Industry Advisory Panel

The Engineering Industry Advisory Panels comprise industry leaders who contribute insight and expertise to inform strategic directions to help shape our courses and research for the benefit of students and industry. 

Automation and Robotics Engineering

Elliot Nicholls: Director, Stealth Technologies and Strategic Elements (Chair of Panel)
Elliot Nicholls has worked in corporate advisory focusing on financial analysis and business model development. He has worked with clients in the mining and resources, oil & gas and industrial sectors including Rio Tinto and Hismelt. He has experience in financial analysis of large infrastructure projects in Australia and has been involved in projects investigating and resolving inter-company financial matters throughout the Asia-Pacific for Telstra Corporation. Elliot has a Bachelor of Electronic Engineering with First Class Honours and a Bachelor of Commerce (Finance) from The University of Western Australia.
Andrew Tylor: Engineering Manager, GTE Group
Andrew is a TUV certified functional safety engineer with over twenty years of experience in Engineering Design, PLC, HMI, SCADA, Machine safety, Hazardous area certification, Software development, Project implementation and Project management. He is a Chartered Professional and RPEQ certified Engineer in Amusement Rides and Devices, IT and Electronics Engineering, Electrical Engineering & Leadership and Management.
Anthony Morewood: Automation Team Lead, Chevron
Brad Derada: Senior Director, NeXT Autonomous (APAC/EMEA), Worley Customer Solutions
Clint Ricetti: Innovation and Technology Manager, Ausdrill
Clint is an Innovation and Technology Manager with more than fifteen years of practical mining operations experience. A proactive leader focused on delivering technical capability solutions that increase productivity without compromising on safety.
Daniel Kingdom: Rail Automation Expert, BHP
Louise Capper: Software Engineering Manager, Thales Australia
Mark Micire: Head of Robotics, Woodside
Dr Micire guides Woodside’s technical direction in Perth and Karratha. In addition to his former work with NASA and DARPA, he was active in the search and rescue community as a certified firefighter and search specialist for more than 20 years. Dr Micire has worked for over two decades to bring robots and other technologies to assist humans in dangerous tasks and extreme environments.
Matthew Schneider: CEO, Optika Solutions
Michael Storey: Automation and Systems Manager at Conveyor Products & Solutions
Rafal Pysz: Director, R&E Engineering Pty Ltd
Riley White: Operations Manager at Honeywell Building Solutions
Robert Reid: Principal Autonomy Engineer, SafeAI, Inc
Over the last 15 years, Rob has built autonomous solutions for a variety of applications, ranging from space to the energy industry, and gained experience across a range of technical areas, including mobility, perception, planning and controls and machine learning. Prior to joining SafeAI, Rob was the Principal Robotics Engineer at Woodside Energy, deploying robots at oil and gas facilities, and a Robotics Engineer at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory for four years.
Tom Egling: Senior Systems Engineer, RCT Engineering

Chemical Engineering

Danny Griffin: Plant Manager, Laminex (Chair of Panel)

GAICD, FIEAust, CPEng, MIET, NER APEC Engineer IntPE(Aus)

Danny has over 30 years Process Engineering experience from multinationals such as Dow Corning, BP Chemicals and The Mars Corporation. He is currently the Plant Manager of the large Laminex wood products plant in Bunbury and has held positions as an international General Manager and other senior Operations roles. Danny is also the Chair of the South West Development Commission and the President of the Bunbury Geographe Chamber of Commerce. Danny continues to forge strong links between various industries and universities with particular emphasis on supporting career paths for graduates into the workplace.  

 

 


Laminex logo 
Alan Fleming : Process Consultant , NES Fircroft

BSc (Hons) Natal, MIChemE, CEng

Alan has over 35 years of experience in chemical engineering, with 32 years in Process Engineering Design in the Oil and Gas Industry. He has extensive experience in Onshore Design and Engineering Management. Alan's project experience covers greenfields and brownfields projects, from conceptual design through to commissioning and operations support. Alan is affiliated as a member of the Institute of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) and a Chartered Engineer (CEng).


NES Firecroft logo 

 

Charmaine Whitehall-Holla: Technical Services Manager, Rio Tinto

BEng (Chemical) UWA, MBA (Leadership) Curtin

Charmaine has over 10 years’ operational and maintenance experience in the Iron Ore industry, commencing as a graduate Process Engineer at Rio Tinto and remaining with the company to this day. Charmaine worked in a Fly In Fly Out capacity for 8 years in different roles that gave her exposure to process optimisation and control, maintenance, laboratory operations and leadership. The last few years have been in strategic leadership roles, working as a Mining Executive to the Managing Director and, currently, Technical Services Manager for the Process Engineering & Major Hazards division.

Charmaine mentors young engineers and is involved in a mentoring program aimed at building a strong and supportive network for LGBT+ professionals and their allies. Additionally, Charmaine is passionate about strengthening the relationship between academia and industry, particularly in Western Australia, so that the engineering talent pipeline can thrive.

Charmaine is a Mum of two girls, and enjoys running to keep fit as well as reading, both fiction and non-fiction.


 
Chris Naudé: Senior Metallugical Engineer, Simcoa Operations
Chris was involved in several different areas within the smelting industry during his first 7 years of his career. He started his career within operations at Highveld Steel & Vanadium and transitioned into a project / consulting role with Bateman Engineering. Chris’ experience includes smelter plant design, commissioning and day-to-day operation within the Ilmenite, Iron, Ferronickel and Ferrochrome industry. In 2011 after immigrating to Australia, Chris started his journey in the Silicon Smelting industry with Simcoa Operations as senior metallurgical engineer.
Chris Naude
Simcoa logo 

 

Daniela Tutman: Dangerous Goods Accredited Consultant, Tutman Risk Engineering

Masters of Chemical Process Engineering UPB, MIEAust

Daniela has a Masters of Chemical Process Engineering. She has over 25 years of experience in the oil & gas, mining, chemical and manufacturing industries. She has an extensive background in complete design solutions from design to end of life. Daniela is a Dangerous Goods Accredited Consultant and is involved in solving complex risk issues, leading HAZOP studies, RCAs and ALARP workshops. She is a Member of Engineers Australia, The Risk Engineering Society and The Australian Institute of Health and Safety.

