Category: Delegate

Professor Amer Al-Roubaie is currently teaching economics at Ahlia University, Kingdom of Bahrain. He obtained his doctorate in Economics from McGill University in Montreal, Canada. He taught economics at universities in Canada, the United States and Malaysia. His publications include books, research reports and many articles which appeared in a number of international journals.

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.

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.

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.

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.