School of Engineering welcomes new HOS

Working in a dynamic environment is one of the things that attracted Professor Guy Littlefair, Deakin's new Head of the School of Engineering, to the discipline.

“I enjoy the challenge of being in a dynamic environment, which is where the majority of engineering roles are,” Professor Littlefair said.

“I also enjoy problem solving and engineering is all about that - understanding a problem, developing a solution and putting it into place. It's a very diverse field and it's also a great career choice if you want to travel, with opportunities to work globally.”

Professor Littlefair took up his new role at Deakin in January and says he was drawn to the potential he saw here.

“My goal is to build on what has already been achieved here and make the School of Engineering an example of international best practice in terms of its approaches and outputs in research and learning,” Professor Littlefair said. “Another goal is to encourage more female and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander engineering students.”

On a more personal note, Professor Littlefair said with the School being located at the Geelong Campus at Waurn Ponds, another attraction was the lifestyle opportunity to live on the Surf Coast.

Professor Littlefair came to Deakin from New Zealand's Auckland University of Technology (AUT) where he was the Deputy Head of School of Engineering and Head of the Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering. His PhD is in Mechanical Engineering from Nottingham Trent University in the UK and his research is in the machining and machinability of materials.