Education

Outreach

A huge bonus from what we do is getting the opportunity to share with the public our amazing discoveries and talk about what we do as scientists (no lab coats here!).

We do this in a variety of ways, including working with journalists reporting on our research, giving media interviews, consultancy for nature documentaries, and speaking at schools about science and careers in science. Here's an example for HSC high school students on how science helps us understand the world around us and ourselves.

Please contact us, we would love to talk with you!

StMatthews_Fieldtut

Terry discusses the origins of animal ornamentation

Terry discusses the evolution of animal communication

We have had the privilege to work with the exceptional team at the BBC Natural History Unit in documenting the extraordinary behaviour of some of our favourite study organisms:

blueplanet 2
Land blennies for arguably the best nature documentary ever made, Blue Planet II
Southeast Asian gliding lizards for Planet Earth II
Southeast Asian gliding lizards for Planet Earth II

Some of what do inspired segments for 'Life in Cold Blood' and 'The Galapagos'.

life in cold blood
BBCgalapagos

Advanced Education

Terry teaches in a variety of ways at UNSW, such as training advanced honours and postgraduate students and mentoring local and international postdoctoral fellows. Terry also leads an undergraduate courses in Animal Behaviour (BIOS3011, BIOS3012) and teaches concepts in animal communication for Exploring the Natural World (BEES1041) and the evolutionary biology components of Evolutionary & Physiological Ecology (BIOS2011).

Terry has received recognition for excellence in teaching, including:

  • 2021 UNSW Vice-Chancellor's Award for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning, Winner
  • 2023 UNSW Exemplary Teaching Practice, Winner
  • 2024 UNSW Teaching Award for Outstanding Contributions to Student Wellbeing, Winner
  • 2024 E&ERC Outstanding Higher Degree of Research Supervisor Award, Winner
  • 2024 Elected Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
  • 2025 Penny Bernstein Distinguished Teaching Award, Winner

Various strategies developed by Terry for enhancing the student learning experience are also available here. and outlined as various TiPs - Teaching in Practice strategies.