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Professor Carol Oliver

Professor Carol Oliver

Professor

PhD University of New South Wales (2008)

Master of Science Communication, Central Queensland University (2003)

Science
School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences

ProfÌýCarol Oliver is a nationally and internationally recognised Education-Focused academic teaching evidence-based science communication and astrobiology (the search for life elsewhere in the universe). She specialises in online learning with a teaching philosophy of education through exploration in learning and teaching and assessment practices. She pioneered the first astrobiology-related laptop-delivered immersive Virtual Field Trip with NASA Learning Technologies and, in 2021, inspired the formation of a group of academics, learning designers and developers to make the first academic-friendly VFT immersive authoring available to all at UNSW. The Teaching and Learning Immersive Authoring (TALIA) allows academics and students to make their VFTs without training. Carol has created a suite of VFTs for her astrobiology courses, several in collaboration with the University of Auckland and Georgia State University. She also engages in a virtual exchange between GSU and UNSW astrobiology students.

She supervises several research students and has completed seven PhDs and two Honours candidates. In addition, Carol's teaching excellence is held in high esteem internationally (Senior Fellow of the UK Higher Education Academy, 2021) and within UNSW (Fellow of the Scientia Education Academy as one of UNSW's top 40 educators (2022),Ìý gaining the Australian Awards for University Teaching Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning (2023) and the Vice Chancellor's Award for Teaching Excellence (2022). Carol initiated, designed, developed, currently convenes, and teaches four fully online elective courses (BEES6800 The Science of Science Communication; BEES6741 Astrobiology: Life in the Universe; BEES2680 Introduction to Science Communication; and BEES2741 Introduction to Astrobiology).

Carol is an elected International Academy of Astronautics member and co-chairs its Permanent SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) Committee and its Post-Detection Task Group. She is also an International Associate of the SETIHub at the University of St Andrews in Fife, Scotland. She is a member of the Science Organising Committee of the IAU/Kavli Foundation symposium "Toward Discovery of Life Beyond Earth and its Impact" to be held at the University of Durham, UK, 15-19 April 2024, an invited speaker, and co-editor of the conference proceedings.

She engages with the media and contributes to The Conversation, the most recent one on international space law, in ÌýCarol is a deputy director of the iCinema Research Centre and a member of the Australian Centre for Astrobiology and the Earth and Sustainability Sciences Research Centre, the latter in the School of Biological, Earth, and Environmental Sciences.

