Dr Subhashni Appanna
Faculty of Creative Industries, Education & Social Justice,
School of Education
Biography
Dr Subhashni Appanna brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to advancing science education in both secondary and tertiary settings. Commencing the educational journey as a secondary Science and Mathematics teacher, Subhashni currently holds the position of Science Education Lecturer in the Faculty of Creative Industries, Education, and Social Justice, as well as the School of Education. Passionate about unravelling the complexities of science teaching and learning, her research focuses on addressing the pervasive issue of student dissatisfaction in school science. With a keen interest in emotional experiences within the classroom, her PhD research identified student emotions associated with science inquiry activities, shedding light on the nuanced interplay of emotions in the learning process. A recipient of recent SEED grants exploring the intersection of emotion and epistemic cognition in preservice science teachers and attitudes towards AI in teaching and learning, Subhashni actively contributes to vital inquiry for the advancement of science education. Recognised for her excellence, she received nominations for the David Gardiner Teacher of the Year Award and the 2023 Vice-Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence. In 2025, she received the Learning and Teaching Award for her Faculty, a nominee award for Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice, and a Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of Outstanding contributions to QUT Early Career Academic Perspectives. As a member of the STEM Education Research Group and the Teachers and Teaching Research Group within her Faculty, Subhashni collaborates with like-minded scholars to further enrich the academic landscape. Additionally, her role as a reviewer for various Q1 academic journals underscores her commitment to scholarly rigour. Driven by a passion for developing quality preservice science teachers, Subhashni aims to equip them with pedagogical content knowledge and an understanding of student emotional experiences, fostering responsive teaching practices in the dynamic landscape of 21st-century education. Her unwavering dedication is fuelled by the support of her family, students, past students, colleagues, and mentors, collectively inspiring her to navigate the challenges of emotion research and practice in science education.Personal details
Positions
- Lecturer in Education (Science)
Faculty of Creative Industries, Education & Social Justice,
School of Education
Qualifications
- PhD (Queensland University of Technology)
Professional memberships and associations
QUT STEM Education Research Group
QUT Teachers and Teaching Research Group
Australasian Science Education Research Association
Science Teachers Association of Queensland
Centre for Inclusive Education
Teaching
EUN223 Curriculum Innovation in Secondary Contexts
EUN120 Curriculum and Pedagogy: Foundations
EUB170 Professional Experience: Introduction to Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment
EUB154 Foundations of Science
EUB335 Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment: Senior Secondary Science
EUB420 Curriculum, Pedagogy, and Assessment: Innovations
Experience
I actively translate research-informed practice into real-world impact through leadership in science education, curriculum development, and professional engagement. My work bridges theory and practice by embedding emotionally responsive pedagogies and inclusive strategies into Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programs, equipping future teachers to meet diverse classroom needs. As Unit Coordinator and co-designer of multidisciplinary science education units, I lead curriculum innovation aligned with QCAA standards and QUT’s strategic priorities for real-world learning.
I am also the developer and coordinator of micro‑credentials designed for pre‑service and in‑service teachers, focused on teaching science for deep conceptual understanding and igniting learner curiosity through engaging, evidence‑based pedagogies. These micro‑credentials translate research from my PhD and ExPREP evidence into scalable professional learning experiences, supporting teachers to design inclusive, intellectually rigorous, and emotionally responsive science learning environments. Beyond the university, I foster strong partnerships with schools, professional associations, and industry. As Lead Convenor for the Senior Science Professional Development Event (STAQ–QUT) and ASERA57 International Conference, I have designed and delivered large-scale professional learning experiences for educators and researchers. My invited role on the ACARA Board to review the Senior Secondary Chemistry curriculum demonstrates national recognition of my expertise in shaping evidence-informed policy and practice.I extend engagement through keynote addresses, for example, at the University of Mataram, Indonesia, and presentations at major national and international conferences, including the Leo International Conferences - Global Women Power Summit (London), ASERA, and CONASTA, and through micro-credential development for in-service teachers. I am also a serial presenter of my PhD findings at the Queensland Association of Combined Sector Leaders forums. My research in equity, diversity, and inclusion projects and Generative AI integration initiatives reflects a commitment to addressing sector-wide challenges and advancing innovative, ethical teaching practices. These contributions exemplify QUT’s vision for transformative education and position me as a leader in connecting research, teaching, and community for meaningful societal impact.
Publications
Filter publications:
A complete list of publications is available at: https://www.qut.edu.au/about/our-people/academic-profiles/s.appanna
Supervision
Looking for a postgraduate research supervisor?
I am currently accepting research students for Honours, Masters and PhD study.
You can browse existing student topics offered by QUT or propose your own topic.