Professor Tracey Kuit is the winner of the 2025 FAOBMB Education Award
Professor Tracey Kuit
Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Australia
Dr Tracey Kuit is a Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education in the School of Science and the Associate Dean (Education) in the Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health at the University of Wollongong (UOW), Australia. She completed her Bachelor of Science with First Class Honours at Western Sydney University in 2001 and her PhD in Veterinary Molecular Biology at the University of Wollongong in 2005 in collaboration with the NSW Department of Primary Industries, Australia. Tracey also has a Master of Education (Higher Education) with Distinction in 2015 from the University of Wollongong. She is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (Advance HE, UK) and a Senior Fellow of the Wollongong Academy for Tertiary Teaching and Learning Excellence (WATTLE). Tracey has received numerous teaching awards, including the 2018 Shimadzu Education award from the ASBMB, a National Citation from the Australian Office for Learning and Teaching (OLT, 2013) and a Vice Chancellor’s Early Career Teaching and Learning Award from UOW, 2011. Tracey’s research is centred within the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SOTL) and she publishes in SOTL journals. Tracey collaborates with academics and students, and she has presented her research at over 40 conferences nationally, and internationally. Additionally, she mentors academics and students in SOTL research projects.
For nearly 20 years, Tracey has been at the forefront of learning and teaching (L&T) in biochemistry and molecular biology at the University of Wollongong. She is driven by her passion to support the whole of a student’s learning journey. She has coordinated the academic journey of over 16,000 students, while also serving as a mentor and leader in roles including Chair ofUOW’s Learning and Teaching Academy, and Associate Dean of Education for the Faculty of Science, Medicine, and Health. Tracey teaches biochemistry and molecular biology to students enrolled in a range of courses related to science, medicine and health, at undergraduate and post-graduate levels, with particular expertise with large diverse student cohorts (>600 students). Tracey’s research-driven approach has significantly influenced her teaching methods and community outreach programs. Tracey’s practice focuses on partnerships with students, educators, researchers, industry and community members. Her learner-centered philosophy is evident in her dedication to nurturing graduates with the knowledge and skills to tackle global challenges, through a focus on group work alongside reflection. As an example, Tracey embraces Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles to support diverse students in groups to pose creative scientific solutions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (UN SDG) targets. Essential to this work is supporting student critical reflection of their skill gain, and importantly their professional identity, empowering students to take charge of their ongoing development and career futures.
Tracey’s leadership extends beyond the University of Wollongong, currently serving as Education Special Interest Group Chair and Council Member of the Australian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB), a member on the Education Committee of FAOBMB, and the Education and Training Committee of IUBMB. Her influence is profound, fostering best practices among her peers globally. Tracey is the co-editor of the Education section of the quarterly Australian Biochemist Magazine of the ASBMB, editor for the international journal Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education, reviewer for FEBS Open Bio, the Journal of University Teaching and Learning Practice and International Journal for Innovation in Science and Mathematics Education.
Tracey’s impact is marked not just by her leadership but also by her commitment to mentoring, ensuring a ripple effect of her educational ethos. She champions L&T as a fundamental university pillar, advocating for staff recognition and advancement of quality education. Her journey to Professor as a teaching-focused academic includes regular peer reviews and mentorship in promotions, grants, awards and SOTL research. Tracey’s unwavering passion and dedication ensure the highest standards for both students and colleagues.