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Phone
02 9065 1312
E-mail
carol.oliver@unsw.edu.au
Location
Room 401c, Building D26
  • Book Chapters | 2023
    Oliver C, 2023, 'Making note-taking memorable', in Rowland S; Kuchel L (ed.), Teaching Science Students to Communicate: A Practical Guide, Springer, Online, pp. 521 - 529,
    Book Chapters | 2023
    Oliver C, 2023, 'The social brain and the neuroscience of storytelling', in Rowland S; Kuchel L (ed.), Teaching Science Students to Communicate: A Practical Guide, Springer, Online, pp. 31 - 38,
    Book Chapters | 2021
    Kenderdine S; Yip A; Oliver C; Pather N; Sammut C; Djokic T; Marcus N; Ong A, 2021, 'Designing Multi-disciplinary Interactive Virtual Environments for Next-Generation Immersive Learning Experiences: Case Studies and Future Directions in Astrobiology, Anatomy and Cultural Heritage', in Creative and Collaborative Learning through Immersion, Springer Nature, pp. 49 - 67,
    Book Chapters | 2021
    Kenderine S; Yip A; Oliver C; Pather N; Sammut C; Djokic T; Marcus N; Ong A, 2021, 'Designing Multi-disciplinary Interactive Virtual Environments for Next-Generation Immersive Learning Experiences: Case Studies and Future Directions in Astrobiology, Anatomy and Cultural Heritage.', in Creative and Collaborative Learning through Immersion Interdisciplinary and International Perspectives, Springer,
  • Journal articles | 2023
    Oliver C; Teece B, 2023, 'Astrobiology-related Virtual Field Trips in higher education settings: A six-year study', Astrobiology, 23
    Journal articles | 2019
    Kingsley I; Oliver C; Slavich E, 2019, 'Hidden in the Figures: What Students Are Telling Us about the Effectiveness of Astrobiology Outreach', Astrobiology, 19, pp. 1103 - 1116,
    Journal articles | 2017
    Hwong YL; Oliver C; Van Kranendonk M; Sammut C; Seroussi Y, 2017, 'What makes you tick? The psychology of social media engagement in space science communication', Computers in Human Behavior, 68, pp. 480 - 492,
    Journal articles | 2015
    Oliver C; Fergusson J; Mahony P; Oliver J; Kingsley I; Browne C, 2015, 'The Mars Lab: Connecting authentic science with the classroom', Scan: The Journal for Educators, 34, pp. 26 - 35
    Journal articles | 2014
    Dougherty K; Oliver C; Fergusson J, 2014, 'Pathways to space: A mission to foster the next generation of scientists and engineers', Acta Astronautica, 99, pp. 184 - 192,
    Journal articles | 2012
    Fergusson J; Oliver CA; Walter MR, 2012, 'Astrobiology outreach and the nature of science: The role of creativity', Astrobiology, 12, pp. 1143 - 1153,
    Journal articles | 2009
    Oliver C; Walter M, 2009, 'Outback search for life on Mars', Australasian Science, 30, pp. 18 - 21
    Journal articles | 2007
    Oliver CA; Fergusson J, 2007, 'Astrobiology: A pathway to adult science literacy?', Acta Astronautica, 61, pp. 716 - 723,
    Journal articles | 2007
    Oliver CA, 2007, 'The virtual space exploration education portal', Acta Astronautica, 61, pp. 548 - 552,
    Journal articles | 2004
    DeVore E; Oliver C; Wilmoth KL; Vozzo L, 2004, 'Science Education in Partnership: The 2002 Australian-American Fulbright Symposium', Advances in Space Research, 34, pp. 2116 - 2120,
    Journal articles | 1998
    Oliver C, 1998, 'SETI sleuths', New Scientist, 160, pp. 64
    Journal articles | 1997
    Oliver C, 1997, 'Is there anybody out there?', Australasian Science, 28, pp. 241 - 243
  • Creative Works (non-textual) | 2023
    Del Favero D; Thurow S; Oliver C; Blacklock F; Sammut C; Connell M; Baskaran A; Perry F; Formoso R, 2023, Victorian Reality, SXSW Sydney, Powerhouse Museum (Sydney), 15 October 2023 - 22 October 2023, medium: Augmented Reality Application, at: https://powerhouse.com.au/program/victorian-reality#castle-hill-2023
    Conference Papers | 2022
    Oliver C; Edwards D; Hannah G; Vu T; Zheng C; Sok S; Hayes N; Lu X; CAbanag M, 2022, 'Putting immersive Virtual Field Trip creation into the hands of academics and students', UNSW, presented at UNSW Education Festival 2022, UNSW, 21 November 2022 - 24 November 2022
    Conference Papers | 2022
    Oliver C, 2022, 'Astrobiology virtual field trip making as easy as PowerPoint', Paris, France, presented at International Astronautical Congress, Paris, France, 18 September 2022 - 22 September 2022
    Conference Papers | 2022
    Oliver CA; Edwards D; Teece B; Hannah G; Sok S; Zheng C; Dyer P; Vu T; Hayes N; Cabanag M; Lu X, 2022, 'Do it yourself Virtual Field Trip making to teach astrobiology more effectively', in Proceedings of the International Astronautical Congress, IAC
    Reports | 2021
    Oliver C; Biddington B; Jones E; Kingsley I; Menk F, 2021, Australia in space: A decadal plan for Australian space science 2021-2030 Companion Document, Australian Academy of Science,
    Conference Papers | 2019
    Anbar A; Oliver C; Hosman L, 2019, 'Reimagining Education Through Exploration', Tempe, Arizona, presented at PLuS Alliance Symposium, Tempe, Arizona, 27 November 2019 - 29 November 2019
    Conference Abstracts | 2019
    Bruce G; Oliver C; Taylor W; Mead C; Semken S; Summons R; Buxner S; Anbar A, 2019, 'Advancing 25 years of digital innovation - evploring the evolution of 360 degree virtual field trips from Apple's human interface group to modern gamification and beyond', in GSA Annual Meeting, Geological Society of America, Phoenix, Arizona, Vol. 51, presented at GSA Annual Meeting, Phoenix, Arizona, 22 September 2019 - 25 September 2019,
