About the Authors
Dr Anna Chruścik is an early career researcher with a genuine curiosity in molecular biology and its implications in biomedical research. In the realm of academia, Dr. Chruscik is not just a lecturer in biomedical sciences but is also deeply involved in the research of open educational resources (OER). Believing in the importance of student-centered learning, she continually explores ways to enhance student satisfaction. Their research in the efficacy and integration of OER is driven by a commitment to ensuring equitable and affordable access to reliable information for all students. Through this dual focus on both biomedical research and pedagogical methods, Anna hopes to contribute positively to both the scientific community and the next generation of researchers.
Dr Kate Kauter is an Associate Professor in biomedical science at the University of Southern Queensland. She has taught anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology and microbiology to students from many disciplines including nursing, biomedical sciences, food sciences and agricultural sciences, among others. Kate has developed a number of digital activities to increase student interaction with these content areas and has deployed the use of current technologies, including use of 3D and animations in practical classes to inspire students’ learning. The latest venture is the provision of an open education resource for the study of anatomy and physiology to allow all students access to the fundamental information needed in the understanding of the human body.
Dr Stuart Ellem is an experienced biomedical researcher and senior lecturer at the University of Southern Queensland. He teaches fundamental anatomy and physiology, with a particular focus on endocrinology and reproduction, as well as pharmacology and pathophysiology. Dr Ellem’s research examines oestrogen synthesis and action in the prostate, particularly the emerging link between aberrant oestrogen exposure, inflammation, and prostate cancer. His work has been supported by National and International funding bodies, including the NHMRC, Victorian Cancer Council, the United States Department of Defense, and the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.
Dr Eliza Whiteside is a biomedical science researcher and Professor at the University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Australia. For the past two decades, Eliza has taught courses in introductory biomedical science, cell and molecular biology, anatomy and physiology, laboratory methods, pathophysiology and biotechnology in universities in Australia and in the United Kingdom. Eliza’s passion is in improving the lives of others through accessible knowledge building, using learning and teaching scholarship, research and community outreach. Her research background is investigating dysregulated cell biology in cancer and chronic wounds. Her community outreach includes cancer education to the public and ‘hands on’ science, particularly in underserved communities such as regional and remote schools.
Dr Louisa Windus is a lecturer and researcher in the school of Health and Wellbeing (Biomedical Sciences) at the University of Southern Queensland, Australia. Louisa has a passion for developing methods that foster engagement and empower students to learn. Outside of the classroom, Louisa’s research focusses on biomarkers or molecular factors that mediate cancer progression and growth. She has collaborated extensively with research institutes across Australia and has been influential in developing novel 3D in vitro models that have helped expediate the drug discovery pipeline.
