Researcher Profiles

This page provides a brief introduction to some of our research-active staff and their areas of interest. Please see our publications page for research outputs.

Dr Tim Gander

Emailtim.gander@academyex.ac.nz
RolePostgraduate Director
QualificationsMaster of Education
PhD (USQ)
Background / ExperienceSecondary education
Digital and collaborative learning
Research
Interests
AI in Education
Initial Teacher Education
Critical Pedagogy
Coaching
Social Justice
Agency
ORCiDhttps://orcid.org/0000-0001-7388-3519

Dr Craig Hilton

Emailcraig.hilton@academyex.ac.nz
RoleLead Advisor
Qualifications PhD
Background / ExperienceScience
biotechnology
biomedical research
art
Research InterestsArt practice to facilitate public conversation about biotechnology and science
ORCiDhttps://orcid.org/0009-0000-5184-2185

Dr David Parsons

Emaildavid.parsons@academyex.ac.nz
RoleResearch Director
Qualifications PhD Information Technology
Background / ExperienceSoftware development
Higher education
Technology enhanced learning
Research
Interests
Agile and Lean Methods
Digital Curricula
Mobile Learning
AI in Education
ORCiDhttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-9815-036X

Dr Tara Pond

Emailtara.pond@academyex.ac.nz
RoleAcademic Manager
QualificationsPhD – AUT (2021)
Background / ExperienceRainbow people experience of identity and marginalisation
Digital mediated experiences
Research ethics
Qualitative methods, survey development
Social Psychology
Research
Interests
Social Justice and Human Rights
Gender and Sexuality
AI Ethics
Social Media
I love evaluating anything in our society through a critical lens
ORCiDhttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-9815-036X

Dr Hayley Sparks

Emailhayley.sparks@academyex.ac.nz
RoleAcademic Director
QualificationsPhD Geography
Background / ExperienceDigital technology in education
practice-based research
how systems of privilege operate to shape the lived realities of children.
Research InterestsIntersection of geography and education
understanding relationships between people and place.
Micro-credentials
ORCiD https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6685-7280

Dr Herbert Thomas

Emailherbert.thomas@academyex.ac.nz
RoleMCE Programme Lead
Qualifications PhD
Background / ExperienceTechnology-integrated education;
leadership and management of
technology-integrated education in secondary and tertiary institutions.
Research InterestsComplexity in education
critical pedagogy
educational leadership in complex environments
value-sensitive design in education.
ORCiDhttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-3752-791X