Our Leadership Team

Polytechnic Institute Australia is an Australian Proprietary Company, Limited by Shares formed under the Corporations Act 2001 with a Board of Directors that includes a majority of external members. The independence of the Board of Directors provides a mechanism to separate the ownership and governance of the Company from the management of PIA day-to-day operations. The Board of Directors is responsible for the strategic planning to ensure that PIA continues to meet its regulatory and community obligations and responsibilities.

Professor James Barber AM

Professor Barber holds a First Class Honours degree from Flinders University, a PhD in experimental psychology from the University of Adelaide and a Doctor of the University (honoris causa) from Flinders University. In 2015, he retired as Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of New England, Australia in order to pursue his interests in educational start-ups.

Prior to serving as Vice-Chancellor at the University of New England, Professor Barber was Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) at RMIT University in Melbourne, and served three terms as Head of Department at Flinders University before taking up the position of Dean at the University of Toronto in Canada. He is the author of more than 150 refereed journal articles and 6 books, and the winner of North America’s highest literary award for evidence-based practice, the Pro-Humanitate Medal, for his research into child welfare.

He is a former winner of the Vice Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching at Flinders University and his contribution to higher education was formally recognised in a motion by the New South Wales Parliament in 2014. More recently in June 2021 Professor James Barber AM was appointed as a member of the Order of Australia, for his significant service to tertiary education administration, and to youth.

Ms Alessia Calabrese

Alessia Calabrese is the Managing Director and CEO/PEO of Polytechnic Institute Australia (PIA), bringing over 20 years of leadership in tertiary education, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance. Her career spans both Higher Education and Registered Training Organisations, where she has consistently driven strategic growth, operational excellence, and institutional integrity.

Alessia has successfully led institutional responses to regulatory audits, overseen risk management frameworks, and implemented robust quality assurance systems. Her leadership has been instrumental in driving continuous improvement, enhancing student outcomes, and ensuring compliance with national education standards. She also chairs key initiatives such as the Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Taskforce, reflecting her commitment to student welfare and institutional integrity.

Holding a Master of Tertiary Education Management from the University of Melbourne, along with multiple qualifications in auditing, training, and compliance, Alessia combines academic rigour with practical expertise. Her strategic vision, operational excellence, and collaborative leadership style make her a pivotal figure in shaping the future of education.

Mr Michael Abraham

Mr Abraham is currently the global financial controller for one of Australia’s top 25 fastest growing companies. During his tenure Mr Abraham has driven efficiencies and reduced risk across the company, against the background of a company growing exponentially. He is an experienced financial controller working across many sectors over the past 19 years, and has a demonstrated ability to adapt to a variety of environments, effectively restructuring people and processes to optimise efficiency and output.

He has specialist knowledge in complex financial model development. Commercially minded, Mr Abraham is a strong negotiator with proven success in obtaining attractive contract terms. He has successfully lead international and interstate business establishments and restructures, and specialises in utilising both financial and non-financial data in order to manage risks. 

Mrs Tracy Harris

Tracy Harris brings over 30 years of leadership experience to the international education sector, spanning universities, pathway providers, federal government, and the not-for-profit sector.

As Principal of Tracy Harris Solutions, she leverages her expertise in international education to support clients across leadership, governance, communication marketing, and stakeholder engagement.

Tracy is a regular contributor to international education online media source, The Koala News and is a Board member for the International Education Association of Australia (IEAA).

She previously led Swinburne College, a university pathway provider, as General Manager and Dean, and served as Executive Director, Global Development and Performance at RMIT University, where she was responsible for its transnational education portfolio.

Tracy’s public service career includes senior roles with the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade), including overseas postings in Latin America and Southeast Asia, and as ASEAN Education Commissioner and Trade Commissioner (Singapore). She also held positions in the international arm of the former Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, focusing on scholarships, stakeholder management, bilateral and multilateral engagement, and education policy.

Tracy holds a Master of Marketing (Monash), Bachelor of Arts in Communication (Hons) (Canberra) and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (RMIT). She is also a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Dr. Vernon Crew

Vernon has pursued a career in education across all levels and in a wide variety of international contexts, having worked for substantial periods in the United Kingdom, Zambia, Hong Kong and Australia, alongside short-term consultancies and secondments in Africa, North America, Asia and the Pacific Rim. His professional experience includes teaching in schools as well as in vocational and higher education institutions. Vernon has served as Principal of an international school in Zambia, Head of the School of English at the principal teacher training institution in Hong Kong, founding Head of the Centre for International Education at the Hong Kong Institute of Education (later the Education University of Hong Kong), and Director of English Language and International Services at the University of New England. He holds a BA in Education and an MA and PhD in Applied Linguistics.

