. The size of the fat cells shows us how much energy the whales managed to store during the Antarctic summer; the isotopes and fatty acids can tell us where their food (predominantly krill) has come from; the amount of organic chemicals is both a measure of the body condition of the whales, as well as environmental contamination; and the steroid hormones can identify the number of pregnant females making the migration.
Using these techniques, the Humpback Whale Sentinel Program team have observed a clear correlation between low levels of sea ice and poor whale health.
“The first signal we got of this link was in 2010/11, the year of the strongest La Nina event on record,” Associate Professor Bengtson Nash said.
“The reduced sea ice that year and changes to phytoplankton in the whale feeding grounds meant that the following season, the whales came up north in relatively poor body condition. They also seemed to switch diet, either prey or feeding location, in subsequent years.
“2017 was an anomalous year in Antarctica. The Larsen C ice shelf cleaved off to form a gigantic iceberg. Massive gaps appeared in the winter sea-ice, and overall sea-ice extent was the lowest on record.”
These oscillations in the physical environment were reflected in the records of the Humpback Whale Sentinel Program.
Associate Professor Bengtson Nash said the whales migrated up in very poor condition in 2017.
Antarctic krill could be the key link between lower levels of sea ice and poor whale health.
The researchers stated that the humpback whale’s dependence on Antarctic krill as the key link between lower levels of sea ice and poor whale health.
“Krill larvae use sea ice to shelter from predators, and as transport to productive waters, so their distribution is expected to change as sea ice decreases.
“Antarctic krill are what we call a keystone species. Everything depends on krill. Climate change scenarios forecast that as waters warm, the northern range of krill will contract southwards.
“A crash in krill will have huge repercussions for the Antarctic ecosystem as a whole. We’re looking at major cascades or collapses of ecosystems.”
Since 2017 temperatures have become more extreme, exceeding 20 degrees Celsius on the Antarctic Peninsular for the first time during the 2019/20 Australian summer.
Dr Bengtson Nash thinks humpback whales may adapt, but other, less mobile species may not.
Griffith University’s Queensland Conservatorium has unveiled its 2021 concert season, which will feature epic symphonies, movie musicals, theatre classics and contemporary opera.
Associate Professor Peter Morris
Acting Queensland Conservatorium Director Associate Professor Peter Morris said after a year of disruption, audiences could expect a standout program showcasing the breadth of talent among students, staff and alumni.
“Last year, COVID restrictions forced us to think outside the box and find new ways of sharing music and performing arts,” he said.
“We are thrilled to be back in 2021 with a season that will challenge our students and delight audiences.
“Whether you love opera or jazz, orchestral works or musical theatre, there are a host of stunning performances in store this year.”
The orchestral season will begin with a performance of Beethoven’s Eroica Symphony and the year-long showcase will conclude with Mahler’s Fifth Symphony.
Newly appointed Queensland Symphony Orchestra Principal Conductor Maestro Johannes Fritzsch will conduct both masterpieces and helm the year’s mainstage opera production — Kurt Weill’s Tony Award-winning Broadway opera, Street Scene.
Musical theatre students will put on a new production of the classical movie musical, Grease. The show will be led by Melbourne-based theatre director Alistair Smith, who directed the Queensland Conservatorium’s acclaimed production of Les Misérables in 2019.
Head of Performing Arts Professor Paul Sabey said
audiences were in for a treat, with an all-singing, all-dancing cast of more than 70 performers.
“Audiences will be blown away by the sheer energy and talent on show,” he said.
Bachelor of Acting students will tackle classics including The Rover, and contemporary off-Broadway play, Mr Burns.
There are also a host of showcase events, industry collaborations and free concerts throughout the year from jazz, musical technology and popular music students.
In November, students from the Conservatorium will work alongside musicians from Opera Australia in a spectacular new incarnation of Wagner’s Ring Cycle at QPAC. This opportunity is part of Griffith University’s partnership deal with Opera Australia.
Queensland Conservatorium students will also get the chance to gain valuable industry experience as part of Griffith’s partnerships with major arts festivals including Brisbane Festival and Bleach Festival.
AVÉ — Australian Vocal Ensemble led by Queensland Conservatorium alumnus Katie Noonan
This year’s Ensembles-in-Residence include the newly formed AVÉ — Australian Vocal Ensemble — a national acapella quartet celebrating Australian music led by Queensland Conservatorium alumnus Katie Noonan.
