Vice Chancellor's Excellence Awards

An award for Excellence in Innovation in Learning and Teaching is awarded to Associate Professor Armin Ariana from School of Medicine and Dentistry. Armin is recognised for the LGBTQIA+ Allyship Training initiative which addresses a need for training in health professions to ensure graduates understand and are confident providing inclusive health care. The success of this initiative has been recognised externally (and internationally) via grants and awards and has significant potential for broader benefits across multiple-disciplines.

An award for Excellence in Innovation in Learning and Teaching is awarded to Dr Julienne Senyard from the Department of Business Strategy and Innovation. Julienne is recognised for integrating career readiness to empower business students to confidently pursue careers with impact. Using comprehensive employability mapping, intentional co-design and innovative use of 3rd year peers working with 1st year students, her approaches have had broad impact on graduate outcomes. Julienne’s initiatives demonstrate an exemplary approach to reimagining curriculum.

Gayle Brent from the Office of the PVC (Sciences) is Highly Commended in the Excellence in Innovation in Learning and Teaching category. Over a decade Gayle has embedded employability-based learning in the various Science disciplines, using a data driven approach to evaluate and respond and enhance learning outcomes. Authentic learning activities and a portfolio approach has driven student engagement and enabled implementation across the varied Bachelor of Science cohort.

The Bridging Maths for Aspiring Educators Team: Dr Kym Fry, Ben Barlow, Catherine Dennett, Associate Lecturer David Harman and Richard Smith, from the School of Education and Professional Studies is Highly Commended in the Vice Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Innovation in Learning and Teaching category. Bridging Maths for Aspiring Educators targets school leavers unable to enrol in the Bachelor of Education, due to the barrier of not meeting the subject prerequisite, General Mathematics. The course enables a non-traditional pathway into Griffith through early intervention and targeted outreach. Grounded in the scholarly literature, the team use a strength-based approach and a growth mindset lens that supports students transitioning through the program.

An award for Excellence in Engagement in Learning and Teaching is awarded to Dr Sarah Wymer from the Department of Tourism, Sport and Hotel Management. Sarah is acknowledged for a collaboration with the Gold Coast Titans which has positively impacted student satisfaction and engagement. The industry co-created course represents an excellent example of industry engagement to develop authentic learning and assessment opportunities for students.

The Physiotherapy Clinical Placement Quality Survey team: Dr Andrea Hams and Taryn Jones from the School of Health Sciences and Social Work receives an award for Excellence in Engagement in Learning and Teaching. The team identified the need for systematic evaluation of placement quality, and collaborated with industry to design, implement, and evaluate the Clinical Placement Quality Survey–Student (CPQS-S). Andrea and Taryn are acknowledged for their sustained work over a number of years on development, evaluation and broader dissemination of the tool, which has seen a significant impact on the field via broad uptake across the country and via their contributions to the scholarly literature.

Dr Khamsum Kinley has won this award for his work towards improving both the teaching and student experience. As a dedicated Learning and Teaching Consultant, he has significantly contributed to advancing educational practices, enhancing the quality of teaching, and improving student learning experiences across AFE Department. His unwavering commitment and innovative approach have led to tangible improvements in both teaching methodologies and student engagement.

Sarah Henderson, student success and support manager is highly commended for her innovative approach and remarkable work pursuing better outcomes and experiences for GBS students. One of the most prominent examples of her creativity, design and leadership skills - is the consistently popular GBS Business Crawls event now onto its 5th iteration.

The Interprofessional Learning Workshop Placement Team: Dr Andrea Hams, Taryn Jones, Dr Simone Howells, Dr Kelly Clanchy, Dr Joel Garrett, Emily Williams, Amanda Love, Val Popova-Clark and Belinda Hachem, from the School of Health Sciences and Social Work is Highly Commended in the Vice Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Programs category. The team are recognised for the design and delivery of interprofessional learning (IPL) professional development workshops for allied health clinical educators to support the teaching quality of industry partners hosting Griffith students on placement. The workshops, which include a diversity and inclusion perspective, have enhanced Griffith students' success in their placements and in transitioning to employment.

