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Associate Professor Kate Wilson

Associate Professor Kate Wilson

Associate Professor

PhD (Physics), Monash University

BSc. hons, Monash University

Grad Dip Ed. (teaching) University of Canberra

UNSW Canberra
School of Eng & Tech

A/Prof Kate Wilson convenes and teaches Engineering Mechanics (ZEIT1503).

Kate is an Education Focussed academic, and a member of the UNSW Scientia Education academy. She has a PhD in physics from Monash University, and has done research in computational physics and condensed matter physics, but most of her research has been on student learning and experience.  

Her current research interests include student learning, pedagogy and curriculum development.  

In particular:

      learning of physics concepts

      the transition from school to university

      student experience in higher education

      engineering ethics education

Kate is coauthor of an undergraduate physics textbook and four high school physics textbooks, and has also contributed to texts on chemistry and biology, and some of her content was adapted for National Geographic physics text in the US.

She is a past director of the Australian Science Olympiads Physics Program and member of the Sydney University Physics Education Research group, where she worked on the Workshop Tutorial Project.

Kate has worked on three discipline based ALTC/Carrick/CUTSD funded projects looking at physics education in Australian Universities.   
Phone
+61 2 5114 5222
E-mail
k.wilson-goossens@unsw.edu.au
Location
Building 15 Room 201 School of Engineering and Information Technology, The University of New South Wales, Australian Defence Force Academy, PO Box 7916, Canberra BC ACT 2610, AUSTRALIA
  • Books | 2015
    Cody G; Rose H; Champion N; Wilson K; Farr R, 2015, Nelson Physics Units 3 and 4 for the Australian Curriculum
    Books | 2014
    Cody G; Champion ND; Farr R; Mundy M; Wilson K, 2014, Nelson Physics Units 1 & 2 for the Australian Curriculum
    Books | 2012
    Serway R; Jewett J; Wilson-Goossens KF; Wilson A, 2012, Physics, Cengage Learning Australia, Melbourne, Australia
    Books | 2005
    Mendez A; Kirkup L; Low DJ; Mills DR; Rayner A; Swan G; Zadnik M; Feteris S; Livett M; Merchant A; Pollard J; Sharma M; Wilson K, 2005, Snapshots - Good Learning and Teaching in Physics, AUTC and the Carrick Institute, Vic
  • Book Chapters | 2005
    Low DJ; Wilson K; Zadnik M, 2005, 'The changing nature of students: Implications for teaching', in Learning outcomes and curriculum development in Physics, AUTC (Aust. Universities Teaching Committee), School of Physics, Monash Uni VIC
  • Journal articles | 2022
    Townsend D; Wilson KF; Harvey M, 2022, 'Applying the principles of triage to support the rapid transition to online learning during the pandemic', Journal of Higher Education Policy and Management, 44, pp. 563 - 579, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/1360080X.2022.2089802
    Journal articles | 2021
    Malik U; Low D; Wilson K, 2021, 'For Girls, "just" Just Isn't Scientific', Physics Teacher, 59, pp. 19 - 21, http://dx.doi.org/10.1119/10.0003009
    Journal articles | 2020
    Wilson KF; Wilson K, 2020, 'How do students in different minority groups experience first-year engineering?', Australasian Journal of Engineering Education, 25, pp. 66 - 78, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/22054952.2020.1796044
    Journal articles | 2019
    Dennis Z; Wilson K; Boyson T; Kasmarik K, 2019, 'Building girls' confidence in themselves as future engineers', Teaching Science, 65, pp. 10 - 18
    Journal articles | 2019
    Malik U; Angstmann EJ; Wilson K, 2019, 'Learning and conceptual change in thermal physics concepts: An examination by gender', International Journal of Innovation in Science and Mathematics Education, 27, pp. 37 - 46, http://dx.doi.org/10.30722/ijisme.27.01.003
