Metadata
Title
Rachel Fitzgerald
Category
general
UUID
47e9a665fcca43c5b2d36a0bdcf313bf
Source URL
https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/26807
Parent URL
https://about.uq.edu.au/faculties-institutes/bel/about/leaders
Crawl Time
2026-03-11T06:57:42+00:00
Rendered Raw Markdown 
# Rachel Fitzgerald

**Source**: https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/26807
**Parent**: https://about.uq.edu.au/faculties-institutes/bel/about/leaders

Associate Professor

# Rachel Fitzgerald

Email:
:   [rachel.fitzgerald@uq.edu.au](mailto:rachel.fitzgerald@uq.edu.au)

Phone:
:   [+61 7 336 56575](tel:+61 7 336 56575)

Phone:
:   [+61 7 334 67308](tel:+61 7 334 67308)

## Positions

Associate Professor / Deputy Associate Dean (Academic)
:   School of Business
:   Faculty of Business, Economics and Law

## Overview

### Background

**Associate Professor Rachel Fitzgerald** is the Deputy Associate Dean (Academic) for the Faculty of Business, Economics and Law at The University of Queensland. Internationally recognised for her expertise in Digital Education, Rachel leads digital transformation and curriculum innovation across the university, with a strong focus on generative AI, inclusive pedagogy, and lifelong learning.

Rachel co-chairs the national TEFA Network, supporting over 1100 Education-Focused Academics across Australia, and serves as Senior Editor (Educational Technology) for the *Journal of University Teaching and Learning Practice*. She is actively engaged in national and international conversations on the ethical and impactful use of AI in higher education, and regularly contributes to sector conferences, symposia, and thought leadership.

Her current research and practice explore microcredentials, workplace learning, and the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning in digitally enabled and AI-enhanced contexts.

**Online Profiles**

- LinkedIn: [http://linkedin.com/in/rmfitzgerald](https://www.linkedin.com/in/rmfitzgerald)
- Twitter: [https://twitter.com/](https://twitter.com/PBenckendorff)[rachelmfitz](https://twitter.com/rachelmfitz)
- Bluesky: @rmfitzg.bsky.social

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### Availability

Associate Professor Rachel Fitzgerald is:
:   Available for supervision
:   Media expert

### Fields of research

[Commerce, Management, Tourism and Services](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=4756)
[Education](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=4762)
[Education assessment and evaluation](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=6002)
[Education systems](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=4874)
[Educational administration, management and leadership](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=5472)
[Educational technology and computing](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=5894)
[Higher education](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=5659)

### Qualifications

- Masters (Coursework) of Computer Science, University of Northampton
- Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Lancaster

### Research interests

- #### Digital Learning Strategy and Online Education Transformation

  Exploring evidence-based digital pedagogy, hybrid education models and large-scale online learning design. My research focuses on scalable curriculum frameworks, technology-enhanced learning and strategic digital transformation.

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- #### Micro-credentials and Lifelong Learning Innovation

  Researching micro-credentials, stackable short courses and industry-aligned learning models. My work explores credential portability, flexible education strategy and the role of lifelong learning within contemporary higher education systems.

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- #### Generative AI in Higher Education Policy and Practice

  Researching the strategic, ethical and governance implications of generative AI in higher education, with a focus on assessment redesign, academic integrity, institutional policy and sector reform. My work examines how universities can integrate AI responsibly while protecting academic standards, equity and student learning outcomes.

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- #### Responsible AI and Assessment Security

  Investigating secure and future-focused assessment design in response to artificial intelligence. This includes programmatic assessment, TEQSA compliance, policy development and institutional governance frameworks that ensure awards remain credible in AI-enabled environments.

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- #### Teaching-Focused Academic Leadership and Career Reform

  Examining the professional identity, leadership development and promotion pathways of teaching-focused academics. This work informs institutional policy reform and national advocacy through leadership of the Teaching and Education Focused Academic (TEFA) Network.

