STEM Profile: Linda Pfeiffer

Linda Pfeiffer

Science education researcher

Associate Professor Linda Pfeiffer is founder of STEM Central, a purpose-built facility in Gladstone, central Queensland. Linda develops and delivers creative science and STEM experiences for people of all ages and backgrounds. Linda has won multiple awards and is a great connector of people.

City/town: Gladstone

State: QLD

STEMM sectors: Education, Research

Open to being contacted about the following volunteer roles: Board positions, Speaking at professional events/panels, Speaking at schools

Guiding principle: People and partnerships are central to success. Science is part of everyday life. Regardless of background, everyone should have access to understanding science in their own way. Never give up.

Areas of expertise: science education, situated learning, learning environments, regional enagement

Contact Linda Pfeiffer

Q&A

What’s a problem in your field that keeps you up at night, and why does it matter to you personally?

The teacher shortage in Australia, particularly in regional and remote locations and specifically in STEM subject areas is of concern. To have a workforce pipeline in STEM fields there needs to be support for schools and teaching as a profession, and initial teacher education at universities.

What’s a small, everyday habit or mindset that has made a big difference in how you approach your work?

Always give people your time. Regardless of how “busy” you are, stop and take the time to talk to people, listen and connect. You never know where it might lead, and who you might be impacting indirectly.

What role does creativity play in your work, and how do you nurture it?

Creativity is central to science. I am always trying to create new and exciting programs and ways of doing things. I am fortunate to work with Creatives in my region and at CQU, that how I nature creativity: bouncing ideas from others and being inspired by them.

How do you navigate moments of doubt or failure in high-stakes or highly technical environments?

I take a breath, look at the ocean or go outside to nature, then pick myself back up again and keep on going. I lean on others, collaborate, share, and never give up. Theres always a way, it just might not be the traditional pathway or most obvious answer.

What change, big or small, would you most like to see in the culture of STEMM fields over the next decade?

A greater focus on education – early learning, schools, teachers and initial teacher education.

What is the thing you enjoy most about your role?

I love research. It keeps me excited and is never boring. I love science and citizen science so as a researcher I am able to design and develop programs and ways of measuring their impacts. It is flexible and exciting. I get to work with a broad range of people.