    Journal articles | 2019
    Wilson K; Wilson KF, 2019, 'Student responses to a tough early assessment: A useful “kick up the bum”?', Student Success, 10, pp. 1 - 15, http://dx.doi.org/10.5204/ssj.v11i3.1158
    Journal articles | 2019
    Wilson KF; Wilson K, 2019, '‘Collaborate to graduate’: what works and why?', Higher Education Research and Development, 38, pp. 1504 - 1518, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/07294360.2019.1660311
    Journal articles | 2018
    Low D; Malik U; Wilson K, 2018, 'Up and down, but also forward: addressing gender differences in the understanding of projectile motion',
    Journal articles | 2017
    Low DJ; Wilson KF, 2017, 'The role of competing knowledge structures in undermining learning: Newton's second and third laws', American Journal of Physics, 85, pp. 54 - 65, http://dx.doi.org/10.1119/1.4972041
    Journal articles | 2017
    Low DJ; Wilson KF, 2017, 'Weight, the normal force and Newton's third law', Teaching Science, 63, pp. 17 - 26
    Journal articles | 2017
    Ranawake G; Gunawardena M; Wilson K, 2017, 'Teaching Academic Literacy in Disciplinary Contexts: Insights and Implications from a Discourse Study', International Journal of Learning and Teaching, pp. 222 - 225, http://dx.doi.org/10.18178/ijlt.3.3.222-225
    Journal articles | 2016
    Wilson KF; Low DJ; Verdon M; Verdon A, 2016, 'Differences in gender performance on competitive physics selection tests', PHYSICAL REVIEW PHYSICS EDUCATION RESEARCH, 12, pp. 020111 - 020111, http://dx.doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevPhysEducRes.12.020111
    Journal articles | 2016
    Wilson KF; Ranawake GS, 2016, 'Learning to do science: lessons from a discourse analysis of students’ laboratory reports', International Journal of Innovation in Science and Mathematics Education, 24, http://openjournals.library.usyd.edu.au/index.php/CAL/article/view/10349
    Journal articles | 2015
    Wilson KF; Low DJ, 2015, '"On second thoughts...": Changes of mind as an indication of competing knowledge structures', American Journal of Physics, 83, pp. 802 - 808, http://dx.doi.org/10.1119/1.4928131
    Journal articles | 2013
    Wilson A; Howitt S; Roberts P; Akerlind G; Wilson-Goossens KF, 2013, 'Connecting expectations and experiences of students in a research-immersive degree', Studies in Higher Education, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/03075079.2011.633163
    Journal articles | 2012
    Wilson A; Howitt S; Wilson-Goossens KF; Roberts P, 2012, 'Academics' perceptions of the purpose of undergraduate research experiences in a research-intensive degree', Studies in Higher Education, 37, pp. 513 - 526, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/03075079.2010.527933
    Journal articles | 2010
    Howitt S; Wilson A; Wilson K; Roberts P, 2010, '‘Please remember we are not all brilliant’: undergraduates’ experiences of an elite, research‐intensive degree at a research‐intensive university', Higher Education Research & Development, 29, pp. 405 - 420, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/07294361003601883
    Journal articles | 2006
    Hall SD; Wilson KF, 2006, 'Ballast water flushing of multiple tanks on board sea-going bulk carriers', Journal of Marine Environmental Engineering, 8, pp. 309 - 318
    Journal articles | 2005
    Goossens DJ; Wilson-Goossens KF; James M, 2005, 'Structure and magnetism in Ho1-xSrxCoO3-[delta]', Journal of Physics and Chemistry of Solids, 66, pp. 169 - 175, http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B6TXR-4DYW4MV-1/2/8dbc354da78be38f80bfa786012e1292
    Journal articles | 2005
