The Science by Doing Project Team

Professor Denis Goodrum

Professor Denis Goodrum
Executive Director

Denis is an Emeritus Professor and former Dean of Education of the University of Canberra. He has been involved in many national and international activities in science education. In 1998 he was a visiting scholar at the National Research Council in Washington DC working on a project examining inquiry and the National Science Education Standards.  He is presently Chair of the ACT Teacher Quality Institute

National projects for which Denis has been responsible include:

  • Primary Investigations – a curriculum resource for primary schools with an associated professional learning model
  • Status and Quality of Teaching and Learning of Science in Australian Schools
  • Collaborative Australian Secondary Science Project (CASSP) that evaluated a teacher change model through the development of integrated curriculum and professional development resources. 
  • Science by Doing – concept plan 2006 and Stage One 2009-11
  • Australian School Science Education: National Action Plan 2008–12
  • National Science Curriculum Framing Paper 2008
Jef Byrne

Jef Byrne
Director Curriculum Development

Jef studied biology at the Australian National University and horticulture at the University of Western Sydney before specialising in plant propagation and tissue culture research in commercial plant nurseries in Queensland. His education qualifications were completed at the University of Canberra and has taught secondary science in Canberra and overseas. Jef has written various curriculum documents for the ACT education system, consulted on course accreditation, developed courses for the ANU Secondary College and is presently advising for ACARA on the national science curriculum for senior biology. He is responsible for the overall development of the Science by Doing curriculum units.

Kerrie Wilde

Dr Kerrie Wilde
Director Professional Learning and Strategic Development

Kerrie has post-graduate degrees in science, education and business, including a Doctorate in psychology from the University of Wollongong. She started her career as a chemist with Sydney WaterBoard before moving into education and psychology with lecturing positions at UTS and the University of Newcastle. She has held senior leadership positions in schools across NSW, TAS and ACT and has earned the reputation for developing innovative education programs and courses based on experiential learning and integrated technologies. Kerrie works closely with educators in schools and universities across Australia to enhance engagement and effectiveness of the Science by Doing curriculum and professional learning initiatives.

Jen Liu

Dr Jen Liu
Web/Digital Coordinator

Jen has a PhD degree in Computer Science from The Australian National University. She has taught undergraduate and post-graduate courses in Computer Science, including mathematics and programming. During her career, Jen has been responsible for information technology projects associated with system analysis, design, development and administration. Jen is engaged in web/digital coordination and development for Science by Doing.

Melissa Smith

Melissa Smith
Project Management Coordinator

Melissa has qualifications in project management and business administration and has previously worked with government, policy and lobbying organisations providing a range of administrative and secretariat services. Melissa undertakes project management coordination and support for Science by Doing across all areas of its work.

Katie Ryan

Katie Ryan
Administrative Officer

Katie has a strong administrative background with qualifications and experience in both the government and private sector. Katie has worked in executive assistant and project coordination roles and will provide administrative assistance and support to Science by Doing.

Georgina Ovin

Georgina Ovin
Administrative Officer

Georgina has qualifications in business and event management and has worked in the private sector and not for profit sector in marketing, communications, events and travel. Georgina’s role provides administrative services and support for Science by Doing.

Reflective of the national perspective of this project, Science by Doing engages contractors from all over the country to work on particular projects and resources.  This includes professional learning and curriculum writers, academic evaluators, digital developers, film and photography crews, graphic designers and others.