The group features internationally renowned artists Mezzo-Soprano Fiona Campbell (Perth), Tenor Andrew Goodwin (Sydney) and Baritone David Greco (Sydney).
“There is nothing like AVÉ in Australia,” Katie said.
“We plan on being an elite chamber ensemble of international excellence, but one that is warm and welcoming to all.
“We will champion new Australian works on every tour, engage with our First Nations Communities at every concert and engage with local communities at every concert.”
AVÉ will perform its debut concert at the Queensland Conservatorium Theatre next month, with the Welcome to Country performed by Yuggera, Turrbal, Nunukul, Gorenpul, Yugembir songman Shannon Ruska and Wakka Wakka musician David Williams.
Ensemble Q led by Queensland Conservatorium Head of Winds Paul Dean
Ensemble Q, led by Queensland Conservatorium Head of Winds Paul Dean, will also return as an Ensemble-in-Residence this season.
The chamber super-group features world class musicians, champions new music by local composers and gives talented young musicians a chance to perform through their mentorship program.
View the full 2021 season and book tickets online at queenslandconservatorium.com.au
The biodiversity of Griffith’s Gold Coast campus continues to bloom, with a recent survey revealing an increase in wildlife species on site to more than 130 different types.
Threatened species the Powerful Owl spotted on campus.
From frogs and flying foxes, to owls and cute koalas, researchers have now identified 11 new species living at the campus.
School of Environment and Science senior lecturer Dr Guy Castley said the biodiversity blitz had a focus on vertebrate species and was conducted over five days, with bird surveys beginning at 6am.
“We recorded 39 (bird) species across six established transects,” Dr Castley said.
Hemicordulia dragonfly.
“Of these, four were new species for the campus, bringing the total avian richness to 71 for the Gold Coast campus.”
The new species include the Brush Cuckoo, Eastern Koel, Bush Stone Curlew and Southern Boobook.
“We also observed two of the threatened species that can be found on our campus — the Glossy Black-Cockatoo and the Powerful Owl,” Dr Castley said.
Burton’s legless lizard.
During active searches for reptiles and amphibians, 10 species were recorded. Two of these, the cream-striped shining skink and striped marsh frog, have never been seen on campus before.
Mammals were spotted using spotlighting surveys from 7-10pm, with opportunistic observations made at other times.
“We observed a few common larger mammals, including macropods such as eastern grey kangaroo and red-necked wallaby, as well as common brushtail possum,” Dr Castley said.
Eastern grey kangaroo.
“A highlight was a koala with a joey in the small Frog Lane remnant.
“We also recorded nine species of microbats using an echolocation detector, of which five are new to the campus.”
The group also made visual observations of two flying fox species, including the threatened grey-headed flying fox.
The surveys emphasises the importance of retaining natural habitats in urban environments.
Koala and joey.
A diverse wildlife community persists in these areas, and the habitat continues to support threatened species despite historical transformation.
Discipline head of Ecology and Evolution Professor Catherine Pickering said some species also responded well to man-made interventions such as the Frog Lane creek system, which supports a variety of frog species.
“The creek system was built in the 1980s by Alistair McInnes on what was formerly cleared land for a storage site for construction nearby,” Professor Pickering said.
Copper-backed Brood frog.
“It would erode heavily during flooding and strong rains, so the system was constructed to channel floodwaters safely and controllably through the site and into a sediment trap before flowing into the stormwater system.
“It is absolutely remarkable that amphibians like the tiny Copper-backed Brood-frog — which is only 3cm when fully-grown — choose to live and breed here.”
Griffith’s Gold Coast campus forest areas cover 28ha and are home to more than 370 native species of flora.
Beaches, scenic tourist cities and natural and cultural world heritage sites are the top three post-pandemic destinations for Chinese consumers a Griffith University-led study has found.
“Chinese consumers want destinations offering comfort and escape,’’ says lead author Dr Xin Jin from Griffith Business School.
The researchers analysed more than 3000 responses covering all of mainland China except Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan.
“With an average of 109 responses per region, the results provide a truly nationwide profile,” Dr Jin said.
“Our study suggests Chinese consumers will combine their recreational desires with health and safety concerns, ranking destinations like beaches, which also have more space for social distancing, higher than crowded destinations like theme parks.”
