Professor Olivia MirzaAcademia Lead and Founder | Professor Olivia Mirza is Associate Dean Engagement for the School and Research Theme Champion at University. She is passionate about increasing female in STEM field. Her research interest is forensic and rehabilitation considering sustainability design in building and infrastructures. She actively engages in interdisciplinary collaboration to address pressing environmental challenges and promote a greener future. |
Samanthika LiyanapathiranaAcademia Founder | Samanthika received her PhD in Geotechnical Engineering from the University of Western Australia and currently a Professor within the School of Engineering, Design and Built Environment at the Western Sydney University. She is an award-winning researcher at both national and international stages as the recipient of Australian Geomechanics Society award and Thomas A. Middlebrooks Award from the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). She is one of the founding members of the Women of Wisdom (WoW) group at WSU established in 2016. |
Helen WuAcademia Founder | Dr. Helen Wu is a senior lecturer at the School of Engineering, Design and Built Environment at the Western Sydney University. She has more than twenty years’ experience in teaching, research and consulting relating to the dynamic response of materials, machines and structures including vibration and condition monitoring. |
Tharika Kahandawa ArachchiStudent Secretary | Tharika Kahandawa Arachchi is a second-year Doctoral Researcher attached to the School of Engineering, Design and Built Environment who completed her PhD confirmation last June. Her doctoral research focus is on improving the fire performance of concrete structures using phase change materials. Tharika is currently working under the supervision of Professor Olivia Mirza and her team. |
Sharidan KearneyASPIRE Program Officer Program Coordinator | My name is Sharidan Kearney. I am the ASPIRE Program Project Officer working in the School of Engineering, Design & Built Environment at Western Sydney University. The ASPIRE Program supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students with their knowledge, work experience and passion for Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture and Building Design. |
Nina WatersStudent Representative | Nina is currently in her 3rd year of a Bachelor of Mechatronic and Robotic Engineering. At the same time as commencing her degree she also joined the Western Sydney Solar Team as a mechanical engineer. After spending 2 years on the team as an engineer she has now taken over as the Team Manager for 2024-2025 as the first ever female team manager. |
Aso Haji RasouliAcademia | Aso’s career trajectory over the past decade has encompassed learning, teaching, and working in three different countries and four different languages. She has worked in various contexts including, professional, governmental, and academic environments. Her research trajectory is mainly focused on advancing the impact of state-of-the-art studies across the spectrum of design and built environment disciplines and industries to solve critical issues and challenges through innovative solutions by highlighting fundamental theories as well as developing new methods and frameworks. |
Kuer DuotAcademia | In April 2023, Kuer graduated with First Class Honours in Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) and was honoured with a University Medal. Currently, she is employed as a site engineer at Trazlbat Pty Ltd, focusing on projects involving stormwater, sewerage, and water reticulation systems, as well as water and sewer pump stations construction. |
Laura AlmeidaAcademia | Dr Laura Almeida is a long-time practitioner-researcher in Sustainability and Energy. Her journey started in 1993 at the University of Porto Portugal and has extended to Western Sydney University. Her current focus is to expand the boundaries of sustainable systems and facilitate solutions to contribute to climate change mitigation. |
Linna GengAcademia | Dr. Linna Geng obtained her Ph.D. degree in Engineering Project Management from The University of Melbourne, Australia, in 2022. Now she is an associate lecturer in Construction Management (Contract Management) at School of Engineering, Design & Built Environment, Western Sydney University. Over the last five years, her research interests have primarily focused on performance reliability in social public-private partnership projects, project resilience and carbon emission reduction in the construction industry. |
Maria RashidiAcademia | Dr. Maria Rashidi is an experienced researcher with a notable background in design, construction, and asset management projects spanning over 15 years. Her specialised field is Civil Engineering, with a focus on Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) and Decision Support Systems (DSS). Dr Rashidi is currently the team leader of Structural Engineering and Health Monitoring (SAHM) team at Western Sydney University and has been the chief investigator and project manager of several research and consulting projects. |
