Research interests

Current and emerging lines of inquiry:

• Constraint-driven design for equitable STEM access, formalised in a working framework, Design by Subversion. This is current work, archived as a technical note and not yet formally peer-reviewed.
• Educational data acquisition systems and sensor instrumentation, including ultra low-cost and browser-based instruments.
• Epistemic functions of hands-on measurement in the post-AI era, including the implications of an AI-contaminated scientific literature for science education.
• Human–AI creative and technical partnership in education, using AI to fill skill gaps while the learner or educator retains concept, direction, and judgement, documented through game-design experiments such as AZTEC and Transylvania.
• Practice-embedded research methodology.
• Teacher professional learning and systemic barrier analysis.

Research outputs archived on Zenodo

A curated set of outputs deposited on Zenodo with permanent DOIs, spanning 1994 to 2026 and connecting each output to the wider body of work. These records range from foundational microbiology and the founding of the Nexus Research Group to the most recent low-cost instrumentation discoveries.

1. Fenton, M. (2026). Casio Graphing Calculator Serial Interface: Priority Disclosure of Timing Discoveries, Encoding Invention, and Operational Modes (FX-9750 and FX-9860 Series). Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19303911
2. Fenton, M. (2026). RIGEL-WEB: The Real-World Interactive Games and Electronics Link as a Self-Contained HTML Sensor Interface Invented by Subverting Web Browser Architecture for Authentic STEM Learning. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20541487
3. Fenton, M. (2026). SMART: The Sound-to-Motion Analysis and Recording Tool, a Self-Contained HTML Science Instrument Invented by Subverting Web Browser Audio Architecture for Authentic STEM Learning. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20542011
4. Fenton, M. (2026). RIGEL - Real-World Interactive Games and Electronics Link: A Universal Sensor Interface Invented by Subverting Game Design Software for Authentic STEM Learning. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19508521
5. Fenton, M., & Fenton, C. (2026). Design materials for distance-delivered science and mathematics teacher professional development: Open Polytechnic qualifications (2011-2019). Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20078593
6. Fenton, M. (2026). Skill Standards: Navigating Old Narrative Traps - A Briefing Note for Instructional Designers in New Zealand Vocational Education and Training. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20337481
7. Fenton, M. (2026). AZTEC: A Web Browser Remake of the 1982 Datamost Game as a Second Experiment in Human–AI Creative Partnership for STEM and Game-Design Education. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21023863
8. Fenton, M. (2025). Rediscovering the 3-Pin Port: A Novel RECEIVE() Protocol Discovery Enabling Low-Cost Classroom Data Logging on Casio FX-9750 and FX-9860 Series Calculators. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19281514
9. Fenton, M. (2025). Game Design as Cross-Curricula STEM Pedagogy: Integrating Art, Music, Coding, and Science Using Accessible Game Engines - Including a 2025 Human/AI Creative Partnership Experiment. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19529084
10. Fenton, M. (2024). The B9 Robot Mobile Laboratory: A Low-Cost AI-Enabled Science Communication and STEM Engagement Tool for New Zealand Classrooms. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19528980
11. Fenton, M. (2011). Using a Digital Multi-meter as an Inexpensive Data Logger Substitute. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19325413
12. Fenton, M. (2009, May 26). RIGEL - Learning From Life: Communities of Learning via a Connected Curriculum. Microsoft Partners in Learning Regional Innovative Teachers Conference, Kuala Lumpur. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19334228
13. Fenton, M. (2008). Authentic Learning Using Mobile Sensor Technology With Reflections on the State of Science Education in New Zealand. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19302276
14. Fenton, M., & Fenton, C. (2004). Space Pioneer: William H Pickering, Rocket Man. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19346544
15. Fenton, M., & Fenton, C. (2003). DNA and Genetic Engineering: Practical Protocols for School Science, Including an Original Human Cheek Cell DNA Extraction Method. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19347896
16. Fenton, C. D., & Fenton, M. (1999). Nexus (Nexus Research Group). Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19365952
17. Fenton, M., Brown, T. J., Clarke, J. M., Ionas, G., Kelly, P., & Pickering, M. (1994). Giardia and giardiasis in New Zealand. In Giardia: From molecules to disease (pp. 124-125). Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19423966

Software and creative outputs

Educational games, tools, and other creative outputs — software and otherwise, reflecting that science and STEM are themselves creative pursuits. Several of these are also documented within the 2025 game-design pedagogy record above.