The study found higher-income earners were also more likely to travel than lower-income earners, rating their preference for overseas destinations significantly higher than all other groups. However, lower-income groups (earning less than 7000 USD and 7000-14,000 USD per year) were the most likely to take up package tour deals.
“Buying power is especially strong among those earning over 14,000 USD and above, as they own property with either a small mortgage or no mortgage, giving them more discretionary income,” Dr Jin said.
“The study shows there is a sizable and stable segment of mainland Chinese tourists and they are the main source market for a post-pandemic rebound in domestic and outbound travel, so it is important to understand their motivations and concerns.
“Identifying this consumer segment is vital because China’s tourism consumption patterns have evolved differently from Western nations.”
Australia-China relations: no major effect on tourism found
Study participants were also asked whether they would prioritise choosing overseas countries friendly and supportive to China during the pandemic but Dr Jin said the results showed this would not be a significant factor in choosing a destination.
“Australia’s strained political relationship with China shouldn’t be a major factor in outbound tourism, but the survey was done in March 2020 before relations deteriorated.”
Despite the scale of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr Jin said the study had positive news for the tourism industry and should follow a similar trajectory to other health epidemics like SARS.
“The recovery of consumer confidence in travel will take time. But given the intensity of COVID-19, our survey results suggest that travel demand is only temporarily suppressed and could rebound quickly once it is seen as relatively safe.”
Profiling and evaluating Chinese consumers regarding post-COVID-19 travel is published in Current Issues in Tourism.
A Griffith University-led research team has discovered how a therapeutic target common among debilitating neurodegenerative disorders is activated, which could help accelerate drug development.
In a study published in the journal Neuron, the researchers from Griffith University’s Institute for Glycomics, the University of Queensland and Washington University, analysed the structure and function of a protein called SARM1, which is involved in the destruction of nerve fibres. They found that the protein is a sensor that responds to the levels of specific molecules derived from metabolism.
Dr Thomas Ve
“SARM1 is a potential therapeutic target for many neurodegenerative diseases,’’ said lead author and Institute for Glycomics researcher, Dr Thomas Ve.
“When nerve fibres are damaged, whether by injury, disease or as a side effect of certain drugs, SARM1 is called into action which sets off a series of events in the cell that trigger them to self-destruct.
“This destruction likely plays an important role in multiple neurodegenerative conditions, including peripheral neuropathy, Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), traumatic brain injury and glaucoma.”
DrVe and joint first author on the paper,Dr Yun Shi used NMR spectroscopy, a biophysical tool to analyse interactions between proteins and small molecules, to demonstrate that two important metabolites in nerve cells compete for binding to the SARM1 protein, and the ratio of these two metabolites determines whether SARM1 becomes activated.
Dr Ve and collaborators also usedstructural biology tools – Cryo-electron Microscopy and X-ray Crystallography – to determine three-dimensional structures of the SARM1 protein which enabled them to pinpoint exactly where these two metabolites bind to SARM1 and how they regulate SARM1 activation.
DrVe, also an Australian Research Council Future Fellow and NHMRC Investigator, said the new structural information about SARM1 had the potential to accelerate the development of drugs that target neurodegenerative diseases.
“We are very excited by these findings as they greatly advance our understanding of how SARM1 is activated.
“It provides clues as to how one might block activation of this protein using structure-guided approaches to prevent nerve fibre loss in neurodegenerative diseases.”
Professor Mark von Itzstein AO, Director of the Institute for Glycomics, welcomed this important breakthrough. “New strategies towards solving neurodegenerative diseases have become increasingly important due to the enormous impact on the quality of life of those that suffer with these conditions”.
The Griffith team worked in collaboration with the group of Professor Bostjan Kobe at University of Queensland, and the groups of Professors Aaron DiAntonio and Jeffrey Milbrandt at Washington University, St Louis, USA. It also involved Dr Ve’s industry partner Disarm Therapeutics, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Eli Lilly & Co, whose mission is to create breakthrough disease-modifying therapeutics to treat patients affected by axonal degeneration.
Important research into the use of digital mental health tools and resilience during and post COVID will be the focus of a new partnership between Griffith University and Lysn, one of Australia’s leading digital mental health companies.
It is hoped the research partnership will progress innovation in the mental health sector and improve the delivery of mental health services to those who need them.
The research will be co-ordinated by Social Marketing @ Griffith (SMG), part of Griffith Business School and considered the world’s largest university-based social marketing centre, with more than 40 research staff.
