DoctorKarelle Siellez

Dr Karelle Siellez teaches across undergraduate and honours-level Physics and Astrophysics at the University of Tasmania. Her teaching philosophy is centred on helping students become independent scientists by connecting conceptual understanding, mathematical reasoning, observational practice and authentic research experience.

Her teaching uses active, inclusive and research-connected learning. In second-year electromagnetism, she has redesigned learning activities around collaborative whiteboard problem-solving, clearer links between videos, tutorials and assessment, and structured support for students learning to build full scientific arguments. Her approach aims to make abstract physics more accessible while maintaining high academic standards.

Dr Siellez is strongly committed to inclusive teaching and Universal Design for Learning. She received a 2026 UTAS Tiny Award for On-Campus Delivery for embedding transparent tick-box marking guides into Physics tests, helping students understand assessment expectations under timed conditions without reducing the level of the physics. She also uses pre-course, mid-course and end-of-unit feedback to adapt teaching in response to student needs.

In Astrophysics, Dr Siellez emphasises hands-on experience with real instruments and data. In Advanced Astrophysics, she revived long-unused Physics telescopes and integrated them into honours teaching, allowing students to develop practical observing skills and connect theoretical astrophysics with the night sky. Her teaching also includes research-linked numerical assignments, team-based activities, telescope use, gravitational-wave data challenges and pathways into honours and higher-degree research.

Dr Siellez sees teaching, supervision and outreach as connected parts of scientific training. She aims to build confidence, belonging and curiosity in Physics, while giving students opportunities to participate in real research communities. Her teaching also contributes to the renewal of the Physics curriculum at UTAS, including efforts to connect physics with contemporary scientific, technological, environmental and cultural questions.