Dr Robertson Burgess

Dr Robertson Burgess is a Lecturer of Secondary Science and Mathematics teaching. Originally working as a Physics researcher before transitioning to teaching, Dr Burgess now combines his physics background with his passion for communicating science to help aspiring teachers prepare for the High School classroom.  

As a researcher, he is combining emerging technologies including AI (artificial intelligence) and Virtual Reality to both better understand the challenges of teaching as well as understanding the impact that these transformative technologies will have on the future of classrooms. 

From Theoretical Physics to the Science Classroom. 

 Dr Burgess earned a PhD in Physics from the University of Newcastle, where his research focused on simulating the interactions between light and nanometer scale metallic particles. 

Following the completion of their PhD, Dr. Burgess gained valuable experience as a materials science researcher before becoming a high school science and mathematics teacher. His roles included periods of time teaching in both England and Australia and as Head of Year, Head of Science, and administrative roles, giving him broad insight into the multiple facets of teaching. This role ignited a passion for understanding and addressing the challenges faced by early career science teachers.  

Technology: Transforming Education, for the Better? 

Dr Burgess has a passion for the potential of technology in education, coupled with firsthand experience of the challenges inherent in implementing it effectively into a syllabus heavy classroom. 

His research investigates technologies such as Virtual Reality, Generative AI, and Games Based Learning, in order to understand whether these technologies are beneficial or detrimental for education, and what strategies can be employed to ensure that the technology is used ethically, responsibly, and for the benefit of our students. 

Understanding Early Career Science Teachers 

An area of intense research interest to Dr Burgess is the challenges facing early career science teachers and how initial teacher education can be most effective at preparing teachers for these critical first years. Many of these teachers are out of field teachers or out of specialisation, being pushed to teach specialty sciences they are ill-prepared for.  

Dr Burgess is using Generative AI technologies to study this problem, investigating social network groups where these teachers collaborate and share. The use of Generative AI allows the compilation of thousands of interactions to gain insight into the most important issues facing Science Teachers, identifying ways that initial teacher education can be adjusted to address these issues. 

Bridging the Gap between the lab and the classroom 

Dr Burgess’s work is characterized by a commitment to interdisciplinary approaches, integrating insights from a quantitative physics background to enhance science education. Their research aims to bridge the gap between complex scientific concepts and accessible, engaging educational practices. 

In addition to their research, Dr Burgess is passionate about mentoring students and fostering a collaborative learning environment. They believe in the power of education to transform lives and are dedicated to making science accessible and exciting for all students.