Associate Professor Sameer Deshpande
SMG Managing Director, Associate Professor Sameer Deshpande, believes the partnership will deliver benefits to both the mental health sector, and society as a whole.
“The collaboration between Griffith and Lysn will enable us to conduct and publish research that explores perceptions of telehealth users toward digital mental health services and behaviour change strategies that increases meaningful engagement and uptake,” he said.
“Better utilisation of services will ensure better mental health among users, which is a serious challenge that Australia is currently facing.
“This kind of collaboration with a community partner adds to an impressive list of Social Marketing at Griffith partnerships carrying out socially critical research to deliver effective behaviour change initiatives that address Queensland and Australia’s immediate and important challenges.”
Lysn CEO Tahnee Clark says mental health issues are made worse by stigma, long wait times, challenges trying to find the best-fit professional in a specific area as well as other barriers to accessing services.
“Digital mental health should alleviate many of the barriers to accessibility, quality and affordability,” she said.
“Using a systematic review approach, in depth interviews and quantitative surveys, our collaborative studies aim to understand the benefits and barriers to utilising digital mental health services.”
Griffith University has welcomed back the Class of 2020 for face-to-face graduation ceremonies as COVID restrictions ease.
More than 2,700 awarded students, along with family and friends, attended graduation ceremonies on the Gold Coast and Brisbane in February, the first in-person ceremonies to be held in more than a year.
Inspiring speeches by Griffith University’s newest Honorary Doctorate recipients — acclaimed performer Kate Miller-Heidke and philanthropist Warren von Bibra — were among the highlights of last month’s graduation ceremonies.
A Queensland Conservatorium alumnus, Kate was bestowed the title Doctor of the University (DUniv) for her distinguished service to the arts as a singer and songwriter.
“The Conservatorium looms very large for me in terms of my past and my development as an artist,” she said.
“It’s a surprise and a thrill to be recognised in this way.”
Honorary Doctorate recipient Kate Miller-Heidke addresses graduates.
The singer-songwriter received her Honorary Doctorate at a graduation ceremony held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.
After addressing the graduates, she gave a powerhouse performance of her 2016 feminist anthem, You Underestimated Me Dude, accompanied by her partner and fellow Griffith graduate Keir Nuttall.
Her advice for current students was simple: collaboration is key.
“Meet as many people as you can,” she said.
“If you see another musician you admire, don’t be afraid to approach them and figure out a way to play music with them.
“You can learn so much from other musicians, and some of these connections will pay dividends. Music is connection.”
Philanthropist and business leader Warren von Bibra has received an honorary doctorate from Griffith University
Gold Coast business leader and philanthropist Warren von Bibra was also awarded an Honorary Doctorate, for his distinguished service to the Gold Coast community and Griffith University’s Institute for Glycomics.
“I always saw my role as an employer as empowering young people and give them an opportunity to shine. That’s what Griffith is about too,” he said.
Mr von Bibra said supporting the work of Griffith University’s Institute for Glycomics was “an honour and privilege”.
“We are able to support them in their fight against diseases of global impact; diseases that affect and devastate so many people’s lives each day,” he said.
“We feel confident that our financial donations are helping to shape a brighter, healthier future — a future filled with hope.”
While many students took the opportunity to celebrate their graduation in-person this year with classmates, family and friends, those unable to attend still have the option to attend a future ceremony.
Each of these ceremonies will also be live streamed for family and friends.
Members of the Graduating Class of 2020 participated in virtual graduation events at the height of the COVID pandemic, with testamur and mortarboards delivered via post, and digital graduation packs including video messages and a special song written by Queensland Conservatorium pop music students.
Acclaimed musician Kate Miller-Heidke has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate from Griffith University.
Kate Miller-Heidke addresses Arts, Education and Law graduates.
The Queensland Conservatorium alumnus was bestowed the title Doctor of the University (DUniv) for her distinguished service to the arts as a singer and songwriter.
The performer and composer said it was “a real honour” to be recognised by the University.
“The Conservatorium looms very large for me in terms of my past and my development as an artist,” she said.
“It’s a surprise and a thrill to be recognised in this way.”
The singer-songwriter received her honorary doctorate at a graduation ceremony for the Class of 2020 at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.
She also treated the audience to a powerhouse performance of her 2016 feminist anthem, You Underestimated Me Dude, accompanied by her partner and fellow Griffith graduate Keir Nuttall.