 

 

Daniela Tutman image
Tutman Risk Engineering logo 
Darren Hope: Redside Process Engineer, Worsley Alumina

BEng(PolyEng) RMIT

Darren has over 20 years of Engineering experience across a variety of Industries including Automotive, Munitions and Resources, currently working at Worsley Alumina as a Redside Process Engineer. Darren has experience in business improvement, process engineering and project management.  

 

 

Darren Hope
David Forster: Senior Process/Instrument & Control Engineer, GPA Engineering

BEng (Chem) (Hons) UWA, BSc (Chem) UWA, FS Eng (TÜV Rheinland), MIEAust

David is a Senior Process Engineer with 10 years’ experience in process, EI&C, combustion, automation, risk and process safety engineering. He currently works as a discipline engineer, advisory consultant, and risk practitioner for GPA Engineering, a leading multidisciplinary engineering, management, and advisory consultancy.

David graduated from The University of Western Australia in 2014 with a double degree B.Chem.Eng. (Hons) / B.Sc. (Chem.). His experience covers a range of industries—including future fuels, waste to energy, and hydrogen; pyrometallurgy, thermal processing, mining and minerals; and oil and gas, gas transmission and infrastructure—across the full project lifecycle, from strategy and advisory, to concept design, and through to commissioning and operations support.

David is inspired by “the way things work”—technical detail, human factors, and commercial and societal drivers alike. He is passionate about the future of energy, particularly decarbonisation energy policy, the transition to a hydrogen economy, and generating energy from waste.  

 


 

 

Glauton Dezajacomo: Senior Manufacturing Engineer, Fortescue

Bachelor of Industrial Engineering/Timber Engineering Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho
MBA FGV - Fundação Getulio Vargas

Glauton Dezajacomo is an accomplished Industrial Engineer with over 15 years' of experience in industrial manufacturing. He has previously held positions such as Manufacturing and Engineering and Maintenance Manager in Multinational Companies in Brazil and Australia, he is currently working at Fortescue. At Fortescue Future Industries, he helps our planet step beyond fossil fuels by harnessing the world’s renewable energy resources to produce green energy, especially green hydrogen.

Glauton's dedication to professional development and his efforts in establishing strong connections between industries and universities demonstrate his commitment to supporting career paths for graduates entering the workplace.


 
Hazel Lehane: Horizons Process Engineer, Chevron Australia
BSc in Engineering Science UWA, MPE (Chemical Engineering) UWA, MIEAust

Hazel graduated from UWA in 2019 with a Master of Professional Engineering (Distinction) majoring in Chemical Engineering. She is currently a Horizons Process Engineer Graduate within the Process Safety Team at Chevron Australia supporting the Gorgon LNG Project. Hazel will soon be transitioning to a Frontline Process Engineering role supporting Gorgon Operations on site. Her professional experience at Chevron Australia includes process control support and alarm management within the Gorgon Automation Team as well as technical safety engineering in her current role. Hazel is a member of Engineers Australia and is on the committee for the Women in Oil and Gas (WIOG) organisation.

Image of Hazel Lehane

Johanna Tomas: Site Reliability Engineer, Laminex

BSc in Industrial Engineering (MIT Philippines)

Johanna brings over 27 years of diverse experience in engineering and supply chain management. Her career began in the Philippines, where she accumulated 12 years of expertise in production, planning, inventory control, and supply chain management within the food manufacturing sector.

For the past 15 years, she has been a dedicated member of Laminex Australia, currently serving as a Reliability Engineer. In this role, she has honed her skills across a broad spectrum of engineering disciplines, including planning, process engineering, and project management. Her work has involved the successful implementation and management of new Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) and Computerised Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) at their site.

Johanna is passionate about supporting and guiding future engineers. Her commitment lies in helping them achieve their goals by promoting meaningful connections, support and guidance for them to help realise and bring out their full capabilities.


Laminex logo 
Karen Bailey: General Manager, Hexion Australia Pty Ltd

BEng (Chemical) Strath., AFAIM

Karen has over 30 years’ operational experience in the chemicals and oil and gas industries along with consultancy work in process risk and a dangerous goods safety advisor for the transport industry. The last 20 years have been in lead management roles for various companies including BP Chemicals, GE Water and Coogee Chemicals Ltd. 

She is currently the General Manager for Hexion Australia Pty Ltd, a major hazard manufacturing facility in Bunbury having relocated to Australia from the UK in 2012. 

Karen continues to mentor young engineers with emphasis on supporting women in the industry along with building relationships and networks with local industries.. 

 

 

Karen Bailey
Hexion company logo
Mark Giddy: Principal Process Engineer, Lycopodium
Mark's background is in the engineering and design of minerals processing and hydrometallurgical facilities. His role at Lycopodium involves taking projects from concept through feasibility studies, to final design and process commissioning. The commodities treated range from gold and base metals to iron ore, coal, diamonds and industrial minerals.

 


 

 

Nick Ellis: Director of Technical & Improvement, TRONOX Ltd

BEng (Hons) Newcastle(NSW)

 

Nick is currently the Director of Technical & Improvement the Australian Region for TRONOX Ltd. Tronox is the world’s leading integrated titanium minerals producer and pigment manufacturer, spanning six continents, with nearly 8,000 employees. In Australia it extracts and processes rich mineral sands into a range of valuable products including ilmenite, zircon, rutile and titanium dioxide pigment for exporting to international markets. Nick has worked across Australia and internationally in operations and technical roles, in the Refractory, Titanium Dioxide, Mineral Sands, Copper Smelting and Nickel Extraction industries.


