Building industry-aligned programs, research capacity and industry engagement are top priorities for CQUniversity’s new Dean of Engineering and Technology, Professor Rabin Tuladhar.

Professor Tuladhar was previously head of international partnership at James Cook University’s College of Science and Engineering, where he has also served as head of engineering (2022-2023) and associate dean – learning and teaching (2012-2018).

He started with CQUniversity last month and is looking at ways to build and grow capacity within the School of Engineering and Technology.

“I’m very keen to explore the current strengths that CQU already has and further enhance them,” Professor 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.

“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.”

A civil engineer with specialisation in concrete and structure engineering, Professor Tuladhar was originally from Nepal.

“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.

Professor 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,” he said.

Based in Townsville, Professor Tuladhar will relocate to Rockhampton at year’s end.

He plans to visit CQUniversity’s various campus footprints to meet with staff, students, alumni and industry representatives in coming months.

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