1. Fenton, M. (2026). “Giants”. An original music track and video — a tribute inspired by the season 1 and season 2 themes of Irwin Allen's Land of the Giants, with a nod to John Wick — on finding the strength to keep going in a world full of challenges. Another worked example of using AI as a creative partner in STEM education. Video.
2. Fenton, M. (2026). “Stand Tall: The Ballad of the Spindrift”. An original music track and video, a tribute to Irwin Allen's Land of the Giants (named for the series' spacecraft, the Spindrift). Video.
3. Fenton, M. (2023). Ghostbusters proton pack. A wearable Halloween movie-prop build, made while teaching Science, Mathematics, and Robotics at Green School New Zealand. A single wand button drives all interaction — a long press fires the wand and discharges the pack to idle, a short press selects a Ghostbusters music track, and a further long press reboots the pack; powered by a 4.5 V (3×AA) wand pack, with a PICAXE 08M2 for the LED power meter and a PICAXE 14M2 driving the accelerator LEDs, MP3 playback, and wand-switch sensing. Video.
4. Fenton, M. (2020). Animatronic Halloween mask. A PICAXE-based interactive mask with animatronic eyes; extendable with 08M2/14M2 chips and HC-SR04 ultrasonic range-finders so the eyes turn to follow a nearby person. A hands-on introduction to animatronics and puppetry alongside the physics of sound and reflection, simple levers, basic data processing, and simple circuits. Video.
5. Fenton, M. (2019). PICAXE range-finder rifle. A movie-prop range-finder built from a PICAXE 08M2 and a repurposed external hard-drive casing. An HC-SR04 ultrasonic module gauges distance by timing the echo of its pulses, with light and sound beeping faster as objects get closer — a hands-on maths and science project exploring echo timing, how an object's material, size, and shape affect ultrasonic reflection, and navigating by sound (a potential aid for people with vision difficulties). Video.
6. Fenton, M. (2019). Laser tag pistol. A PICAXE 08M2 laser-tag pistol with a matching 08M2 target. The pistol fires infrared bursts encoding the player's team and a damage score (so rifles and other variants can be built too); a tagged player's pistol deactivates for a spell. A hands-on digital-technology game that keeps students active and moving — they can design indoor arenas with mazes, traps, and mirrors. Video.
7. Fenton, M. (2011). Stingray. A side-scrolling game inspired by Gerry Anderson's Stingray, used as a STEM game-design teaching example.
8. Fenton, M. (2011). PICAXE heartbeat bear. A therapy teddy bear and heart-pulse data logger built on a PICAXE 08M2. An IR LED source and IR LED sensor detect the change in reflected infrared as blood pulses through the skin's capillaries — hold the bear's paw and its heart flashes in time with your pulse, and it can log the signal for plotting in a spreadsheet. A hands-on introduction to social and medical robots, the circulatory system, light reflection, simple statistics, and simple circuits. Video.
9. Fenton, M. (2011). Collision Course. A Doctor Who Dalek fan film shot in New Zealand, featuring the life-size replica Dalek. Video.
10. Fenton, M. (2009). Transylvania (GameMaker 5). An early remake of the 1982 Apple II adventure game; not publicly released because it used copyrighted music and images. The 2025 remake replaced these with original, AI-assisted music and artwork, enabling public release (archived on Zenodo).
11. Fenton, M. (2009). Binary code visualiser. An interactive tool for exploring and visualising binary code.
12. Fenton, M. (2007). GraphX: An interactive graph explorer for touchscreens and interactive whiteboards. Overlay linear, quadratic, and conic-section equations on real-world images and explore trigonometric functions.
13. Fenton, M. (2007). GeneE: A DNA electrophoresis simulator. Integrates physics (static fields), biology (genetics), and chemistry — compare family genetics, identify a virus, analyse a crime scene.
14. Fenton, M. (2007). Matrix: A customisable multimedia database. An index-card database storing full HTML pages, video, photographs, audio, and other artefacts per entry. Developed from the author's culture-collection database software for the Massey University microbiology department; configurable for research, commercial, or private use — for example a microbial strain record (ATCC number, culture media, and conditions) alongside how-to videos, photomicrographs, and audio notes, or a home music collection with artist interviews.
15. Fenton, M. (2005). Interactive TARDIS. A first-person 3D educational game teaching coordinate systems, perspective, and angles.
16. Fenton, M. (2005). Life-size replica TARDIS. A full-size Doctor Who TARDIS (police box) replica, built for science communication and STEM engagement; it appears in the 2011 fan film Collision Course. Video.
17. Fenton, M. (2005). TARDIS control console. An interactive Doctor Who TARDIS control console exhibit, shown at the Taranaki Science Fair and the Careers Expo. Video.
18. Fenton, M. (2005). Life-size replica Dalek. A full-size Doctor Who Dalek built for science communication and STEM engagement; later featured in the 2011 fan film Collision Course. Video.

