DrCarla Archibald

I think of universities the way I think of ecosystems: every student brings something distinct, and the lecturer's job is to create the conditions where different kinds of minds can grow. My goal is to meet students where they are, accounting for their backgrounds, learning styles, and experiences, and to build environments where asking questions feels safe and intellectual risk-taking feels worthwhile. Accessibility and inclusion are also central to how I teach. I proactively reach out to students on access plans, design assessments that allow for different entry points and interests, and bring fidget tools and low-stakes engagement activities into class so that students who learn differently feel at home.

I have taught across undergraduate and postgraduate programs at Deakin and the University of Queensland since 2016, with experience in GIS, research methods, conservation policy, sustainability, and science communication. I have delivered units in person, online, and as part of Deakin's 2+2 Sino-Foreign program in collaboration with Hubei University in China. I currently serve as Unit Chair for GIS for Environmental Scientists (SLE332) and have experience unit chairing Research Project Planning (SLE763), contributing to Environmental Science and Global Change (SLE757) and science communication seminars (SLE415). 

Active engagement is central to my teaching. I use platforms like Mentimeter, Miro, and Mural to blend in-person and online participation. I also connect my teaching directly to my research program. Students in my units encounter real datasets, real conservation challenges, and the kinds of spatial and policy tools used in practice. Ultimately, my goal is to send students into the world with practical skills, critical habits of mind, and the confidence to contribute to conservation and sustainability challenges that genuinely need them.

Student evaluations reflect this approach. In SLE332 (T2 2025, n=57), 98.2% of students agreed or strongly agreed they were satisfied with the quality of teaching, with 93% recording strongly agree. Students consistently highlight accessibility, inclusivity, and genuine care as distinctive features of the learning environment.

I supervise a growing group of research students across PhD, Masters, and Honours levels, including cotutelle and joint PhD students co-conferred with IIT Madras and TERI School of Advanced Studies in India, and I have also supported Chinese Scholarship Council students. I am committed to building the next generation of conservation scientists. Please review the My Reserach page for a list of potential project ideas. My current students are listed below in the Teaching Activities list.