I am a STEM educator with a focus on Biology, Chemistry, Robotics, and Space Science, and a regular national and international speaker on education, youth programs, and personal development through adventurous learning. In 2013, I began tying educational outcomes to experiential learning through my Masters thesis, “Effects of Sail Training on Engagement with Learning & Education.”

I have supplemented my teaching practice through programs such as Honeywell Educators @ Space Academy, the Galileo Teacher Training Program, and Robotics in the Classroom with Macquarie ICT. I develop cross‑KLA curriculum projects, work with the U@Uni Science Summer School as a teacher adviser, and am a member of the UTS Inspiring Science Teacher’s Network and a UTS Science Champion.

My current focus includes implementing STEM and PBL initiatives, innovative assessment for, of, and as learning, and developing hands‑on inquiry‑based Exploratoriums for schools.

Sail Training & Youth Development

I am a volunteer trustee for Sail Training International (STI), working on educational connections, youth development programs, international research, and supporting the International Youth Council.

I have developed youth development programs, teacher programs, corporate training programs, and young leaders’ programs.

Conference Talks

• 2008 – Halifax, NS: Characteristics of a Successful Youth Development Program
• 2009–2010 – Istanbul, Turkey / Stavanger, Norway: Self Assessment Toolkit
• 2011 – Toulon, France: How Trainees Learn
• 2013–2014 – Aalborg, Denmark / Sydney, Australia: Teachers @ Sea: Inspiring Teachers to Inspire Students
• 2013–2014 – Dunedin, NZ / Adelaide, SA / A Coruña, Spain: Effects of Sail Training on Engagement with Learning
• 2014 – Sydney, Australia: Writing HSC Assessment Tasks in Science
• 2016 – Quebec, Canada: Sail Training Research
• 2016 – Halmstad, Sweden: Facilitation Techniques
• 2017 – Bordeaux, France: Research into Sail Training / Group Dynamics and Teamwork Facilitation

In 2011, I received the STI Volunteer of the Year Award for services to the Australian Sail Training Association.

Creative & Performance Background

My hobbies include education, youth development, sailing, puppetry, theatre and film, silver jewellery, circus arts, writing, kung fu, filmmaking, and swordplay.

I have written and produced several short films and am an accredited intermediate stage combatant, having trained in:

• Rapier & dagger
• Longsword
• Dueling sword
• Unarmed combat
• Knife
• Staff
• Fantasy sword
• German longsword
• I.33 sword and buckler
• Fighting for Film
• Hong Kong–style choreography

I have performed with the SSCS in projects including the Australian TV series Packed to the Rafters and the Cumberland Industries Annual Awards.

I studied Kung Fu extensively at the Australian WuShu Sports Academy under Master Juliana Zhu, training in unarmed and armed techniques including Chinese broadsword, cudgel, and twin melon hammers. I achieved accreditation with the Australian Kung Fu WuShu Federation and the Martial Arts Industry Association as a Kung Fu instructor, and won gold for Dual Weapons in the 2005 Oceania WuShu Competition.

I am also an accomplished fire breather, having founded the UNSW Circus Society and performed as a principal fire‑breather in the 2000 Olympics opening and closing ceremonies.