The award for Excellence in Learning and Teaching Leadership is awarded to Associate Professor Nadine Connell from the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice. Nadine is recognised for leading change in the School’s pedagogical practices, supporting academics to improve student experiences and outcomes, and for creating an environment that supports creativity and innovation in teaching. Her strong collegial approach across a range of initiatives have improved student learning experiences, collaboration with learning support staff and increased staff engagement with learning and teaching recognition.

Professor Indu Singh from the School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences is Highly Commended in the Excellence in Learning and Teaching Leadership category. Indu is acknowledged for leadership of the medical laboratory science program, sustaining excellent student experience and retention rates, with many students gaining employment before graduating. Over 13 years, Indu has been instrumental in the development of 3D virtual reality experiences for students created with support from industry and in achieving national and international professional accreditation for the program.

Dr Shima Ziajahromi’s research on the occurrence, fate, and impacts of microplastics has made significant contributions towards advancing knowledge on the accurate detection of microplastics from various environmental matrices and how they affect ecosystems and human health.

Associate Professor Bronwyn Griffin's transformative research changes the lives of children with acute burns and emergencies. Her research and its rapid translation into innovative practical applications aims to minimize pain and distress, thus improving overall patient outcomes in emergency settings. Associate Professor Griffin's research has led to decreased pain and improved healing for children, empowered clinicians, and contributes to optimising healthcare systems.

Associate Professor Morgenbesser received this award for his facilitation and promotion of industry engagement in graduate research across a range of initiatives including, amongst others, establishing information sessions and guidelines for supervisors and candidates, launching the Griffith Business School Internship Support Scheme, and establishing the Griffith Business School HDR Equivalency Case Guidance for Admission and Scholarship Eligibility.

Associate Professor Lyndel Bates, Associate Professor Jesse Cale and Deanne Camplejohn have been highly commended for their significant commitment towards accessing industry networks within criminology to secure scholarships and internships for higher degree research candidates. The team also facilitate and deliver initiatives that provide higher degree research candidates with professional development and networking opportunities.

Associate Professor Castley received this award for his significant commitment to supporting higher degree research candidates and guiding them towards excellence. Associate Professor Castley provides supportive and accessible supervision while allowing higher degree research candidates to build independence and skills that provide lasting benefit for their future careers.

Senior Technical Officers, Russel Jarrot and Dr Sarah Brookes have won this award for their support of the protracted renovation and relocation of SCG bioscience and chemistry research groups to their new laboratory locations. Russel’s innovative approach to mapping out bench and equipment utilisation and Sarah’s work on chemical safety compliance have enabled research to transition from one building to another under difficult circumstances with minimal downtime.

The theory of quantum mechanics underpins enormous and continuing technological advances, but also raises deeply puzzling questions about the foundations of reality. The Quantum Foundations Team address questions in quantum foundations through close collaboration between the team’s theorists and experimentalists. The team have established a long track record of excellence in quantum research and have made significant contributions in this area nationally and internationally.

The BioSpine team have been highly commended for their dedication to enabling people with paralysis to recover movement and independence. The interdisciplinary team foster technological innovation aligned with the need of end users and clinical practices. They have designed, developed, evaluated, and are now translating to the clinical environment multiple neurorehabilitation technologies that are non-invasive, evidence-based, effective, and easy to use.

Across a 30-year period Professor Dawe has supported parents and carers who have faced enduring adversity to alter childhood trajectories and enhance outcomes for children. Professor Dawe’s program of research includes the development of the Parents Under Pressure Program, an award winning, evidence-based program to support families engaged in child protection or on the edge of care. This has facilitated related work in understanding the psychopathology of parents with substance misuse problems and emotional dysregulation and, critically, the consequences of maternal alcohol use on children’s brain development and attempts to support early diagnosis and intervention.

Professor Chen has demonstrated excellence in leadership and research through the Environmental Biogeochemistry Research Lab, an internationally recognised research program uniting a large and diverse array of soil scientists. The group’s scientific program investigates globally significant research questions related to soil health and resilience, soil carbon sequestration, the impacts of environmental changes such as fire, land use change and global warming, and the development of novel technologies for use in agricultural systems.

As the only staff member from Campus Life Facilities based at Logan Chris Maynard, Trades Assistant, provides exceptional service and goes above and beyond in supporting the Logan campus. Chris is hard working, with unquestionable knowledge of the campus, coupled with a can-do respectful demeanour, to deliver exceptional service to the many grateful Logan staff, students and community members who have the pleasure of working with him. Chris is a big part of what makes Logan campus so great.