  
Dr Nick Megalos: Senior Process Engineer, Allkem Limited
BEng (1st Class Hons), PhD, MIEAust, CPEng, MIChemE, CEng
 

Nick is currently employed by Allkem Limited (former Galaxy Resources Ltd.) as a Senior Process Engineer for the Stage 1 development of the Sal de Vida project for the production of battery grade Lithium Carbonate from Lithium brine. During his career, Nick has been employed as a Process Engineer with Chevron and Woodside, and has rich technical experience that includes Technical Excellence, Facilities Process Engineering of the Gorgon and Wheatstone LNG plants and the Floating Production Storage Off-loading (FPSO) facility Ngujima-Yin off the coast of Exmouth in WA among others. Nick has also been employed by Nickel West of BHP, as Senior Process Engineer (Services - Utilities) for the Kwinana Nickel Refinery, and worked as Area Process Engineer - Services Gas Plants (Hydrogen and Hydrogen Sulphide Plants) at the same refinery. Nick has a strong background in hydrometallurgy acquired through his employment with Minara Resources (former Anaconda) as Technical Services, Refinery and Utilities Process Engineer, and as Chemical Engineer for Western Minerals Technology. Nick started his professional career with AMEC/Geosafe as a chemical engineer for the Maralinga rehabilitation project, the former nuclear weapons site, where a novel vitrification technology was employed for stabilising soil contaminated with radionuclides and other contaminants.

 

 
Allkem company logo 
Nicole Curtis: Process Improvement Engineer, Tronox

BSc in Engineering Science UWA, MPE (Chemical Engineering) UWA, MAusIMM

Nicole graduated from The University of Western Australia with a Master of Professional Engineering (Chemical Engineering) in 2015, following a Bachelor of Engineering Science. With 9 years of experience in minerals processing, Nicole has worked in various site-based roles across the gold, copper, and pigment industries.

Her career has involved leading and contributing to numerous brownfields projects, which she thrives on the challenge of finding solutions within the boundaries of processing plants to maximise results. Nicole excels at navigating complex projects, delivering improvements, and leveraging her technical knowledge to drive operational success.


  
Paul Tuckwell: Business Development Engineer, Alfa Laval Australia Pty Ltd
B.E. Chem (1st Class Hons) Syd

"Being part of the Chemical Engineering Industry Advisory Board at UWA is a great way to influence the direction and skills of our future workforce and I feel honoured to be part of this group." Paul has been a specialist in various heat exchanger technologies for majority of his career. Recently he has shifted his focus to the area of alternative methods of disposing of mine tailings slurries by dewatering them with centrifuges and recycling the water. He believes being a Chemical Engineer is one of the best opportunities to make meaningful contributions to minimising waste and making our world a better.

 

 

Dr Peter Forster: Director, ChemSearch Consulting Pty Ltd Affiliate & Principal, Strategen-JBS&G Pty Ltd

BSc (Hons) UWA, PhD (Organic Chemistry, UWA), MRACI (CChem)

Peter has 25 years' experience as a research chemist, principle research scientist and environmental consultant in the mining, minerals processing, petrochemical, manufacturing, waste management, agricultural and infrastructure (ports, road tunnels) sectors. His expertise includes industrial process optimisation, materials and mass balances for industrial plants, pilot plant design and operation, air quality assessments, pollution control, analytical chemistry, odour emission impacts, waste to energy, and contaminated sites. Peter also has specific expertise and experience in thermal processing technologies for minerals processing, waste to energy and waste resource recovery projects, and provides expert testimony and advocacy services in legal matters related to dust and odour impacts from agricultural and industrial sources. Peter is a technical expert for preparation of environmental approvals submissions to regulatory agencies in most Australian states.

 

Peter forster
 

 

Rex Hubbard: Principal Consultant, Atteris Pty Ltd

BEng(Chem) Curtin, FIEAust, CPEng, EngExec, NER, APEC Engineer IntPE(Aus)

Rex graduated from Curtin University in 1991 with a Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical Engineering). He has over 32 years of engineering experience, including 25 years of oil & gas industry experience principally in flow assurance, process engineering, commissioning, subsea systems design, and project management. His project experience includes pre-FEED studies, FEEDs, detailed design, and commissioning & start-up roles. This range of experience, in a range of different roles, enables him to successfully coordinate multi-disciplinary project teams working on complex subsea developments. Rex is an active member of the Society for Underwater Technology Perth Branch (SUT-Perth) since 2016, having served on a number of committees and having been SUT-Perth Vice Chairman in 2017&2018, and Chairman in 2019 & 2020. Rex is currently a Principal Consultant, a Shareholder and a Director at Atteris Pty Ltd, a Perth-based subsea and pipeline engineering services provider which is managed by a team of subject matter experts who have share ownership of the business.


 
Silvio Nicoli: Independent Mining and Metals Professional
BE (Chem) WAIT, Grad Dip (Business) Curtin

Silvio has over 30 years' experience in mineral processing. He has operated as an independent consultant in the mining and metals sphere since January 2017. In this period, he has advised clients in commercialising new process technology, IP strategy and operations improvement. Before this, Silvio served as Manager Technical Stewardship for South32 from the company’s inception in May 2015 to December 2016. This role was accountable for technical strategy, governance, technology development, and IP management across the Australian Region, which comprises coal, manganese, silver/lead/zinc, alumina, and nickel operations.
Silvio Nicoli
 

 

Stephanie Mather: Conduct of Operations Advisor, Chevron Australia
MIDS UCB, BEng (Chem, Hons) UWA

Stephanie graduated from the UWA in 2012 with a Bachelor of Engineering with Honours (Chemical and Process Engineering). She is currently a Production Support Process Engineer on the Gorgon LNG Project for Chevron Australia. Her professional experience includes commissioning and start-up of the Gorgon and Jansz-Io fields, Inlet facilities and MEG units, production support to operations and early concept brownfield modification to LNG inlet and refrigeration facilities. Stephanie is an affiliate member of the Institute of Chemical Engineers (MIChemE) and Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE).

