Dr Luca Maestrini

Highly Commended, Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Teaching Excellence (Early Career)

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College of Business and Economics

Synopsis

Luca has transformed the learning experience in Statistics at ANU through a distinctive blend of research driven teaching and student-centred focus. His classes are designed as spaces where students actively build frameworks for critical thinking and data analysis, rather than passively absorbing content.

By connecting theory with authentic case studies, computer programming and applied practice, Luca ensures that statistical methods are not only understood but also seen as vital scientific tools across diverse disciplines. His broad research collaborations with applied scientists, ranging from Biomedical to Forensic Sciences, enrich his teaching with real-world perspectives not often available in the classroom.

This multi-disciplinarity gives students unique insight into how Sta s cs underpins discovery, data analysis and decision-making in practice. Luca’s impact spans undergraduate and postgraduate cohorts, where his subjects consistently attract excellent evaluations and enthusiastic feedback.

Students commend his clarity, responsiveness and ability to create an inclusive atmosphere that challenges advanced learners while supporting those less confident in technical skills. This balance fosters class attendance, engagement and confidence, particularly in a field often perceived as intimidating.

(Photo by Tangyao Zhang)