Ian Lightbody

Ian Lightbody is a PhD Candidate at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and holds the role of Strategic Lead (Support for Learning) at QUT, alongside being a Senior Fellow of Advance Higher Education. His doctoral research focuses on STEM support-for-learning in higher education, emphasizing peer-to-peer approaches, proactive motivational support, and collaborative organizational strategies. Previously, he coordinated the nationally and internationally acclaimed QUT STIMulate Program, which provides academic support in STEM disciplines.

Education:

• PhD Candidate in STEM Education (QUT)
• Masters by Research in Education (Queensland University of Technology, 2010)
• Postgraduate qualifications in Education and Business

Research Interests: Ian’s work centers on enhancing student success through innovative educational models. His key areas include peer-to-peer learning strategies, academic support systems, and institutional frameworks that foster student engagement and retention in STEM fields. He also explores leadership approaches in educational settings, as evidenced by his 2010 case study on shared leadership in Queensland schools.

Publications: His research spans topics like STEM support program design, student help-seeking behaviors, and the role of peer-created resources in overcoming challenging STEM concepts. His work frequently addresses institutional strategies to improve academic outcomes and student well-being.

Awards & Recognition: The QUT STIMulate Program, which Ian oversaw, has received multiple national and international accolades, though specific awards for Ian personally are not explicitly listed.

Advising & Grants: Supervised by Associate Professor Bronwyn Ewing and Dr. Chrystal Whiteford, Ian’s doctoral research is supported by QUT’s STEM Education Research Group. While no specific grants are mentioned, his involvement in STIMulate suggests institutional support for his initiatives.

Labs & Teams: Central to his work is the STEM Education Research Group at QUT and the QUT STIMulate Program team, which collaborates across disciplines to develop and implement academic support strategies.