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- #### Scholarship of Teaching and Learning

  Advancing rigorous Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) research in digital pedagogy, AI-enabled education and curriculum innovation. As Lead Editor (Educational Technology) for JUTLP, I support global research that bridges policy, practice and impact.

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View all research interests
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### Research impacts

Rachel Fitzgerald’s research focuses on the transformation of higher education through digital learning, curriculum innovation, and the ethical use of artificial intelligence. Her work directly supports educators and institutions to design inclusive, future-oriented learning experiences that respond to evolving student and workforce needs.

She has led the development of frameworks and resources that inform course and program design across disciplines, including the CRAFT framework for curriculum design in AI-enhanced learning environments. Her research underpins professional learning and academic development initiatives adopted at the institutional level and shared nationally through open-access publications and sector networks.

As co-chair of the TEFA Network, Rachel supports a national community of over 1100 Education-Focused Academics and contributes to sector-wide conversations on teaching excellence and the role of educators in an AI-enabled future.

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## Works

[Search Professor Rachel Fitzgerald’s works on UQ eSpace](http://espace.library.uq.edu.au/list/author_id/6820700)

[All
(57)](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts-publication/26807/all)
[Book
(2)](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts-publication/26807/4747)
[Journal Article
(13)](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts-publication/26807/4748)
[Other Outputs
(15)](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts-publication/26807/4749)
[Conference Publication
(17)](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts-publication/26807/4751)
[Book Chapter
(10)](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts-publication/26807/4752)

Featured

2020

Journal Article

##### Student-staff partnerships in academic development: the course design studio as a model for sustainable course-wide impact

Fitzgerald, Rachel, Huijser, Henk, Meth, Deanna and Neilan, Kellene (2020). Student-staff partnerships in academic development: the course design studio as a model for sustainable course-wide impact. International Journal for Academic Development, 25 (2), 134-146. doi: 10.1080/1360144X.2019.1631170

[Student-staff partnerships in academic development: the course design studio as a model for sustainable course-wide impact](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:0fbb60e)

2025

Conference Publication

##### How are we tracking AI adoption and digital maturity in higher education?

Fitzgerald, Rachel, Ech-Chadli, Amin, Yap SJ, Fr Roberto C., Bayerlein, Leopold and Ajdari, Robin (2025). How are we tracking AI adoption and digital maturity in higher education?. Digital Education Council Global Summit, Hong Kong, 4–5 November 2025. Hong Kong: Digital Education Council.

[How are we tracking AI adoption and digital maturity in higher education?](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:ca2991c)

2025

Journal Article

##### Re-thinking SoTL for the age of GenAI: diffracted, entangled, and human

Mills, Jennie, Beynen, Tina, Chia Sook May, Ivy, Fitzgerald, Rachel, Hall, Kimberly A., Lai, Evelyn, Mason, Jon and Newell, Samantha (2025). Re-thinking SoTL for the age of GenAI: diffracted, entangled, and human. Teaching and Learning Inquiry, 13 49, 1-19. doi: 10.20343/teachlearninqu.13.49

[Re-thinking SoTL for the age of GenAI: diffracted, entangled, and human](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:3162708)

2025

Book Chapter

##### Teaching that transforms: reimagining higher education in the age of AI

Fitzgerald, Rachel (2025). Teaching that transforms: reimagining higher education in the age of AI. Inquiry in action: using AI to reimagine learning and teaching: case studies from the frontline of higher education practice. (pp. \*-\*) edited by Rachel Fitzgerald. St Lucia, QLD Australia: The University of Queensland. doi: 10.14264/d4aaaf6

[Teaching that transforms: reimagining higher education in the age of AI](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:bc95b7b)

2025

Book

##### Inquiry in action: using AI to reimagine learning and teaching: case studies from the frontline of higher education practice

Rachel Fitzgerald ed. (2025). Inquiry in action: using AI to reimagine learning and teaching: case studies from the frontline of higher education practice. St Lucia, QLD Australia: The University of Queensland. doi: 10.14264/a18431b

