On the move – August-September

NEW SCIENCE DEAN FOR WSU Graciela Metternicht has joined WSU as its new Dean of the School of Science. Born and raised in Argentina, Metternicht will head west from UNSW Sydney where she is currently professor of Environmental Geography in the School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences.Her research interests include environmental geography, with a focus on geospatial technologies and their application in environmental management and policy. Metternicht said it is an exciting time to be joining WSU, particularly since it was named world’s best for sustainable development in the latest THE University Impact Rankings. “WSU is uniquely positioned to create enduring impact at regional, national and international levels through its world-leading education, research and engagement with industry and community,” Metternicht said. INDIGENOUS FOCUS AT TORRENS Torrens has created two Indigenous-focus roles in its Health Sciences team. Lesli Kirwan has been appointed Senior Learning Facilitator – First Nations Curriculum, and Ren Perkins as Learning Facilitator – First Nations Curriculum. “These identified academic roles are the first of their kind at our university and an exciting step towards our Reconciliation Action Plan,” said Rochelle Morris, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Liaison Officer. Kirwan, a proud Ngarabal Yugambal woman from the far north of NSW, said “engaging two Aboriginal academic staff in the health vertical to share knowledge and culture with staff and students is an exceptional move in the right direction”. Perkins is a Quandamooka man with connections to the Wakka Wakka Nation, and has worked in Indigenous education for over two decades. “I am most looking forward to working with the team at Torrens University to help promote the university as a place which embraces and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures,” Perkins said. SWINBURNE DOUBLES DOWN After acting in their roles for several months Swinburne has now appointed Jim Ogloff AM (left) as Dean of the School of Health Sciences, and James Verdon as Dean of the School of Social Sciences, Media, Film and Education. Ogloff has more than 35 years’ experience in clinical and academic positions and is Distinguished Professor of Forensic Behavioural Science and Director of the Centre for Forensic Behavioural Science at Swinburne. “I am honoured to have been appointed as Dean to help lead the health expansion strategy and to realise the goals in the Horizon 2025 strategy,” Ogloff said. Verdon has been at Swinburne since 1997, during which time he has held the positions of program coordinator of VET offerings in Screen and Media, course director of the Bachelor of Film and Television, and most recently, chair of Swinburne’s Department of Film, Games and Animation. “I am energised and excited by the opportunity as Dean to lead a School firmly committed to fostering and supporting sustainable, just and creative futures through genuine innovation in our teaching, research and engagement,” Verdon said. NEW DEPUTY VC AT MACQUARIE Professor Rorden Wilkinson is Macquarie University’s new Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic). The international trade, global governance and international development expert joins Macquarie from UNSW, where he is Pro Vice-Chancellor, Education & Student Experience and Professor of International Political Economy. Wilkinson is a passionate advocate for increased access to higher education and a champion of the role universities play in transforming lives. Macquarie’s VC and President Bruce Dowton added that Wilkinson’s “skill set and experience closely aligns with Macquarie’s goals of truly putting students first”.