Dr Connie Caruso is the Program Director for the accredited Bachelor of Laboratory Medicine at the University of South Australia, where she also serves as a Senior Lecturer. With over a decade of combined experience in diagnostic pathology and academia, she leads a large multidisciplinary teaching team and oversees a program of more than 350 students. Connie’s academic leadership has been pivotal in successfully steering the program through national re-accreditation, implementing strategic curriculum reform, and embedding strong industry partnerships with organisations such as SA Pathology and Australian Clinical Labs.
Connie is internationally recognised for her work in innovative teaching and learning. She has spearheaded the digital transformation of laboratory medicine education through technologies such as virtual microscopy, social media–based learning communities, and scenario-based assessments. Her commitment to pedagogical excellence has earned her multiple teaching awards, including a national Australian Award for University Teaching (AAUT) Citation and Senior Fellowship of Advance HE. She has supervised Honours students to first-class completions and currently co-supervises a PhD student undertaking research in cancer diagnostics.
She is the founder of the globally followed @Patholife Instagram page, an award-winning educational platform that promotes engagement with pathology education across diverse audiences. Her leadership extends beyond UniSA through national roles such as Chair of the Committee of Heads of AIMS Accredited Programs (CHAAP) and membership on the Griffith University Laboratory Medicine Advisory Board.
Before transitioning to academia, Connie worked as a postdoctoral clinical scientist at SA Pathology, where she led research in gastrointestinal cancer and contributed to the development of diagnostic tests that are now standard practice. She holds a PhD in Molecular Pathology, a Bachelor of Laboratory Medicine (Honours), and a Graduate Diploma in Education Studies (Digital Learning).
Connie is a proud member of the Australian Institute of Medical and Clinical Scientists and the Histology Group of South Australia. She remains deeply engaged in collaborative research in pathology education, diagnostic innovation, and international education partnerships, while championing inclusive, digitally enhanced learning environments.