What is your role at QACI, and what subjects do you teach?
I wake up every morning excited to teach HL Biology at QACI. I also have the joy of inspiring Year 10s through the interdisciplinary nature of science and fuelling my passion for food literacy by leading STEM Chefs and Cheese Club enrichment programs throughout the year.
What inspired you to become a teacher, and what do you love most about working in the IB program?
With a background in dietetics, I’ve always believed that health and wellbeing are underpinned by equitable, engaging, and empowering education. I once dabbled in health-promoting settings like hospitals and community centres, but to me, no setting is more powerful than a school. So, I followed my heart and took the dietetic path less travelled.
Specifically, I love working in the IB program due to its holistic and balanced approach to education. Furthermore, I love how the IB draws heavily on constructivist principles, especially in Biology, where students are encouraged to actively explore, inquire, and connect new knowledge with their existing understanding.
How do you bring real-world connections into your teaching? Any exciting collaborations or projects?
I’m passionate about making learning meaningful and accessible, so I weave in as many real-world connections into my teaching as I can. Unsurprisingly, I often use food to explore abstract biological concepts - who can resist learning about high-level photosynthesis when you realise it's the process behind all our favourite foods!? Based on my students’ interests in science and healthcare careers, I have also established collaborations with a number of different universities and industry partners, including the EKKA Student Made Cheese Competition, QUT Science Innovation Challenge, Queensland Institute of Medical Research Genetics Program, UQ Integrated Pathology Learning Centre, Griffith University Toohey Forest Environmental Centre, and the PARTY Program at the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital.
Can you share a memorable teaching moment or student success story?
One of my favourite moments is when students and I dive into common biological misconceptions together. Questions like, “When you burn fat, where does it go?” or “Where do trees get their mass?” spark powerful dialogue and lead to those ‘aha!’ moments when their understanding transforms.
What’s something unique about QACI’s learning experience that sets it apart?
Where else would a class of biology students willingly perform a meiosis hand jive to Apple by Charli XCX? Only at QACI and I wouldn’t have it any other way! With the number of songs and dances we do in IB Biology, I always joke we could perform a musical… CAS Project, anyone? ;)
Do you have any interesting career highlights, achievements, or passions outside of teaching?
I feel super lucky to have been teaching at QACI since I graduated my Master of Teaching, so my whole career feels like a highlight! Outside of teaching, I love learning new things - it helps me grow as a teacher and reminds me what it feels like to be a beginner. Last year, I did an intro to samba course and this year I’ve started learning Spanish!
What’s one piece of advice you’d give students for their future?
Take the time to explore and discover your ikigai - the intersection of what you love, what you're good at, what the world needs, and what brings you joy. It’s okay if this process takes time - it did for me! I tried many paths before finding my happy place as a teacher, but every step taught me something valuable. Trust that your journey will lead you where you’re meant to be and don’t be afraid to go against the grain.
Which IB Learner Profile Resonates the most and why?
The IB Learner Profile traits that resonate most with me are open-mindedness and caring. In today’s increasingly polarised world, it’s more important than ever to embrace empathy and seek diverse perspectives. In Biology and beyond, I believe that collaboration across communities and disciplines drives real progress - and I aim to model this for my students every day. 😊