Rate My Professor Sue Pyke

Dr. Sue Pyke is a teacher-specialist Senior Lecturer in Chemistry and Teaching Program Director for Physical and Molecular Sciences in the College of Science and Engineering at Flinders University, Australia. She obtained her BSc (Hons) in 1989 and PhD in Synthetic Organic Chemistry in 1991 from the University of Sydney. In her leadership role, she shapes teaching direction across Physics, Chemistry, Forensic Science, Biotechnology, and Environmental Health programs. Pyke teaches all first-year Chemistry topics, coordinating CHEM1201 General Chemistry to enable access for students without Year 11 or 12 Chemistry, and CHEM1011 Chemistry 1B, which she redeveloped in 2023 for advanced preparation. She also lectures in CHEM1010 Chemistry 1A (Semesters 1 and 2), CHEM3711 and CHEM8711 Organic Synthesis and Mechanisms, ENGR8752 Engineering Materials and Systems GE, and ENGR1722 Engineering Materials and Systems. Previously, she taught Physical Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry at second-year level.

Emphasizing a student-centered approach, Pyke fosters engagement and deep understanding through innovative activities aiding transition to university Chemistry. She was First Year Director (2013-2016) and Convenor of the Flinders First Year Community of Practice (FYCoP) (2014-2020), while mentoring students and new academics. Her excellence in teaching is evidenced by awards including the 2022 (S1) Student Nominated Teaching Award (runner-up) and 2021 (S2) Student Nominated Teaching Award from the College of Science and Engineering; 2016 Faculty Innovation in Teaching and Learning Award and Dean’s Award for Excellence in Teaching; and 2010 Faculty Scholar from the Faculty of Science and Engineering. A Chartered Chemist (CChem) and Royal Australian Chemical Institute (MRACI) member for 40 years, Pyke served as SA RACI Branch Secretary and Executive (2019-2023), Co-founder and Committee Member of SA Branch Women in Chemistry Group (2017-present), Chemical Education Group Member (2016-present), SACE Stage 2 Teachers’ Workshop Host (2017-2019), and Panel Member (2020, 2024). She coordinated Chemistry shows at Science Alive (2015-2016).