Associate Professor Terri Downer | UniSC | University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

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Associate Professor Terri Downer

PhD Sunshine Coast, MAdvNurs Griff., GradCertClinEd James Cook, RN/RM, SFHEA

  • Discipline Lead, Midwifery
  • Associate Professor, Midwifery
  • School of Health
Email
Telephone
+ 61 7 5456 5765
Office location
SD-H1-3-3.41
Campus
Sunshine Coast
Terri Downer

Associate Professor Terri Downer is Discipline Lead for Midwifery having originally joined UniSC in 2010. Terri’s international career has spanned over 30 years during which time she has specialised in midwifery, neonatal intensive care, IVF, community and emergency nursing.

Terri is an invited peer reviewer for a variety of international journals. She has established herself as a Chief Investigator on higher education research projects. The focus of her research is the use of innovative technologies to engage both health professionals and students in authentic and blended learning. Through the scholarship of teaching and learning Terri has led projects introducing students to ePortfolios, 3D technology and video assessment.

Terri has extensive experience in designing and delivering online and face-to-face education. Her Advance award for Blended Learning addressed the use of emerging technologies such as QR codes, immersive simulation and the use of ePortfolios. In 2019 Terri became a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA) in recognition of her outstanding work in higher education.

 

Professional Memberships 

  • Australian College of Midwifery (ACM)

  • Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
  • Australian College of Nursing (MACN)
  • International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning (INACSL)

Research grants

Project name Funding body Year

Evaluation of the learning effect of VR on midwifery education.

Pfizer

2020-2021

Paediatric education and assessment for non-urgent transfer (PEANUT): Evaluation of the PEANUT project.

Wishlist/ SERFT

2019-2021

An Evaluation of 3D Visualisation Technology in Midwifery Education CDU Rainmaker Grant $7,500

2019-2020

Applying student voices in the evaluation of current blended learning initiatives at USC Exploratory Grant $20,000

2017–2018

Designing a Graduate ePortfolio: Exploring the Expectations of Industry CLTGP A$15,000

2016-2018

Expert in my pocket: a mobile-enabled repository of learning resources for the development of clinical skills in student health professionals OLT A$180,000

2013-2015

Process Practice and Pedagogy in Antenatal Education HDR Student Research Grant A$3,757 2012-2013
Learning about Mothering and Baby: Implementing a perinatal parenting program for first time mothers OHMR Project Grant approx. A$15,000 2012-2013

Research areas

  • Scholarship of teaching and learning practice in higher education
  • Simulation and 3D visualisation: design and implementation
  • Maternal, neonatal and child health
  • Digital and maternal health literacy

Teaching areas

  • Higher Degree Research supervision
  • Masters Research supervision
  • Nursing and midwifery courses
  • Child, youth and family health care

Terri Downer's area of expertise includes nursing, parenting, child birth, breastfeeding and midwifery.

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