[Inquiry in action: using AI to reimagine learning and teaching: case studies from the frontline of higher education practice](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:a18431b)

2025

Journal Article

##### Editorial: Framing the Future with a Research Agenda for Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education

Fitzgerald, Rachel, Amantha Kumar, Jeya, Roe, Jasper, Roehrer, Erin and Yang, Jianhua (2025). Editorial: Framing the Future with a Research Agenda for Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education. Journal of University Teaching and Learning Practice, 22 (4) 63. doi: 10.53761/jwt7ra63

[Editorial: Framing the Future with a Research Agenda for Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:7c6951b)

2025

Conference Publication

##### Panel member – Career pathways for education-focused academics

Fitzgerald, Rachel (2025). Panel member – Career pathways for education-focused academics. AoFE Symposium, Online, 24 July 2025. Australia: Alliance of Finance Educators (AoFE).

[Panel member – Career pathways for education-focused academics](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:2791bb9)

2025

Other Outputs

##### AI is now part of our world. Uni graduates should know how to use it responsibly

Fitzgerald, Rachel and Curtis, Caitlin (2025, 07 18). AI is now part of our world. Uni graduates should know how to use it responsibly The Conversation doi: 10.64628/AA.xf4cq7epn

[AI is now part of our world. Uni graduates should know how to use it responsibly](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:ffa025f)

2025

Other Outputs

##### Balancing scalability with student-centered approaches

Hol, Anna, Fitzgerald, Rachel, Beavis, Alison and Li, Ian (2025). Balancing scalability with student-centered approaches. Sydney, NSW, Australia: Terrapin EDUTech\_AU.

[Balancing scalability with student-centered approaches](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:0f550c7)

2025

Conference Publication

##### Beyond engagement: student-informed approaches to AI-enabled learning

Fitzgerald, Rachel (2025). Beyond engagement: student-informed approaches to AI-enabled learning. EDUtech Australia 2025, Sydney, NSW, Australia, 11-12 June 2025.

[Beyond engagement: student-informed approaches to AI-enabled learning](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:d440adf)

2025

Other Outputs

##### Critical studies of education and technology … reasons to be hopeful?

CSET collective and Fitzgerald, Rachel (CEST collective member) (2025). Critical studies of education and technology … reasons to be hopeful?. Melbourne, VIC Australia: Monash University. doi: 10.26180/29265038

[Critical studies of education and technology … reasons to be hopeful?](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:24254fc)

2025

Conference Publication

##### Beyond the theory: trust, agency, and pedagogical transformation in the age of Generative AI

Fitzgerald, Rachel (2025). Beyond the theory: trust, agency, and pedagogical transformation in the age of Generative AI. International Conference for Education Development and Studies, Oxford, United Kingdom, 26 - 28 March 2025.

[Beyond the theory: trust, agency, and pedagogical transformation in the age of Generative AI](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:7c1d7d5)

2025

Other Outputs

##### Can we trust AI? Challenges, risks, and opportunities

Fitzgerald, Rachel, Yang, Jianhua and Fischer, Isabel (2025). Can we trust AI? Challenges, risks, and opportunities. Coventry, United Kingdom: Warwick International Higher Education Academy (WIHEA).

[Can we trust AI? Challenges, risks, and opportunities](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:fca2d3f)

2025

Other Outputs

##### The virtual university as a frontier for navigating new learning spaces, pedagogies, and technologies

Fitzgerald, Rachel (2025). The virtual university as a frontier for navigating new learning spaces, pedagogies, and technologies. Valencia, Spain: INTED (International Technology, Education and Development Conference).

[The virtual university as a frontier for navigating new learning spaces, pedagogies, and technologies](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:7bcc58e)

2025

Conference Publication

##### Building trust with AI

Fitzgerald, Rachel (2025). Building trust with AI. Artificial Intelligence Symposium 2025, Virtual, 25 February 2025. York: Advance HE.