Mariam DarestaniAcademia | Mariam Darestani, a material engineer, thrives on developing novel products and solutions for environmental and health benefits. She has over 20 years of work experience in academia and industry and collaborates with several industry partners in research and teaching. Her dedication extends to mentoring women in STEM, advocating for their active participation in shaping the future. Through her expertise in material engineering, Mariam drives advancements in eco-conscious product development, striving for a healthier planet. |
Marini SamaratungaAcademia | Marini joined School of Engineering, Design and Built Environment in June 2022 as an Associate Lecturer in Construction Management. She completed her PhD in Built Environment from University of New South Wales, Sydney. Marini has also been in public sector service for NSW Department of Planning and Environment, as a member of the State Policy and Strategic Advice division. She has contributed to the NSW State Environmental Planning Policy (Sustainable Buildings) 2022 and the BASIX Materials Index. |
Neelam SinghIndustry Partner/ Alumni | Neelam has been in the construction and civil industry for the past 15 years. She is a Civil Project manager on Regional and Sydney Water Projects. She is a strong advocate for women in engineering and STEM. She also wholeheartedly champions individuals living with Type 1 diabetes and patrons for increased awareness, resources, and research to improve their quality of life. |
Ozge FettahliogluIndustry Partner/ Alumni | Ozge Fettahlioglu, the creative force behind Cocoplum Style Design Studio and Boxareno Interiors Import Company, is a wellness focused interior designer and academic. With a focus on personalised, scientifically-informed designs, she crafts timeless interiors that resonate deeply. LinkedIn: @ozgefettahlioglu Instagram: @cocoplumstyle www.cocoplum.com.au |
Parisa ZiaesaeidiAcademia | Parisa Ziaesaeidi, who holds an academic position in the field of architecture at Western Sydney University, has experience in academia and industry. Parisa has published in international journals, conferences, and architectural magazines like WAC, establishing herself as an architectural journalist. She also reviews for peer-reviewed journals, showcasing her commitment to architecture and sustainable, inclusive design practices. |
Qinjun (Lavender) LiuAcademia | Qinjun (Lavender) Liu is currently an associate Lecturer at Western Sydney University. Her core research interest lies in the field of construction safety and health management. She has also actively participated in multiple research projects centred around developing a resilient and sustainable supply chain in the construction sector. |
Samantha StojanovskiIndustry Partner/ Alumni | Sam is a Western Sydney University Alumni who is now working at Aurecon as a Civil Engineer within the Bridge Team. Previously she was working as an Overhead Wiring and Structures Engineer at Aurecon. Sam enjoys to powerlift, cook and do any fun art and knitting activities in her spare time. |
Sepani SenaratneAcademia | Dr Sepani Senaratne is an Associate Professor at the School of Engineering, Design and Built Environment at Western Sydney University. She has diverse academic experience in quantity surveying, construction and project management disciplines. Sepani is an active researcher and has widely published in leading journals and conferences in the Built Environment. Sepani’s work is internationally recognised by several research awards. She is actively serving the academic community with several leading roles. |
Thy PhamIndustry Partner/ Alumni | Thy is a Track and Rail Systems Engineer whose work in the last 8 years has included the delivery of major projects, including Botany Rail Duplication, Parramatta Light Rail, Canberra Light Rail and Sydney Metro Northwest. She is passionate to get more young individuals into the industry |
Upeka KuruppuAcademia | Upeka graduated from the University of Peradeniya (Sri Lanka) in Chemical Engineering as the best Chemical Engineering graduate for the year 2004. Then she joined 3M Lanka as a Technical Services Engineer where she was awarded the 3M international Path Finder award for introducing 3M Diamond Grade Reflective Sheeting and Raised Pavement Markers to Sri Lanka. Upeka completed her PhD in Civil Engineering at Western Sydney University and is currently, working as a sessional academic/teacher at Western Sydney University and the College. |
Yeukai DesheIndustry Partner/ Alumni | Yeukai is Graduate Civil Engineer with 2 years’ experience within the water sector including Stormwater, Water and Wastewater treatment. She’s currently at GHD where she utilises her many skills to assist in the initial planning works and detailed design of water and wastewater treatment facilities across Sydney. |