New Dean aims to build engineering and technology future at CQU
CQUniversity’s newly appointed Dean of Engineering and Technology is on a mission to build industry-aligned programs, research capacity, and industry engagement.
Professor Rabin Tuladhar started with CQUniversity last month and is already looking at ways to build and grow capacity within his School.
“I'm very keen to explore the current strengths that CQU already has and further enhance them,” Prof Tuladhar said.
“CQUniversity has been a pioneer and leader in online teaching and flexible delivery mode, and I want to further enhance our strength on flexible deliveries that ultimately improves student learning experiences, engagement and retention,” he explained.
“Further to that, I also want to explore opportunities to introduce innovative programs that are aligned with emerging industries. I'm keen to collaborate with the industries in our regions to foster transformative research that has a positive impact on the regional community and industries.”
Before joining CQU, Prof Tuladhar was Head of International Partnership in the College of Science and Engineering at James Cook University (JCU). He also served as the Head of Engineering (2022-2023), and Associate Dean Learning and Teaching (2012-2018) for the College of Science and Engineering, also at JCU.
A Civil Engineer with a specialisation in Concrete and Structure Engineering, Prof Tuladhar has the right mix of knowledge, skill, and senior leadership experience to guide the School of Engineering and Technology to the next level.
“I'm originally from Nepal but have been travelling around quite a bit for my education and work,” Prof Tuladhar explained.
“I did my undergrad in Civil Engineering from India, then I went to Thailand for my Masters of Engineering. I completed my PhD in Earthquake Engineering in Japan,” he said.
Prof Tuladhar moved to Queensland in 2009, where he has established close collaborations with local industries to conduct translational research in the areas of sustainable and innovative construction materials, durability of structures, rehabilitation of aged infrastructure and structural health monitoring.
“I led the research team which was awarded the Australian Innovation Challenge 2015 for the development of 100 per cent recycled plastic fibre for concrete reinforcement.”
In the coming months, Prof Tuladhar will visit CQUniversity’s various campus footprints to meet with staff, students, alumni, and industry representatives.
“I will be travelling to all of the CQUniversity campuses in the first few months to meet staff and students face-to-face and understand their aspirations and their challenges,” Prof Tuladhar said.
“I really want to inspire and support staff and students to recognise their strengths and help them to achieve their goals. That's what really excites me in this role. CQUniversity’s mission to be Australia’s most accessible and supportive university resonates with my personal aspiration of creating student-centred, supportive learning environments.”
