Lorna Jarrett

Senior Lecturer in Physics A non-traditional academic and former schoolteacher, I see teaching as a creative pursuit. I find delight in disproving the popular idea of Physics as difficult and abstract, and busting the myth of the Arts-Science divide. As a neurodivergent learner and educator and person with invisible disabilities, I relate to students who struggle to achieve their full potential in conventional learning environments. This has driven my creation of inclusive teaching spaces; affirming pastoral care; shaping the teaching practice of others; and contribution of expertise to UOW guidelines and procedures. I challenge the Medical/Deficit models of neurominorities and disability, promoting lived-experience and strengths-based understanding. I am passionate about increasing accessibility for under-represented groups. I coordinate EIS Conscious Communities Team, working with UOW Indigenous Academics to centre Country in our teaching, research and professional activities; and coordinate PHYS254 "Climate Change, Energy and Sustinable Societies" - currently EIS' only subject to embed Aboriginal Knowledge Systems in an integrated and systemic way. I am a member of UOW EIS and Central EDI committees, UOW Disability Inclusion Network Advisory Committee and Values in Action Working Group. My Doctoral research focused on students' understanding of climate change science and the development of the Climate Change Concept Inventory, which is now in its third version and is available to all educators and researchers on request. I have also published and presented on the design and delivery of effective outreach programs for schools. My current reseach focus supports my scholarly activities: disability/neuroinlusivity advocacy; a Decolonising approach to inclusive Learning and Teaching; and the impact of Country-centred learning activities. I create engaging outreach programs for primary school to high school, and professional development programs for school teachers. I also design and deliver innovative undergraduate programs of study. I am a passionate advocate for Equity Diversity and Inclusion in Physics and Engineering, and of authentic and respectful approaches to bringing Aboriginal values and Knowledges into Physics and Engineering Education. In 2023 I was awarded the EIS Faculty award for Outstanding Contribution to Teaching and Learning and in 2024 was promoted to Senior Lecturer. Science, technology and engineering curriculum and pedagogy, Other Education, Curriculum and pedagogy, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander information and knowledge management systems