Vernon conducts constructive external reviews of higher education institutions in Australia and Papua New Guinea and provides consultancy services to a wide range of organisations within the higher education sector. His academic and professional interests centre on tertiary education leadership, governance and management, with a particular focus on change capability development and institutional quality assurance. These interests are underpinned by extensive experience working with and reviewing tertiary institutions seeking to strengthen their position within the higher education landscape.

Professor Sally Robertson (Chair)

Professor Sally Robertson is an experienced academic leader who most recent focus has been on learning and teaching and student engagement. She is a registered nurse who served as the Dean of the School of Nursing at the University of Notre Dame Australia in Sydney for a number of year and prior as Associate Dean (Learning and Teaching). She successfully led the development and accreditation of the School’s curriculum for both internal and external accreditation. Notre Dame is recognised as having one of the best nursing schools in the country.

Sally served as Chair of the University Learning and Teaching Committee and the internal accreditation committee responsible for accreditation of courses and units for all disciplines at the University. As a result of her work, Sally was awarded Senior Fellowship with the Higher Education Academy in the UK.

Sally is currently serving on Academic Boards/Counsels at a number of institutions.

Dr David Baxter

Dr David Baxter was a secondary school English teacher, head of department and North West regional consultant for the New South Wales (NSW) Department of Education from 1975-1995. He then became a lecturer in English and literacy education for the University of New England until 2007 before moving to the Australian College of Physical Education (ACPE) in 2007 as Associate Dean and Acting Dean in 2012. His responsibilities there included chairing the Teaching and Learning Committee and serving on Academic Board. Since retiring from ACPE in 2013, he has done consultancy work with a range of private and public higher education providers in areas such as policy development and review, TEQSA registration and course accreditation and governance reviews.

Professor Geoff Morris

Dean Professor Geoff Morris has an extensive background in both the business world and in academia. Prior to his appointment at PIA he has spent almost 13 years in senior academic roles including Dean of Business at the University of Notre Dame and the Dean and Director of Learning & Teaching at Asia Pacific International College.

Before joining academia, he had a successful business career involving senior leadership positions in public and private organisations including Sydney Water, Commonwealth Bank, HCF, Medibank Private, TAB and Australian Water Technologies. 

He has managed and delivered a number of large projects in Australia, Hong Kong and the Philippines. Geoff’s home discipline is economics with a bachelors degree from Sydney University. This was followed by postgraduate qualifications in management, leadership and higher education teaching.

Professor Anne Gardner

Professor Anne Gardner PhD, MEngStud, BE (Hons)(Civil), is a Fellow of Engineers Australia. She was previously Associate Dean (Teaching and Learning) in the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology at the University of Technology Sydney. Prior to being appointed ADTL she was the inaugural Head of School for the School of Professional Practice and Leadership after serving as Acting Head of School in the School of Civil & Environmental Engineering at UTS. She has also served as President of the Australasian Association for Engineering Education (AAEE). These positions reflect Anne’s significant experience in and dedication to the field of higher education.

Anne’s research in engineering education has included work on improving the understanding of the learning associated with, and assessment of, collaborative learning and flipped learning environments, including the innovative use of self and peer assessment processes and the provision of feedback for developing professional judgement. Her experience in practiced-based education has motivated her linking of students’ attribute development to those required for professional practice.

Anne has received national recognition for her work in educational research and development including a National Teaching Fellowship, the Engineers Australia Engineering Excellence Award, the AAEE Teaching Excellence Award (twice), the AAEE Award for Excellence in Research Design (twice) and a national Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning.

Alessia Calabrese – Managing Director, Principal Executive Officer and Company Secretary

Alessia Calabrese is the Managing Director and CEO/PEO of Polytechnic Institute Australia (PIA), bringing over 20 years of leadership in tertiary education, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance. Her career spans both Higher Education and Registered Training Organisations, where she has consistently driven strategic growth, operational excellence, and institutional integrity.

