I am Associate Professor and Deputy Dean (Research) 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.
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.
The University of Newcastle, NSW
Charles Sturt University, NSW
Curtin University, WA
Charles Sturt University, NSW
Central Queensland University, QLD
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
26/3/2024. Regional Arts Services Network - CQUniversity FB. Gladstone Mens Shed event.
https://comms.communication.cqu.edu.au/ch/42519/4h018/2899574/SPxKcy.NUNkQwHbifiEgkKYSCT68DlsQP6JfhwFS.html
29/11/2023. National Indigenous Times. Buraligim Weiber Showcases highlight Gladstone’s STEM success. https://nit.com.au/29-11-2023/8831/buraligim-weiber-showcases-highlight-gladstones-stem-success
13/11/2023: CQUniNews. Indigenous education program wins Gladstone collaborators prestigious honours. https://www.cqu.edu.au/news/1069589/indigenous-education-program-wins-gladstone-collaborators-prestigious-honours
28/10/2023: EQ Showcase Awards https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/99018
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udeD3YTooDU
31/7/2023: CQUniNews. CQU’s STEM-Sational display inspires Gladstone Youth. https://www.cqu.edu.au/news/1001420/cqus-stem-sational-display-inspires-gladstone-youth
13/7/2023. CQUniNews. New funding expands STEM program in First Nations education. https://www.cqu.edu.au/news/988690/new-funding-expands-stem-program-in-first-nations-education
26/6/2023: Gladstone Today. Students harmonise science and music. https://gladstonetoday.com.au/news/2023/06/27/students-harmonise-science-and-music/
14/12/2022: CQUniNews. Students reach for the stars in learning showcase. https://www.cqu.edu.au/news/707022/students-reach-for-the-stars-in-learning-showcase
18/10/2022: YouTube. Future Foods Innovation Challenge. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEfjO-418tI
15/8/2022 CQUniNews. STEM Central to “illuminate” on International stage. https://www.cqu.edu.au/news/707451/stem-central-to-illuminate-on-international-stage
5/5/2022: CQUniNews. CQU Gladstone partnering up on STEM from regional Queensland. https://www.cqu.edu.au/cquninews/stories/general-category/2022-general/cqu-gladstone-partnering-up-on-stem-for-regional-queensland
28/4/2022. FBA. CQU STEM Expo. https://fba.org.au/cqu-stem-expo/
5/1/2022: TheDCN. Gladstone Ports Corp and CQU fund STEM Education. https://www.thedcn.com.au/news/ports/gladstone-ports-corp-and-cqu-fund-stem-education/
25/11/2021: ABC Capricornia. Indigenous STEM program. https://app.meltwater.com/
22/9/2021: STEM textbook wins national Award. https://www.cqu.edu.au/cquninews/stories/general-category/2021-general/stem-textbook-wins-national-award
6/9/2021: 7NEWS. Gladstone residents will get a glimpse inside CQU’s STEM Central. https://m.facebook.com/7NEWSCQ/videos/gladstone-residents-will-get-a-glimpse-inside-cqus-state-of-the-art-stem-lab/535470120874288/
1/9/2021: Bundaberg Now. CQU brings science to schools to explore foods. https://www.bundabergnow.com/2021/09/01/cqu-brings-science-to-schools-to-explore-food/
26/8/2021: ABC Capricornia. Stem meet Symphony. https://app.meltwater.com/
15/8/2021: ConnectWeb. Fake medicine, the future of farming, meat grown in vats, and what's the cost of research? https://connectweb.com.au/pages/newscontent.aspx?rkey=20210815medianet_pr_956313
11/8/2021: Koori Mail. Primary school program is teaching STEM through connection to country. https://ausprint.meltwater.com/print_clip_previewer/342454216?text=on&keyword=on&pdf=new
6/8/2021: Courier Mail. Linda Pfeiffer nominated for an Australia Pacific LNG Community Hero Award. https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/gladstone/linda-pfeiffer-nominated-for-an-australia-pacific-lng-community-hero-award/news-story/4509c60d4b798aab36cfed4dce47d888?btr=717070e451bc7785b1232f0f63999748
13/7/2021: CQUniNews. Gladstone’s Indigenous school children to discover STEM with launch of unique program. https://www.cqu.edu.au/cquninews/stories/general-category/2021-general/gladstones-indigenous-schoolchildren-to-discover-stem-with-launch-of-unique-program
3/6/2021: Gladstone News. STEM Camp empowers Indigenous minds. https://gladstonenews.com.au/stem-camp-empowers-indigenous-minds/
1/6/2021: CQUniNews. Linda feels proud to provide science experiences to Indigenous youth. https://www.cqu.edu.au/news/708710/linda-feels-proud-to-provide-science-experiences-to-indigenous-youth
17/4/2021: Seven News. CQUni academic pushes to update primary school curriculum to put more focus on STEM studies. https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=453195555958129
