Dr. Grant Ellmers

Dr. Grant Ellmers, a Senior Lecturer at the University of Wollongong, Australia, is a dedicated educator and researcher specializing in design, photography, and creative arts education. His unwavering commitment to fostering intellectual growth and creative thinking is the cornerstone of his teaching philosophy.

In his role, Dr. Ellmers is passionate about unravelling the intricate relationship between thinking and the creative process within project-based and studio-based learning environments. This passion drives his teaching-research approach, where he designs and implements learning scaffolds and assessment tasks that emphasize the convergence of thought and creation. Through structured guidance, he empowers students to harness the rich learning potential inherent in the creative process.

A focal point of Dr. Ellmers’ teaching practice is work-integrated learning (WIL), where he leverages his extensive industry and education experience to facilitate student engagement with real-world opportunities. His goal is to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary for a seamless transition into the professional world.

Dr. Ellmers’ research endeavours are characterized by their interdisciplinary and collaborative nature, aiming to bridge the gap between research and practical application. His practice-led research delves into graphic and communication design, focusing on design expertise and the transfer of knowledge. This work yields practical insights that directly benefit the field.

In addition to practice-led research, Dr. Ellmers engages in practice-based research that explores the means and outcomes of creative practice. Collaborating across disciplines, his role includes introducing research methodologies, co-design principles, and design practices to foster meaningful communication and collaboration. Furthermore, his lens-based practice in photography explores the boundary between figurative and abstract forms, capturing the essence of inner-city streets in Australia’s urban landscape. This work received national recognition, including the Australian Centre for Photography’s Best Black & White Work award at the 2020 Ilford Salon, Centre for Contemporary Photography, Melbourne.

Dr. Grant Ellmers’ dedication to nurturing creativity and critical thinking in the realm of design and photography, combined with his commitment to academic rigour and real-world applicability, continues to inspire both students and peers, shaping the future of creative arts education.