Alessia has successfully led institutional responses to regulatory audits, overseen risk management frameworks, and implemented robust quality assurance systems. Her leadership has been instrumental in driving continuous improvement, enhancing student outcomes, and ensuring compliance with national education standards. She also chairs key initiatives such as the Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Taskforce, reflecting her commitment to student welfare and institutional integrity.
Holding a Master of Tertiary Education Management from the University of Melbourne, along with multiple qualifications in auditing, training, and compliance, Alessia combines academic rigour with practical expertise. Her strategic vision, operational excellence, and collaborative leadership style make her a pivotal figure in shaping the future of education.

Aman Singh- Managing Director, Chief Operating Officer and Business Development

Amanjot Singh is the Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of Polytechnic Institute Australia (PIA) as a seasoned Director with over 20 years of experience in the Australian and Canadian tertiary education sector, specialising in leading start-ups, restructuring, and managing multi-campus institutions. He brings deep expertise in leadership, financial management, strategic planning, and human resources development.

Known for his calm, results-driven approach, Aman excels in high-pressure environments, resolving complex operational and organisational challenges. His strengths include building high-performing teams, enhancing operational efficiency, and positioning brands for sustainable growth.

Aman has played a key role in developing the strategy and process with start-up higher education providers and establishing quality management systems. His leadership fosters a positive, productive work culture aligned with industry standards and long-term institutional goals.

Sunny Singh – Deputy COO

Sunny Singh is the Deputy Chief Operating Officer of Polytechnic Institute Australia (PIA), with over many years of experience in the tertiary education sector. Since joining, he has played a pivotal role in strengthening operations, finance, and facilities management, ensuring efficiency and compliance across the institution. 

Recognised for his problem-solving skills and collaborative leadership, Sunny has led initiatives that enhance organisational performance, optimise resources, and support continuous improvement. His practical expertise and results-driven approach continue to shape PIA’s operational success and long-term sustainability. 

Satwant Singh- Registrar 

Satwant Singh is an experienced higher education leader and current Registrar at Polytechnic Institute Australia. With over a decade of expertise in student services, academic administration, and regulatory compliance, he has played a key role in streamlining admissions, enrolments, and data management processes while ensuring adherence to national standards. Previously, Satwant held leadership positions at APEX Australia, ATMC Australia, and RedHill Education, where he focused on enhancing student experiences and supporting diverse cohorts. 

Karamjit Atwal- Deputy Registrar / Campus Manager Parramatta

Karamjit Atwal holds a Bachelor of Criminology (Western Sydney University), a Master’s in Cyber Security, Policing, Intelligence and Counter-Terrorism (Macquarie University), and an Associate Degree in Policing Practice (Charles Sturt University). Fluent in English, Punjabi, and Hindi, he brings strong leadership, negotiation, and teamwork skills to every role. 

Karamjit Atwal currently fulfills the role of a Deputy Registrar & Campus Manager Parramatta, bringing extensive experience from law enforcement, corrections, and logistics into higher education administration. His background includes serving as a Police Officer with NSW Police, alongside leadership roles in transport and compliance. 

Pallavi Mehta- Finance Officer/Accountant and Deputy Registrar

Pallavi Mehta is a Finance Officer/Accountant and Deputy Registrar at Polytechnic Institute Australia, bringing over five years of experience in financial management, student services, and institutional administration. She holds a Master of Professional Accounting along with strong expertise in financial reporting, budgeting, and compliance. She plays a key part in maintaining accurate financial records, supporting budgeting processes, and ensuring adherence to regulatory and organisational standards. She is also actively involved in academic administration and student services, contributing to the delivery of a seamless and high-quality student experience.
Known for her attention to detail and collaborative leadership style, she works closely with internal teams to streamline operations, enhance financial and administrative processes, and support informed decision-making. Her commitment to continuous improvement helps foster a dynamic and supportive environment that empowers both students and staff to succeed.

International and Domestic Student Administration and Support Services Officers – Sydney, West Melbourne, Geelong, Parramatta

Geoff Morris- Dean  

Dean Professor Geoff Morris has an extensive background in both the business world and in academia. Prior to his appointment at PIA he has spent almost 13 years in senior academic roles including Dean of Business at the University of Notre Dame and the Dean and Director of Learning & Teaching at Asia Pacific International College. 

Before joining academia, he had a successful business career involving senior leadership positions in public and private organisations including Sydney Water, Commonwealth Bank, HCF, Medibank Private, TAB and Australian Water Technologies.  

