Debra is a Research Analyst for the Teachers Registration Board of South Australia where she has completed two major research projects. She is an Associate Professor (adjunct) at Monash University with specialisations in science education and STEM policy. Previous positions include Deputy Director for the Flinders Centre for Science Education in the 21st Century (Flinders University) and Deputy Director for the National Centre of Science, Information and Communication Technology, and Mathematics Education for Rural and Regional Australia (University of New England).