Rate My Professor Charlene Willis

Dr. Charlene Willis serves as a Senior Lecturer in the School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences within Griffith University's Griffith Health faculty, located at the Gold Coast Campus. She earned her Doctor of Philosophy in Molecular Biology and Protein Chemistry from The University of Queensland between 2004 and 2008. An experienced researcher who has diversified into the tertiary education sector, her work spans biomedical sciences and innovative pedagogy.

Willis's early research concentrated on parasitology, delving into the molecular biology of parasites and their evolutionary arms race with hosts. She specialized in identifying novel proteins from parasite genomes critical for host interactions. Key publications include "Insights into the Membrane Interactions of the Saposin-Like Proteins Na-SLP-1 and Ac-SLP-1 from Human and Dog Hookworm" (2011), "Structure–function analysis of apical membrane-associated proteins of the blood fluke, Schistosoma mansoni" (2015), "Lysosome-associated membrane glycoprotein (LAMP) on the surface of Schistosoma mansoni" (2015), and "Immunogenicity, antibody responses and vaccine efficacy of a recombinant chimeric protein comprising Bm103 and Bm146 antigens of Brugia malayi" (2020). These contributions have amassed over 1,174 citations on ResearchGate, influencing understandings of parasite membrane biology and vaccine development.

More recently, Willis has focused on STEM education, developing interventions using physical activity, wearable sensors, and technology to boost engagement, particularly among disengaged students. Notable works are "STEMfit: Student Centric Innovation to Improve STEM Educational Engagement Using Physical Activity, Wearable Technologies and Lean Methodologies" (2020), "Engaging the disengaged: A literature driven, retrospective mixed-methods evaluation" (2020), "Fitness integrated with technology approach to teaching biomechanics and STEM in a high school setting: a case report" (2025), "Mathematics on the Move: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Teaching Mathematics Using Physical Education" (2025), and "Teaching Newton's Laws of Motion in Biomechanics Using Game-Based Pedagogy for High School Teachers' Professional Development" (2024). Her research bridges disciplines, enhancing educational outcomes through multidisciplinary approaches.

In her teaching role, Willis convenes Human Biology and Molecular Biology courses and teaches Molecular Cell Biology, applying a student-centered philosophy. Her career trajectory exemplifies impactful transitions from fundamental research to applied educational innovation.