Researcher Profiles

This page introduces some of our research-active staff and their areas of interest. Please see our publications page for research outputs.

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
Digital Learning
AI in Education
ORCiDhttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-9815-036X

Dr Stephen Powell

Emailstephen.powell@academyex.ac.nz
RoleDirector of Teaching and Learning
QualificationsPhD Higher Education
Background / ExperienceHigher Education
11-18 School Education
Higher Educational Development
Research
Interests
Technology in Education
Application of Soft Systems
ORCiDhttps://orcid.org/0000-0003-3906-5867

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