Kate Miller-Heidke performs with her partner and fellow Griffith graduate Keir Nuttall
Kate graduated with a Bachelor of Music (Classical Voice) in 2002 and began her career performing with Opera Queensland and Opera Australia.
“As a child, I was obsessed with music, drama and singing — for as long as I can remember, music has been a refuge, the thing that gives life meaning,” she said.
“I auditioned at the Con because singing was the only thing I wanted to do.
“I’d heard people speak of the Conservatorium in hushed tones, like it was this hallowed place filled with extraordinary people. I was shocked and delighted to get in with a scholarship.
“Being at the Con taught me discipline and gave me the tools to nurture and protect my voice.”
“My singing lessons with Margaret Schindler were the best parts of my week. She opened my eyes to so much great music and taught me how to bring it to life as a singer.”
“I also met lifelong friends and collaborators — the musicians I met there have profoundly shaped my life and career.”
Determined to break down musical boundaries, she made the leap to indie pop music, introducing audiences to her unique and ethereal sound on her debut album Little Eve in 2007. The album received gold certification and four ARIA award nominations.
Kate went on to release another four studio albums in Australia, achieving multi-platinum status, appearing in the top 10 album and singles charts numerous times and receiving 13 ARIA Award nominations.
Kate’s classical training continued to underpin her work and she has appeared at the Sydney Opera House, the English National Opera and the Metropolitan Opera New York. In 2015, she made her debut as a composer with the critically acclaimed opera The Rabbits, which won 4 Helpmann Awards including Best Score and Best New Australian Work.
Together with her long-term collaborator and partner Keir Nuttall, Kate wrote the music and lyrics to Muriel’s Wedding: The Musical, which premiered in 2017 to rave reviews and went on to win five Helpmann Awards, including Best Original Score.
Kate performed to more than 200 million TV viewers in 2019, representing Australia at the Eurovision Song Contest in Tel Aviv, Israel with her transcendent song Zero Gravity.
“I’ve tried to make the most of any opportunities that come my way.”
“Early on, my only strategy was to say yes to everything that interested me.
“I never imagined that such a varied career was truly viable, and I’m still delighted and a tad stunned that has been the case so far.”
Her advice for current students at the Conservatorium is simple: collaboration is key.
“Meet as many people as you can,” she said.
“If you see another musician you admire, don’t be afraid to approach them and figure out a way to play music with them.
“You can learn so much from other musicians, and some of these connections will pay dividends. Music is connection.”
Associate Professor Margaret Schindler
Queensland Conservatorium Head of Voice Associate Professor Margaret Schindler mentored the star during her time at university and says her former student is “an inspirational figure and role model and a truly exceptional ambassador for Griffith University”.
“Kate’s audition was held on the stage of the Conservatorium Theatre… she immediately impressed with her vocal ability and dramatic flair for the character,” she said.
“People can often be overcome with nerves, but Kate was totally at ease and in her element on the stage.
“Kate was vocally gifted and had an extraordinary musical ear, but it was her innate understanding of the connection between language and music that made her such a compelling performer.”
Kate Miller-Heidke joined more than 2,700 Griffith graduates who attended ceremonies in Brisbane and on the Gold Coast last month.
These ceremonies were for the Graduating Class of 2020 who missed out on in-person events last year due to COVID.
Those unable to attend have the option to attend a future ceremony to celebrate their achievement and each ceremony was live streamed.
Welcome to the first trimester of 2021. After what can only be described as a year that changed everything, 2021 promises to be a year of hope and optimism. We are very excited to be orientating the largest ever cohort of initial teacher education students into our Bachelor of Education and Master of Teaching programs. The field of teaching and professional education has never been more valued with heightened community awareness reflected in this increased popularity. Our newsletter features a diversity of stories including some of the achievements and activities of our amazing current students and recent graduates, providing inspiration and life-changing impacts. We are proud to share details of the collaborative Kombumerri Together project which ensures local students develop a greater understanding of the Kombumerri’s custodianship of the land in the Gold Coast region. This project has been two years in the making and includes the production of 49 videos of stories passed down through generations of families, providing insight into how Country has always been a place of teaching, research and learning for Kombumerri people. The videos are supported by resources and learning materials, and available to all, giving educators access to Indigenous cultural knowledge. I encourage you to explore their website.
