Dr. Ava Greenwood is an Honorary Lecturer in the School of Mathematics and Physics at the University of Queensland, where she is part of the mathematics education research group. She earned a PhD in applied mathematics from Queensland University of Technology, a Bachelor of Applied Science, and a Graduate Diploma in Education. Following her PhD, Greenwood worked as a senior secondary educator. In her role at UQ, she has contributed to teaching and learning initiatives, including presenting on the role of tutors in providing quality educational experiences. She previously served as course coordinator for SCIE1000, with tutors from the course winning the Student Partnership Impact Award (UK) in recognition of their partnership efforts.

Greenwood's academic interests include mathematical modelling for bioprocesses in biofuel production and mathematics education. Her early research developed advanced models for dilute acid pretreatment of sugarcane bagasse to optimize hemicellulose hydrolysis for bioethanol production. Key publications from this period include 'Understanding mild acid pretreatment of sugarcane bagasse through particle scale modeling' (Biotechnology and Bioengineering, 2013), 'A novel population balance model for the dilute acid hydrolysis of hemicellulose' (Biotechnology for Biofuels, 2015), 'A comprehensive mechanistic kinetic model for dilute acid hydrolysis of switchgrass cellulose to glucose, 5-HMF and levulinic acid' (RSC Advances, 2014), and the book chapter 'Mathematical modeling of xylose production from hydrolysis of sugarcane bagasse' (Sugarcane-based Biofuels and Bioproducts, 2016). She also co-authored 'Seaweed cultivation and the remediation of by-products from ethanol production: a glorious green growth' (ANZIAM Journal, 2016). More recently, her focus has shifted to mathematics education, with publications such as 'How not to paint a fence' (Australian Mathematics Education Journal, 2023), 'What Are the Chances? Exploring Conditional Probability in Context' (Australian Mathematics Education Journal, 2023), and conference presentations including 'Perception of work environment and teaching preparedness amongst mathematics tutors' (Australian Conference on Science and Mathematics Education, 2020) and 'A contextualised calculus unit for science students' (The Learning and Teaching of Calculus Across Disciplines, 2023). Her scholarly output has received 97 citations.

Professional Email: ava.greenwood@uq.edu.au