    James M; Wallwork KS; Withers RL; Goossens DJ; Wilson KF; Horvat J; Wang XL; Colella M, 2005, 'Structure and magnetism in the oxygen-deficient perovskites Ce 1-xSrxCoO3-δ (x ≥ 0.90)', Materials Research Bulletin, 40, pp. 1415 - 1431, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.materresbull.2005.03.025
    Journal articles | 2005
    James M; Wallwork KS; Withers RL; Goossens DJ; Wilson KF; Horvat J; Wang XL; Colella M, 2005, 'Structure and magnetism in the oxygen-deficient perovskites Ce1-xSrxCoO3-delta (x >= 0-90)', MATERIALS RESEARCH BULLETIN, 40, pp. 1415 - 1431, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.materresbull.2005.03.025
    Journal articles | 2004
    Goossens DJ; Wilson KF; James M; Studer AJ; Wang XL, 2004, 'Structural and magnetic properties of Y0.33Sr 0.67CoO2.79', Physical Review B Condensed Matter and Materials Physics, 69, pp. 1 - 134411, http://dx.doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.69.134411
    Journal articles | 2004
    Goossens DJ; Wilson-Goossens KF; James M; Studer AJ; Wang XL, 2004, 'Structural and magnetic properties of Y0.33Sr0.67CoO2.79', Physical Review - Section B - Condensed Matter, 69
    Journal articles | 2004
    James M; Cassidy D; Wilson-Goossens KF; Horvat J; Withers RL, 2004, 'Oxygen vacancy ordering and magnetism in the rare earth stabilisedperovskite form of `SrCoO3-delta`', Solid State Sciences, 6, pp. 655 - 662
    Journal articles | 2001
    Wilson KF; Goossens DJ, 2001, 'A computational model of gastro-intestinal motility', Computer Physics Communications, 142, pp. 105 - 108, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0010-4655(01)00339-3
    Journal articles | 2000
    Wilson KF; Goossens DJ, 2000, 'A neural network model of an Ising spin glass', Acta Physica Polonica A, 97, pp. 983 - 986, http://dx.doi.org/10.12693/APhysPolA.97.983
  • Conference Papers | 2018
    Boyson T; Kasmarik K; Wilson K, 2018, 'Evaluating the Impact of the YoWIE Summer School on Girls’ Perception of Engineering', in Proceedings of the 29th Australasian Association for Engineering Education Conference, 2018, Hamilton, New Zealand, presented at 29th Australasian Association for Engineering Education Conference 2018, Hamilton, New Zealand, 09 December 2018 - 12 December 2018, https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/18aaee/proceedings/AAEE18_Proceedings_5Dec.pdf
    Conference Papers | 2018
    Hoke C; Smith W; Wilson K, 2018, 'Effectiveness of First Year Mentoring Program on Increasing Student Sense of Belonging and Correlation with Motivation', Hamilton, NZ, presented at 29th Australasian Association for Engineering Education Conference 2018, Hamilton, NZ, 09 December 2018 - 12 December 2018, https://search.informit.com.au/documentSummary;dn=168186903393100;res=IELENG
    Conference Papers | 2018
    Ranawake G; Wilson K, 2018, 'An Exploration of Gender Differences in Academic Writing in Science', Venice, presented at 20th International Conference on Gender Studies, Venice, 14 November 2018 - 15 November 2018
    Conference Papers | 2018
    Wilson K, 2018, 'Supporting diversity: the emotional experience of different minority groups', in Proceedings of the 29th Australasian Association for Engineering Education Conference, 2018, Hamilton, New Zealand, presented at 29th Australasian Association for Engineering Education Conference 2018, Hamilton, New Zealand, 09 December 2018 - 12 December 2018, https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/18aaee/proceedings/AAEE18_Proceedings_5Dec.pdf
    Other | 2017
    Keenihan S (ed.), 2017, Not taking the piss: why it’s important to examine how we teach and test physics to reduce gender bias, , https://theconversation.com/not-taking-the-piss-why-its-important-to-examine-how-we-teach-and-test-physics-to-reduce-gender-bias-84262
    Conference Posters | 2016