Scholarly activity across three career phases

This demonstrates sustained scholarly contribution across three distinct career phases:

1. Microbiology Research (1991–1994): Peer-reviewed international journal publications in soil microbiology and symbiotic bacteria.
2. Classroom Teaching Innovation (1999–2018): Extensive peer-reviewed conference presentations and professional journal publications in STEM education pedagogy.
3. Teacher Education Leadership (2011–2018): Major curriculum development for tertiary STEM teacher education programs at a national level.

The body of work shows consistent engagement with peer review processes, recognition through competitive fellowships and national awards, and sustained impact on teaching and assessment practice at primary, secondary, and tertiary levels across all STEM disciplines.

Peer-Reviewed Research Journal Publications

Fenton, M., & Jarvis, B. D. W. (1991). Plasmid transfer in soil/plant environments. New Zealand Microbiological Society Newsletter, August.

Jarvis, B. D. W., & Fenton, M. (1994). Expression of the symbiotic plasmid from Rhizobium leguminosarum biovar trifolii in Sphingobacterium multivorum. Canadian Journal of Microbiology, 40, 873–879.

Rao, J. R., Fenton, M., & Jarvis, B. D. W. (1994). Symbiotic plasmid transfer in Rhizobium leguminosarum biovar trifolii and competition between the inoculant strain ICMP2163 and transconjugant soil bacteria. Soil Biology and Biochemistry, 26, 339–351.

Brown, T. J., Kelly, P. J., Ionas, G., Clarke, J. M., Fenton, M., & Pickering, M. (1994). Giardia and giardiasis in New Zealand. In R. C. A. Thompson, J. A. Reynoldson, & A. J. Lymbery (Eds.), Giardia: From molecules to disease (pp. 124–125). CAB International.

Jarvis, B. D. W., & Tighe, S. W. (1994). Rapid identification of Rhizobium species based on cellular fatty acid analysis. Plant and Soil, 161(2), 289–298.

Peer-Reviewed Government / Council Research Reports

Fenton, M. (2008). Authentic learning using mobile sensor technology with reflections on the state of science education in New Zealand [E-Learning Fellowship research report]. CORE Education Ltd. Ministry of Education. Link to report, RIGEL project and Casio-picaxe data logger

Fenton, M. (2008). Pedagogy and student involvement. In Energy conservation and renewable energy generation (EnviroPower) pilot – Completion report. Venture Taranaki Trust. Link to report.