He has managed and delivered a number of large projects in Australia, Hong Kong and the Philippines. Geoff’s home discipline is economics with a bachelors degree from Sydney University. This was followed by postgraduate qualifications in management, leadership and higher education teaching. 

Associate Professor Adam Casey- Associate Dean- Learning and Teaching

Adam Casey is Associate Dean – Learning and Teaching at Polytechnic Institute Australia. He has over 20 years’ experience in higher education and a strong background in curriculum innovation, quality assurance, and academic integrity. Adam chairs the Learning and Teaching Committee and sits on Academic Board. A PhD graduate in Creative Writing, his research explores trauma narratives and practice-based methodologies, complementing a professional career that spans leadership roles, teaching, and contributions to creative industries scholarship and practice. 

Mohammad Akbar Associate Dean (Staff Engagement) 

Mohammad brings extensive experience in higher education, with a strong focus on enhancing teaching quality and supporting student development in professional skills. He holds dual MBAs—one in Professional Accounting from UTS, Australia, and another in Marketing from North South University, Bangladesh—providing a diverse and comprehensive perspective to his role. 

Dedicated to improving classroom outcomes, Mohammad aligns education with industry needs to strengthen graduate employability. With broad experience in accounting and marketing across multiple industries, he contributes actively to the academic community at PIA. He is also pursuing research in accounting education at the University of Southern Queensland. 

At PIA, Mohammad currently holds the positions of Associate Dean (Academic Operations) and Member of the Board of Examiners. 

Eloise Thomson- Head of School (Education and Humanities) 

Eloise Thomson is a professor at Polytechnic Institute Australia. Her research interests encompass early childhood, primary, and initial teacher education contexts. Specifically, her work delves into early childhood education, collaborative practices, the use of technology in educational settings, and the development of initial teacher education programs. 

Muhammad Usman Ali Khan- Head of Discipline (ICT) 

With over 18 years of academic and leadership experience across various organisations, Dr. Muhammad Usman Ali Khan has been with PIA for the past four years. He is currently serving as an Associate Professor and the Head of Discipline – IT, as well as holding the additional charge of Head of Business and Accounting. He received his PhD from the School of Electrical, Computer & Telecommunications Engineering (SECTE) at the University of Wollongong (UOW), New South Wales, Australia, and worked as a Research Associate with Micromax Company, Shellharbour, NSW.During his research, Dr. Khan collaborated with the Australian Institute for Innovative Materials (AIIM), UOW, focusing on flexible wearable sensors and polymer substrates. His other areas of specialisation include Cybersecurity, Data Analysis, and Networking. 

Associate Professor Rachel Chapman Head of Discipline (ECE)

Rachel Chapman  is Head of Discipline (ECE) at the Polytechnic Institute of Australia. With over 20 years’ experience in the early childhood sector, she has worked with children aged from six weeks to five years, and has experience across teaching, leadership, and research roles. Rachel’s teaching has a strong focus on professional identity, child-centred practice, inclusion, equity, advocacy and social justice in education. She is deeply committed to preparing future teachers through transformative, reflective, and evidence-based practice. Her research explores gender, early childhood education, artificial intelligence, teaching scholarship, educational policy, and professional practice. 

Muhammad Wajahat- Associate Head of Discipline (ICT)

Muhammad Wajahat is Associate Head of Discipline (ICT) and Lecturer at Polytechnic Institute Australia. He holds a PhD in Engineering from Deakin University. His work spans AI/ML, cybersecurity and sustainable technologies. He leads industry-connected learning across ICT programs and, as a mentor and academic leader, champions quality teaching, strong student support and practical pathways that link classrooms with real-world scenarios

Shimo Zhang Associate Head of Discipline (Business and Accounting)

Shimo Zhang is the Associate Head of Discipline for Business and Accounting and also serves as a Unit Coordinator and Lecturer at PIA. She earned her PhD in the field of Management and has experience in teaching, research, course design, and curriculum development. She is committed to creating engaging and supportive learning environments with a practical focus on quality teaching and effective learning design.