Steph Mather

Stephen Fitzpatrick: Director of Waste Services, EMRC
BSc (Hons) UWA

Steve has a Bachelor of Science degree from UWA, majoring in Chemistry with Honours in physical and inorganic chemistry. Steve is the EMRCs (Eastern Metropolitan Regional Council) Director of Waste Services and has been with the EMRC for 15 years' in a project development role on the Councils resource recovery projects and more recently managing the waste services business directorate. Steve has 40 years' experience in industry, consulting and local government waste management.

 

Stephen Fitzpatrick
 

 

Tom Arfuso: Operations Manager TiRO WA

BEng (Chem, Hons) Curtin, FS Eng (TÜV Rheinland)

Since graduating from Curtin in 2010 with a Bachelor of Engineering with Honours (Chemical Engineering), Tom has worked in a number of technical and management roles, predominantly at Coogee Chemicals in Kwinana. Starting out as a graduate plant engineer in Coogee’s Manufacturing division, he then moved to a lead engineer role for the Tank Terminals, followed by Production Team Leader, and into his current position as TiRO Operations Manager. This variety in roles, all within a major hazard facility environment, has given Tom a great appreciation of how Chemical Engineering skillsets can be pragmatically applied to a range of fields – from process safety to people management and mentorship of next generation leaders.

Student Members

Dean Winarto

Dean is a dedicated Chemical Engineering and Finance student at The University of Western Australia (UWA). As an executive committee member of the Chemical & Process Engineering Club at UWA, he is actively involved with bringing enriching industry experiences to students. Dean is an aspiring chemical engineer with a keen interest in sustainability. As a consultant with the Western Australian University Consultants, Dean developed a model to calculate the Carbon-Dioxide-equivalent emissions avoided for a national food rescue charity. His work enabled the client to quantify and report their Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions to meet stakeholder and sustainability demands. 

Dean is also the Aerostructures Team Leader at UWA Aerospace, building a high-powered competition rocket. Dean's interest in rocketry evolved from his time with the Australian Air Force Cadets, where he attained the rank of Cadet Under Officer. 


 

The Chemical Engineering IAP has developed Attributes of a good graduate Chemical Engineer
Attributes of a good graduate Chemical Engineer

The UWA Chemical Engineering Industry Advisory Panel has developed the following attributes that our current students should aspire to have! 

Should Chemical Engineering students need some 'pointers' regarding what broadening units to complete in order to become a well-rounded Engineer, the panel has also indicated a list of recommended broadening units for students. 

Please note that this list is solely the advice and recommendation of the Chemical Engineering IAP and does not represent the view, advice and recommendation whatsoever by the School and University. 

Depth of technical knowledge:

  • Well-rounded technical development

Good professional communication:

  • Good networking
  • Ability to communicate through all levels of the organisation
  • Concise, decisiveness

Active initiative:

  • Be a self-starter
  • Proactive learner, curiosity
  • Task/deliverable focused

Strong business sense:

  • Development of business case
  •  Business appropriate technical solutions

Independent / lateral thinker:

  • Ability to manage uncertainty
  • Ask sensible / sincere questions
  • Good investigator, ability to dig deeper

Civil Engineering

Arthur Psaltis: Chief Executive Officer, Pritchard Francis (Chair of Panel)
“I believe it is important for engineering leaders to be a conduit between tertiary institutions and the industry, for the benefit of the profession”.

 

Arthur is CEO of Pritchard Francis, an engineering practice with 4 offices in Western Australia and The Northern Territory. The Firm is one of the largest and most highly regarded consulting practices in W.A. Arthur has been previously Managing Director and now CEO for over 25 years. He has been the member of IAP November 2005.

 

Arthur Psaltis
 

 

Andrea Down: Rail Planning Coordinator, Public Transport Authority
Andrea has over 15 years’ experience in geotechnical engineering, project management and rail planning. She graduated from UWA in 2005 with a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil with Honours) and Bachelor of Commerce (Management and Strategic Management) and has since had experience in engineering consultancy working on major mining, oil and gas, transport infrastructure and land development projects in both technical and project management roles. Andrea’s experience also includes roles within state government, including project manager of Metronet integrated land use and transport planning projects, and she is currently the Rail Planning Coordinator for the Public Transport Authority of Western Australia. This role involves supporting the development of business cases, project definition plans and other transport planning initiatives required to justify investments in major rail and public transport projects, including liaison with key external stakeholders and the provision of broader strategic advice on public transport and planning policy. 
 
Andrea
 

 

Andy Cole: SVP, Global Partnerships

Andy Cole began working (for Worley) in the offshore oil & gas industry in Western Australia in 1986 as a graduate civil engineer specialising in the design of offshore structures. 

Early experience was gained on the structural design of Woodside’s large Goodwyn platform on the Northwest shelf together with various minimal facilities platforms throughout South East Asia . Following a move to the UK, North Sea experience was gained on the design and fabrication of Chevron’s Alba North platform. 

He has subsequently gained 30+ years of EPCM experience across the Upstream and Midstream sectors of the Oil & Gas industry working in Australia, UK, South East Asia and the Middle East. Other roles have included operational management of Worley’s business (most recently across South East Asia), mergers & acquisitions and leading the company’s growth strategy program.

Andy currently manages Worley’s global partnerships. Andy has a Bachelor of Civil Engineering and a Masters of Business Administration, both from the University of Western Australia. 

Andy Cole
 

 

Barry Moore: Client Director, Transport, WA – WSP
Barry is a chartered professional civil engineer and Fellow of Engineers Australia, with almost 25 years of experience in the management, design and implementation of multi-disciplinary projects within the railway, road and transport sectors. In particular, he has expertise in the management of all aspects of feasibility, design and delivery for passenger, metro, high speed, freight and heavy haul railways in every stage of the project lifecycle, from concept and planning through detailed design and management and support for construction. He has additional experience in the strategic assessment of the requirements for rail project implementation both nationally and internationally, and for both new and existing railways.