Peer-Reviewed Conference Proceedings (Full Papers)

Fenton, M., & Fenton, C. (2016). Teachers' experiences of professional development in science and mathematics by distance learning. In Proceedings of the ULearn 2016 Conference. Rotorua, New Zealand.

Fenton, M. (2009). RIGEL - Learning from life: Communities of learning via a connected curriculum. In Proceedings of the Microsoft Partners in Learning Regional Innovative Teachers Conference. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Fenton, M. (2008). Interactive eLearning tools for mathematics, science and robotics: The RIGEL project. In Proceedings of the ULearn 2008 Conference. Christchurch, New Zealand.

Bishop, R., Ryan, C., Durdle, B., Fenton, C., & Fenton, M. (2006). An integrated monitoring, control and biochemical system to reduce the reliance of biological filtration in recirculation seawater aquaculture systems. In Proceedings of the World Aquaculture Society, Aqua 2006.

Fenton, C. D., Fenton, M., & Raynes, A. (2001). Microbiology misconceptions in secondary schools. In Proceedings of the New Zealand Microbiological Society Conference. Wellington, New Zealand.

Fenton, M., & Fenton, C. D. (1999). Light photomicroscopy using an internet webcam digital camera. In Proceedings of the New Zealand Microbiological Society Conference. Dunedin, New Zealand.

Peer-Reviewed Conference Proceedings (Workshop Papers)

Fenton, M. (2018). Beyond fair tests – Other investigation strategies to engage reluctant learners. In Proceedings of the New Zealand Association of Science Educators SciCon Conference. Christchurch, New Zealand.

Fenton, M. (2018). Inspiring tomorrow's scientists: Doing science through the digital technologies curriculum. In Proceedings of the New Zealand Association of Science Educators SciCon Conference. Christchurch, New Zealand.

Fenton, M. (2017). The digital technology curriculum: Inspiring the coders of tomorrow or yesterday? In Proceedings of the ULearn2017 Conference. Hamilton, New Zealand.

Fenton, M. (2017). Gamification and digital technologies for effective mathematics teaching. In Proceedings of the ULearn2017 Conference. Hamilton, New Zealand.

Fenton, M. (2017). Reclaiming the maker space for effective science teaching. In Proceedings of the ULearn2017 Conference. Hamilton, New Zealand.

Fenton, M. (2015). Primary mathematics teaching online: Rich tasks for cross-curricula learning. In Proceedings of the New Zealand Association of Mathematics Teachers Conference. Auckland, New Zealand.

Fenton, M. (2013). Students leading learning in science and mathematics at home or school: New uses for multimeters. In Proceedings of the ULearn13 Conference. Hamilton, New Zealand.

Winter, M., Anderson, D., Fenton, M., & Glasson, B. (2010). Supporting the primary science teacher fellows – Transforming primary science. In Proceedings of the New Zealand Association of Science Educators SciCon 2010 Conference. Nelson, New Zealand.

Fenton, M. (2007). Interactive ICT tools for mathematics, science and robotics – Getting the most from Game Maker. In Proceedings of the New Zealand Association of Mathematics Teachers Conference. Auckland, New Zealand.

Broad, J., & Fenton, M. (2001). Education under the microscope. In Proceedings of the New Zealand Microbiological Society Conference. Wellington, New Zealand.

Professional Journal Articles (Peer-Reviewed)

Fenton, M. (2011). Using a digital multi-meter as an inexpensive data-logger substitute. SCIOS, Science Teachers Association of Western Australia.

Fenton, M. (2010). Digital and dirty in maths and science. INTERFACE, 22.

Fenton, M. (2009). Teaching and the F-word: Fun. INTERFACE, 19(761).

Fenton, M. (2004). Bill Pickering, rocket scientist. The New Zealand Science Teachers Journal, Term 1.

Fenton, M., & Fenton, C. D. (2003). DNA and genetic engineering. The New Zealand Science Teachers Journal, 103.