    Conference Abstracts | 2019
    Horodyskyj L; Mead C; Oliver C; Anbar A, 2019, 'Teaching real science: A novel approach to engaging students in the scientific process', in GSA Annual Meeting, Phoenix, Arizona, presented at GSA Annual Meeting, Phoenix, Arizona, 22 September 2019 - 25 September 2019
    Conference Posters | 2018
    Lutze-Mann L; Amberer M; Bilbao J; Binder T; Carlon S; Chen Z; Davis S; Dedova I; Eaton R; Holdom R; Jones P; Kanapathipillai K; Lapere K; Liu K; Mak C; Neal P; Oliver C; Pather N; Smith F; Sulway S; Taylor S; Velan G; Watson K, 2018, 'Digital assessment: empowering students and supporting teachers through innovative student-oriented educational practices', UNSW Sydney, presented at 2018 UNSW Learning and Teaching Forum — Partners in Learning: Connecting Communities, UNSW Sydney, 26 October 2018
    Conference Papers | 2018
    Oliver C, 2018, 'Opportunities and challenges in a third-level fully online astrobiology course', Rotorua, New Zealand, presented at Carol Oliver, Rotorua, New Zealand, 25 June 2018 - 26 June 2018
    Reports | 2017
    Boyce R; Clayfield K; Menk F; Oliver C; Rizos C; Stacy N, 2017, A vision for space science and technology: Securing and advancing Australia's interests through space research in Australia, The Australian Academy of Science, Canberra,
    Conference Papers | 2017
    Kingsley I; Oliver C; Van Kranendonk M, 2017, 'A new instrument to assess scientific literacy for space outreach', in Proceedings of the International Astronautical Congress, IAC, pp. 1671 - 1678
    Conference Papers | 2017
    Kingsley I; Oliver C; Van Kranendonk M, 2017, 'Space science outreach - are we decreasing public understanding?', in Proceedings of the International Astronautical Congress, IAC, pp. 11299 - 11310
    Conference Papers | 2017
    Oliver CA, 2017, 'Dr bobbie vaile: A short life dedicated to SETI research and education', in Proceedings of the International Astronautical Congress, IAC, pp. 3131 - 3136
    Conference Abstracts | 2016
    Bruce G; Taylor W; Anbar A; Semken S; Buxner S; Mead C; El-Moujaber E; Summons R; Oliver C, 2016, 'Linking immersive virtual field trips with an adaptive learning platform', in American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting, San Francisco, presented at American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting, San Francisco, 12 December 2016 - 16 December 2016
    Conference Papers | 2016
    Dougherty K; Oliver C, 2016, 'A mars yard in the Museum: Research, education and outreach', in Proceedings of the International Astronautical Congress, IAC
    Recorded / Rendered Creative Works | 2016
    Yip AS; Djokic T; Oliver C; Van Kranendonk M, 2016, 3D Mapping Pilbara Sites of Early Life for Immersive, Virtual Learning and Teaching, Editor(s): Yip A; Djokic T, 3D Modelling and virtual reality application, Published: 01 June 2016, Recorded / Rendered Creative Works
    Conference Abstracts | 2014
    Bruce G; Anbar A; Semken S; Oliver C; Buxner S, 2014, 'iVFTs - immersive virtual field trips for interactive learning about Earth's environment', in American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting 2014, San Francisco, presented at American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting 2014, San Francisco, 15 December 2014 - 19 December 2014
    Conference Papers | 2014
    Kingsley I; Browne C; Oliver C; Mahony P; Fergusson J, 2014, 'Using the Mars Lab and Project Based learning to deliver an authentic science experiment', Adelaide, presented at 14th Australasian Space Conference, Adelaide, 29 September 2014 - 01 October 2014
    Conference Papers | 2013
    Dougherty K; Oliver C; Fergusson J, 2013, 'Pathways to space: A mission to foster the next generation of scientists and engineers', in Proceedings of the International Astronautical Congress, IAC, pp. 9800 - 9809
    Conference Papers | 2012
    Oliver C; Dougherty K; Fergusson J; Connell M, 2012, 'Pathways to Space: Bringing research and education together in a museum environment', Adelaide, presented at Museums Australia National Conference, Adelaide, 24 September 2012 - 28 September 2012
    Conference Papers | 2012
    Oliver C, 2012, 'Pathways to Space and beyond: News on the future of the project', in 12th Australian Space Science Conference, Melbourne, Victoria, presented at 12th Australian Space Science Conference, Melbourne, Victoria, 24 September 2012 - 26 September 2012
    Reports | 2010
    Cairns I; Baltuck M; Biddington B; Boswell R; Boyce R; Caprarelli G; Clarke J; Cole D; Dyson P; Fraser B; Held A; Norman M; Oliver C; Parfitt A; Rizos C; Robinson P; Rizenfeld A; Vincent R; Walter M; Waters C; Wilkinson P; Zillman J, 2010, Decadal plan for Australian space science: Building a national presence in space, Australian Academy of Science, Canberra, ACT
    Conference Papers | 2010
    Oliver C; Connell M; Sukkarieh S; O'Brien M; Biddington B, 2010, 'Pathways to Space: Empowering the Internet generation', in 10th Australian Space Science Conference, Brisbane, Queensland, presented at 10th Australian Space Science Conference, Brisbane, Queensland, 27 September 2010 - 30 September 2010
    Conference Abstracts | 2008
    Oliver C, (ed.), 2008, 'How a novel international astrobiology education project changed the understanding of science for almost half the students', in Astrobiology, Mary Ann Liebert, Santa Clara, California, Vol. 8, pp. 411 - 411, presented at Carol Oliver, Santa Clara, California, 14 April 2008 - 17 April 2008,
