Associate Professor Terri Downer is Discipline Lead for Midwifery having originally joined UniSC in 2010. Terri’s international career has spanned over 30 years during which time she has specialised in midwifery, neonatal intensive care, IVF, community and emergency nursing.
Terri is an invited peer reviewer for a variety of international journals. She has established herself as a Chief Investigator on higher education research projects. The focus of her research is the use of innovative technologies to engage both health professionals and students in authentic and blended learning. Through the scholarship of teaching and learning Terri has led projects introducing students to ePortfolios, 3D technology and video assessment.
Terri has extensive experience in designing and delivering online and face-to-face education. Her Advance award for Blended Learning addressed the use of emerging technologies such as QR codes, immersive simulation and the use of ePortfolios. In 2019 Terri became a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA) in recognition of her outstanding work in higher education.
Professional Memberships
-
Australian College of Midwifery (ACM)
- Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
- Australian College of Nursing (MACN)
- International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning (INACSL)
Research grants
| Project name | Funding body | Year |
|---|---|---|
|
Evaluation of the learning effect of VR on midwifery education. |
Pfizer |
2020-2021 |
|
Paediatric education and assessment for non-urgent transfer (PEANUT): Evaluation of the PEANUT project. |
Wishlist/ SERFT |
2019-2021 |
| An Evaluation of 3D Visualisation Technology in Midwifery Education | CDU Rainmaker Grant $7,500 |
2019-2020 |
| Applying student voices in the evaluation of current blended learning initiatives at USC | Exploratory Grant $20,000 |
2017–2018 |
| Designing a Graduate ePortfolio: Exploring the Expectations of Industry | CLTGP A$15,000 |
2016-2018 |
| Expert in my pocket: a mobile-enabled repository of learning resources for the development of clinical skills in student health professionals | OLT A$180,000 |
2013-2015 |
| Process Practice and Pedagogy in Antenatal Education | HDR Student Research Grant A$3,757 | 2012-2013 |
| Learning about Mothering and Baby: Implementing a perinatal parenting program for first time mothers | OHMR Project Grant approx. A$15,000 | 2012-2013 |
Research areas
- Scholarship of teaching and learning practice in higher education
- Simulation and 3D visualisation: design and implementation
- Maternal, neonatal and child health
- Digital and maternal health literacy
Teaching areas
- Higher Degree Research supervision
- Masters Research supervision
- Nursing and midwifery courses
- Child, youth and family health care
Terri Downer's area of expertise includes nursing, parenting, child birth, breastfeeding and midwifery.
In the news
New UniSC degree to deliver more midwives
13 NovA new UniSC degree aims to fast-track registered nurses into midwifery careers to target a state and global workforce shortage of maternity care professionals.
How to help older drivers hang up the keys for good: new research
25 MarActive planning is the key to older people walking away from driving for the last time, according to new University of the Sunshine Coast research.