 

In his current role, Barry is responsible for delivering WSP’s capability and strategic outcomes to Transport clients in Western Australia. He works with WSP’s teams across road, civil, rail, bridges, maritime and advisory to ensure that WSP’s clients are served in meeting their requirements for the planning and delivery of transport infrastructure in WA. Within WSP he chairs the WA Transport Leadership Group and is a member of WSP’s WA Leadership Team.

 

Barry actively contributes to the development of the Transport industry in WA, and currently serves as the Chair of the Engineers Australia WA Committee for of the Transport Australia Society (TAs).
Barry Moore
 

 

Belinda Stopic: Executive Director Infrastructure Delivery, Main Roads Western Australia
Belinda graduated from UWA in 1995 with a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons). She also completed a Graduate Certificates in Building & Construction Law as well as Business Management.

 

Belinda has more than 25 years of road and bridge engineering design, construction and project management experience, multi-skilling across a wide variety of disciplines in government. She has a successful track record for the completion of works through coordinating personnel, developing partnerships, and fostering corporate relationships at all levels of government, as well as collaborating with design houses and construction contractors in the civil construction industry. Her focus and expertise on project, contract and commercial management services ensures Main Roads continues to develop and deliver major transport infrastructure projects, now and into the future.

 

Belinda
 

 

Cherie Silvestri: Principal Structural Engineer, Rio Tinto

MIEAust CPEng NER

Cherie completed the BE in Civil Engineering at The University of Western Australia in 1994. She is an experienced structural engineer with more than 25 years’ experience in the mining and materials handling industry. Cherie has extensive experience as a Structural engineer in various companies and is currently a Principal Structural Engineer at Rio Tinto, specialised in Asset Management.

Cherylene Teoh: Head of Design and Project Management WA, Lendlease

“Lendlease is about creating places that leave a positive legacy with a focus on safety, innovation and sustainability. Providing students exposure to our live projects to better understand the construction process and industry is a way to help graduates prepare for future employment ”

Cherylene is a Civil Engineer who has 20 years industry experience project managing large scale projects from concept through to construction completion across various sectors including commercial, residential, scientific research and education. Cherylene currently oversees the design and project management functions across Lendlease’s construction business in Western Australia.

 

 



Craig Butterworth: Geotechnical Engineer/Director, CMW
Craig is a professionally qualified geotechnical engineer with over 20 years’ experience in Australia, New Zealand, UK and the Middle East, including ground investigations, interpretation of geotechnical data, supervision of groundworks, deep basement design and temporary works design for excavations. Craig currently acts as one of the technical leaders at CMW, based in Perth.

 

 

Craig Butterworth
 

 

Declan Barrett: Principal (Buildings Structures), Aurecon

BE FIEAust CPEng NER

Declan Barrett is a senior leader in building design at Aurecon experienced in leading exceptional global multinational teams in Australia, Asia and the Middle East to deliver the design of large complex and technically challenging multidisciplinary major projects.

He enjoys technically challenging projects which offer an opportunity to apply innovative design and engineering approaches particularly those that involve complex modelling and simulations, parametric and computational design, and structural optimisation.

Declan also has extensive knowledge of project delivery methodologies, with demonstrable experience successfully leading, managing and delivering design on complex projects within the nuances of corporate and government agency environments, having led the delivery of Perth Children’s Hospital, Brookfield Place and the Oman Museum project. This has included traditional Design Bid Build, Design & Construct, Alliance, and Joint Venture procurement involving bespoke contracts as well as FIDIC, AS4122 and AS4902 contracts.

Experience includes planning and organising 3 major projects with 60,000 to 170,000 hours of resourcing effort including pricing, budgeting & controls. This also involved risk assessment for unique and complex design problems, user group/stakeholder management, robust change management procedures and execution of design specifications/monitoring of construction on site.

Eric Jas: Strategy and Development Manager, Atteris Pty Ltd
"The biggest satisfaction I get from being on the Industry Advisory Panel at UWA is sharing my knowledge and experience with the university to help shape the way future civil engineers are educated.”

 

Eric is a Civil Engineer with more than 30 years’ experience in the subsea and onshore pipeline industries on all continents. Eric is the founder of Atteris, and was its General Manager between 1999 and 2018, and currently its Strategy and Development Manager.

 

 

Eric Jas
 

 

Greg Hendrie: Technical Director, GHD
Greg Hendrie has more than 25 years’ experience in four countries within the civil engineering industry including: Multidisciplinary Project Management; Land Development; Landside Port Engineering; Landside Airport Engineering; Urban Engineering; Non-Process Mine Infrastructure; Urban and Rural Road Design; Drainage Masterplanning and Design; Water Reticulation Network Design; Water Planning and Design gravity and wastewater pressure mains; Contract Administration; Construction Supervision/ Management.

 

He is currently the Technical Director - Civil Infrastructure and Land Development, at GHD.
Greg
 

 

Jane Arnolda: National Engineering Manager, Structerre

B. Eng. Civil (Hons)

Jane earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Western Australia in 2008. She joined Structerre in 2011 as a Graduate Engineer taking on a variety of roles before becoming the National Engineering Manager in 2020. Actively contributing to her industry Jane participates in a variety of ways, including Master Builders WA housing Council and Interengineer. She is currently the National Engineering Manager at Structerre. Prior to this, she worked as a Senior Structural Engineer and CEO Support at Structerre.

Jason Fletcher: Operations Manager APAC - Civil, Marine & Infrastructure

Jason completed his BE (Civil Engineering with Hons) and Bachelor of Commerce, majors in Finance and General Management, both in 1999 from The University of Western Australia.