    Conference Papers | 2008
    Oliver C, 2008, 'Professional SETI to restart in the Southern Hemisphere', UNESCO, Paris, France, presented at Searching for Life Signatures, UNESCO, Paris, France, 26 March 2008 - 26 March 2008
    Theses / Dissertations | 2008
    Oliver C, 2008, Communication astrobiology in public: A study of scientific literacy, University of New South Wales,
    Conference Papers | 2006
    Oliver C; Fergusson J; Bruce G; Gaskins T; Evans R, 2006, 'Getting connected to the future: It's virtually here', NASA Ames Research Centre, Mountain View, California, USA, presented at CONTACT Cultures of the Imagination, NASA Ames Research Centre, Mountain View, California, USA, 17 March 2006 - 19 March 2006
    Conference Papers | 2006
    Oliver C; Fergusson J; Bruce G; Gaskins T; Evans R, 2006, 'Hi-tech tools caputre astrobiology in the making at Mars analog site in Western Australia', University of Kent, presented at UK Astrobiology Conference, University of Kent, 18 April 2006 - 21 April 2006,
    Conference Papers | 2006
    Oliver C; Fergusson J; Bruce G; Gaskins T; Evans R, 2006, 'NASA Macquarie University Pilbara Education Project: A hi-tech approach to astrobiology education', Washington DC, presented at AbSciCon, Washington DC, 27 March 2006 - 30 March 2006
    Conference Papers | 2006
    Oliver CA, 2006, 'The virtual space exploration education portal', in AIAA 57th International Astronautical Congress, IAC 2006, pp. 10300 - 10306
    Conference Papers | 2005
    Oliver C; Fergusson J; Scalice D; Evan RH; Gaskins T; Walter M; Hogan P, 2005, 'Evolving a new approach to science education using astrobiology', Boulder, Colorado, USA, presented at Carol Oliver, Boulder, Colorado, USA, 10 April 2005 - 14 April 2005
    Conference Papers | 2005
    Oliver C; Morrow C, 2005, 'NASA Astrobiology Institute Science Communication Focus Group: The first year', Boulder, Colorado, USA, presented at NASA Astrobiology Institute General Meeting, Boulder, Colorado, USA, 10 April 2005 - 14 April 2005
    Conference Papers | 2005
    Oliver CA; Fergusson J, 2005, 'Astrobiology: A pathway to adult science literacy?', in International Astronautical Federation - 56th International Astronautical Congress 2005, pp. 1101 - 1111
    Conference Abstracts | 2004
    , 2004, 'Abstracts from the Astrobiology Science Conference 2004', in International Journal of Astrobiology, Cambridge University Press (CUP), Vol. 3, pp. 1 - 120,
    Conference Papers | 2004
    DeVore E; Oliver C; Wilmoth K; Vozzo L, 2004, 'Science education in partnership: The 2002 Australian-American fulbright symposium', in Advances in Space Research, pp. 2116 - 2120,
    Conference Abstracts | 2004
    Oliver C; Fergusson J; Ryde S; Anitori R; DeVore E, (eds.), 2004, 'High school students in an international NASA mission: Unexpected outcomes', in Astrobiology, Mary Ann Liebert, Reykjavik, Iceland, Vol. 4, pp. 232 - 308, presented at Habitable Worlds, Reykjavik, Iceland, 12 July 2004 - 16 July 2004,
    Theses / Dissertations | 2004
    Oliver C, 2004, SETI and the media: Improving science communication, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, Queensland,
    Conference Papers | 2003
    Oliver CA; Morrow CA, 2003, 'Communicating astrobiology - A new approach', in 54th International Astronautical Congress of the International Astronautical Federation (IAF), the International Academy of Astronautics and the International Institute of Space Law, pp. 3957 - 3967
    Conference Papers | 2000
    Oliver C; DeVore E; Vozzo L, 2000, 'SETI in High Schools Down Under', in 51st IAC Congress, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, presented at 51st IAC Congress, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 02 October 2000 - 06 October 2000
    Conference Papers | 2000
    Stootman F; Wellington K; De Horta A; Oliver C, 2000, 'Galactic plane SETI candidates: Results from the Southern SERENDIP spectrometer', Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, presented at 51st International Astronautical Congress, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 02 October 2000 - 06 October 2000
    Conference Papers | 1999
    Oliver C; Shostak S; Sim H, 1999, 'The case of EQ Peg: Challenge and Response', Amsterdam, presented at International Astronautical Congress, Amsterdam, 04 October 1999 - 08 October 1999,
    Conference Papers | 1999
    Oliver C; Stootman FH; De Horta AY; Wellington KJ, 1999, 'The Southern SERENDIP Project', in Lemarchand G; Meech KJ (ed.), Bioastronomy '99: A new era in Bioastronomy, Astronomical Society of the Pacific, Hawaii, pp. 490 - 496, presented at A new Era in Bioastronomy, Hawaii, 02 August 1999 - 06 August 1999
    Conference Papers | 1999
    Shostak S; Oliver C, 1999, 'Immediate Reaction Plan: A strategy for dealing with a SETI detection', in Lemachand G; Meech KJ (ed.), Bioastronomy '99: A new Era in Bioastronomy, Astronomical Society of the Pacific, Hawaii, pp. 635 - 640, presented at Carol Oliver, Hawaii, 02 August 1999 - 06 August 1999
    Conference Papers | 1998
    Oliver C, 1998, 'SETI and the Media in the 21st Century', Melbourne, Victoria, presented at 49th International Astronautical Congress, Melbourne, Victoria, 28 September 1998 - 02 October 1998,
    Conference Papers | 1997
    Oliver C, 1997, 'SETI and the Media', Turin, Italy, presented at 48th International Astronautical Congress, Turin, Italy, 06 October 1997 - 10 October 1997,

