I am an experienced engineering educator, researcher, and facilitator focusing on social impact, humanitarian engineering, and sustainability. Currently, I’m taking some time off full-time work to pursue a PhD that delves into the lived experiences of professional engineers who actively create social impact through their work. This break from full-time work is providing me with an opportunity to deepen my expertise on these topics and explore potential opportunities for the next stage of my career.

I envision my role as a contributor to advancing the engineering sector toward a more sustainable future, where engineering activities align with the principles of nature for the benefit of both people and the planet. Specifically, I focus on educating the next generation of engineers to practice in a sustainable manner. Through my research, I aim to influence professional engineers and engineering educators to adopt more sustainable practices in their work.

My short-term goal is to complete my PhD, which will help me advance my career in academia. Once I finish my PhD, I aim to return to academia in a role where I can develop and deliver a sustainability curriculum for engineering students. I also want to collaborate with engineering academics and professionals to improve their sustainability practices. This may take the form of collaborative research projects or facilitated workshops.

One of my personal goals right now is to focus on living in the present. During the COVID lockdowns in Melbourne, I realised that I relied too much on Netflix and other forms of escapism. Since then, I’ve been consciously trying to improve how I spend my time. This includes reconnecting with nature, learning more about the ecosystems where I live and work, and enhancing my sustainability practices.

My professional growth goals include deepening my understanding of progressive sustainability and social impact practices across various fields, as well as expanding my network of like-minded individuals engaged in innovative sustainability initiatives.

Over the past ten years, I have actively pursued career opportunities that align with my passion for sustainability and social impact within the engineering and engineering education sectors. This journey has provided me with valuable hands-on experience. Throughout my career, I have developed skills in facilitation, program design, program management, program evaluation, and leadership.

Currently, I’m investing time in finishing my PD in engineering for social impact and building my knowledge of progressive sustainability practices.

Fields of learning that have significantly impacted my life include engineering for social justice and humanitarian engineering, shaped by thinkers such as Danny Almagor and Caroline Bailey. I have been particularly influenced by the work of the Natural Step Institute on sustainability, and I incorporate their definition of sustainability into my teaching practice. On a personal level, nature spirituality holds great importance in my life. I am currently reading the works of Emma Restall Orr on this topic.

My philosophy of life is based on the belief that we are all interconnected and have a responsibility to leave the world better than we found it. I strive to live fully, embracing opportunities as they arise while nurturing deep connections with both people and the natural world. Humans are not separate from nature; we are an integral part of it. Therefore, it is essential to live in harmony and balance with the environment that sustains us.