The University of Adelaide has appointed a new leader for its Faculty of Engineering, Computer and Mathematical Sciences (ECMS).
Professor Katrina Falkner is an expert in computer science education and the faculty’s first female leader to take up the position of Executive Dean.
She will lead a faculty which has schools that are ranked in the top 50 globally with an outstanding reputation for teaching, research and high-quality graduates.
“Through her passion for science and technology education she has made major contributions towards enhancing the career progression of women in STEM,” the University of Adelaide’s Acting Provost, Professor John Williams said.
As a researcher with a strong international profile, Professor Falkner’s work is founded on the application of fundamental research to real-world, interdisciplinary problems with a strong focus on collaborative, industry partnerships.
Her research and has attracted more than $25 million in competitive grants, industry and government research funding, with relationships including DST Group, Data61, Google USA, Google Australia, Education Services Australia and the Commonwealth Department of Education and Training.
Solving complex global problems
“I am immensely excited to be leading a community of researchers who are engaged in solving complex global problems and who contribute to national priorities,” Professor Falkner said.
“I am passionate about leading a Faculty which is undertaking world class research in the diverse fields of cybersecurity, defence, medical technology, smart technology and renewable energy, among others. This gives us an amazing opportunity to address global needs in collaboration with industry, government and the broader community.”
Professor Falkner is committed to equity and diversity and to giving students the opportunity to become future leaders.
She was Interim Executive Dean of ECMS from October last year and served as Deputy Dean (Learning and Teaching) from 2018.
Professor Falkner has received many prestigious awards including an Australian Learning and Teaching Council Citation in 2008, the 2016 Australian Council for Computers in Education (ACCE) and Australian Computer Society (ACS) National Leader of the Year, and the 2017 CORE John Hughes Distinguished Service Award.
