HERGA Executive
This is the HERGA Executive Team making it happen in Higher Education in South Australia 2026
Chair Of HERGA 2026
Professor Edward Palmer
Edward is an educational technology and media expert at Adelaide University whose work explores the intersection of education, emerging technologies and industry, with particular expertise in artificial intelligence, virtual and extended reality, digital learning and assessment. His research focuses on how emerging technologies can create more effective learning experiences, from higher education and industry training to immersive STEM and off-world education. He was a co-founder of HERGA.
Co-Chair of HERGA 2026
Adelaide University HERGA Executive
Dr Nicholas Fewster-Young
Nick Fewster-Young is an active researcher in the field of Dynamical Systems, in particular investigating real world applications in terms of mathematical formulations and providing understanding and the validity of the models in terms of qualitative and quantitative results. He is a Senior Lecturer in Mathematics at Adelaide University since 2016 and completed his PhD at University of New South Wales in 2014. Currently, he has published several publications in high profiled international journals in the field of Dynamical Systems, and Statistics relating to Eduational Studies. He has been awarded Vice-Chancellor's Award in Teaching & Learning Excellence and AAUT citation, and been awarded several grants in Teaching & Learning in 2016, 2024 and 2026.
Flinders University HERGA Executive
Dr Lui-Fei TAN
At the heart of my teaching philosophy is a commitment to inclusivity, student-centred learning, and evidence-based practice. I see my role not just as a teacher, but as a facilitator and mentor, someone who supports and guides students as they grow into confident, curious, and capable learners. I am passionate about science and deeply invested in helping students find their place within it. I believe learning should be engaging, creative, and responsive to individual needs. That’s why I strive to create a classroom environment where students feel safe to explore, encouraged to ask questions, and empowered to think critically.
Flinders University HERGA Executive
Werner Botha
Werner Botha is Associate Professor in the College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences at Flinders University, Australia. His research interests include the use of English in Asian higher education, language variation, multilingualism, and sociolinguistics. He is Co-Editor of The Routledge Handbook of English-medium Instruction in Higher Education (Routledge), as well as the The Handbook of Asian Englishes (Wiley Blackwell), Editorial Board Member of the journals Language Matters and Educational Studies (Taylor and Francis), and Assistant Editor for the Wiley journal World Englishes.
HERGA Learning Facilitator
Manisha Thakkar
Manisha Thakkar is an academic development, curriculum and learning innovation leader at Torrens University Australia whose work focuses on academic capability development, curriculum and assessment innovation, technology-enabled learning and the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning. She has particular interests in assessment reform, generative AI in higher education and supporting academics to translate scholarly inquiry into educational practice.
Flinders University HERGA Executive
Associate Prof Voula Gaganis
Associate Professor Voula Gaganis is the Teaching Program Director and the 2024 STEMM Educator of the Year and won the 2024 Australian Awards for University Teaching (AAUT): Award for Teaching Excellence (Health). She teaches hundreds of undergraduate students and is recognised for her innovative and imaginative approach to course design – such as the inclusion of hands-on, clinical, and tech-enabled learning.