Please enjoy this issue of our School newsletter.
Severalhighly regarded Griffith educators have been awarded Citations for OutstandingContributions to Student Learning in the 2020Australian Awards for University Teaching(AAUT) round.
Dr Leanne Kenway from theSchool of Medical Sciencewasrecognisedfor her individual efforts, while the Pharmacy Innovation Team, Associate Professor Gary Grant and Denise Hope,from theSchool of Pharmacy and Pharmacologywere alsocalled out for their contributions.
Griffith President and Vice Chancellor Professor Carolyn Evans said the recognitioncontinued Griffith’s strong record of success in the AAUT.
“Iam delightedto see Griffith educatorswinningsuchhighly competitive national awards,” Professor Evans said.
“I congratulate Dr Kenway, Associate Professor Grant and Denise Hopeon their achievements in learning and teaching,and thank them for theircontinuedefforts, particularly over what has been a challenging twelve months as theuniversitysector anditsstaff deal with the impactsof the pandemic.
“Innovation in the learning and teaching space is critical tosupporting student success in learning and developing graduates confident to face the future and transition to employment.”
“More than ever, advances in technologyareprovidingnew ways of doing thingsandit is wonderful to see individual educators driving such innovationto benefittheirstudents.”
Dr Leanne Kenway
Dr Leanne Kenway
Dr Kenway was awardeda 2020 AAUT Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning forthe design and implementation of mixed mode intensive Anatomy and Physiology courses to enhance student engagement and academic recovery in large first year Health cohorts.
In 2019 Dr Kenway wasnamed theVice Chancellor’s Griffith University Teacher of the Year. This was also the same year shecompleted aGraduate Certificate in Higher Education.
“This qualification allowed me to articulate the key learning theories underlying my approaches to learning and teaching; and impacted the way I think pedagogically, frame my teaching practice and design innovative active learning strategies,” she said.
“I offer student authentic learning experiences through the lens of an experienced physiotherapist which allows me to foster student engagement and highlight the relevance of studying anatomical science to a chosen Health profession.
“Students engage in a range of innovative active learning strategies, including a 3D Digital Cadaver tool as a supplement to laboratory learning, Skeletal Scrabble to enhance spelling and recall of anatomical structures, and weekly formative Who Am I? quizzes for retrieval practice.
“This challenges students’ recall in a novel way, driving metacognitive thinking and reflection using internal feedback to inspire deeper learning.
“The success of these initiatives is reflected in the significantly improved academic grades of low achieving students who had failed in a previous trimester, and their retention into second year alongside members of their original cohort.”
Student experience surveyshavereflecteda sustained very high level of student satisfaction inDr Kenway’s courses.
The Pharmacy Innovation Team: Associate Professor Gary Grant and Denise Hope
Denise Hope and Associate Professor Gary Grant
Associate Professor Gary Grant and Denise Hope received a2020 AAUT Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning for their efforts in preparing pharmacy graduates as competent, confident and collaborative healthcare professionals through design and delivery of a capstone activity,PharmG, an authentic, extended, gamified pharmacy simulation.
“PharmGis an innovative and transformative learning activity that was implemented into our new Bachelor of Pharmacy program five years ago,” Denise Hope said.
“It was adopted and adapted from the University of Groningen in the Netherlands and we were the fifth university in the world to conduct this gamified simulation. We’renow part of a consortium of seven universities in Europe, the UK and Australia that mutually conduct the Pharmacy Game.
“Students have found it a powerful, authentic experience as they’ve stepped into the role of pharmacist to make all the professional and clinical decision-making throughout the extended simulation.
“We are thrilled to receive this national recognition and grateful for the support of the learning and teaching community, all of our academic and professional colleagues that help to bringPharmGto life, our students, graduates and our international colleagues.”
Associate Professor Grant added they were both, “excited about the potential of innovative, technology-enhanced solutions for learning and teaching and looking forward to sharing our experiences and broadening our collaborations’’.
AAUT Citationsrecogniseand reward the diversity of contributions made by individuals and teams to the quality of student learning.
They are awarded to individuals or teams who have contributed to the quality of student learning in a specific area of responsibility over a sustained period, whether they are academic staff, general staff, sessional staff or institutional associates.
Formore information about the awards, head online athttps://www.universitiesaustralia.edu.au/policy-submissions/teaching-learning-funding/australian-awards-for-university-teaching/
