Annette Koenders

Associate Professor Annette Koenders is an Associate Dean (Medical and Exercise Science) at Edith Cowan University (ECU) within the School of Medical and Health Sciences. She leads initiatives in curriculum development, international collaborations (China/UK), and indigenisation of science curricula. Her roles include fostering inclusive academic culture and managing teaching strategies. She holds a PhD in Monash University and a Graduate Certificate in Education from ECU.

Research Interests: Conservation biogeography, environmental DNA (eDNA) monitoring for species detection, genetic resistance in rodents, and metabolomics in endangered crayfish. Her work spans aquatic invertebrates, conservation genomics, and teaching pedagogy. Over $600k in grants support her projects on rodenticide resistance, seagrass microbiomes, and stygofauna biodiversity.

Teaching: Current courses include MMS2103 Clinical Biochemistry. Past roles include coordinating courses, curriculum design, and serving on ECU committees like Academic Board and Student Appeals. Her teaching innovations include online delivery strategies during the pandemic and interdisciplinary collaborations.

Awards: 2011 Dean’s Award (ECU), 1999 Teaching Fellowship Award (ECU). She has supervised 6 Honours, 6 Master’s, and 7 PhD students. Her professional associations include the Australian Council of Deans of Science and HERDSA.

Grants & Projects: Key projects include eDNA tracking in rivers, rodenticide resistance detection, and biodiversity monitoring in WA ecosystems. She has led over 20 grants since 2002, including studies on Pilbara crustaceans and seagrass holobionts.