Following five years of delivering a wide range of projects using Coventry City as a test bed/living lab, Sinead Founded FabLab Coventry in 2016, using living lab approaches and methodologies to set up and operate what is essentially a STEAM (Science technology Engineering Arts and Maths) civic engagement programme, resourced by a world renowned social science research Institute (Institute for Peace Security and Social Justice). FabLab Coventry’s unique approach of citizen and social science driven, STEAM civic collaboration is novel in the world, and yet the evidence from our members, evaluation and social impact studies point towards this humble yet unorthodox approach to co-creation of research and university civic engagement, as a resounding success. With a background in circular economy, social research and social innovation, Sinead has built up an extensive range of support, from external stakeholders, local communities and external funding agencies to help in making a difference by testing social innovations capable of responding to a myriad of socio-economic, environmental and physical wellbeing challenges. She specialises in the design, implementation and evaluation of living labs as urban innovation spaces, using a range of participatory methodologies and approaches. She is currently responsible for over £3m of externally funded research and social innovation projects. Her research interests include, the circular economy, citizen social science, integration, social enterprise and innovation, Living labs, urban innovation and community university engagement.
Category: 2021 Delegate
Dr Parvathy A.K.
Dr.A.K.Parvathy is Heading the Department of Electrical & Electronics Engineering, Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science. Dr.A K Parvathy has more than twenty five years of experience in teaching, research and industry. Dr. A K Parvathy has 42 publications in refereed International Journals and presented 32 papers in International conferences. Her research interest is in Renewable Energy Systems, Power System and Advanced Control of Electric Machines. She has completed two research projects funded by Government of India and has one ongoing funded project from Royal Academy of Engineering, UK in collaboration with University of Leeds,UK.
She has visited University of Leeds, UK, University of Bradford, UK, Yildiz Technical University, Turkey, Naresuan University, Thailand for delivering invited lectures and discussing research collaboration. She has guided 5 PhD scholars for completion of PhD. She has convened 15 International seminars, organized four International and National Conferences.
Mr Nathan Towney
Nathan is a proud Wiradjuri man from Wellington in NSW and an education leader. Nathan’s appointment as the Pro Vice-Chancellor Indigenous, Strategy and Leadership role follows a four-year tenure as the Principal of Newcastle High School. Nathan led the development of the University’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education and Research Framework. The University of Newcastle will be a culturally responsive place of excellence for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education and research. A place where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and the community feel connected, and culturally safe. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and knowledge is woven into each pillar – our relationships with communities, students and staff, the way we teach, learn and research and how we foster reconciliation in our regions. In addition to this Nathan is leading a coordinated approach to Indigenous Health Research for the region. Working with stakeholders including the local health districts, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Central Coast Research Institute, Awabakal Aboriginal Medical Service, NSW Regional Health Partners and the local community. Nathan’s personal and authentic approach fosters strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders at all levels. Nathan has a passion for innovation and change and has actively encouraged student-directed, passion-based and entrepreneurial learning. His approach to engaging and working with communities will be particularly valuable as the University looks to find ways for the institution to better connect with our regions.
Mrs Tracy Chalk
A senior leader specialising in strategic and structural transformation, Tracy joined the University of Newcastle as the Chief Marketing Officer overseeing the centralisation of brand, marketing, communications and student recruitment. This role followed two years at the University of the West of England where she led a complex transformation of marketing, communication, internal engagement, alumni relations and philanthropy. Tracy entered the Higher Education sector at The Australian National University where she spent seven years leading development of the University’s brand and marketing strategies.
Mr Charls Catahan
Charls Catahan is an undergraduate mechanical engineering student at Thailand’s Suranaree University of Technology. He was born and raised in the Philippines, and he chose the institute to pursue his bachelor’s degree. He was a member of several organizations in high school, including Youth for the Environment for School’s Organization. He is particularly interested in utilizing new technologies to address environmental issues.
Professor Kent Anderson
Professor Kent Anderson is an international lawyer specialising in the Asia-Pacific. He is the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Global, at the University of Newcastle.
Kent has an eclectic background, having been an academic in Australia, US and Japan; a marketing manager with a US regional airline in Alaska; a commercial lawyer in Hawaii; and most recently senior adviser for higher education to two Australian Ministers of Education.
Kent served on a number of boards including National Library of Australia, Ministerial Council for International Education, Higher Education Standards Panel, New Colombo Plan, Canberra Grammar School, and President of the Asian Studies Association of Australia.
Miss Areej Salah
A member of the Global Ambassadors of Sustainability, a member of Kaaf Volunteers, a member of Keys, and a VP of AIESEC. I am a student of management and marketing at Ahlia University. Where I won 3rd place in the student research competition. And a President of ABC (Ahlia Business Club). And a treasurer of the Toastmasters Ahlia club. And part of the AUMUN team. I’m interested in anything related to the SDGs, and I’ve worked on many projects related to them, such as the Green Initiative, Youth Speak, Youth Impact, Youth Entrepreneurship, Youth Future, and Career Programme. And a winner of Bahrain Climate Action and many hackathons such as the Green Youth Hackathon, etc. I’m also interested in debates, and I’ve participated in many MUNs, toastmasters, and the World Scholars Cup. Currently, I’m licenced in First aid and certified in Human Resources Management.