Professor Rabin Tuladhar began his appointment as Dean of Engineering and Technology at CQUniversity in July and is already exploring ways to build industry-aligned programs, research capacity and industry engagement.
“I’m very keen to explore the current strengths that CQU already has and further enhance them,” Tuladhar says.
“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.”
Tuladhar says he also wants 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.”
International insights and real-world experience
Prior to his new role, Tuladhar was Head of International Partnership in the College of Science and Engineering at James Cook University (JCU) and also served as that institution’s Head of Engineering (2022-2023), and Associate Dean Learning and Teaching (2012-2018) for the College of Science and Engineering.
As a qualified Civil Engineer with a specialisation in Concrete and Structure Engineering, Tuladhar brings real-world knowledge, combined with senior leadership experience to his appointment
“I’m originally from Nepal but have been travelling around quite a bit for my education and work,” Tuladhar says, adding that his global education includes studying in India and Thailand, before completing his PhD in Earthquake Engineering in Japan.
Since moving to Queensland in 2009, 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. Tuladhar also led the research team that was awarded the Australian Innovation Challenge 2015 for the development of 100 per cent recycled plastic fibre for concrete reinforcement.
Nurturing student-centric support
In the coming months, Tuladhar will visit CQUniversity’s various campus footprints to meet with staff, students, alumni and industry representative.
“I will be travelling to all the CQUniversity campuses in the first few months to meet staff and students face-to-face and understand their aspirations and their challenges,” Tuladhar says.
“I really want to inspire and support staff and students to recognise their strengths and help them to achieve their goals. That’s what really excites me in this role. CQUniversity’s mission to be Australia’s most accessible and supportive university, resonates with my personal aspiration of creating student-centred, supportive learning environments.”