Nicole Crichton- Learning Designer

Nicole is a learning designer with growing experience, having joined PIA from the tertiary sector where she undertook learning design roles in faculties of health at both The University of Technology, Sydney and The University of Sydney. At PIA, Nicole is keen to widen her scope and begin examining new learning technologies, including artificial intelligence, for incorporation into learning, and ensuring that assessments support workplace-ready graduates 

Angie Aznar- Academic Learning and Support Officer

Angie is an experienced Academic Learning Support Officer with over 20 years of expertise supporting diverse international student cohorts. In her role as Academic Learning and Support Officer, she provides academic writing, referencing, assessment, and research support through workshops, consultations, and resources. Angie has a strong passion for working in multicultural contexts and enjoys fostering inclusive learning environments. With proven skills in academic integrity support, student engagement, and collaborative teaching initiatives, she brings versatility, professionalism, and a “can do” attitude to enhancing student success across higher education 

Van Lanh Nguyen is a lecturer at Polytechnic Institute Australia with expertise in information and communication technology (ICT) and over a decade of teaching experience in Vietnam and Australia. He holds a PhD in Engineering from the University of Technology Sydney (2024), an M.Sc. in Control Systems Engineering from HAN University of Applied Sciences, Netherlands (2018), and a B.E. in Electrical Engineering from Thai Nguyen University of Technology, Vietnam (2011). His research focuses on intelligent control systems, optimisation, game theory, and digital twin technologies. He is committed to student-centered learning and to bridging ICT theory with real-world practice.

Sarah Nelson is a lecturer in early childhood education and care. Her current research interests include care in curriculums for kindergarten children; the enactment of professional love in the Australian context; and the unique role of leadership in long day care contexts. She has explored these ideas through her Master of Educational Leadership and Graduate Certificate in Educational Research projects, and is a current PhD candidate at Monash University. Sarah has presented much of her work at conferences locally, nationally and internationally, and regularly publishes work in ways accessible to the professionals of the early childhood sector.

Ritangi Narang is a dedicated academic and researcher specializing in sustainability education within business and accounting. With over a decade of experience in higher education, she has taught subjects such as financial accounting, business decision-making, and information systems, while mentoring students across undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Her doctoral research explored the integration of sustainability education in business schools, and she continues to contribute to interdisciplinary projects focused on social innovation, student engagement, and ethical business practices. Ritangi’s work combines qualitative and quantitative methodologies, with ongoing publications in high-ranking academic journals.

Mohamed Madni is a Senior Lecturer in IT at Polytechnic Institute Australia with over ten years in Australian higher education. He teaches foundations and general IT, programming (C#, Python, HTML/CSS, PHP, JavaScript), software engineering, networks and telecommunications, cybersecurity and forensics, cloud computing and security, emerging technologies, data analytics, capstone, industry projects, and project management. His research covers telecommunications engineering, network security, cloud security, virtualisation, emerging ICT, and AI in education. He holds a GDipTechEng, an MEngStud, and a PhD from UOW, and is a member of IEEE, ACS (former), and AAIEEC, recognised by Engineers Australia. 

Evelyn Guo is a lecturer in Early Childhood Education at PIA, Evelyn Guo brings a wealth of practical knowledge from her six years of experience across various educational settings. An alumna of the University of Sydney with a Master of Education, Evelyn is deeply committed to a student-centred teaching philosophy. She expertly designs and implements interactive activities to create immersive and effective learning experiences for her students. 

Mandeep Kaur is an experienced Lecturer and Trainer Assessor in Early Childhood Education, with four years in higher education and over nine years in the early childhood sector as an Educational Leader and Early Childhood Teacher. She holds a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and Care, a Master of Education in Inclusion and Diversity, and is completing a Master of Inclusive Education. Mandeep’s expertise spans diversity and inclusion, curriculum design, documentation and planning, and mentoring educators to achieve excellence. She is passionate about supporting teachers and promoting inclusive, high-quality learning environments for children and families.

Waseem Afzal is a Lecturer in ICT with extensive teaching and research experience across Australia and Pakistan. He completed his PhD in Electrical and Electronic Engineering at RMIT University, specializing in Frequency Selective Surfaces. Dr. Afzal has taught and coordinated a wide range of postgraduate and undergraduate units in computer systems, cloud computing, and network security. He has also supervised Master’s research projects and contributed to academic publications, combining strong technical expertise with a commitment to student success

Noor Mohammad is a globally experienced business professional with over two decades of leadership roles in sales, customer service, and human resources across Australia, Asia and the Middle East in Fortune 500 companies. He holds dual master’s degrees in marketing and human resources management and SPHR (USA) certification. He brings expertise in business restructuring, change management and multicultural leadership development to business education and student development. 