He then studied Authentic Leadership Development, Business/Commerce, General, at Harvard Business School in 2013. Jason has more than 21 years’ experience in the project delivery and strategic business development space.

His key areas of expertise lie around Leadership, Strategy, Project Management, Resource Management, Value Engineering, Construction, Commercial and Contract Management.

During his career he has worked with several key clients including Water Corporation, BHPB, DevWest, MRWA, Dept. of Communities, Hunter Development Corporation, Lendlease, CBH and Wesfarmers to deliver some significant projects like Tonkin Gap Alliance, Mandurah Ocean Marina, Harvey SSDP Pipeline to Summit Tank Trunk Main, Ravenswood Booster Pump Station, Precinct 3 Subdivision and several other key urban, regional and interstate projects. Jason is passionate about people development and sustainable business growth.

John Clancy: WA Regional Manager/ Associate, Principal Civil & Structural Engineer, WGAWA Pty Ltd
BEng MEng MIEI CEng MIEAust CPEng NER

 

With 18 years’ experience, John is a Principal Civil and Structural Engineer and currently leads the WGA WA team as Regional Manager based in Perth. John specialises in a wide range of construction methodologies, across multiple sectors – including Buildings (Commercial and Civic), Infrastructure, Maritime and Defence. He has a keen interest in concrete construction systems in particular, and practical constructable engineering solutions.

John is the former WA Branch President of the Concrete Institute of Australia and has contributed to the sharing of innovations in engineering design and the maximisation of new technologies. John is also a part of the WA Engineers Australia Structures Panel and remains a committee member for the WA Branch of the Concrete Institute of Australia.

He is passionate when it comes to mentoring young engineers with an emphasis on creating pathways, imparting his expertise, and building relationships. He is an active conduit between university education and practical teachings for future engineers, having also lectured for several years at the Munster Institute of Technology, Ireland

John Clancy
 

 

John Kotula: Owner and Director, Civil Infrastructure and Land Development Engineer, Kotula Civil
"I wish to give back to the University the benefit of my experience in the Civil Consulting Industry, by helping the Civil Engineering School prepare graduates with the necessary technical and communication/presentation skills for employment."

 

John is a specialist land development and infrastructure civil engineer working in both private practice and previously for many years with some of Australia’s largest consultancies. He has managed, studied, designed and overseen the total implementation and construction of all ground level civil infrastructure for many new and existing residential communities including the establishment of many retail, commercial and industrial precincts throughout Western Australia.

 

 

John Kotula
 

 

Lyndsay Hammond: Manager of Civil Engineering, Fortescue Future Industries
Lyndsay is a professionally qualified civil engineer with over 20 years’ experience in Australia and the UK, including the design and project management of major multi-disciplinary public-sector infrastructure projects from feasibility through to commissioning. She has experience of the detailed design aspects of rail, aviation, energy and road projects including earthworks, road geometry, pavements, drainage, services (incl water and sewer) upgrades and diversions.

 

Lyndsay is currently the Manager of Civil Engineering for Fortescue Future Industries (FFI) responsible for the technical delivery of the facility infrastructure for the FFI Green Hydrogen project portfolio.
Lyndsay Hammond
 

 

Noel Boylan: Managing Director, NGI Perth
Noel is a geotechnical engineer and leads NGI's office in Perth. He has worked on offshore energy projects around the world ranging from site characterisation through to detailed design of foundations, anchors for floating facilities and geohazards.
Dr. Paul Dimmock: Principal Engineer, Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI, Perth)

Engineering Management, 2014, University of Manchester, UK

PhD, 2003, St. John’s Coll., University of Cambridge, UK

MSc DIC. Soil mechanics, 1999, Imperial College, UK

BE (Civil, 1st Class), 1998, The University of Western Australia

BSc (Information Technology), 1996, The University of Western Australia

Paul has experience across Client, Consultant and Research roles, and has worked across offshore and onshore geotechnical developments. His experience spans all project stages from appraisal through to execute, operate and decommissioning. Paul has broad experience and knowledge in managing geohazard and geotechnical engineering teams, and values strong teamwork and collaboration to achieve improved engineering outcomes.
Simon McAll: Civil Engineer, Stantec
Simon is a civil engineer with 7 years construction experience in the UK and Australia, having worked in rail, buildings, and land development. Currently working as a civil engineering consultant for Stantec, in the land development sector.
Simon
 

 

Wayne Bagg: Senior Principal Engineer (Water Resource Recovery), Water Corporation

"The only way for the water industry to enhance the quality of potential future employees is to provide input and guidance to university academic programs. IAP support is one way of doing this."

Wayne is the Senior Principal Engineer (Water Resource Recovery) at the Water Corporation. He has 33 years’ water engineering experience, mostly in used water management.  He has extensive expertise in the concept definition, design and commissioning of sewage and industrial effluent management infrastructure, with a strong emphasis on biological nutrient removal and reclamation technologies. He has worked with continuous, intermittent, and immersed membrane activated sludge systems, as well as simpler technologies such as waste stabilisation ponds. Design and operational optimisation of small used water management systems is a key area of interest.

Will Telfer: Alliance Director, Georgiou Group
Will Telfer is a degree qualified Civil Engineer with over 25 years of project and executive level experience focused on the construction of government infrastructure (roads, bridges, water treatment and power generation) and mineral processing projects (both mining and oil & gas sectors). His experience has primarily been focused on projects within Western Australia and regional eastern states locations.

 

Will Telfer
 

 

Jonathan Khoo: Building Structures WA Lead, Arup
CPEng BE(Hons) BSc MIEAust

Jonathan is a structural engineer with over 15 years’ experience in the design and construction of building and infrastructure projects across Australia. Jonathan is currently the Building Structures lead for WA at Arup and has led the delivery of a wide range of projects including aviation, rail and commercial developments both locally and internationally.
 
