Rebecca LeBard

Associate Professor Rebecca LeBard serves as Associate Dean for Education, Innovation and Student Experience in the Faculty of Science at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), while also holding the position of Director of First Year studies in the School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences. With a PhD in molecular microbiology from the University of Sydney, she has established herself as a leading figure in both STEM education scholarship and molecular microbiology research.

Her academic credentials include:

• BSc (Hons), University of Sydney
• PhD, University of Sydney
• Graduate Certificate in University Learning and Teaching, UNSW
• Master of Education (Higher Education), UNSW

Dr. LeBard's scholarly work spans two primary domains: molecular microbiology and STEM education innovation. Her microbiology research focuses on plasmid genetics, antibiotic resistance mechanisms in Staphylococcus aureus, microbial molecular markers for environmental monitoring, and secondary metabolite production. Her educational scholarship centers on quantitative skills development for biology students, threshold concepts in science learning, and innovative teaching methodologies. She developed a signature pedagogy model for science education and has led national conversations about the declining mathematics preparedness among STEM students entering university.

Her publication record reveals a strong emphasis on the integration of quantitative reasoning in biological sciences education, with recent work examining how high school mathematics preparation influences success in tertiary biology studies. Her research addresses critical national challenges as mathematics enrollment in Australia has reached historic lows while STEM workforce demands continue to grow.

Her notable recognitions include:

• UNSW Vice Chancellor's Award for Teaching Excellence (2015)
• Australian University Teaching Award Citation for contributions to student learning (2016)
• Senior Fellow of Advance HE (formerly Higher Education Academy UK)

As an educator, Dr. LeBard convenes foundational biology courses including BABS1201 Molecules, Cells and Genes and BABS1202 Applied Biomolecular Sciences, and teaches in biochemistry and medical programs. Her leadership extends to the Australian Society of Microbiology where she served as Vice-president (communication) from 2017-2024, and as an author for The Conversation where she communicates scientific concepts to broader audiences.