Monika Gambhir is a dynamic and results-oriented academic with over 20 years of experience in teaching, research, and academic leadership in higher education institutions. She holds a Ph.D. in Electronics Engineering and currently serves as a lecturer. Her teaching expertise spans advanced mathematics, data analytics, digital electronics, information systems, and project management. 

She is a strong advocate for innovation in education, having successfully completed Innovation Ambassador trainings by the Ministry of Education, India. She has published extensively in international journals indexed in Scopus and SCIE, with research interests in photonic sensing, steganography, Image Processing and optimization. She is also committed to continuous learning and has completed multiple professional certifications in data analysis and forecasting through platforms such as Coursera. 

In addition to her academic credentials, She brings a global perspective to her teaching, underpinned by her diverse institutional experience and commitment to student-centered learning. Her contributions extend beyond the classroom through expert talks, workshops, and curriculum development that align with the evolving demands of the IT and engineering sectors.

Babur Jalal (Member, IEEE) is a DigiTech professional specializing in information and communication engineering. He earned his Ph.D. from the prestigious Beijing Institute of Technology, China, with a CSC scholarship, and completed postdoctoral research at Shenzhen University. Dr. Jalal has published extensively in IEEE and IET journals and presented at leading conferences, including the IET International RADAR Conference in Nanjing. With expertise spanning academia and telecommunication industry, he has taught at several Australian institutions (CIM, ACBI, SSBT and KOI) and held engineering roles at TeleResources Pty Ltd, Sydney, Australia and Warid Telecommunication, Pakistan, contributing significantly to advancements in cellular and wireless communications.

Dr. Torikul is a lecturer specialising in ICT with extensive experience in teaching, curriculum development, and postgraduate supervision. He holds a PhD from RMIT University and has published over 17 journal articles and 11 conference papers. His research focuses on ICT systems, Electronics and Telecommunication, and he actively collaborates with academic and industry partners. Dr. Torikul is passionate about fostering academic excellence, supporting diverse student cohorts, and applying innovative teaching practices to enhance learning outcomes 

Dr Muhammad Adil Dr. Muhammad Adil is a Lecturer at the Polytechnic Institute of Australia (PIA), teaching across ICT and Business units. He specializes in computer networks, cybersecurity, data analysis, and database systems, with a strong focus on integrating real-world applications and research into teaching.

He holds a Ph.D. in Engineering from Deakin University, where his research focused on electric vehicle network optimization using game theory and machine learning. His work has been published in leading journals, including IEEE Transactions on Industry Applications and Elsevier’s Energy, contributing to sustainable energy and smart mobility research.

Alongside academia, Dr. Adil has professional experience as a Network Engineer and Microsoft Dynamics Consultant, bringing valuable industry insights into his teaching. He is a member of IEEE, recognized by Engineers Australia under the Washington Accord, and actively mentors students in applied research and project-based learning

Abdullah Yousuf holds dual MBAs in Professional Accounting and Human Resources, alongside advanced qualifications in leadership, project management, and training. Abdullah specializes in curriculum development, competency-based learning, and student engagement strategies. He is an experienced Lecturer and Trainer with over 18 years in Higher Education and Vocational training across Business, Leadership, and Management disciplines. Passionate about fostering academic excellence, he currently lectures at the Polytechnic Institute of Australia and trains future leaders at leading business institutes.

He worked at Krispy Kreme Australia as Shift Manager and at IKEA as Customer Service Officer. He owned and operated an Australian Franchise for three years-thus have extensive industry experience

Philip Booth shares four decades of experiences in teaching, research, hands-on practice, evaluation and consulting in the fields of Environmental Management, Social Learning for Sustainability, Climate Change Risks, Ethical Decision-Making with the students at PIA. He enlivens the workshops and guides students to develop decision-making and innovative problem-solving skills to be highly effective businesses leaders and managers.

His teaching style is based on quickly getting to know each student’s personal interests and capabilities, then enabling all students to understand and apply the new concepts, models and tools in specific subject areas.

Evgenia Sapozhnikova With years of experience in business ownership, executive leadership and business development, Evgenia brings a unique blend of entrepreneurial insight and educational passion to PIA team. Having worked across diverse industries, Evgenia has developed strong expertise in strategy, growth, and client relations, while always maintaining a people-first approach.

