ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½app

February 25, 2025

Passionate educators receive national honours for excellence in teaching and learning

Professor Tracey Kuit and Dr Erin Twyford recognised in prestigious Australian Awards for University Teaching

Two exceptional University of ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½app (ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½app) academics have earned national recognition for their transformative approach to higher education and for shaping the minds of future leaders. 

and were honoured at the 2024 , announced this week (Monday 24 February) during the annual Universities Australia conference.

The annual awards celebrate the contributions of educators who have demonstrated excellence in teaching, leadership, and enhancing the student experience across higher education in Australia. 

Senior Professor Sue Bennett, Interim ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½app Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic and Student Life), congratulated the two recipients on their outstanding performance in the Australian Awards for University Teaching (AAUT).

“I am thrilled that our outstanding staff are being honoured on a national level for their unwavering commitment and enthusiasm for their fields,” Professor Bennett said.

“We take great pride in the high-quality teaching and learning experiences at ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½app. Our academic team profoundly influences students' lives, offering guidance throughout their studies and extending support that frequently surpasses traditional classroom boundaries.”

Professor Tracey Kuit

Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education in the School of Science and Associate Dean (Education) in the Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, Professor Kuit was recognised with the prestigious and highly competitive Award for Teaching Excellence at the Australian Awards for University Teaching. 

In addition, Professor Kuit was also the recipient of the , from the . It is a triennial award bestowed to a biochemist or molecular biologist who has made an outstanding contribution to education, with a special focus on innovation and productive outcomes in education

Professor Kuit said she was always motivated by a desire to merge her curiosity about the world with her passion for sharing knowledge with others.

“I knew from a very young age that I wanted to be an educator, and my love of molecular biology and biochemistry developed while at university because of some amazing female lecturers who nurtured a passion and talent in me that I did not know I had,” she said.

“My experiences at university opened a whole new world to a very shy girl from the Wollondilly Shire. So, every time I step into a classroom, design a learning activity, meet with a student, their family or work with a colleague I take that experience with me. I am dedicated to unlocking students’ potential, fostering a belief that education benefits individuals, families, and communities alike.”

^{Professor Tracey Kuit.} 

While Professor Kuit is the sole recipient of the two respective awards, she said it is a team effort, forged alongside the brilliant minds of her colleagues and students.

“Receiving these two awards is very humbling and are shared with so many important people - thousands of ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½app students, hundreds of colleagues and friends, and numerous mentors and supporters over a nearly 20-year journey. I thank them all, alongside the AAUT, FAOBMB and the Australian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

“These awards and the recognition at a national and international level are particularly special as I have chosen steadfastly a career specialising in teaching and educational research in a highly laboratory-based research-intensive scientific discipline. 

“My goal for Learning and Teaching is to foster a culture of innovation that adapts to our students’ and society’s changing needs, ensuring a top-tier educational experience. I am so very privileged to work with amazing students and educators within ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½app and beyond who continually inspire and challenge me.”

Dr Erin Twyford

Dr Erin Twyford, a Senior Lecturer based in ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½app’s School of Business, was honoured with a Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning from the Australian Awards for University Teaching.

The Citations recognise and reward the diversity of contributions made by individuals and teams to the quality of student learning.

With a PhD in social justice accounting, Dr Twyford is driven to bring accounting to life for her students, to help them unravel the ways in which the numbers are applicable to the real world.

“I feel truly honoured to have received this wonderful recognition. Teaching is more than just a job for me—I’m deeply passionate about it, and I care so much about my students. I hope that comes across in my teaching because, above all, I want to leave them with positive, valuable learning experiences that they can take with them wherever they go, no matter what career they choose,” she said.

“Seeing students grow in confidence, develop professional skills, and even secure jobs through their coursework is incredibly rewarding, and I’m so grateful to be part of that journey.

^{Dr Erin Twyford.}

"One of the key things I’ve focused on is making accounting education more engaging and practical through real-world, industry-connected experiences that go beyond textbooks. Whether it’s through simulated client meetings, industry-led workshops, or hands-on projects, I aim to help students truly experience what it means to work in the field. But it’s not just about employability—it’s about making learning inclusive and meaningful.

“I work hard to create a supportive, student-focused environment where everyone feels they belong and can thrive while ensuring that mental health and well-being are prioritised in the learning process.”

Dr Twyford, too, acknowledged the incredible team effort behind the scenes of every university subject, and said creating engaging learning experiences for her students would not be possible without the support of her colleagues.

“None of this happens in isolation, and I want to give a massive shout-out to my incredible colleagues at LTC. Thank you to Associate Professor Bonnie Dean, Murray Stace, Tim Boniface, and Dr Conor West, for your support and guidance along the way—it truly means so much.

“A special thanks also to Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, especially Anthony Matis, for helping connect our students to experiential and valuable learning experiences that make such a difference in their careers. I’m beyond grateful for this recognition and excited to continue finding new ways to make accounting education practical, inclusive, and impactful.”