Nicole Masters

Associate Professor Nicole Masters holds dual roles as Associate Dean (Learning and Teaching) and Associate Professor in Bioscience at the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC), affiliated with the School of Health and the Centre for Bioinnovation. She completed her PhD at UniSC investigating novel methods for detecting microbial water pollution sources. Her research focuses on water microbiology, environmental microbiology, and biomedical science communication, with notable contributions to microbial source tracking, bacterial pathogenesis, and STEM education strategies. She has published extensively on E. coli virulence, fecal pollution markers, and student engagement in foundational courses. Her work bridges environmental science and public health, emphasizing practical applications of microbiology in water quality management. Teaching areas include Introductory Bioscience and Cell Biology, complemented by professional development in learning-centered pedagogy. Professional memberships include the Australian Society for Microbiology and International Water Association.

Education:

• PhD in Bioscience, University of the Sunshine Coast
• BSc (Hons) in Bioscience, University of the Sunshine Coast
• Graduate Certificate in Professional Learning, University of the Sunshine Coast

Research Interests: Nicole’s work addresses microbial contamination in water systems, particularly using molecular methods to trace pollution sources. She investigates virulence traits of E. coli strains linked to human and environmental health, with implications for inflammatory bowel disease and urinary tract infections. Her educational research focuses on optimizing synchronous/asynchronous STEM learning through blended learning strategies, lecture design, and active learning frameworks.

Publications Trends: Her articles span environmental microbiology, clinical microbiology, and education innovation. Recent work emphasizes E. coli clonal group behavior in human/environmental contexts and pedagogical tools to enhance student engagement in first-year STEM courses. Early-career research focused on developing sensitive pathogen detection methods in surface waters, reflecting a trajectory from methodological innovation to interdisciplinary applications.

Grants & Advising: While specific grants are not detailed, her research activities imply sustained funding in environmental and biomedical sciences. She advises students in bioscience disciplines, though formal advisee names are not documented here.

Labs/Teams: Active member of the Centre for Bioinnovation, collaborating on projects linking microbial science to health and environmental sustainability.