Nirma Samarawickrema

Associate Professor Nirma Samarawickrema is a teaching-intensive academic and a co-head of Teaching (undergraduates) in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. In her role at Monash University, she teaches Biochemistry to students enrolled in the Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine, Bachelor of Biomedical Science, Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Nutritional Science. As an educator, she has made major contributions to curriculum design, developing innovative teaching practices and pedagogical investigations to improve student learning. She models effective learning and teaching practices by implementing active learning, building robust, contemporary assessments and reviewing practical skills. Concurrently, she mentors colleagues and positively influences their educational and professional learning through her leadership.

Nirma demonstrates impactful national, Australasia-wide and international leadership through her engagement with professional bodies. As Chair of Education, Federation of Asian and Oceanian Biochemists and Molecular Biologists (FAOBMB) she leads several high-impact initiatives including chairing Education Symposia, with a focus on sharing practice and showcasing the work of Biochemistry educators within the region. She is an active member of the Higher Education Research and Development Society of Australasia (HERDSA) and mentors colleagues to formulate their Fellowship applications. In recognition of her leadership and excellence in teaching and learning, she was made a Fellow of HERDSA and a Senior Fellow of the UK Higher Education Academy. She is also the winner of the Australian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Education Award (2020) and the Federation of Asian and Oceanian Biochemists and Molecular Biologists, Education Award (2022).