1. 2019-2022 - ARC Linkage (UNSW and Powerhouse Museum), Redefining the museum experience as an immersive networked narrative (CI). $466,150.

2. 2016-2017 - UNSW Scientia Education Investment Fund, Intelligent and generic cross-platform virtual reality for next-generation student experiences: New frameworks for immersive pedagogy, (CI), $359k.

3. 2015-2016 - UNSW Scientia Education Investment Fund, Enhancing a large online course using interactive web technology (CI), $278k.

4. 2013-2014 - Australian Maths and Science Partnerships Program, Smart Science Initiative (PI), $1.64m.

5. 2012-2015 - The Mars Lab, Broadband-Enabled Education and Skills Services Program (PI), $2.9m.

6. 2010-2013 - Pathways to Space, Australian Space ResearchÌýProgram (PI), $987,573.

7. 2005-2007 - Australian Schools Innovation in Science, Technology and Mathematics Program, $119,500, (CI)

Senior Fellow Higher Education Academy (2021 - )

Fellow of the UNSW Scientia Education Academy (2022-2026)

Fellow of the UNSW PLuS Alliance (2018 - )

Australian Awards for University Teaching Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning (2023)

UNSW Vice Chancellor's Award for Teaching Excellence (2022)

Fulbright Symposium (2002)

American Field Service Scholarship (1966-67)

  1. Science communication
  2. Astrobiology
  3. Technology-enabled online learningÌý

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My Research Supervision

One PhD student and one Master's student.