Leading educators from across Macquarie University have been recognised on the national stage for their outstanding contribution to student learning, taking out major honours in the 2025 Australian Awards for University Teaching.
Announced annually, the awards celebrate excellence in teaching and recognise the educators shaping student success across the country.
Among this year's recipients, Dr Paul Crosby from Macquarie Business School was recognised for transforming how students engage with economics, making the discipline more accessible, relevant and relatable.
"The most rewarding moments are when economics finally clicks and students begin to connect theory to their own decisions and experiences," Dr Crosby said.
"Seeing that shift in confidence and curiosity is what makes teaching so meaningful to me."
An interdisciplinary educational leadership team — Dr Murray Taylor, Associate Professor Prashan Karunaratne, Associate Professor Yimin Stephanie Huang, Associate Professor Jennifer Ruskin and Sandra Harrison — was honoured for reshaping the Bachelor of Business and Bachelor of Commerce degrees, delivering a more contemporary and student-centred learning experience.
The educational leadership team from Macquarie Business School
"It's a celebration of what we have achieved so far," said Associate Professor Huang of the citation. "But I also feel like it's a source of motivation for us to keep listening to our students and to prepare our students to thrive in an ever-changing world.
"For us, the joy of teaching lies in creating learning experience that not only transform what students know but also who they believe they can become," added Dr Taylor on behalf of the team."
Emerging educator Georgia Cam from Macquarie Law School was recognised in the Early Career category for her innovative use of AI-generated scenarios to bring legal concepts to life in the classroom.
"As a Macquarie Law alumna, I draw heavily on my empathetic understanding of the student experience to reimagine tutorials as learner-centred spaces, overcoming the traditionally isolating learning culture," Cam says.
Dr Paul Crosby (left) from Macquarie Business School and Georgia Cam from Macquarie Law School
All Macquarie recipients were awarded Citations for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning, recognising sustained impact on the quality of education and the student experience.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Rorden Wilkinson said the recognition reflects Macquarie's commitment to excellence in teaching and innovation in learning.
"These awards recognise the passion and creativity our educators bring to the classroom, and the real impact they have on our students' success," Professor Wilkinson said.
"From reimagining entire degree programs to pioneering new approaches with emerging technologies, our staff are leading the way in delivering a modern, engaging university education.
"For almost 30 years, the Australian Awards for University Teaching have recognised outstanding educators whose work inspires students and shapes the futures of our communities and the higher education sector.
"This national recognition reinforces Macquarie's focus on putting students at the centre of everything we do."
Citations for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning acknowledge the many ways staff enhance education, celebrating individuals and teams who have made a sustained difference to student learning across academic and professional roles.
