First published 25 February 2026
Dr Samuel Cunningham from the QUT School of Electrical Engineering & Robotics received an Award for Teaching Excellence for his technology-enhanced initiatives designed to strengthen the student experience at QUT and which have influenced practice across the higher education sector
Dr Cunningham has previously been awarded an AAUT citation. His research areas include engineering education and natural language processing, where he focuses on computationally extracting information from student-written pieces of text. Dr Cunningham says he is committed to improving student success in first-year engineering, reforming institutional evaluation processes, and building the capability of Australian engineering educators.
The following four QUT educators were presented with AAUT Citations:
- Dr Cate Challen, Senior Lecturer with the QUT School of Education, received a Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning (Early Career) in acknowledgement of her work as “an early career educator transforming pre-service teacher mathematics education through innovative, student-centred practices.”
- Associate Professor Elise Pelzer from the QUT School of Biomedical Sciences and QUT School of Medicine received a Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning for “It’s more than hand hygiene: engaging junior health students in effective infection control practices through innovative, research-inspired practical activities and AI-driven feedback.”
- Associate Professor Dr Pascal Buenzli from the QUT School of Mathematical Sciences received a Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning for “making mathematics engaging and affordable to today’s students transitioning into Engineering degrees with day jobs and math anxiety.”
- Dr Rae Haynes, Senior Lecturer with the QUT School of Creative Arts, received a Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning “for transforming Visual Arts pedagogy by embedding critical praxis and preparing students for sustainable, self-determined careers in the creative and cultural industries.”
QUT Provost Professor Robina Xavier said: “Excellence in Learning and Teaching Practice is central to QUT’s mission for transformative Education.
“These awards not only showcase the excellence at QUT but right across the sector from which we can all learn and drive future practice.”
The AAUTs were established in 1997 by the Australian Government to celebrate and reward excellence in university teaching. Since then, the Awards have become a valued form of recognition for university educators Australia wide.
The AAUTs recognise the impact that educators have on the learning and teaching experiences and outcomes of university students. They celebrate and reward programs and practices that support students and enhance learning. They promote excellence in learning and teaching in all aspects of higher education.
Awards for Teaching Excellence honour Australia’s most outstanding university teachers who have demonstrated excellent leadership through sustained commitment to innovation, delivery of quality teaching and sustained dedication to improving the student experience and learning outcomes.
Citations recognise and reward the diversity of contributions made by individuals and teams to the quality of student learning. They are awarded to individuals or teams who have contributed to the quality of student learning in a specific area of responsibility over a sustained period.
For more information on the awards and past and present recipients, visit Australian Awards for University Teaching – Universities Australia.
Main photo, from left: Associate Professor Dr Pascal Buenzli, Dr Samuel Cunningham, Dr Rae Haynes, Associate Professor Elise Pelzer and Dr Cate Challen.
Media contact:
Amanda Weaver
QUT Media
media@qut.edu.au
07 3138 2361 / 0407 585 901 (After Hours)
