Seven University of the Sunshine Coast staff and two specialist teams have received prestigious Vice-Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence for their commitment to research, learning and teaching, and engagement.

USC Vice-Chancellor Professor Greg Hill, who presented the annual awards to staff members at the Chancellery, acknowledged their efforts in fields such as aquaculture, occupational therapy and languages.

Each staff member receives $5,000 towards professional development. The recipients were:

Excellence in Learning and Teaching:

Dr Anita Hamilton, Senior Lecturer in Occupational Therapy/Deputy Head of School, School of Sport and Health Sciences

Dr Hamilton is recognised for her innovative approach to blended learning and for her ability to engage students in the learning process. She is described as a pioneer, leader and mentor for blended learning and teaching.

Excellence in Learning and Teaching (Sessional):

Ms Marama Liebergreen, School of Communication and Creative Industries

Ms Liebergreen has been responsible for much of the content and curriculum development that has made USC’s largest course successful. She has co-authored five research papers on learning and teaching.

Ms Kristy Patton, School of Education

Ms Patton is an outstanding sessional staff member in several Education courses and her student feedback scores are consistently high. She employs innovative approaches to encourage students’ engagement with learning, and her leadership has shaped outcomes.

Excellence in Research:

Professor Abigail Elizur, Professor in Aquaculture Biotechnology

Professor Elizur has consistently been one of the University’s top researchers, excelling in research performance, achievement and leadership. She has nurtured many research students and postdoctoral fellows.

Excellence in Research (Early Career Researcher):

Dr Andrew Olds, Lecturer in Animal Ecology

Dr Olds has played a significant role in the establishment of the University’s Animal Ecology program. His research has been published extensively in high quality journals and is widely cited. He has helped deliver a strong fieldwork program, particularly on Fraser Island.
 
Excellence in Engagement:

Dr Peter Grainger, Lecturer in Education

Dr Grainger has developed strong connections with local people, groups and organisations involved in Languages education. He has created professional development and discussion opportunities.
 
Mr Gerard Jefferies, Field Education Coordinator, Social Work and Human Services

Mr Jefferies has provided strategic leadership to increase and improve work-integrated learning placements in Social Work and Human Services. His efforts have resulted in enhanced engagement with regional partners and increased work experience for students.
 
Excellence in Service (Teams):

Education Technology Support Team, Centre for Support and Advancement of Learning and Teaching (C-SALT)

The team is recognised for developing a culture of responsiveness and service, their authentic engagement with academic staff, and their capacity to “think beyond the technical” to ensure a focus on pedagogy and the learning experiences of students.
  
Simulation and Practice Learning Team, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine

The team has provided high quality learning experiences, established productive links with academic staff and external health providers, and promoted safe teaching environments.