Sophie Karanicolas

Sophie Karanicolas serves as Assistant Dean for Learning and Teaching in the School of Dentistry at the University of Adelaide, where she has shaped dental education through innovative teaching approaches for over two decades. As Academic Lead for Innovation and Staff Development and Principal Fellow of the UK Higher Education Academy, she pioneered the development of Integrated Online Learning Modules and effective pre-lecture engagement strategies. Her teaching excellence has earned numerous prestigious recognitions, including an Office for Learning and Teaching Award for Teaching Excellence, the University of Adelaide Vice Chancellor's Medal for Excellence in Education, the Stephen Cole the Elder Award, and an Australian Learning and Teaching Council Citation. Her work focuses on transforming traditional lecture formats into interactive, student-driven learning experiences, particularly in first-year Human Biology courses. Beyond her institutional roles, she contributes to global educational innovation through her research on technology-enhanced learning and student engagement strategies, while maintaining active involvement in international educational initiatives as evidenced by her role as Special Edition Editor for the Journal of Education, Innovation and Communication.