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Associate Professor Linda Pfeiffer

B. Ed (Science); M. Ed; ScEdD (Curtin)
Associate Professor - Education
School of Education and the Arts
Centre for Research in Equity & Advancement of Teaching & Education (CREATE)
About Me

I am an Associate Professor in the School of Education and the Arts, CQUniversity based at the Gladstone Marina campus. I have developed the Science and STEM units in the undergraduate and postgraduate Primary Education courses, and I have achieved Student Voice Awards for high student satisfaction ratings. I have a broad range of successful teaching, research and engagement in primary, secondary, and tertiary education. I have experience supervising pre-service teachers on practical placement and I am a Research Higher Degree Supervisor. I have a passion for STEM education and engagement, including citizen science programs, and I have been awarded two CQUniversity Engagement Opal Awards. I work with a diverse range of people including volunteers, industry, government and non-government organisations, community groups and local schools. I won the 2016 Women in STEM Research Prize for my work with schools and community on science education and engagement events and I am guest judge for the 2023 Women in STEM Prize. I am committed to improving the quality of science and innovation learning experiences at all levels of education from pre-Kindergarten right through to post-graduate and for all sectors of the community. I am currently the STEM Lead for the Australia Pacific LNG STEM Central project, an industry-funded project (currently $1.1m) which incorporates STEM, science, innovation, and entrepreneurial experiences in a state-of-the-art facility I designed in Gladstone. I have led multiple projects including the Gladstone Connects team as part of the MIT REAP program, and the Buraligim Weiber program for Indigenous primary school students. I have been an invited guest speaker, presenter, author, and I am an ambassador for improving outcomes for all within the local community across Australia and the world. I have built strong networks and partnerships and developed innovative and creative solutions to solving the science, mathematics, and STEM workforce shortages and associated community issues. I co-authored STEM Education in the Primary School: A Teacher’s Toolkit book which won best overall tertiary resource in the Education Publishing Awards Australia in 2021.

General
Background

Linda works to proactively address the national (and international) anticipated shortage of STEM skills for future employment for the benefit of the local regional community. She works in teams to deliver academically rigorous research undertaken in a state-of-the-art STEM Education facility around the associated programs developed to upskill teachers, inspire school students, and engage the whole of the community including industry and First nations people in a future fueled by STEM knowledge.

 

Successful partnerships/programs

Over $1.3m in external funding has been obtained including $1.1m from the Australia Pacific LNG partnership and a further excess of $200,000 from other partners for projects including professional development for teachers, informal STEM experiences for primary and secondary students, science week programs, Indigenous STEM Camp, Festival of Food, Art meets Science, and COVID-19 impacts on businesses in the local community. Funded partners include Australia Pacific LNG, Shell, Santos, Rio Tinto, Department of Innovation Industry and Science (DIIS), Monadelphous, Inspiring Australia, Office of the Queensland Chief Scientist, Advance Queensland, Fitzroy Basin Association, and the Australian Federal Government.

 

Universities Studied At

The University of Newcastle, NSW

Charles Sturt University, NSW

Curtin University, WA

Universities Worked At

Charles Sturt University, NSW

Central Queensland University, QLD

Awards

 

2019 QLD Community Awards - Semi-finalist

2016 Women in STEM Research Prize

2016 Student Voice Award – Teaching Science

2015 CQUniversity Opal Award Winner – Science Education Experience

2015 Student Voice Award – Teaching Science

2014 Queensland State Finalist – FameLab

2014 CQUniversity Opal Award Winner – Digital Classroom Project

2014 CQUniversity Opal Award Finalist – Science Week Event

2013 Student Voice Award – Introductory Chemistry

 

Media Citations

 

 

24/10/2017: Sunshine Coast Daily. STEM finding its place at CQU in 2018

Published 5 January, 2017 (101 media citations)

http://www.hepburnadvocate.com.au/story/4387606/explainer-stem-and-what-it-means-to-australias-education-system/?cs=24

 

  • Coding and robotics buzz words as Gladstone prepares for drone races

Published 25 July – 1 Sep, 2016 (56 media citations)

https://www.centraltelegraph.com.au/news/coding-and-robotics-buzz-words-as-gladstone-prepar/3067495/

 

  • CQUni's Dr Pfeiffer wins Women in STEM Research Prize

Published: 14 March 2016

https://www.cqu.edu.au/cquninews/stories/engagement-category/2016/cqunis-dr-pfeiffer-wins-women-in-stem-research-prize

 

  • Gladstone academic presents at 'Words of Wisdom - Women' event

Published: 14 March 2016

https://www.cqu.edu.au/cquninews/stories/engagement-category/2017/gladstone-academic-presents-at-words-of-wisdom-women-event

 

  • Science education proponent part of 'Women in STEM Research' competition

Published: 22 February 2016

https://www.cqu.edu.au/cquninews/stories/research-category/2017/voting-open-for-women-in-stem-research-competition,-cquni-has-entrant