Jill consistently goes above and beyond her role as Program Business Partner to provide invaluable support to the AEL team, navigating the vast array of program changes and the new CMS. Her extensive knowledge of the programs across AEL, and her ability to keep up with the vast number of changes in all different programs throughout the Group is a credit to her professionalism and expertise. Jill has been instrumental in the successful implementation of the program structure project in the AEL group.

Clare Bartholomew, Senior Specialist Health & Wellbeing & Claire Stokes, Director External Engagement have been highly commended for their work developing an online course on Psychosocial Risk Management for People Leaders to support staff development and ‘Job Ready’ degrees for students to have introductory psychosocial risk management capability.

Tanya Stephenson, principal financial analyst, Chris Moloney, senior financial analyst, and Lauren Sainty, financial analyst have won this award for the team’s innovative contributions to the "Making Space in the Work Week" (MSWW) project. They have not only demonstrated exceptional strategic vision but have also driven significant improvements in both staff welfare and institutional efficiency.

Ryan Allen, Scientific Officer, is highly commended for his innovative design of a 3D printed attachment for the cardiorespiratory devices to fit a filter required to keep student safe. The use of these attachments will enhance the student experience, will assist in preparing students for their placements in acute care facilities and is budget conscious.

Brad Mercer, Team Leader for Placements at the School of Medicine and Dentistry, has won this award for his astute leadership, networking abilities, innovative approaches and problem-solving skills overseeing placements for over 50% of the medical program across multiple sites. Key achievements include the innovative Rural Placement Strategy, increasing student uptake and satisfaction through a new preferencing system and the development of a comprehensive hub for clinical staff, enhancing clarity and efficiency.

Debbie Phillips, has been highly commended for her leadership as school manager of the Griffith Law School. She leads by example and has assembled and mentored a dedicated team, fostering a positive workplace culture. She continuously seeks improvements, supports academic staff, and enhanced communication with a high-quality Monthly Newsletter.

Professor Stephen Billett is recognised for his significant and sustained contribution to Griffith's international reputation and profile. In particular, the range of countries in which he has developed strong relationships and the policy impact resulting from his work in workplace learning and adult and vocational learning as well as being awarded three honorary doctorates from universities in Finland, Sweden and Switzerland as well as numerous international keynote presentations are all testament to the contribution he has made. Professor Billet currently holds adjunct and honorary appointments in England, Sweden and Norway as well as leading several research projects related to learning and changes across working life.

Professor Sarah Gardiner’s commitment and sustained engagement in Australia Award-funded programs, and her capacity development within the region, in particular, are recognised in this award for her contribution to the University's overall internationalisation. The innovative way in which she responded to the constraints imposed by COVID and associated border closures ensured that the programs she was involved with, continued to be offered and have gone on to enable greater levels of participation. Her expertise and research focus are closely aligned with a number of the United Nations' SDGs and make a positive contribution to Griffith's international reputation. 

Associate Professor Sohil Khan’s engagement across a number of short-term mobility initiatives, and the number of students that his contributions have enabled to have an international experience as part of their Griffith degree are recognised with this award. The partnerships that he has cultivated, particularly in India with the Manipal Academy of Higher Education, have seen students from diverse disciplines participating in mobility programs that will have a significant impact on their own future, as well as supporting the University's broader relationship with this strategic partner institution.

Dr Kimberley Reis’ receives this award for her research and teaching work to support Sustainable Development Goal 2: Zero Hunger which has had an incredible impact on colleagues, students and community members. Dr Reis’ research drives social justice for food access with life-changing impact for end-users and to support Zero Hunger. She actively combines her local food research projects and connections with her teaching and engagement to provide students with the opportunity to work with industry and boost their employability.

Katherine McConnell from the Major Projects team and Pam Ryley and Troy Harris from Campus Life have been highly commended for their initiative in setting up Warpit, an online tool that allows users to advertise items they no longer need but might be reused or repurposed in another part of the organisation. Inspired by their work on the Mt Gravatt exit, Katherine and Troy wanted to find an easy way to repurpose equipment and have so far rescued approximately 90 items from the Mount Gravatt premises and redeployed them elsewhere at the University.