Before devoting herself to academia, Dr Phyllis Araneo was an artist, advertising art director, graphic arts manager and music industry portrait painter in the NY metropolitan area. Inspired by nature, some of her paintings have been reproduced as prints, cards and homewares here in Australia.
Phyllis began teaching and studying at USC in 2002. A multi-disciplinarian, she has taught courses in visual literacy, art history, communication theory, arts education, academic skills, information technology and education for sustainable development. Her first Master’s degree explored the resurgence in contemporary culture of the iconic artistic image of the Green Man. The study analysed meanings and messages conveyed by the image throughout history as well as investigated how visual information can transform thought and invoke action within societies. The success of that popular study led to a research and teaching fellowship in a USC Education for Sustainability Development (ESD) core course, thus combining her knowledge of art and passion for nature.
After a second Master’s Degree in Education, Phyllis completed her PhD thesis Developing an Exemplary ESD Course: A Multiple Case Study of First Year ESD Courses in Tertiary Education. This global study focuses on curricular and pedagogical evaluation and optimisation of learning outcomes in ESD courses. From this, a specific interest of deepening science understanding in the citizenry emerged, with a view towards increasing environmentally responsible futures. She currently writes and publishes information on futures that perpetuate this desired outcome.
Phyllis is a passionate proponent of education and currently teaches in the School of Education and Tertiary Preparation Pathways.
Professional Memberships
- Australian Association for Engineering Education
Awards
- Honorary Membership Sunshine Coast Chapter Golden Key (2015)
- USC Advance Awards for Learning and Teaching (2013) for Advancing Quality Teaching
Professional Social Media
As a member of UniSC’s Sustainability Research Centre, Phyllis’ research is mostly focussed on sustainability. She also peer reviews articles for related journals within this space.
A recent additional research focus is on tertiary prep pathways, which she currently teaches in. As well, Phyllis paints and exhibits her work both here in Australia and overseas. These non-traditional research outputs can be seen by following the link: Explore Dr Phyllis Araneo's publications.
Research areas
- Curriculum and pedagogy in education for environmental sustainability
- Science and connection to environmentally responsible behaviour
- Spirituality and Sustainability
- Interdisciplinarity and impact of imagery in education
- Tertiary Access Programs
Phyllis is passionate about empowering and inspiring students in USC's Tertiary Preparation Pathway Program.
Teaching areas
- Academic Skills for Success
- ICT for Academic and Professional Applications
Phyllis' specialist areas of knowledge include teaching education for sustainable development and tertiary preparation pathways. Occasionally she is asked to judge art shows and competitions in the Sunshine Coast Region.