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.

The University of Newcastle, NSW

Charles Sturt University, NSW

Curtin University, WA

Charles Sturt University, NSW

Central Queensland University, QLD

2026 Australian Rural Educators Award

2026 Australian Energy Producers Award – Buraligim Weiber program 

2023 EQ Showcase Award – Gladstone West State School Buraligim Weiber program

2021 Education Publishing Awards – Best Tertiary Resource

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

10/6/2026. Energy high as Gladstone gets down to green business. 

https://www.cqu.edu.au/news/1286426/energy-high-as-gladstone-gets-down-to-green-business?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CQUReview---02-July-2026&utm_content=energy-high-as-gladstone-gets-down-to-green-business&utm_source=comms.communication.cqu.edu.au 

14/3/2026. Future-shaping milestone as STEM Central surges ahead

https://www.cqu.edu.au/news/1268909/future-shaping-milestone-as-stem-central-surges-ahead 

20/2/2025. Gladstone News. CQUniversity Launches Renewable Innovation Initiative in Gladstone. https://gladstonenews.com.au/cquniversity-launches-renewable-innovation-initiative-in-gladstone/ 

9/10/2024. CQUni News. Gladstone kids focus on energy for future cities challenge. https://www.cqu.edu.au/news/1178797/gladstone-kids-focus-on-energy-for-future-cities-challenge 

15/9/2024. Gladstone Today. Island Adventure. Island adventure | Gladstone Today 

12/9/2024. Gladstone Today. Students on island adventure. 1006232044_20250912.pdf (isentia.com)

5/9/2024. CQUni News. Turtles, teamwork, and a splash of trash at CQUni island adventure. Turtles, teamwork, and a splash of trash at CQU island adventure - CQUniversity

24/8/2024. LinkedIn Post Ann Stevens. Imagine Realities trial. https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7232656342702776320/ 

24/8/2024. Gladstone Today. Brew-tiful science week. https://gladstonetoday.com.au/news/2024/08/24/brew-tiful-science-week/ 

15/8/2024. Inspiring Australia website. Science in the brewery. https://www.scienceweek.net.au/event/science-in-the-brewery-2/gladstone/ 

7/8/2024. Gladstone News. CQ Stem – Science in the Brewery. https://gladstonenews.com.au/cq-stem-science-in-the-brewery/ 

18/4/2024. CQ Today, Gladstone. Mixing science with play the STEM way. https://cqtoday.com.au/news/2024/04/18/mixing-science-with-play-the-stem-way/ 

17/4/2024. CQ Today, Rockhampton. Academy is mixing science with play the STEM way. https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/F6NkCROA4vflw89OiOYt9O?domain=url4195.isentia.com 

11/4/2024. Gladstone Today. Mixing Science with play. https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/4QiWCxnMZWU02yyxivKvvu?domain=url4195.isentia.com 

11/4/2024. CQUniNews. CQU working with Education Queensland to find ways to mix science with play. https://www.cqu.edu.au/news/1136952/cqu-working-with-education-queensland-to-find-ways-to-mix-science-with-play 

9/4/2024. The Sector. CQUniversity teams up with QVSA to design STEM friendly parks for young children. https://thesector.com.au/2024/04/09/cquniversity-teams-up-with-qvsa-to-design-stem-friendly-parks-for-young-children/ 

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 authentic learning experiences which use 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

Apr 2026-Mar 2029. STEM Central Collaborative project. Australia Pacific LNG, ConocoPhillips; Santos; Shell QGC: $618,000 (AUD)

Jun 2025-Aug 2026. Green Champions: Intergenerational Digital Stories project. Engaging Science Grant: $20,000 (AUD)

Apr 2025-Mar 2026. Australia Pacific LNG STEM Central project Phase 5. Australia Pacific LNG, ConocoPhillips: $150,000 (AUD)

Jan 2025-Dec 2027. Enhancing Renewable Innovation in Regional Queensland project. Regional Enablers Program Advance Queensland: $300,000 (AUD)

Jul 2024-Dec 2025. CQUni Cares Monadelphous Indigenous STEM program. Monadelphous: $30,000 (AUD)

Jan 2023-Mar 2025. Buraligim Weiber Expansion. Engaging Science Grant: $18,700 (AUD)

Jun 2023-Dec 2024. STEM in the park. CQUniversity research stimulus fund: $9,000 (AUD)

Jul 2023-Nov 2024. Australia Pacific LNG STEM Central project Phase 4. Australia Pacific LNG, ConocoPhillips: $220,000 (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)

Jan 2021-Dec 2022.  Australia Pacific LNG STEM Central project Phase 3.  Australia Pacific LNG, ConocoPhillips: $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.