Biographical note

Joan Borg Marks is a B.Sc. graduate in Physics and Chemistry (Melit). She completed a postgraduate diploma in Educational Administration and Management (DEAM) (Melit), which motivated her interest in research on science education. She furthered her studies at the University of Loughborough, UK, graduating M.A. (Education Studies). She later read for a Ph.D. with the University of York, UK. Her research on mental modeling and concept development involved learners of different abilities, including the gifted. Early in her career, she taught physics, chemistry, mathematics, and general science at secondary and higher levels, in state and Church schools. She later joined the University of Malta (UM) and lectured in Physics at advanced and intermediate levels. She has presented her research in fora, both locally and abroad, while also participating in various teacher mobility programs, lecturing to pre-service teachers at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Moreover, she has been thecontact person for Malta in various EU-funded projects. She is presently affiliated with the Physics Department at the University of Malta.

Pauline Galea graduated B.Sc. in Mathematics and Physics from the University of Malta in 1977 and spent 10 years teaching A level Physics. She then obtained her Ph.D. in Geophysics from Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand, and on her return to Malta, taught various topics in Physics and Geophysics at undergraduate and postgraduate levels at the Physics Department, University of Malta. In 2015, she was appointed the first head of the newly established Department of Geosciences, where she lectures to date. Throughout the past 25 years, she has coordinated the Seismic Monitoring and Research Group and carries out research mainly in seismology and seismic hazard.