Dr Prue Francis

Prue is a Senior Lecturer in Marine Science and Professional Practice in the School of Life and Environmental Sciences and the Course Director of the Bachelor of Marine Science at Deakin University.  

A passionate educator, Prue has over 15 years' experience as a STEM educator, having taught a host of units across all learning levels and at multiple educational institutions across Australia. Notably, and before joining Deakin, Prue was the Education Coordinator at Reef HQ Aquarium; the national education centre for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. Prue's marine education background and expertise translates into her research interest that focuses on the extent to which ocean literacy is being taught in schools across Australia and exploring innovative methods to promote ocean literacy through research, education and outreach. Prue actively promotes ocean literacy through regular appearances on radio and has recently co-authored a children's book called The Great Southern Reef (by Paul Venzo, Prue Francis; illustrated by Cate James).

Prue also has a research interest in the growing seaweed industry in Australia, where she is exploring optimisation of cultivation techniques for local seaweed species.