Higher Degree by Research

Fenton, M. (1994). The expression in soil bacteria of the symbiotic genes from Rhizobium leguminosarum biovar trifolii [Master's thesis, Massey University]. Massey University Research Repository.

Invited Keynote Addresses

Fenton, M. (2016, July). From Galileo to LIGO: Reclaiming the maker space for science [Keynote address]. SciCon2016 Conference, Lower Hutt, New Zealand.

Fenton, M. (2014, July). Enlightenment and education: A journey through time and space [Keynote address]. Open Polytechnic Learning Conference, Wellington, New Zealand.

Major Curriculum Development and Educational Resources

Tertiary-Level Course Development (Lead Author/Designer)

Level 4 New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Trade – General Electrical. (2023-2025). EarnLearn.

New Zealand Board for Engineering Diplomas Assessment and Moderation Online Training Package. (2016).

Level 7 Graduate Diploma in Primary Mathematics Teaching. (2014–2016). The Open Polytechnic of New Zealand.

Level 7 Graduate Diploma in Primary Science Teaching. (2011–2012). The Open Polytechnic of New Zealand.

Level 5 Diploma in Information & Computer Technology. (2005). Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki.

Secondary-Level Course Development (Lead Author)

NZQA New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Levels 3 and 4, 2022). Physical Sciences III and Physical Sciences IV.

NCEA Levels 1–3 course content and assessment materials. (2006–2010). Science, Physics, Calculus, Applied Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Games Design, Robotics/Coding.

Level 2 NCEA Physics Interactive CD-ROM. (2002). World Interactive Software, distributed by Roadshow Entertainment (NZ) Ltd.

Professional Memberships and Leadership Roles

Royal Society of New Zealand Professional member (MRSNZ); Current

Competence to undertake independent research practice.

Director, Focus Consultancy; 2016–Present

Education consultancy providing leadership, assessment design and moderation services to education providers, including curriculum design, quality assurance processes, and professional development for science and mathematics teachers throughout New Zealand.

Programme Leader (Science & Mathematics Teaching), Lecturer, Writer Open Polytechnic; 2011–2018

'Doing science to teach science" (and sister courses in mathematics). Practical hands-on pedagogy and resources to raise teacher confidence and knowledge of science and mathematics. Mentored and supervised in-service classroom teachers and principals to design, carry out and evaluate practice-led action research projects that have improved children’s’ learning outcomes throughout New Zealand. Former teacher students have secured leadership roles, Fellowships and a Prime Minister's Science Teacher prize.

Hutt Valley Primary Science Education Network (2012-2018) STEM Education expert and Workshop Facilitator, Programme Leader, Open Polytechnic

Launched by the Minister of Education, Hon. Hekia Perata. The PSEN includes local schools, industries and science organisations (e.g. GNS), organising annual events and providing expert-led workshops.

Royal Society of New Zealand Science Teaching Leadership Programme – Workshop Facilitator / Designer/ Teacher mentor

Mentor to teachers and principals implementing curriculum and assessment change as part of leadership awards.

Founder/Director, Nexus Research Group; 1997-2004, voluntary.

Established the Nexus Research Group, patron Dr Sir William Pickering, former head of JPL. New Zealand’s (and likely unique in the southern hemisphere) only school-based research laboratory. School students worked as technicians and researchers, with access to scientists world-wide, sharing original discoveries at conferences and on the NRG website.

Awards and Fellowships

2017 – Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year – Local Hero Medal (services to science education)

2015 – New Zealand Prime Minister's Education Excellence Award finalist (Excellence in Leading)

2014 – DEANZ Excellence Award for Excellence in E-Learning, Distance Education Association of New Zealand (now FLANZ), for contribution to e-learning in New Zealand

2008 – New Zealand Ministry of Education E-Learning Fellow: E-learning Fellowship launch | 2007 Press release

2008 – Microsoft New Zealand Partners in Learning Innovative Teacher

1991 – New Zealand Microbiology Society Postgraduate Prize