Birgit Loch

Professor Birgit Loch is the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Learning & Teaching and Executive Dean of the Institute of Education, Arts and Community at Federation University Australia. She holds a PhD in computational mathematics and qualifications in tertiary teaching, management, and company direction, reflecting her interdisciplinary expertise. Her career spans leadership roles at multiple institutions, including the University of New England, La Trobe University, Swinburne University of Technology, and others, where she advanced teaching innovation and faculty development.

Her research focuses on mathematics education, educational technologies, blended and online learning, pen-enabled tools, open educational resources, and fostering teaching-focused academic models. She champions student and staff experience enhancements through digital learning and peer-support initiatives, notably co-founding the WATTLE women’s leadership program.

Recent publications highlight her work on teaching-focused faculty roles, pandemic-driven educational technologies, student-created resources, and interdisciplinary collaborations. Themes include reducing statistics anxiety, optimizing blended learning, and promoting equity through peer support.

• Australian Learning and Teaching Council Citation
• Australian Award for University Teaching
• Best concise paper award at Ascilite 2021
• Several university teaching awards

Loch’s grant and project history includes multi-institutional studies on technology adoption (e.g., tablet PCs, screencasts) and leadership in programs like PeCALE and SJIDE. She actively engages with professional networks, including the Australian Mathematical Society and ASCILITE.