Dr Samira Nazar
Recipient, Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Teaching Excellence (Early Career)
College of Business and Economics
Synopsis
Dr Samira Nazar is a Lecturer in Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the College of Business and Economics. She teaches entrepreneurship, innovation, and new venture creation, encouraging students to move beyond theory and actively apply knowledge to real-world challenges.
Through interactive activities such as business simulations, entrepreneurial pitches, and teamwork projects, she helps students build confidence, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Samira’s teaching is grounded in rigorous academic research and enriched by practical experience. Drawing on established scholarship in entrepreneurship and innovation education, experiential learning, and her research into entrepreneurship in fragile contexts, she ensures students engage with evidence-based frameworks and current debates.
She incorporates global perspectives from her cultural and professional background in Asia and Europe, and regularly connects students with industry experts from around the world. This approach provides students insight into both the opportunities and challenges of leading in uncertain environments. Her focus is creating inclusive and supportive classrooms where all students feel encouraged to contribute. She uses collaborative technologies, peer learning, and clear guidance to keep students engaged and motivated. Her aim extends beyond equipping students with business knowledge to developing their confidence and sense of responsibility as future leaders.
Samira’s teaching excellence has been recognised through outstanding student evaluations and the ANU College of Business and Economics Early Career Teaching Excellence Award (2024). Students consistently describe her courses as transformative, highlighting how they foster teamwork, resilience, and courage to turn ideas into action.
(Photo by Tangyao Zhang)