Linda Pfeiffer nominated for an Australia Pacific LNG Community Hero Award

A Central Queensland professional who has ‘worked tirelessly’ over the past decade to better the region could be honoured for her passion.

CQU's Linda Pfeiffer at the World Science Festival Brisbane Gladstone Community day held at Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre.

A senior university lecturer with more than a decade of experience in a crucial education sector was recently nominated for the Australia Pacific LNG Community Hero Award.

Linda Pfeiffer is considered the first point of contact for science, technology, engineering and maths in the region, providing a hands-on experience and opportunities for thousands of people.

Over the past 11 Ms Pfeiffer has based herself in educational settings such as playgroups, kindergartens, primary and secondary school children, teachers, seniors, indigenous youth and people with a disability.

In a recent interview Ms Pfeiffer said she had an infectious enthusiasm and commitment improving educational outcomes for all.

“I work tirelessly to ensure science and STEM education opportunities are there for all to access,” she said.

“Working in a regional location does bring barriers such as access to resources.

“I do not give up and despite being told on a number of occasions that something is not possible, I will continue to spend the time to ensure these possibilities come to fruition.

“I grew up in a regional town in NSW (Dubbo) so I can relate to some of the barriers faced by people in regional locations.”

As for what the future holds for Ms Pfeiffer, who has already accomplished so much in the region and in the STEM sector, a new project is already underway.

“I am working on a project that is providing local teachers with the necessary support to effectively engage students with STEM opportunities in a hands-on problem based learning approach,” she said.

“The research project is investigating the impact of an intensive workshop (STEM professional development) for teachers in an enriching, hands-on environment in the Gladstone region.

“The project is looking at ways STEM projects can be embedded in the primary school science classroom.

“The findings will have implications for the design, development and implementation of professional development in STEM to teachers in other regional areas of Australia.”