 

 

 

Johnathan Khoo
 

 

Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Ben Rogers: RTVis and Mine Automation Systems Lead, Rio Tinto
Hamed Sharafizad: Chief Electrical Engineer, CLOUGH

Hamed Sharafizad is currently the Chief Electrical Engineer at Clough where he is responsible and accountable for the discipline in Australia and the Asia Pacific regions. He started his electrical engineering career at Worley working on Alinta’s Dampier to Bunbury Natural Gas Pipeline upgrade project after completing his bachelor’s degree in engineering (Electrical) from Curtin University in 1995. He travelled overseas as resident electrical engineer overseeing the construction of buildings and bridges before coming back to Australia and joining Clough projects in 2001. During his time at Clough he has been involved on a number of key projects including concept studies and FEED projects. 
His 27-year career has seen him work on projects in the mining sector, energy sector, building services, construction and infrastructure projects both here in Australia and overseas. 

Mr Sharafizad is a Chartered Engineer through the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET) and is a Fellow with the Institute of Engineers Australia.

 

 


 

 

Jenny Collier: Senior Electronic Engineer, Quantify Technology

After graduating from UWA in 1989, Jenny has worked extensively in the manufacturing and electronics industry building up expertise in electronic hardware design and mass production processes.

"Education is the key to economic sustainability in these challenging times."

Mark Callaghan: Engineering Manager, Atamo Pty Ltd
Peter Martino: Principal Engineer (Network Operations), Western Power
Sisira Elangasinghe: Principal Consultant, ECG Engineering/ Lycopodium Minerals

"Enjoy the opportunity given to share the knowledge with the UWA staff as well as the enthusiastic students on mining related power activities."

Dr. Reza Banktavakoli: Founder and Director, PowerGie

Reza has many years of experience in power systems planning engineering and design and power system operations working in Iran, Germany, Ireland and Australia. 

Reza is recognised as a power system security analysis specialist and a system dynamic and electro-magnetic transient (EMT) expert. Reza has a fellowship on inverter connected renewable generation operation in power systems with high renewable penetration levels. Reza has worked in various industry sectors from research and development and manufacturing to utilities and industries.

He has extensive experience in South-West Interconnected System (SWIS) planning, design, operations, and security analysis. Reza has in depth understanding of WEM regulatory requirements, network access assessments, design standards, generator performance standards, testing and commissioning requirements, test plans and impact assessment on power systems. 

Johnny Choi: Electrical Engineer, Woodside
Dr. Ali Kharrazi: Chair, Senior Planner, Western Power

Dr. Ali Kharrazi is currently serving as an Adjunct Lecturer at the University of Western Australia (UWA) and Engineering Team Leader at Western Power, a leading utility company.

Dr. Kharrazi's academic and professional journey is both diverse and impressive, equipping him with the expertise needed for his dual roles. He earned his Bachelor's Degree in Electronic Engineering and a Master of Science Degree in Control Engineering in Iran, and then took on roles as a Project Engineer and Telecom Engineer across various industries.
Seeking further education, he moved to Australia and earned an Honors Degree in Electrical Power Engineering from Murdoch University in 2015. He then achieved his doctorate from the University of Western Australia in 2021. His research interests span across renewable energy integration, Distributed Energy Resources (DERs), and Energy Blockchain.

 

 


 

 

Andrew Moss: Systems/Electronics Engineer, Siemens
Paul Ostergaard: CEO, Norwood Systems

Paul is the founder of Norwood Systems and is responsible for directing the company’s overall strategy. His goal is to revolutionise communications network services, with Norwood providing advanced cognitive voice consumer and business services to communications service providers worldwide. With over 35 years of experience in the high-technology sector, Paul has held senior executive roles in start-ups and large corporations across North America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific.

Before Norwood Systems, Paul founded several wireless communication companies, including the original award-winning Norwood Systems Limited in the UK. Previously he headed the global platform marketing strategy for a $1 billion systems platform at 3Com Corporation, where he led the platform’s brand and core technology development, which saw the platform’s worldwide market share of the Ethernet switching and hub market increase to a peak of 35% earning 3Com $1.2 billion in annual revenues.

Paul holds a Bachelor of Electronic Engineering from the University of Western Australia and an MBA from INSEAD. He has received numerous honours and awards, including being named one of the Top 100 Most Influential Engineers in Australia by Engineers Australia.

 


 

 

Dr. Nikola Petranovic: Graduate Engineer, Water Corporation
Aiden Taba: Graduate Engineer, Cochlear
Ian Tan: Lead Engineer, Project Services, Yokogawa
Katiana Tse: Graduate Electrical Engineer, Woodside

Environmental Engineering

Alice Turnbull: Strategic Compliance Manager, NOPSEMA (National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority)
Alice graduated from Environmental Engineering at UWA in 2005. Since that time she has focused on building a career in environmental and social impact assessment, risk management and regulation, principally focused on the mining and oil and gas sectors.
Jason Antenucci: Director, DHI Water and Environment Pty Ltd

 “I am glad to be able to make a contribution to the education of the next generation of engineers from at UWA.”

Jason completed both his undergraduate and PhD at The University of Western Australia, and has 18 years of experience in both the research and engineering consulting industries. 

Jeff Foley: Manager - Regional WA, GHD
Jeff is the Manager of GHD’s business in regional Western Australia, including offices in Albany, Bunbury, Geraldton and Karratha. Jeff is also a Technical Director with 18 years’ experience in the areas of wastewater treatment and recycling, integrated water management and life cycle assessment.
Martin Pujol: Senior Hydrogeologist, Rockwater Pty Ltd

"I feel honoured to be able to contribute to a better integration and understanding of the role of groundwater into the courses of the WA’s engineers of tomorrow."

