Terri Downer

Associate Professor Terri Downer is a Discipline Lead in Midwifery at the University of the Sunshine Coast's School of Health. She holds a PhD from USC, an MAdvNurs from Griffith University, and a GradCertClinEd from James Cook University. With over 30 years of international experience in midwifery, neonatal care, and nursing, she specializes in innovative educational technologies and blended learning.

Her research focuses on integrating emerging technologies like 3D visualization, virtual reality, and QR codes into healthcare education. Notable contributions include the 'Expert in my Pocket' mobile learning repository (funded by OLT) and studies on VR in midwifery training. She is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA) and has received the Advance Award for Blended Learning.

Teaching responsibilities include coordinating the Bachelor of Midwifery (Honours) and supervising HDR/Masters research. Professional memberships include the Australian College of Midwifery, Australian College of Nursing, and INACSL.

Recent grants include Pfizer-funded VR training projects (2020-2021) and CDU Rainmaker grants for 3D visualization (2019-2020). Her work explores maternal health literacy, simulation-based learning, and the impact of digital tools on clinical skills.