Driven by a genuine belief in the power of education, Evgenia has dedicated recent years to applying business knowledge and leadership skills to the education sector, shaping programs, supporting students, and driving opportunities that are innovative, practical, and student-focused.

Md. Muhibbullah is a Lecturer in Business and Accounting at the Polytechnic Institute Australia, with over 12 years of combined experience in teaching, research, and industry across Bangladesh, Malaysia, Cambodia, and Australia. He earned his BSc (Hons.) and MSc in Economics from Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka, and a PhD in Environmental Economics from the International Islamic University Malaysia. His primary research interests lie in environmental sustainability and economic development, with a focus on renewable energy, climate change, waste management, and applied business research. Dr. Muhibbullah has published in leading journals indexed in WoS, Scopus, and ABDC. Beyond academia, he has also held finance and procurement roles in the hospitality sector, enriching his applied teaching and research expertise.

Dr. Fazla Rabby is a dynamic and innovative business manager with a robust educational background, extensive teaching experience, and a proven track record in academia and industry. He holds a PhD from the University of Southern Queensland and a Master’s in Information Systems from Central Queensland University, along with additional qualifications in business and IT. Currently, he serves as Director at the Stanford Institute of Management and Technology, where he oversees academic operations and regulatory compliance in collaboration with government and industry stakeholders. Dr. Rabby has made significant research contributions through books, book chapters, and journal articles in Blockchain Technology, Digital Marketing, Cyber Security, Artificial Intelligence and Sustainability. His work reflects a passion for emerging technologies and advancing academic knowledge. With extensive teaching experience at various universities and institutions, he fosters dynamic, student-centered learning environments through interactive workshops and seminars. Dr. Rabby is also a member of professional bodies, including the Australian Computer Society, IEEE, and the Australian Marketing Association.

Ajay Kumar is Lecturer/Tutor at PIA, Sydney. The subject areas are Marketing, Marketing Research, Digital Marketing, Consumer Behaviour, Advertising and Promotions, Logistics and Strategic Management, Business Communications, Human Resource and other Business and Management subjects. He has over 15 years teaching experience in Higher Education/Tertiary teaching in Australia and from overseas.

He worked as the Manager Business Development – DHL Australia based in Sydney and the General Manager Marketing & Research, EMS and National Sales at Post Fiji Limited. Ajay has over 10 year’s industry experience at Senior Management level in Marketing, Management and Business Development and 16 years teaching experience in Higher Education.

Ajay is the Principal of Ajay Kumar Business Management Consultancy Sydney.
Ajay Kumar’s Professional Memberships are: Certified Practicing Marketer (CPM) and a Fellow (FCPM) of Australian Marketing Institute; Member (MIMLANZ) – Institute of Leadership Australia & NZ. He also presents at international conferences. One of the recent papers he presented was Marketing of Services – A Case of Post Fiji Limited – APPTC Singapore, Strategy and E – Commerce.

Shanika Pallegedara is a lecturer in Accounting at Polytechnic Institute Australia and a PhD candidate researching ESG and digital practices in companies. She is an Associate Member of CPA Australia and a Chartered Accountant. With over a decade of professional experience, she has worked across industries including construction, international trade, pharmaceuticals, leisure, and education. Her broad commercial background allows her to bring diverse insights into her teaching. At PIA, she integrates real-world examples into the classroom, creating an engaging and practical learning environment. Her goal is to equip students with the skills and industry knowledge needed to thrive in today’s dynamic business world.

Mahmud Khan is an experienced Business Law Lecturer with over 15 years of teaching expertise in both Vocational Education & Training (VET) and Higher Education Institutions in Australia. Specializing in Business and Commercial Law, he has worked with a wide range of students at various levels, from diploma courses to undergraduate and postgraduate programs. His deep understanding of business and commercial law, along with his practical industry experience, has enabled him to effectively bridge the gap between theory and real-world application.

Throughout his career, Mr. Khan has demonstrated a commitment to shaping the next generation of business professionals by imparting essential legal knowledge, critical thinking skills, and ethical business practices. His teaching methods are student-centric, focusing on interactive learning, case studies, and practical insights to ensure that students are well-prepared to navigate the complexities of commercial legal frameworks.

