The number of academic staff at USC’s Fraser Coast campus has almost doubled, bringing extensive research and teaching expertise from across the world to the region.

Six new full-time lecturers and almost 15 casual tutors and lecturers have joined USC Fraser Coast this semester to accommodate a surge in student numbers and the introduction of several new degrees.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Greg Hill said the academics’ impressive research profiles included interest areas ranging from coronary care to cicada wings.

“Many are involved in national and global research collaborations, they are widely published and regularly present at international and national conferences,” he said.

“Our new lecturers bring with them valuable industry partnerships both in Australia and abroad, and some hold positions on editorial boards for national and international journals.

“Their contributions add depth to the extensive knowledge and experience that USC offers students and the wider Fraser Coast community, and creates opportunities for graduates and professionals interested in higher degrees by research.”

USC Fraser Coast’s first-year subjects in Science are delivered by Dr Greg Watson whose research collaborations include examining the nanostructure and properties of gecko skin and insect wings, especially those of cicadas.

Dr Watson’s work has featured nationally and internationally, including on ABC’s Catalyst program and in publications such as New Scientist and National Geographic.

New Tourism, Leisure and Event Management lecturer Shahab Pourfakhimi has moved from New Zealand’s University of Otago where he lectured in tourism. His research interest is the decision-making and attitudes of hospitality and tourism consumers in the digital era.

Associate Professor Jo Wu and Chris Kingswell are new faces on a team of experienced nursing academics to accommodate the growing popularity of USC Fraser Coast’s Nursing Science degree.

Dr Wu has extensive clinical, research and tertiary teaching experience, and is involved in research into promoting self-management programs incorporating telehealth for patients with chronic conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes.

Her international contributions in this area have been recognised with a Bronze Medal from the European Society for Person Centered Healthcare.

Experienced clinical emergency nurse Chris Kingswell, who has a Master of Nursing, has conducted research into the issue of ambulance ramping in regional hospitals.

Behavioural and evolutionary biologist Dr Dominique Potvin is the lecturer for USC’s Animal Ecology degree. Dr Potvin holds a PhD in Zoology and has conducted postdoctoral research at universities in Canada and Finland, and the Australian National University.

USC Fraser Coast’s new Social Work degree will be delivered by Dr Kate Jonathan. The experienced social worker and mental health nurse from the UK has held academic positions at the University of Bolton and the University of York.

— Clare McKay