Professor Farzad Khosrowshahi has recently been appointed the Dean of the College of Engineering & Science at Victoria University (VU). Accepting this role also meant resettling with his family from the UK, where he was heavily involved in the built environment and engineering academic community.
What attracted you to Victoria University?
I have to admit, I was initially attracted to the role as it meant living in Australia, something that has crossed my mind in the past. As I got to know more about the role, I came to appreciate the vision and values at VU. During the interview process, I got to know the staff and the culture, and I felt at home immediately. VU is the university of opportunity and success. This tells me a lot - we want to enable education for everyone without compromising on quality.
What are you hoping to achieve in this role?
I am currently looking at the capabilities and strengths we have as a college and aim to develop an agile, seamless system that enables us to achieve more with less – an ambitious, but simple and measurable vision. This approach will underpin our objective of producing workplace-receptive graduates.
What inspired you to become an engineer?
Engineering continuously inspires me as you can stop and see first-hand the direct effect of your work on the surrounding environment and community.
Tell us about your career journey.
With an initial qualification in civil and structural engineering from Cardiff University, I worked as a noise and vibration engineer in Chippenham. I then decided to study a Masters in Management and technology at the University of Wales Institute of Technology.
From then on, I moved into academia. I received a scholarship to complete a PhD at Southbank University and worked as a senior lecturer as well. I was then offered a Readership at the University of Central England in Birmingham and then a Professorship at Salford University. Before moving to VU, I was the Dean of the School of the Built Environment & Engineering at Leeds Beckett University.
What has been a career highlight to date?
Most definitely being offered a Professorship at Salford University. I was so excited about the offer, I accepted before even telling my family! At the time and for years to follow, Salford was the number one School of the Built Environment & Engineering in the country and had a huge international reputation.
What do you see as one of the biggest issues facing engineering graduates today?
The perception of engineering leading to a lack of females in the profession and the perception of maths as an abstract phenomenon. Maths is the foundation of engineering but its beauty has not been transpired into the minds of young students, particularly in the Western world. This is a challenging but manageable task for all of us.
Do you have any advice for young engineers, just starting their journey?
Follow your inspiration to pursue engineering and be proud of it. Engineering is a breeding ground for innovation to express yourself.
Who is your engineering hero?
Two engineering heroes who come to mind were pioneers in their field in the 1800s:
- Ellen Richards, a chemist who was the founder of the home economics movement.
- John A Roebling, a civil engineer who designed and built wire rope suspension bridges, including the Brooklyn Bridge.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I like to dabble in many different things. I play the drums, guitar and tar, as well as many sports. Since moving here, my family and I have taken many trips to the beach.
What book are you currently reading?
This is not a typical book I read…back in the UK my friend jokingly suggested I read Australia’s most dangerous animals when I was making my plans to move here. I have now become fascinated with the local wildlife and take photos of any spiders I see around to reference the book!
Victoria University is a Principal Partner of Engineers Australia, Victoria Division.