DrLeni Rivera
Senior Lecturer
Faculty of Health/School of Medicine/Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation
Orcid identifier0000-0002-8334-4479 (opens in a new tab)
- Senior LecturerFaculty of Health/School of Medicine/Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation
- +61 3 522 72838 (Work)
- Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus, 75 Pigdons Road, Waurn Ponds, Victoria 3216
TEACHING EXPERTISE
I am passionate about creating learning environments in which students feel supported, challenged and empowered to succeed. My teaching philosophy is shaped by the concept of evolution, recognising that learning, teaching and professional growth are continuous processes of adaptation, reflection and development. Just as biological systems evolve in response to their environment, I continually refine my practice in response to evidence, feedback and the changing needs of learners. My teaching is grounded in the belief that education is both transformative and developmental, helping learners build knowledge, confidence and professional identity while preparing them to apply their skills in real-world settings.
As a medical educator, I lead teaching within Deakin's Doctor of Medicine (MD) program, designing and delivering integrated learning experiences that connect foundational biomedical science with clinical practice. I am particularly interested in integrating physiology, pathology and patient care to help students develop a coherent understanding of disease mechanisms and their clinical application. My teaching draws on evidence-informed approaches, active learning and technology-enhanced strategies that support students to connect biomedical science with clinical practice, developing the knowledge and reasoning required for future medical practice.
A key focus of my work is supporting learner progression. I lead curriculum and assessment design that aligns learning activities with authentic clinical application, while creating opportunities for students to receive feedback, build confidence and develop as independent learners. Student support and wellbeing are central to my approach, and I strive to create inclusive and responsive learning environments that recognise the diverse backgrounds, experiences and responsibilities students bring to their studies.
Beyond teaching, I am committed to developing future researchers, educators and leaders through supervision and mentoring. I supervise Honours, Masters and PhD students, providing structured guidance and opportunities that foster independence, curiosity and career development. My approach is grounded in partnership and relational leadership, helping students and early career researchers build the skills, confidence and networks needed to thrive in academic, clinical and industry settings.
Ultimately, I aim to create environments where students and researchers can contribute, progress and lead, recognising that meaningful learning is not simply about acquiring knowledge, but about evolving into capable, reflective and compassionate professionals.
TEACHING ACTIVITIES
- UNIT CHAIRFEATUREDDoctor of Medicine HME921 Unit Chair1 Jan 2023 - 31 Dec 2025
- UNIT TAUGHTFEATUREDDoctor of Medicine HME912 Renal/Gastrointestinal Topic Lead
- CURRENT DOCTORAL SUPERVISIONEffect of Metformin on Early Development
- CURRENT DOCTORAL SUPERVISIONImproving Gut and Metabolic Health in Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome
- CURRENT DOCTORAL SUPERVISIONNourish your gut: The effects of phytonutrients on improving gut and metabolic health in metabolic disorders
- CURRENT DOCTORAL SUPERVISIONEffect of maternal intake of metformin on the offspring
- CURRENT DOCTORAL SUPERVISIONGut microbiome in Diabetes treatment
- CURRENT DOCTORAL SUPERVISIONImproving Hydrogen Sulphide Production in Diabetes
- CURRENT DOCTORAL SUPERVISIONA Programmed Anti-Inflammatory Nano Scaffold (PAIN) for Improving Islet Transplants for Type 1 Diabetes (T1DM)
- CURRENT DOCTORAL SUPERVISIONAmeliorative Effect of Barnyard-derived Bioactive Peptides on Prediabetes (Pre-DM) via Gut Microbiome-Mediated Modulation of the Gut-brain Axis
- COMPLETED DOCTORAL SUPERVISIONInvestigating Neurobiological Mechanisms Linking Depression and Inflammation
- COMPLETED DOCTORAL SUPERVISIONDairy Intake and Health: Exploring Mechanisms and Functions
- COMPLETED DOCTORAL SUPERVISIONTargeting Gut, Renal, and Metabolic Health in Obesity
- COMPLETED MASTERS SUPERVISIONThe relaxin-3 system in the mouse brain and gut