Dr Paula Facal Marina
Casual Academic
College of Science and Engineering
I am the Discipline Lead for the Diploma of Engineering at Flinders University Academy. I am a qualified educational leader and a valued team member. I have more than 20 years of experience as an educator, 10 years in Spain and 10 years in Australia (UniSA, University of Adelaide, SAIBT and Flinders University). In all the positions I have held, I have demonstrated my ability to improve the learning experiences of the students.
I am a Medium Career Researcher with a PhD in Materials Science, currently holding the status of visiting academic at Flinders University. I have extensive experience working within interdisciplinary research teams, including students, post-docs and senior academic and professional staff. My research interests are focused on the synthesis of inorganic/organic nanomaterials and their characterisation utilising a wide variety of basic and advanced analytical techniques. I have developed research expertise in various state�of�the�art methods to develop new materials for different applications: manufacture of sensors, plasmonics, surface chemistry and more recently for biomedical applications. I favour research that is applied and collaborative, addressing real�world problems.
Doctor of Philosophy (FI-EA-LPHD) | Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia (2017)
Masters in Science and Technology of Colloids and Interfaces | University of Vigo, Spain (2012)
Masters in Quality Management (ISO 9001-2008) and Internal Quality Auditor, Spain (2010)
Bachelor of Chemistry Sciences | School of Science, University of Buenos Aires, Argentina (1993)
Graduate Certificate in Digital Learning | University of South Australia (2023)
Senior Fellow (SFHEA) - Recognition UK teaching Professional Standards in Higher Education (2023)
o 2020 Australian Federation of University Women SA Inc. Trust Postdoctoral Grant
o China–Australia Centre for Health Sciences Research (CACHSR) – CHIEF INVESTIGATOR 2018
o China–Australia Centre for Health Sciences Research (CACHSR) - 2017
o UniSA Travel Grant – University of South Australia - 2015
o PhD Scholarship – International President Scholarship – University of South Australia - 2012
o Post-Graduate Travel Grant – University of Vigo – 1998/2000/2011
I am a qualified STEM Senior Lecturer with over 20 years of experience. I started my teaching career when I was an undergraduate student. Through connecting students learning with their interests, I have been successful in engaging students in learning. I found that incorporating real-world examples into learning of STEM subjects can help students understand why they are in school and how these lessons lead them to achieve their goals. I am currently the Discipline Lead for the Diploma of Engineering at Flinders University Academy (FUA).
Past teaching positions (Australia):
Lecturer and tutor Chemistry courses - UniSA (2105 - 2020)
Course Coordinator Pj=hysiscs 1, Physics 2, Mathes and Stats and Engineering Materials - SAIBT
Discipline Lead Diploma of Engineering - SAIBT
Academic Coordinator Diploma of Engineering and IT - SAIBT
Online Tutor Introductory Engineering Physics and Engineering materials - UniSA online
Online Course Facilitator Introductory Engineering Chemistry - UniSA online
o Scientists and Mathematicians in Schools (SMiS) – Volunteer - Managed by CSIRO – 08/2017 - current
o Premier’s Women’s Directory - January 2020 – current
o EMCR Representative of the University of South Australia for the EMCR Representative Network, 01/2019 – 08/2020
o Scimex (the Science Media Exchange) - Online news portal aimed primarily at helping journalists cover science - July 2017 - current
o Scientists and Mathematicians in Schools (SMiS) – Volunteer - Managed by CSIRO – 08/2017 - current
o Member of the FII ECR committee – 03/2017 – 08/2020
o Member of the ITMS HDR committee – 06/2016 – 02/2017
o Student representative Wark Fund Advisory Group – 06/2013 – 10/2016
o IACIS (International Association of Colloid and Interfaces Scientist) – 01/2015 - current
o Australian Nanotechnology Network – 01/2014 – current
Contributions as a reviewer: Carbohydrate Polymers & Materials Science and Engineering
- Chemistry
- Education - Science
- Engineering - Biomedical
- Medical research
- Science
- Consultancy
Field Chemistry Technician – wastewater treatment plants - Inserpyme Global (June 2010 – November 2010)
Field Service Consultant - Mira Novas Tecnoloxias S.L. September 2009 – 15 May 2010)
Business agent and consultant for corporate training and development - Activa Formacion (January 2009 – 22 June 2009)
Research Assistant - School of Industrial Engineering - University of Vigo July 1998 – June 2008
Sturt Rd, Bedford Park
South Australia 5042
South Australia | Northern Territory
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