Dr Mary Oliver
Program Director

Mary brings a wealth of teaching experience at high school and tertiary in Australia and internationally. She qualified from London University and gained her PhD from the University of East Anglia, where she undertook research into students’ understanding of evolution. She has taught Biology in the UK, Copenhagen and Western Australia. In 2003, Mary was awarded Western Australia’s Westfield Premier’s Education scholarship which took her to Kings College, London becoming trained in the renowned program Cognitive Acceleration through Science Eduction. Since then, Mary has trained a number of teachers in WA, become involved with the post-compulsory curriculum changes, and led a science department. In her spare time, Mary enjoys an eclectic choice of music, quilting and roller-blading.

Patricia Illing
Deputy Director

Patricia’s involvement with the Australian Science Olympiads began in 2004 when she represented Australia in the 15th International Biology Olympiad in Brisbane. Since this time she has been a member of the teaching staff, helping to prepare subsequent students. Patricia is currently a student at the University of Melbourne where she is completing her third year of a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology as well as Cell biology. During her time at Melbourne University Patricia has been involved in the Melbourne University iGEM team and will be moving on to undertake an Honours year in 2008.

Updated Nov 2008