 

  • CQUni award proves Science Education Experience a natural gem

Published: 23 November 2015

https://www.cqu.edu.au/cquninews/stories/general-category/2017/cquni-award-proves-science-education-experience-a-natural-gem

 

  • Back to nature Science Education Experience inspires educators

Published: 24 August 2015

https://www.cqu.edu.au/cquninews/stories/general-category/2017/back-to-nature-science-education-experience-inspires-teachers

 

  • Science comes to life as CQUni teaches the teachers in Science Week

Published: 04 August 2015

https://www.cqu.edu.au/cquninews/stories/engagement-category/2017/science-comes-to-life-as-cquni-teaches-the-teachers-in-science-week

 

  • Helping teachers find 'science education paradise' in Gladstone for Science Week

Published: 26 June 2015

https://www.cqu.edu.au/cquninews/stories/engagement-category/2017/helping-teachers-find-science-education-paradise-in-gladstone-for-science-week

 

  • CQUni helping primary teachers find science education paradise in Gladstone

Published: 28 May 2015

https://www.cqu.edu.au/cquninews/stories/general-category/2017/cquni-helping-primary-teachers-find-science-education-paradise-in-gladstone

 

  • Gladstone graduation means a day off for region's newest teachers

Published: 26 Mar 2015

https://www.cqu.edu.au/cquninews/stories/general-category/2015/gladstone-graduation-means-a-day-off-for-regions-newest-teachers

 

  • 'Roar' science with toothpick animals in the classroom

Published: 20 Mar 2015

https://www.cqu.edu.au/cquninews/stories/research-category/2015/roar-science-with-toothpick-animals-in-the-classroom

 

  • Opal Awards for gems among engagement projects

Published: 26 Nov 2014

https://www.cqu.edu.au/cquninews/stories/general-category/2015/opal-awards-for-gems-among-engagement-projects

 

  • Kids cotton on to how science is feeding the world

Published: 25 Aug 2014

https://www.cqu.edu.au/cquninews/stories/engagement-category/2014/kids-cotton-on-to-how-science-is-feeding-the-world

 

  • Seeding collaborations between passionate scientists and passionate teachers

Published: 03 Apr 2014

https://www.cqu.edu.au/cquninews/stories/research-category/2015/seeding-collaborations-between-passionate-scientists-and-passionate-teachers

 

Previous teaching

 

· Unit Coordinator – STEM Education and Engagement, Central Queensland University

· Unit Coordinator – Biological and Earth and Space Sciences, Central Queensland University

· Unit Coordinator – Physical and Chemical Sciences, Central Queensland University

· Unit Coordinator – Teaching Science, Central Queensland University

· Unit Coordinator – Global Science, Central Queensland University

· Unit Coordinator – Introductory Chemistry, Central Queensland University

· Casual tutor – Global Science, Central Queensland University

· Relief Teacher – Boyne Island State School (Primary), Boyne Island Queensland

· Acting Head of Senior School – Macquarie Anglican Grammar School, Dubbo NSW

· Senior Science Coordinator K to 12 – Macquarie Anglican Grammar School, Dubbo NSW

· Secondary Science and Senior Chemistry teacher – St Johns College, Dubbo NSW

· Casual Lecturer Biomedical Science 121 (Chemistry component) – Charles Sturt University, Dubbo NSW

· Science Assistant Coordinator – St. Johns College, Dubbo NSW

· Casual Teacher – Albury, Bathurst, and Dubbo, NSW

 

 

Professional Experience

The STEM Central research team conducts research around the impacts of programs and interventions in the educational sector including early years, primary and secondary teachers, and students as well as community and industry partnerships, specifically in regional locations. We have developed a framework for developing authentic learning experiences which using aspects of situated learning, social constructivism, and communities of practice. We use case studies, qualitative interviews and focus groups, and quantitative surveys in an evaluative approach.

Professional Memberships

· QCT (QLD College of Teachers) Full registration

· STAQ (Science Teachers Association of QLD) member

· ASERA (Australian Science Education Research Association) member

· ASTE (Association for Science Teacher Education) member

· ATEA (Australian Teacher Education Association) member

· AARE (Australian Association for Research in Education) member

· AVETRA (Australian Vocational Education and Training Association) member

Key Achievements

Mar 2023 – Mar 2025 Australia Pacific LNG STEM Central project Phase 4. Implement Indigenous STEM program: $200,000 (AUD)

Jun-Dec 2022 STEM in the Park. CQUniversity research stimulus fund: $9,000 (AUD)

Oct 2021 ConocoPhillips Science Experience - Gladstone. The Science Schools Foundation: $7,000 (AUD)

May 2021 First Lego League. Shell QGC: $6,000 (AUD)

May 2021 Growing STEM in the community. Gladstone Ports Corp Ltd: $8,600 (AUD)

