Rate My Professor Rebecca Bird

Dr. Rebecca Bird is a Senior Teaching Fellow (part-time, 0.6 FTE) in the Department of Anatomy and a Research Fellow / Kairuruku in Learner Success (part-time, 0.4 FTE) at the Centre for Educational Design and Innovation, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago. Holding an MSci from Keele University, a PhD in Cellular and Molecular Biology from the University of Glasgow, and a Master of Higher Education (Distinction), PGDipHE, and PGCertHE from the University of Otago, she joined the institution in 2011 as a Teaching Fellow. She primarily teaches in 100- and 200-level anatomy papers and Health Sciences First Year (HUBS) programs, contributing to curriculum design, assessment development, and student support. Bird shares the Department's Kaiāwhina Māori role, coordinates initiatives for priority learners including Māori and Pacific students, and serves as Health Sciences Divisional representative for the Kōkiri ki Tua Education Network. A founding member of the Anatomical Science Education Research and Training (ASERT) collective, she collaborates across the university to advance evidence-informed teaching and student success strategies, including workshops like the Repeating Student Initiative.

Her research focuses on learner success, equity, and engagement in anatomy and biomedical sciences education, encompassing student transition, belonging, academic identity, motivation and engagement in anatomy learning, reproductive and menstrual health literacy, and academic experiences of repeating students. Bird's commitment to inclusive, student-centered teaching has earned national and institutional recognition: the Ako Aotearoa National Tertiary Teaching Excellence Award for Sustained Excellence (2018), University of Otago Award for Excellence in Teaching (2018), and School of Biomedical Sciences Pacific People’s Award (2024). Key publications include Willoughby, B. R., Flack, N. A. M. S., Bird, R. J., & Woodley, S. J. (2024). 'Motivation to learn in university science students studying anatomy: A mixed-methods analysis of what drives learning.' Anatomical Sciences Education, 17, 818-830; Young, C. D., Taumoepeau, M. M., Hohmann-Marriott, B. E., Girling, J. E., & Bird, R. J. (2024). 'Sexual and reproductive health knowledges: A study with Pacific young people enrolled in an Aotearoa New Zealand tertiary institution.' Culture, Health & Sexuality, 26(2), 265-283; and conference contributions such as Dolodolotawake, M., Bird, R., & Flack, N. A. M. S. (2022). 'Me tu dei: An investigation into deep posterior leg muscle size in Pacifica.' Proceedings of the ANZACA Conference. Her influence extends to inspiring students toward science careers, fostering 'lightbulb moments,' and leading peers in innovative pedagogical practices.