Martin's skills include expert consulting geoscience services and project management on geothermal and deep water well projects, wellsite geology, well testing, wireline geophysics and 3D groundwater flow and heat modelling. He has eight years’ experience as a geothermal hydrogeologist including more than six years’ for Rockwater in Perth (the leading low-enthalpy geothermal consultant in Australia) and a year as project manager for CFG Services, a global geothermal energy consultancy in Paris with large-scale projects in France and overseas.

Nadelle Brooks: Principal Asset Strategy - Remote Services, Water Corporation

"The Environmental Industry Advisory Board allows me to share an external industry perspective with the University, helping them develop WA’s future environmental engineers."

Nadelle is a civil and environmental engineer, with almost 20 years’ experience ranging from local government, to engineering consulting, to state government, to water utility.  She is passionate about the role of engineering in society, with a particular focus on improving services to Aboriginal communities in Western Australia.  

Sarah Larsen: Environmental Officer, Department of Water and Envionmental Regulation

"Our natural systems are under ever increasing pressures and innovative engineering solutions will play an important role in balancing social development with the preservation of ecological systems. The next wave of engineering graduates will be at the coal-face of these massive challenges."

Mechanical Engineering

Chris Sayer: Mechanical Engineer

"After over 40 years' of engineering practise, I wanted to share my experience with young prospective engineers. My hope is to have some small influence on areas of the course that I believe are important for all mechanical engineers."

Chris graduated from UWA in 1969 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Chris has over 40 years' experience in a wide range of engineering fields, including engine research and design, automotive electrical product testing and manufacturing, and machinery design. Prior to becoming a self employed Mechanical Engineer, Chris worked as a Mechanical Design Engineer at Orontide for 10 year's and as a Design Engineer at Orbital Engine Corporation for 21 year's.

Gareth Bamford: GM – Gas Assets, Santos

“It is satisfying being able to contribute in shaping the next generation of graduates from UWA to prepare them for their careers. The collaboration between Industry and the University will make a material difference to the capability of the students.”

Gareth graduated from UWA with an Engineering Honours and Commerce degree in 1995. He has worked in the oil and gas industry for over 20 years, spending a considerable amount of time in Southeast Asia and more recently in Australia. He currently holds the position of Manager Gas Assets for Santos. His areas of expertise include production operations and major project development.

Karl Hofmann: Plant Engineer, Hofmann Engineering

"University bodies and industry need to cooperate to achieve a common goal of technological development by training well rounded students and staff with the capacity to generate a significant impact in their given field."

Malcolm Greenway: Mine Shaft Systems Consultant, Jacobs

"Being on the Mining Industry Advisory Board at UWA allows me to give something back to the University, the students and the approach to their education from my employment and educational  experiences over many years."

Malcolm has over 40 years’ experience in project management, design, and R&D management in Australia, South Africa, UK and US. He has a Bachelor in Mechanical Engineering and is a Rhodes Scholar. 

Mark Azzopardi: Business Development Director, OGS Group
Richard Gerritse: Chief Mechanical Engineer, Woodside Energy Ltd

"Being on the IAP for the School of Mechanical Engineering at UWA provides me that wonderful opportunity to 'pay forward'." 

Mining Engineering

Andrew Cooper: Mine Planning Manager, BHP

"I enjoy my involvement to the Mining Industry Advisory Board at UWA as it is an opportunity to contribute to forming the education of our industries future professionals."

Andrew is a Mining Engineer and experienced Mining Manager with over 19 years' experience in large scale iron ore, underground gold, base metals, and diamond mines within Australia.  He is results orientated in delivering operational management, life of mine technical planning, feasibility studies, operational/production ramp-ups and productivity/cost/process business improvement.

 

Brad Webb: Mine Manager, Brockman 4, Rio Tinto
Catherine Callow: Approval Manager-Studies, FMG
Christopher Colbourne: Vice President Mining, BBIG

“Being part of the Mining Industry Advisory Board at UWA give me the chance to help shape the mining engineers of the future and give something back to the industry that has been so good for me and my family.” 

Chris is a mining professional with 30 years’ experience and a proven leadership record at senior levels in Australia and internationally across multiple commodities and aspects of mining from concept to closure. Deep expertise in business, mining operational and technical leadership, technical risk, joint venture management, technology, innovation and project execution in both surface and underground mines. 

Dan Page: Superintendent Mine Planning and Integration, BHP

"Having experienced the value of a UWA Engineering Degree throughout my career I’m excited about the opportunity to reconnect with the university and give back to the faculty by helping guide the ongoing education of future industry professionals."

Dan is a Mining Engineer with over 10 years’ experience in large scale surface mining operations. In this time Dan has gained first-hand experience, and led teams, across all mine planning and design roles in the short to medium term horizon whilst also spending several years in front line operational leadership roles and as a designated Quarry Manger. Dan’s passion is for mentoring others and driving operational excellence and to that end Dan and his team currently oversee the BHP Graduate Program for Mining Engineers as well as all mentoring, improvement and optimisation initiatives across the Mining Engineering teams in the Iron Ore division.

Leon Fouche: Practice Leader, Mine Engineer, Rio Tinto
Mark Boon: Director MAB Mining Services

"I have a strong passion about the mining industry and its continuing relevance plus what it has to offer for people prepared to take on a career in this field. To be part of assisting in connecting the operations and academic streams provides me with a strong sense of achievement."

Mark has 40 years' experience in the Australian mining industry, having started as a Mining Cadet in Broken Hill at CRA’s Zinc Corporation in the early 80s. Mark’s experience has covered a number of leadership positions in operations and technical functions, across a number of commodities within Australia.

Scott McEwing: Principal Consultant, SRK Consulting

"Being on the Mining Industry Advisory Board at UWA allows me to give contribute with an industry perspective to the university."

Scott is a mining engineer with over 20 years’ experience in mining. Scott has worked in underground and open pit mining operations in Australia at Golden Grove and Boddington Gold Mine, and in New Zealand at the Martha Mine. Scott joined SRK Consulting in 2001 and currently works in Due Diligence, Project Management and with technical mine planning arenas.