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.

Tim Gander

Emailtim.gander@academy.ac.nz
RolePostgraduate Director
QualificationsMaster of Education
PhD Candidate (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@academy.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@academy.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 Hayley Sparks

Emailhayley.sparks@academy.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@academy.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