Introducing our Panelists
The 2023 WAIER Forum will commence with a panel discussion. The panel members (below) will discuss a range of global and local issues around education research and the digital futureverse. We welcome the panelist’s insights with what will be a thought-provoking discussion.
Associate Professor Nicola Johnson

Dr Nicola Johnson is an Associate Professor of Digital Technologies in the School of Education at Edith Cowan University, WA. From 2019, she was the Associate Dean of Research for four years. Prior to that she was the Deputy Head of the School of Education at Federation University, VIC. During her 15 years in higher education, she has published 3 books, 3 co-edited books, and 40 journal articles. Nicola has supervised more than 20 higher degree by research students to completion and has obtained over $1 million of external competitive funding during her career.
Nicola’s interdisciplinary research explores the nexus of sociology, education, and technology, and more recently has focused on cyber security education and curriculum. Research themes of interest comprise the use of digital technologies within formal and informal settings to construct expertise, addiction, temporality, knowledge, and learning. Several of her articles have focused on innovative ways to think about new phenomena, and pertinent issues to consider when researching new phenomena.
Kim Flintoff

Kim Flintoff is a former internationally recognised high school Drama teacher and teacher educator, and inaugural Learning Futures Advisor at Curtin University in Perth, Western Australia. Since 2020 Kim has been recognised with several nominations and awards including: Entrepreneurial Educator of the Year (2022), inclusion on the Educator Hot List 2022, Commendation from UNESCO Wenhui Secretariat for Educational Innovation, (Top 50), Most Influential Educators 2022, Secondary School Teacher of the Year (Excellence Awardee) 2022, Finalist – UNAA(WA) World Teacher Award 2021, and National Excellence in Teaching Award 2021 Nominee. From 2021 Kim returned to a role in school leadership (TIDES Coordinator at Peter Carnley Anglican Community School). His other work as an independent consultant continues to engage him in global advisory and consultation roles in all education sectors.
Associate Professor Lesley Sefcik

Dr. Lesley Sefcik is an Associate Professor and Academic Integrity Advisor at Curtin University. She provides university-wide teaching, advice, and academic research within the field of academic integrity. Dr. Sefcik has an interdisciplinary education with a Phd in Environmental Science (University of Michigan) focusing on Plant Physiological Ecology and Global Change, a Bachelor of Science in Biology (University of Michigan) and a Graduate Diploma in Education (Murdoch University) majoring in Science and Humanities and Social Science. She is a registered secondary teacher in Western Australia and has been awarded an Outstanding Teacher rating for the National Professional Standards for Teachers in all seven domains. She is a Homeward Bound Fellow and a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.
Alex Jenkins

Alex Jenkins, a seasoned technology expert and current Director of the WA Data Science Innovation Hub (WADSIH) at Curtin University, boasts over 15 years of experience in advancing data science and artificial intelligence (AI) solutions. Alex has collaborated with prominent organizations to develop cutting-edge big data implementations, supply chain modelling solutions and data science strategies. A fervent proponent of fostering strong partnerships among the education sector, government, and industry, Alex is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of STEM professionals and propelling Australia’s tech workforce forward.