9/4/2021: CQUniNews. Australian first STEM textbook set to equip and empower teachers. https://www.cqu.edu.au/cquninews/stories/research-category/2021-research/australian-first-stem-textbook-set-to-equip-and-empower-teachers
25/3/2021: CQUniNews. CQUni food festival awarded $16,800 in 2021 national science week grant. https://www.cqu.edu.au/cquninews/stories/general-category/2021-general/cquni-food-festival-awarded-$16,800-in-2021-national-science-week-grant
15/3/2021: CQUniNews. Queensland's chief scientist 'impressed' by cqu's research facilities. https://www.cqu.edu.au/cquninews/stories/general-category/2021-general/queenslands-chief-scientist-impressed-by-cqus-research-facilities
2/3/2021: CQUniNews. CQUniversity's stem expo to host Queensland's chief scientist. https://www.cqu.edu.au/cquninews/stories/general-category/2021-general/cquniversitys-stem-expo-to-host-queenslands-chief-scientist
9/1/2021: CQUniNews. Australian first STEM textbook set to equip and empower teachers. https://www.cqu.edu.au/cquninews/stories/research-category/2021-research/australian-first-stem-textbook-set-to-equip-and-empower-teachers
25/11/2020: CQUniNews. Full steam ahead for busy stem central. https://www.cqu.edu.au/cquninews/stories/engagement-category/2020-engagement/full-steam-ahead-for-busy-stem-central
20/11/2020: CQUniNews. CQUni researcher to release how-to book for primary school teachers keen to embrace stem. https://www.cqu.edu.au/cquninews/stories/general-category/2020-general/cquni-researcher-releases-how-to-book-for-primary-school-teachers-keen-to-embrace-stem
28/10/2020: CQUniNews. Ready for resilience as gladstone connects shapes innovative future. https://www.cqu.edu.au/cquninews/stories/engagement-category/2020-engagement/ready-for-resilience-as-gladstone-connects-shapes-innovative-future
24/8/2020: Office of the Queensland Chief Scientist. Queensland Women’s Week Spotlight: Meet Dr Linda Pfeiffer. https://www.chiefscientist.qld.gov.au/science-comms/articles/queensland-womens-week-spotlight-meet-dr-linda-pfeiffer
11/8/2020: CQUniNews. Two years of CQUni gladstone’s stem central taking science beyond classrooms, into community. https://www.cqu.edu.au/cquninews/stories/engagement-category/2020-engagement/two-years-of-cquni-gladstones-stem-central-taking-science-beyond-classrooms,-into-community
24/7/2020: FaceBook. QLD Chief Entrepreneur. https://www.facebook.com/190554301560244/posts/634640827151587/?d=n
21/5/2020: CQUniNews. CQUni-led vr classroom an unparelled immersive experience. https://www.cqu.edu.au/cquninews/stories/general-category/2020-general/cquni-led-vr-classroom-an-unparelled-immersive-experience-for-school-students
7/5/2020: CQUniNews. New book notes that Gladstone stem project ‘didn’t just happen overnight’. https://www.cqu.edu.au/cquninews/stories/general-category/2020-general/new-book-notes-that-gladstone-stem-project-didnt-just-happen-overnight
29/4/2020: CQUniNews. Parents should be supervisors not replacement teachers. https://www.cqu.edu.au/cquninews/stories/general-category/2020-general/parents-should-be-supervisors-not-replacement-teachers
29/4/2020: CQUni Commentary. Episode 2 - Dr Linda Pfeiffer. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCWDh4ofT-I
14/4/2020: CQUniNews. Parents don’t need to become teachers to try stem activities with their kids. https://www.cqu.edu.au/cquninews/stories/general-category/2020-general/parents-dont-need-to-become-teachers-to-try-some-fun-stem-activities-with-their-kids
4/6/2019: CQUniNews. Teleporting pupils make virtual stem classrooms a unique experience. https://www.cqu.edu.au/cquninews/stories/general-category/2019/cquni-part-of-qvsa
20/3/2019: CQUniNews. Closing the gap by sparking indigenous kids’ love of stem subjects. https://www.cqu.edu.au/cquninews/stories/general-category/2019/closing-the-gap-by-sparking-indigenous-kids-love-of-stem-subjects
6/3/2019: ChiefScientist. Queensland Women’s Week Spotlight: Meet Dr Linda Pfeiffer. https://www.chiefscientist.qld.gov.au/science-comms/articles/queensland-womens-week-spotlight-meet-dr-linda-pfeiffer
5/11/2018: CQUniNews. Record team turnout for first lego league at cquni gladstone. https://www.cqu.edu.au/cquninews/stories/general-category/2018/record-team-turnout-at-first-lego-league-at-cquni-gladstone
22/10/2018: CQUniNews. Technology and the environment on agenda at ConocoPhillips science experience. https://www.cqu.edu.au/cquninews/stories/general-category/2018/technology-and-the-environment-on-agenda-at-conocophillips-science-experience
