Professor Falkner is a Computer Scientist and Executive Dean for the Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology at the University of Adelaide. Professor Falkner leads the Computer Science Education Research Group (CSER), including their national STEM Professional Learning program, and has extensive experience in industry consultation, working with DST Group, NICTA, Google US, Google Australia & New Zealand, the Department of Education and Training, and Telstra Foundation, addressing Computer Science Education, Defence Systems and STEM Equity. Professor Falkner has attracted over $26 million in government and industry funding to support her research and community work, focussing on addressing inequities in education and access to technology. Prof Falkner is a passionate supporter of Women in STEM, leading initiatives to promote equity and diversity across the higher education sector.

Professor Falkner contributes to the national STEM conversation as a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering and through her involvement in the Australian Councils of Dean of Science (2022-), Engineering (2019-) and ICT (2018-2020), including her term as President of the Council of ICT Deans, the Inaugural ACDICT Learning and Teaching Academy Executive (2011-2012), and the Inaugural Australian Computer Society Education Board (2015-2017).