    Low DJ; Wilson KF, (ed.), 2016, 'Scaffolding laboratory skills', The University of Queensland, pp. 86 - 87, presented at 2016 Australian Conference on Science and Mathematics Education (22nd Annual UniServe Science Conference), The University of Queensland, 28 September 2016 - 30 September 2016
    Conference Posters | 2016
    Low DJ; Wilson KF, 2016, 'A scaffolded skills approach in the first-year physics laboratory', Brisbane, Australia, presented at 22nd Australian Institute of Physics Congress, Brisbane, Australia, 04 December 2016 - 08 December 2016
    Conference Papers | 2016
    Wilson KF; Low DJ, 2016, 'Reducing the gender gap in first-year physics performance', in Yeung A (ed.), Proceedings of the Australian Conference on Science and Mathematics Education 2016, UniServe Science, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia, The University of Queensland, pp. 246 - 253, presented at 2016 Australian Conference on Science and Mathematics Education (22nd Annual UniServe Science Conference), The University of Queensland, 28 September 2016 - 30 September 2016
    Conference Papers | 2015
    Low DJ; Wilson KF, 2015, 'Persistent Gender Gaps in First-Year Physics Assessment Questions', in Yeung A (ed.), Proceedings of the Australian Conference on Science and Mathematics Education, Perth, Western Australia, pp. 118 - 124, presented at The Australian Conference on Science and Mathematics Education, Perth, Western Australia, 30 September 2015 - 01 October 2015, http://openjournals.library.usyd.edu.au/index.php/IISME/article/view/8775
    Conference Papers | 2015
    Wilson KF; Low DJ, 2015, 'Smart girls know how to use a screwdriver', in Yeung A (ed.), Proceedings of the Australian Conference on Science and Mathematics Education, Perth, Western Australia, pp. 125 - 131, presented at The Australian Conference on Science and Mathematics Education, Perth, Western Australia, 30 September 2015 - 01 October 2015, http://openjournals.library.usyd.edu.au/index.php/IISME/article/view/8772
    Conference Papers | 2014
    Low DJ; Wilson KF, 2014, 'Teachability: It's harder to teach a young dog new tricks', in Sharma M; Yeung A (ed.), Proceedings of the Australian Conference on Science and Mathematics Education 2014, UniServe Science, University of Sydney, University of Sydney, pp. 120 - 126, presented at Australian Conference on Science and Mathematics Education, University of Sydney, 29 September 2014 - 30 September 2014, http://openjournals.library.usyd.edu.au/index.php/IISME/article/viewFile/7646/8071
    Conference Papers | 2014
    Wilson KF; Low DJ, 2014, 'Predicting Student Success in Statics', in Bainbridge-Smith A; Ziming TQ; Sen Gupta G (eds.), Proceedings of the AAEE2014 Conference, School of Engineering & Advanced Technology, Massey University, Turitea Campus, Palmerston North, New Zealand 4442, Wellington, New Zealand, pp. 130, presented at Australasian Association for Engineering Education Annual Conference 2014, Wellington, New Zealand, 08 December 2014 - 10 December 2014
    Conference Papers | 2004
    McAlpine I; Wilson-Goossens KF; Russell C; Cunningham M, 2004, 'An Online Diary as a Research and Evaluation Tool for First Year Physics', in 21st ASCILITE Conference, Perth, WA, presented at 21st ASCILITE Conference, Perth, WA, 05 December 2004 - 08 December 2004

Senior Fellow, Higher Education Academy

I have supervised PhD projects on gender differences in linguistic choices in professional and popular science writing; gender differences in performance in physics assessment; challenges and supports for STEM students in Indonesia and supporting reflective practice for engineering students.

I am open to supervising research students in engineering education, in topics related to those above, or if you have an idea for a project you would like to work on in engineering education I would be happy to discuss it.