27/8/2018. Gladstone Observer. CQUni's STEM Hub puts a new spin on science. https://www.gladstoneobserver.com.au/news/cquni-stem-hub-already-proving-popular/3503804/
24/8/2018: Daily Mercury. Community STEM hub opens at CQUni. https://www.dailymercury.com.au/news/community-stem-hub-opens-at-cquni/3501596/
28/5/2018: Axcelerate. STEM Fast 5 - Linda Pfeiffer on Common STEM Misconceptions. https://www.axcelerate.com.au/post/stem-fast-5-linda-pfeiffer-on-common-stem-misconceptions
23/4/2018: CQUniNews. CQUni helps 400 visitors relate to stem and innovation in Gladstone. https://www.cqu.edu.au/cquninews/stories/engagement-category/2018/cquni-helps-400-visitors-relate-to-stem-and-innovation-in-gladstone
24/10/2017: Sunshine Coast Daily. STEM finding its place at CQU in 2018. https://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/news/stem-finding-its-place-at-cqu-in-2018/3247061/
5/1/2017: SHM. Explainer: STEM, and what it means to Australia’s education system. https://www.smh.com.au/education/explainer-stem-and-what-it-means-to-australias-education-system-20170105-gtm93f.html
25/7/206: Central Telegraph. Coding and robotics buzz words as Gladstone prepares for drone races. https://www.centraltelegraph.com.au/news/coding-and-robotics-buzz-words-as-gladstone-prepar/3067495/
14/3/2016. CQUniNews. CQUni's Dr Pfeiffer wins Women in STEM Research Prize. https://www.cqu.edu.au/cquninews/stories/engagement-category/2016/cqunis-dr-pfeiffer-wins-women-in-stem-research-prize
14/3/2016. CQUniNews. Gladstone academic presents at 'Words of Wisdom - Women' event. https://www.cqu.edu.au/cquninews/stories/engagement-category/2017/gladstone-academic-presents-at-words-of-wisdom-women-event
22/2/2016. CQUniNews. Science education proponent part of 'Women in STEM Research' competition. https://www.cqu.edu.au/cquninews/stories/research-category/2017/voting-open-for-women-in-stem-research-competition,-cquni-has-entrant
23/11/2015. CQUniNews. CQUni award proves Science Education Experience a natural gem. https://www.cqu.edu.au/cquninews/stories/general-category/2017/cquni-award-proves-science-education-experience-a-natural-gem
24/8/2015. CQUniNews. Back to nature Science Education Experience inspires educators. https://www.cqu.edu.au/cquninews/stories/general-category/2017/back-to-nature-science-education-experience-inspires-teachers
4/8/2015. CQUniNews. Science comes to life as CQUni teaches the teachers in Science Week. https://www.cqu.edu.au/cquninews/stories/engagement-category/2017/science-comes-to-life-as-cquni-teaches-the-teachers-in-science-week
26/6/2015. CQUniNews. Helping teachers find 'science education paradise' in Gladstone for Science Week. https://www.cqu.edu.au/cquninews/stories/engagement-category/2017/helping-teachers-find-science-education-paradise-in-gladstone-for-science-week
28/5/2015. CQUniNews. CQUni helping primary teachers find science education paradise in Gladstone. https://www.cqu.edu.au/cquninews/stories/general-category/2017/cquni-helping-primary-teachers-find-science-education-paradise-in-gladstone
26/3/2-15. CQUniNews. Gladstone graduation means a day off for region's newest teachers. https://www.cqu.edu.au/cquninews/stories/general-category/2015/gladstone-graduation-means-a-day-off-for-regions-newest-teachers
20/3/2015. CQUniNews. 'Roar' science with toothpick animals in the classroom. https://www.cqu.edu.au/cquninews/stories/research-category/2015/roar-science-with-toothpick-animals-in-the-classroom
26/11/2014. CQUniNews. Opal Awards for gems among engagement projects. https://www.cqu.edu.au/cquninews/stories/general-category/2015/opal-awards-for-gems-among-engagement-projects
25/8/2014. CQUniNews. Kids cotton on to how science is feeding the world. https://www.cqu.edu.au/cquninews/stories/engagement-category/2014/kids-cotton-on-to-how-science-is-feeding-the-world
3/4/2014. CQUniNews. Seeding collaborations between passionate scientists and passionate teachers. https://www.cqu.edu.au/cquninews/stories/research-category/2015/seeding-collaborations-between-passionate-scientists-and-passionate-teachers
· 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
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.
· 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
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)
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.
I am currently accredited for supervision in the following:
Curriculum and Pedagogy - Science, Technology and Engineering Curriculum and Pedagogy
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.