2025 STEMM Educator of the Year – University or Registered Training Organisation Finalists
Congratulations to the 2025 STEMM Educator of the Year (University or Registered Training Organisation) finalists.
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Making Mathematics for All
Dr Hayden Tronnolone
Flinders University
STEMM graduates are in increasing demand, and mathematics is essential to all STEMM disciplines. Engagement in mathematics has been declining, with fewer students studying advanced maths and a large proportion of school mathematics taught by out-of-field teachers.
Dr Hayden Tronnolone’s vision for mathematics education is grounded in his belief we must transform the curriculum to succeed in engaging students’ interest and confidence in studying university mathematics.
Dr Tronnolone has designed curricula to provide alternative pathways into mathematics and engaging learning opportunities. This includes novel elements for online education, with interactive tasks for engaging students in mathematical concepts and authentic assessment tasks to consolidate learning.
To upskill out-of-field high school teachers in mathematics, Dr Tronnolone designed a unique university course that has almost tripled the annual number of graduates, particularly benefitting regional and rural areas with acute shortages.
Dr Tronnolone has created new pathways through bridging subjects, including from the SA Technical Colleges, which allow students to successfully complete university mathematics. Dr Tronnolone has worked with schools to promote mathematics, providing professional development for teachers and inspiring students, and provided regular media interviews to promote mathematics.
Dr Tronnolone’s efforts have substantially increased the number of students taking mathematics, ensuring a pipeline of graduates to join the STEMM workforce.
Professor Withawat Withayachumnankul
The University of Adelaide
Professor Withawat Withayachumnankul is a leading STEMM educator and researcher who is significantly impacting both academia and society.
He leads Australia's largest terahertz technology group, driving innovation in areas like sensing and communications, which are crucial for future technologies. His work has resulted in numerous high-quality publications, prestigious awards (including the National Measurement Institute's Barry Inglis Medal and Optica Fellow), and successful grant funding.
Professor Withayachumnankul's impact extends to training the next generation of STEMM professionals. His students have secured positions at top global institutions. He fosters a supportive research environment, emphasising practical skills and industry engagement. This approach ensures graduates are job-ready, contributing to a skilled workforce and economic growth. His dedication to mentorship and research excellence strengthens Australia's position in advanced technology and benefits the broader community through innovation and societal advancement.
UniSA College STEMM
Dr Alice Betteridge, Dr Natasha Wilson
University of South Australia
Dr Alice Betteridge and Dr Natasha Wilson are passionate science educators committed to making STEMM accessible to all. As leaders in STEMM education within UniSA’s pathway programs they work with students from diverse backgrounds, many of whom are the first in family to attend university. Their inclusive and empowering teaching philosophy transforms science from something intimidating into something engaging, achievable and relevant.
Together, they design innovative, active learning experiences that build confidence, scientific literacy, and a genuine love of learning. Students role play biological processes, build understanding through novel board games, and participate in collaborative classrooms that make complex content memorable and fun. These experiences are paired with thoughtfully designed assessments that gradually build scientific literacy, critical thinking and study skills.
This approach has led to significant improvements in student success and engagement, especially in an area previously marked by high failure rates. With a strong focus on flexibility, they support students studying across South Australia, supporting people to remain in regional and remote communities whilst they study. Graduates from their programs are now successful in health and science degrees and careers, helping address workforce shortages and transforming lives through accessible, high-impact STEMM education.
