Dr Sophie Raynor

Dr Sophie Raynor is a mathematics lecturer at JCU. Her work builds regional capacity and connects mathematics research and education to JCU's core strengths and to critical future workforce priorities. Her approach directly challenges structural barriers to mathematical participation by building positively from JCU’s unique Place and the diverse experiences of our students.

Sophie holds a Higher Education Participation and Partnerships Program (HEPPP) grant to develop anti-deficit pedagogies for mathematics across the academy. She has established partnerships combining accessible future-focused education with cutting-edge research: with the Oxford-based Quantum in Pictures project to provide prerequisite-free training in mathematics underpinning state-of-the-art quantum and AI technologies; and with the Queensland Museum to develop new techniques in coral taxonomy. She represents regional interests in national discipline governance as elected member of Council of the Australian Mathematical Society (2025-2027).

Sophie lived in the UK and Netherlands, studying at Cambridge and Leiden, before completing her PhD at Aberdeen (with EPFL, Switzerland). After a postdoc at Macquarie, she joined JCU in 2022. Her son graduated from Townsville State High and her daughter completed JCU's Bachelor of Marine Science via Pathways, grounding her understanding of our educational context from diverse perspectives.

As Council member, Sophie brings the same strength-based, big-picture approach to institutional governance. She is committed to supporting staff and student wellbeing while creating opportunities for JCU and our region.