Dr Masha Smallhorn
Senior Lecturer
College of Science and Engineering
I graduated with a PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the Australian National University in 2004. During my PhD, I analysed developmental roles for the Drosophila melanogaster gene pebble (pbl). Using a diverse range of molecular, classical genetic and biochemical techniques, I identified a novel PBL-mediated intracellular signalling pathway that operates in mesodermal cells during mesoderm cell migration following ventral furrow formation.
The time spent working in the laboratory during my PhD fostered a love of learning and teaching. In 2005 I completed a Graduate Diploma in Education thus qualifying as a secondary teacher. I have built on this knowledge in my current position in the School of Biological Sciences at Flinders University. I recently completed a Graduate Certificate in Higher Education.
As an education-focussed academic I am passionate about higher education and fostering a love of learning in my students. My areas of interest include first year transition, laboratory learning, inquiry-based learning and genetics education. I am currently developing education focussed research projects to evaulate the redevelopment of first year biology laboratories.
Graduate Certificate in Higher Education from Flinders University (conferred in 2013).
Graduate Diploma in Education from the University of Adelaide (conferred 2005).
PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the Australian National University (conferred in 2004).
Bachelor of Science (First Class Honours) from the University of Adelaide (conferred in 1999).
Bachelor of Arts from the University of Adelaide (conferred in 1998).
2021 Dean Education's Award for Excellence in Teaching and Innovation (Student-Nominated)
2020 AAUT Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning
2020 Vice-Chancellor's Award for Innovation in Teaching
2020 Dean Education's Award for Excellence in Teaching and Innovation (Student-Nominated)
2019 Vice-Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching
2016 Executive Dean’s Excellence in Teaching Award, Faculty of Science and Engineering
2016 Faculty Teaching and Learning Innovation Grant: Development of a research skills toolkit for STEM students
2014 Grant for Embedding Transition Pedagogy Principles Across the First Year Curriculum
2014 Faculty Teaching and Learning Innovation Grant: Virtual laboratory simulations to improve the laboratory experience
Member of the STEM Academy
Topic Coordinator: Molecular Basis of Life (BIOL1102), Genetics, Evolution and Biodiversity (BIOL2702)
I am a passionate educator whose teaching philosophy is that students who are actively involved in the learning process create higher quality learners. My teaching is primarily focussed around laboratory learning at both the first and second year level. I use inquiry-based laboratories to encourage student-directed learning. I use active learning strategies during classes to encourage student participation.
I teach into the following topics:
- BIOL1102: Molecular Basis of Life
- BIOL2771: Biochemistry
- BIOL2702: Genetics and Evolution
- BIOL8702: Genetics and Evolution
- BIOL2772: Molecular Biology
Sturt Rd, Bedford Park
South Australia 5042
South Australia | Northern Territory
Global | Online
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