Rate My Professor Zoe Griffiths

Dr Zoe Griffiths serves as a Lecturer in Pathways and Academic Learning Support in the Engagement and Equity Division and as a Casual Academic in the School of Science within the College of Engineering, Science and Environment at the University of Newcastle, Australia. Possessing a PhD in Chemistry from La Trobe University and a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Sociology, she embodies an interdisciplinary approach blending natural and social sciences. Her research delves into the intersection of Chemistry and Sociology, examining the societal implications of scientific advancements and technological innovations. Griffiths is particularly dedicated to education equity, focusing on the challenges women encounter in STEM fields through the lens of Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT), aiming to foster inclusive policies and practices.

Prior to her current roles, she worked as a Field Applications Chemist at Waters Micromass Ltd in the United Kingdom from 2007 to 2008 and as a Postdoctoral Researcher at Technische-Universität Berlin, Germany, from 2006 to 2007. She has earned notable accolades, including the College Medal in Sociology and Anthropology from the University of Newcastle in 2022, the Mass Spectrometry Postgraduate Award from the Journal of Mass Spectrometry in 2003, and the Prize for Analysis of Chlorinated Hydrocarbons in soils using GCMS and Solid Phase Microextraction (SPME) from ANZSMS in 2001. Her scholarly contributions include journal articles such as 'Exploring Differentiated Learning Strategies to Respond to Differences in Students' Level of Understanding of Metal Inorganic Chemistry Course' in JIPI (2025), '‘Do I have to go through all of that again?’ Class and rurality as barriers in the higher education pathways of queer students' in Australian Educational Researcher (2025), and 'Using learning analytics to assess student engagement and academic outcomes in open access enabling programmes' in Open Learning: The Journal of Open, Distance and e-Learning (2017). Earlier publications feature mass spectrometry research, including 'Heat of formation for the CH3CH=NH2+ cation by photoionization mass spectrometry' in JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY A (2006). Griffiths coordinates and tutors courses such as Physical and Organic Chemistry (EPCHEM237), Bioscience for Nurses and Midwifery (EPHLTH270), and Science Essentials for Nursing and Midwifery (EPHLTH170), advancing active learning and inclusivity in STEM.