ACEN QLD Chapter Led Conversation

Dr. Meena Jha, with a degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering and a Master and Ph.D. in Computer Science, is a researcher and educator in the School of Engineering and Technology (SET) at Central Queensland University (CQUniversity), Australia. She is the head of Technology and Pedagogy Cluster at CQU. Her research interests focus on Generative AI, Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, Expert Systems, Business Intelligence, Real-Time Analytics, Legacy System Modernization, the Internet of Things (IoT), and Academic Integrity in education. Dr. Jha has developed courses on Information Systems Analysis and Business Intelligence using Big Data and Data Science. She is also actively engaged in the field of learning analytics, which leverages sophisticated analytic tools to enhance learning and education. This emerging field intersects with business intelligence, web analytics, academic analytics, educational data mining, and action analytics.

Dr. Jha is passionate about supporting women in STEM and is dedicated to enhancing their participation and influence in the field. She co-founded WinTECH (Women in Technology), a group committed to promoting and supporting girls and women in STEM. WinTECH runs a school program and a series of networking events across the NSW Region, designed to increase the number of girls and women in STEM and ensure their retention in the STEM pipeline. Additionally, she organizes STEM mentoring programs within CQU and for the broader community, fostering a supportive environment for women in STEM.

Mahesh is a Research and Education Officer in CQUniversity and works in Chair in Automation and Future Work Skills project. The role (project) was established to focus on the impact of automation on regional cities and communities. The role is funded by CQUniversity and BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA).

At present Mahesh is working on an Associate Degree of Digital Business Leadership. This new course of CQUniversity addresses the pressing need for innovation and knowledge, skills, and strategies necessary to excel in today’s dynamic digital landscape of Artificial Intelligence, Digital Transformation, Industry 4.0 landscape. In his current role, Mahesh is also involved in the decarbonization micro-credentials project aimed to help businesses in the Greater Whitsunday region in their decarbonisation journey.

Prior to this, Mahesh was an award-winning academic at CQUniversity where he had won 7 teaching excellence awards. He also has over a decade of industry experience working with the public and private sectors as a Software Project Manager, Business Analyst, Developer, and Data Analyst.

Mahesh also works as an independent consultant to SMEs to build and deliver solutions around Large Language Models (LLM), Artificial Intelligence, Augmented Reality, Data Management, and Data Analytics.

Jo-Anne Ferreira is Dean (Learning and Teaching Futures) at the University of Southern Queensland.
She provides strategic leadership to ensure innovative, impactful learning and teaching practices are embedded in all courses and programs across the University. She is currently leading three key initiatives on Reimagining Assessment; Virtual and Physical Learning Environments; and Integrating and Embedding Support for Learning. She also chairs the University’s Artificial Intelligence Rapid Response Group.
Prior to this she was the Head of School and Dean (Education) (UniSQ); Professor of Sustainability Education (La Trobe University); and Director, Centre for Teaching and Learning and Academic Director, SCU Online (Southern Cross University).
Jo-Anne’s research field is in the sociology of education, with a special interest in identity, embodiment and power in environmental and sustainability education. She has undertaken research on systems-based change in teacher education and strategies and techniques deployed by environmental and sustainability educators to empower learners to become environmental citizens. She is also exploring how online learning pedagogies can be utilised to support and enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.

A list of her publications is available in USQ’s e-prints repository: http://eprints.usq.edu.au/view/uniqueauthor/25664.html

Dr. Ali Dulfikar is a Clinical Associate Lecturer at the University of Queensland, where he serves as the Course Coordinator for Work Integrated Learning (WIL) courses. He earned his PhD in Exercise Oncology, a field that investigates the role of physical activity in cancer prevention, treatment, and survivorship. Dr. Ali Dulfikar brings a unique blend of academic rigor and practical experience to his role, fostering a dynamic and engaging learning environment for his students.

During his doctoral studies, . Dr Ali Dulfikar conducted pioneering research on the effects of exercise interventions on brain cancer patients, contributing valuable insights to the field of exercise oncology. His work has been published in several peer-reviewed journals and presented at international conferences, highlighting the potential of exercise as a complementary therapy in cancer care. This research not only underscores the importance of physical activity in improving the quality of life for cancer patients but also informs his teaching philosophy and approach.

In his current role, Dr Ali Dulfikar is dedicated to bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. As the Course Coordinator for WIL at the School of Human Movement and Nutritional Science, he collaborates with industry partners to create meaningful, hands-on learning opportunities for students. His courses are designed to equip students with the skills and experience necessary to thrive in their future careers, emphasising the importance of real-world experience in higher education.

Dr Ali Dulfikar is passionate about mentoring the next generation of healthcare professionals and researchers. He is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment that encourages innovation and critical thinking.