[Building trust with AI](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:8de89a6)

2025

Other Outputs

##### Building trust with AI: practical approaches for higher education

Fitzgerald, Rachel (2025). Building trust with AI: practical approaches for higher education. Dublin, Ireland: European Academic Assembly (EAA) / Dublin City University.

[Building trust with AI: practical approaches for higher education](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:5334957)

2024

Other Outputs

##### The future of higher education: Why online learning design still matters

Fitzgerald, Rachel and Huijser, Henk (2024, 11 25). The future of higher education: Why online learning design still matters

[The future of higher education: Why online learning design still matters](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:1977d45)

2024

Journal Article

##### The Virtual University as a Frontier for Navigating New Learning Spaces, Pedagogies, and Technologies

Sankey, Michael, Huijser, Henk and Fitzgerald, Rachel (2024). The Virtual University as a Frontier for Navigating New Learning Spaces, Pedagogies, and Technologies. ASCILITE Publications, 156-158. doi: 10.14742/apubs.2024.1139

[The Virtual University as a Frontier for Navigating New Learning Spaces, Pedagogies, and Technologies](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:ab80ac1)

2024

Other Outputs

##### Connecting and collaborating: Building the TEFA Network to advocate for and support teaching and education-focused academics

Fitzgerald, Rachel, Williams, Stephen George, Fawns, Tim, Gribble, Lynn, Waller, Karena and Matthews, Kelly (2024, 11 11). Connecting and collaborating: Building the TEFA Network to advocate for and support teaching and education-focused academics

[Connecting and collaborating: Building the TEFA Network to advocate for and support teaching and education-focused academics](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:b1ae572)

2024

Journal Article

##### AI: Educating the educators

Konarova, Muxina, Fitzgerald, Rachel, Birkett, Greg, Bakharia, Aneesha, Howes, Tony, Rufford, Tom and O'Brien, Kate (2024). AI: Educating the educators. The Chemical Engineer, 26-28.

[AI: Educating the educators](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:84a22b5)

## Funding

### Past funding

- 2021 - 2022

  Development of an experiential real-work simulation focused on Strategic Decision-Making

  Practera

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/50226)

## Supervision

### Availability

Associate Professor Rachel Fitzgerald is:
:   Available for supervision

Looking for a supervisor? Read our advice on [how to choose a supervisor](https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/phd-mphil-professional-doctorate/how-to-choose-a-supervisor).

### Supervision history

#### Current supervision

- Doctor Philosophy

  ##### Examining the Process of Assessment Innovation in Business Education: A Complex Adaptive Systems Approach

  Principal Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Associate Professor Christine Slade](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/14189)
- Doctor Philosophy

  ##### An Empirical Study on Entrepreneurial Orientation and Entrepreneurial Learning Programmes in Shaping Female Entrepreneurs Efficacy in Oman

  Associate Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Dr Russell Manfield](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/20409)
- Doctor Philosophy

  ##### The influence of learning strategy instruction on academic self-concept development in enabling students

  Associate Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Professor Jason Lodge](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/20272)

## Media

### Enquiries

Contact Associate Professor Rachel Fitzgerald directly for media enquiries about:

- Digital Education
- Digital Transformation
- Future of Business Education
- Future of Higher Education
- Integrity of Online Education
- Learning Analytics
- Learning and Development
- Learning and Teaching
- Micro-Credentials
- Online Learning Experience

#### Need help?

For help with finding experts, story ideas and media enquiries, contact our Media team:

[communications@uq.edu.au](mailto:communications@uq.edu.au)

## External profiles

- [ORCID](https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2905-6895)
- [ResearcherID](https://www.webofscience.com/wos/author/record/AAW-9567-2021)
- [Scopus](https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=56492257500)
- [Google Scholar](https://scholar.google.com.au/citations?user=a_4OPE4AAAAJ)

## Personal links

- [Personal profile](https://business.uq.edu.au/profile/8783/rachel-fitzgerald)

## Social media

- [Linkedin](http://linkedin.com/in/rmfitzgerald)
- [X](https://twitter.com/rachelmfitz)

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