Mar 2021 – Mar 2023 Australia Pacific LNG STEM Central project Phase 3. Implement Indigenous STEM program: $200,000 (AUD)

Jan 2021 Yallarm CQUniversity Monadelphous Indigenous STEM Camp. Monadelphous: $15,000 (AUD)

Oct 2020 CQ Festival of Food. Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources: $16,800 (AUD)

Oct 2020 COVID-19 Impact on Gladstone region business ecosystem. Rio Tinto Ltd: $15,000 (AUD)

Oct 2020 ConocoPhillips Science Experience - Gladstone. The Science Schools Foundation: $7,000 (AUD)

Jan 2020 – Dec 2020 Australia Pacific LNG STEM Central project Phase 2 Develop Indigenous STEM program: $150,000 (AUD)

Oct 2019 First Lego League. Shell QGC: $12,500 (AUD)

Oct 2019 Energy4Me. Shell QGC: $12,500 (AUD)

Oct 2019 ConocoPhillips Science Experience - Gladstone. The Science Schools Foundation: $7,000 (AUD)

Aug 2019 GHHP Teacher Experience. Fitzroy Basin Association: $12,000 (AUD)

Jan 2019 Yallarm CQUniversity Monadelphous Indigenous STEM Camp. Monadelphous: $10,000 (AUD)

Aug 2018 ConocoPhillips Science Experience (Townsville). Australian Government Business Grant: $6,000 (AUD)

Mar 2018 CQ STEM Hub network. Inspiring Australia: $15,000 (AUD)

Oct 2017 – Dec 2019 Australia Pacific LNG STEM Central project Phase 1 Develop and coordinate STEM hub facility: $550,000 (AUD)

Feb 2017 – Dec 2017 Central Highlands Science Centre – Knowledge Transfer Partnership. Advance Queensland: $10,800 (AUD)

Jan 2017 – Jun 2017 Art meets Science – World Science Festival. Shell QGC: $5,000 (AUD)

Oct 2016 – 2018 ConocoPhillips Science Experience - Gladstone. The Science Schools Foundation: $25,000 (AUD)

Jun 2016 – Dec 2017 CQUniversity Drone Races. Shell QGC: $41,278 (AUD)

Feb 2015 – Dec 2015 Science Education Experience Shell QGC: $18,265 (AUD)

Oct 2013 – Dec 2016 It’s part of my life: Engaging university and community to enhance science and mathematics education Dr Geoff Woolcott, SCU

            Team members: SCU, CQU, UNE, UB, USC, SQU OLT Grant: $1,000,000 (AUD)

Apr 2013 – Sep 2013 Regional Universities Maths and Science Digital Classroom Dr Delma Clifton, CQU

            Team members: SCU, CQU, UNE, UB, USC, SQUDIISCRTE Grant: $898,800 (AUD)

Editor

Commissioned Reports

 

Butler, C, Beeson, J, Matheson, F, Pfeiffer, L and Cameron, R (2013) Project Evaluation: Industry Services Training 2012. Available online: www.gmai.org.au

 

 

 

Final proofing: Cameron, R (2013) Final Report Methodological Scan CRC For Rail Innovation 2007 to 2014, CRC for Rail Innovation, Brisbane, Australia.

 

 

 

Recent Research Projects
Australia Pacific LNG STEM program 2021-2022
From: 28/04/2021 to 31/03/2023
Grant: Contract Research (Category 3: Industry and Other)
Funding Scheme: Contract Research - Australia Pacific LNG STEM programs
Total Funding: $200,000.00
COVID-19 Impact on Gladstone region business ecosystem
From: 05/11/2020 to 31/01/2021
Grant: Contract Research (Category 3: Industry and Other)
Funding Scheme: Rio Tinto Limited
Total Funding: $15,000.00
Australia Pacific LNG STEM Hub 2020
From: 01/05/2020 to 31/05/2021
Grant: Contract Research (Category 3: Industry and Other)
Funding Scheme: ConocoPhillips Australia Pty Ltd as agent for and on behalf of Australian Pacific LNG Pty Ltd
Total Funding: $150,000.00
Research Supervision
Accreditation

I am currently accredited for supervision in the following:

  • 3901 Curriculum and Pedagogy
  • 3904 Specialist Studies in Education

At the level of Principal Supervisor


Current Capacity
I am currently available to supervise more research candidates
Current Supervision
Doctor of Philosophy
The journey to digital pedagogy in secondary schools - how peer facilitation can support a technology program.
Principal Supervisor
Complete Supervision
Master of Education
Paramedic Student Outcomes: A comparative study of the impact of two different approaches to blended learning in undergraduate paramedic courses.
Associate Supervisor
Research Interests
Education

Specialist Studies in Education - Teacher Education and Professional Development of Educators
STEM and science education for pre-service teachers and educators at all levels including early childhood, primary, secondary and higher education.

Publications
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Teaching
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