Keynote Speakers
Professor James Arvanitakis
Professor James Arvanitakis is the Director of the Forrest Research Foundation based at the University of Western Australia and brings together the five Western Australian-based universities to attract world classes to the state and confront the world’s grand challenges. He is an award-winning educator, cultural researcher, and media commentator with 20-year experience in the higher education sector having also had successful careers in finance and the not-for profit sector. As an educator and researcher, James was the driving force behind several innovative programs at Western Sydney University including The Academy. He remains associated with the University as an Adjunct Professor at the Institute for Culture and Society.
James is a Fulbright alumnus, having spent 12 months at the University of Wyoming as the Milward L Simpson Fellow. In 2021, he was appointed the inaugural Patron of Diversity Arts Australia in recognition of his commitment to promoting a cultural sector that reflects the rich diversity of Australia. In 2022 he founded Respectful Disagreements, a brave spaces project that promotes the lost art of civility in political disagreement as well as the educational power of discomfort.
Professor Emanuela Tilley
Emanuela is Professor of Engineering Education and Director of the Integrated Engineering Programme at University College London. Emanuela is a Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy in the United Kingdom. In 2013 she joined UCL Engineering and created an engineering design curriculum, as part of the Integrated Engineering Programme (IEP), to introduce problem, experimental, research and enquiry-based learning to a multi-disciplinary faculty of engineering students at UCL. Since taking leadership of the IEP in 2016, UCL Engineering has been awarded the HEA Collaborative Award for Teaching Excellence (CATE) and gained international recognition as a global leader in Engineering Education.
Emanuela holds degrees in Mechanical and Civil Structural Engineering and worked as a professional project engineer, alongside developers and architects, within multidisciplinary engineering teams before joining UCL. She was involved in the design and testing of the most sublime and world-famous tall towers/structures around the world. Her interest in engineering education originates from the positive interdisciplinary and experiential learning opportunities she experienced as a student, researcher, educator and professional.
Professor Tilley has established an international profile in the areas of leading curriculum development and cultural, as well as managerial, change required to support and foster innovation in engineering education within higher education. She also champions a teaching and learning programme focused on design, self-awareness, teamwork and leadership aimed at supporting students in their development of engineering skills.
Professor Emanuela Tilley
Emanuela is Professor of Engineering Education and Director of the Integrated Engineering Programme at University College London. Emanuela is a Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy in the United Kingdom. In 2013 she joined UCL Engineering and created an engineering design curriculum, as part of the Integrated Engineering Programme (IEP), to introduce problem, experimental, research and enquiry-based learning to a multi-disciplinary faculty of engineering students at UCL. Since taking leadership of the IEP in 2016, UCL Engineering has been awarded the HEA Collaborative Award for Teaching Excellence (CATE) and gained international recognition as a global leader in Engineering Education.
Emanuela holds degrees in Mechanical and Civil Structural Engineering and worked as a professional project engineer, alongside developers and architects, within multidisciplinary engineering teams before joining UCL. She was involved in the design and testing of the most sublime and world-famous tall towers/structures around the world. Her interest in engineering education originates from the positive interdisciplinary and experiential learning opportunities she experienced as a student, researcher, educator and professional.
Professor Tilley has established an international profile in the areas of leading curriculum development and cultural, as well as managerial, change required to support and foster innovation in engineering education within higher education. She also champions a teaching and learning programme focused on design, self-awareness, teamwork and leadership aimed at supporting students in their development of engineering skills.
Professor Markarand (Mark) Hastak
Professor Mark Hastak is the Dernlan Family Head of Construction Engineering and Management as well as Professor of Civil Engineering at Purdue University. Prof. Hastak is recognized around the world as an expert in the area of construction engineering and management. He has worked on numerous projects sponsored by the NSF, State DOTs, City Agencies, and the Construction Industry Institute (CII). As a Fellow of the American Council on Education (cohort of 2013-14) at Cornell University his work focused on the various facets of Hybrid RCM budget, engaged institution, and Public-Private Partnership in academia.
As a prominent educator and consultant, Prof Hastak has given over 50 keynotes and invited lectures around the world. He has authored/co-authored over 200 publications and reports in his area of expertise as well as co-authored and edited three widely used books (1) Infrastructure Planning, Engineering, and Economics (McGraw-Hill 2006 and 2015), (2) Skills and Knowledge of Cost Engineering (AACE 6th Ed. 2015), and (3) CCP Certification Study Guide (AACE 2nd Ed. 2016). He served on the AACE Education Board from 2004-2016. He is the current Vice President of the International Council for Research and Innovation in Building and Construction (CIB) (https://cibworld.org/). Also, he serves as the Academic Advisor to the CII Downstream and Chemicals Committee (DCC). Some of his previous appointments include various academic and leadership positions at Georgia Tech, NYU, and the University of Cincinnati.
Professor Cath Ellis
Professor Cath Ellis is in the Faculty of Arts, Design and Architecture at UNSW, Sydney. Professor Ellis has also worked at the University of Huddersfield in West Yorkshire, UK and the University of Wollongong in Australia. While Professor Ellis’ background is in Australian and Postcolonial Literature, her current research is in the area of academic integrity with a particular interest in contract cheating. In 2019 the Times Higher Education named her as one of their People of the Year for her work in this area. In 2010 she was awarded a National Teaching Fellowship by the Higher Education Academy and in 2019 she was awarded the Principal Fellowship by the HEA.
Professor Cath Ellis
Professor Cath Ellis is in the Faculty of Arts, Design and Architecture at UNSW, Sydney. Professor Ellis has also worked at the University of Huddersfield in West Yorkshire, UK and the University of Wollongong in Australia. While Professor Ellis’ background is in Australian and Postcolonial Literature, her current research is in the area of academic integrity with a particular interest in contract cheating. In 2019 the Times Higher Education named her as one of their People of the Year for her work in this area. In 2010 she was awarded a National Teaching Fellowship by the Higher Education Academy and in 2019 she was awarded the Principal Fellowship by the HEA.