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
craig.hilton@academyex.ac.nz | |
Role | Lead Advisor |
Qualifications | PhD |
Background / Experience | Science Biotechnology Biomedical research art |
Research Interests | Art practice to facilitate public conversation about biotechnology and science |
ORCiD | https://orcid.org/0009-0000-5184-2185 |

Dr David Parsons
david.parsons@academyex.ac.nz | |
Role | Research Director |
Qualifications | PhD Information Technology |
Background / Experience | Software development Higher education Technology enhanced learning |
Research Interests | Agile and Lean Methods Digital Curricula Digital Learning AI in Education |
ORCiD | https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9815-036X |

Dr Stephen Powell
stephen.powell@academyex.ac.nz | |
Role | Director of Teaching and Learning |
Qualifications | PhD Higher Education |
Background / Experience | Higher Education 11-18 School Education Higher Educational Development |
Research Interests | Technology in Education Application of Soft Systems |
ORCiD | https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3906-5867 |

Dr Hayley Sparks
hayley.sparks@academyex.ac.nz | |
Role | Academic Director |
Qualifications | PhD Geography |
Background / Experience | Digital technology in education Practice-based research How systems of privilege operate to shape the lived realities of children. |
Research Interests | Intersection of geography and education Understanding relationships between people and place Micro-credentials |
ORCiD | https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6685-7280 |

Dr Herbert Thomas
herbert.thomas@academyex.ac.nz | |
Role | MCE Programme Lead |
Qualifications | PhD |
Background / Experience | Technology-integrated education Leadership and management of technology-integrated education in secondary and tertiary institutions |
Research Interests | Complexity in education Critical pedagogy Educational leadership in complex environments Value-sensitive design in education. |
ORCiD | https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3752-791X |