In addition to his academic role, Mr. Khan is an active member of The Commercial Law Association of Australia, which further enhances his professional network and keeps him updated on the latest developments in the field of commercial law. His passion for the subject and dedication to student success has earned him recognition as a respected educator in Sydney’s higher education community.

With over 20 years of experience in teaching, research, and academic publishing, I previously served as a Trade Promotion Manager and Economic/Commercial Specialist at the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka. I hold an MBA from IBA, Dhaka University, a PhD from Macquarie University, a Post-Doctoral Fellowship from the University Malaysia Perlis, and completed the Fundamentals of Case Teaching program at Harvard University.
As a lecturer, I support and engage students by showing empathy, offering timely feedback, encouraging participation, using real-world examples, and fostering an inclusive, interactive learning environment.

Thi Hong Nhung (Rose) Nguyen is a lecturer in Information Technology and Telecommunications with expertise in networking, data analysis, and AI applications. Rose has a passion for teaching and research. she has guided students in both theory and practical applications, preparing them for careers in the fast-evolving tech industry. Rose’s academic interests include data communications, cybersecurity, and emerging telecom technologies.

Pradip Royhan has been working as a lecturer and unit coordinator of Business Law units at PIA since 2023. I am also working as a lecturer and unit coordinator of Business Law at Asia Pacific International College since 2016. Alongside this role, I also teach business law, business, and project management units at Sydney Metropolitan College and Southern Cross Institute. Over the years, I have lectured at Macquarie University, Victoria University (Sydney campus), MIT Sydney, and Federation University, while also contributing as a researcher at Macquarie University’s Centre for Environmental Law. Earlier in my career, I served in the Bangladesh Civil Service from 1993 to 2022, holding senior administrative positions across various ministries before taking early retirement.

I hold a PhD in Law from Macquarie University, a Graduate Certificate in Management from Central Queensland University, a Diploma in Trade Law from Hong Kong University, and science degrees from Dhaka University. My teaching and research focus on business and trade law, sustainability, business ethics, management, and public policy.

Reeta is an accomplished law professional with over 30 years of tertiary-level teaching experience. Reeta holds multiple postgraduate degrees in Law (LLM), Education (MEd), Arts (MA), and Dispute Resolution. She has extensive experience in teaching various undergraduate law subjects, including Business Law, Law of Business Associations, Business Law and Ethics, Commercial Law, Organisational and Marketing Law, and Environmental Law. For over 20 years, Reeta has taught in the Master of Professional Accounting (MPA) and Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs.

Reeta has demonstrated a strong track record of international teaching and working with diverse student backgrounds. She possesses proven conceptual and analytical skills to foster high-level learning among her students. She has been recognized with several awards for excellence in teaching and learning.

Reeta is a respected community leader with multiple awards for her community work. She has a strong presence in the local media and has demonstrated leadership in the prevention of violence against women and children.

Reeta has served on the Victorian Red Cross Advisory Board (2015-2020) and many Cultural Advisory Boards in various organisations in Victoria.

Dr Lucia Carrion Gordon is an experienced Senior Lecturer specialising in Business Information Systems, Data Analytics, and Digital Innovation. She has made substantial contributions to higher education through curriculum design and assessment development, serving as a content writer and reviewer of subject outlines and assessment proposals across multiple Australian universities.

She has been an active member of Academic and Course Advisory Boards within private higher education institutions, contributing to course and program coordination, supervision of master’s projects, and the enhancement of teaching and learning practices. Her pedagogical philosophy emphasises the development of student capabilities through innovative technologies, dynamic content delivery, and student-centred learning strategies.

As an active researcher affiliated with the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) Research Centres, Dr Carrion Gordon integrates academic expertise with technological innovation, focusing on advancing educational practice through technology-enhanced learning and research-led teaching.

Her academic qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree in Systems and Computation Engineering, a Master’s degree in IT Management, a PhD in Computer Science (UTS), and a Doctorate in Business Administration (EIMT). She has authored and co-authored over 30 publications, including peer-reviewed journal articles, international conference papers, and book chapters.

Dr Carrion Gordon is recognised as a dynamic, adaptive, and self-motivated scholar, committed to knowledge dissemination, collaborative research, and academic excellence. Her professional expertise encompasses research analysis, curriculum innovation, and organisational leadership, with a sustained focus on fostering student success and advancing higher education practice.