Deakin University Executive and Leadership Team

Ravneet Pawha, the Vice President (Global Engagement) & Chief Executive Officer (South Asia) at Deakin University, directs international partnership strategies and regional growth initiatives. Overseeing the expansion of academic collaborations across South Asia, the Vice President (Global Engagement) & Chief Executive Officer (South Asia) ensures alignment with the institutional mission of fostering global educational impact. This leadership role involves managing complex cross-border relationships with policymakers and educational institutions to enhance research visibility. By optimizing engagement frameworks, Ravneet Pawha directly influences the university's international footprint and research reach. Through the integration of regional insights into broader institutional goals, Pawha secures sustainable growth and strengthens the university's reputation as a leader in global education. The Vice President (Global Engagement) & Chief Executive Officer (South Asia) maintains rigorous standards for all international outreach programs, ensuring that every partnership contributes to the overarching goal of creating equitable societies through knowledge exchange and collaborative innovation.

Oliver Quail, the President at Deakin University, directs the overarching strategic vision and institutional governance. Overseeing the alignment of academic departments with the university's research-focused mission, the President ensures that all initiatives support the development of sustainable societies. This leadership role involves coordinating with the Board and senior faculty to prioritize investments in digital learning and STEM education. By fostering an environment of academic excellence, Oliver Quail directly impacts the university's ability to translate research into actionable policy. Through the management of institutional resources, Quail drives the long-term sustainability of research programs. The President maintains a focus on equitable access to education, ensuring that the university's output remains relevant to the needs of modern learners. By championing innovation in educational governance, Quail secures the institution's position as a premier hub for research that addresses the most pressing challenges in the global educational landscape.

Amie Simington, the President at Deakin University, manages the operational execution of internal research policies and faculty development programs. Overseeing the integration of diversity and social justice themes into the curriculum, the President ensures that the university's internal culture reflects its external research goals. This leadership role involves facilitating collaboration between researchers and external stakeholders to maximize the impact of educational studies. By optimizing internal processes, Amie Simington directly supports the efficiency of research output and policy development. Through the oversight of academic standards, Simington drives the quality of educational outcomes for students and partners alike. The President maintains a commitment to inclusive practices, ensuring that all research initiatives consider the needs of diverse populations. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement, Simington secures the university's capacity to address complex societal issues through rigorous, evidence-based educational research and community-focused engagement strategies.

Ayu Chan, the Founder & President at Deakin University, drives the development of specialized research initiatives focused on digital learning environments. Overseeing the creation of frameworks for learners in a digital world, the Founder & President ensures that the university remains at the forefront of educational technology. This leadership role involves identifying emerging trends in digital pedagogy and aligning them with the university's broader research objectives. By spearheading new research ventures, Ayu Chan directly contributes to the institution's reputation for innovation in the digital space. Through the cultivation of partnerships with tech-focused educational entities, Chan expands the reach of the university's digital research. The Founder & President maintains a focus on the practical application of digital tools to enhance learning equity. By bridging the gap between technological advancement and educational theory, Chan secures the university's role in shaping the future of digital education and sustainable learning practices.

Ashan De Silva, the President at Deakin University, leads the strategic focus on STEM education for sustainable futures. Overseeing the development of research programs that address environmental and scientific literacy, the President ensures that the university's STEM initiatives contribute to global sustainability goals. This leadership role involves coordinating with scientific departments to translate research into practical educational policies. By promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, Ashan De Silva directly impacts the university's ability to solve complex problems through education. Through the management of research grants and partnerships, De Silva drives the growth of the STEM portfolio. The President maintains a focus on the long-term impact of scientific education, ensuring that the university's research informs future policy and practice. By championing the integration of sustainability into the core curriculum, De Silva secures the university's position as a leader in preparing the next generation of scientists and educators to address global challenges.

Michaela Grima, the President at Deakin University, directs the strategic initiatives related to education governance and policy for sustainable societies. Overseeing the analysis of educational systems, the President ensures that the university's research provides actionable insights for policymakers. This leadership role involves engaging with government bodies and international organizations to influence the direction of educational reform. By synthesizing research findings into policy recommendations, Michaela Grima directly impacts the development of equitable educational frameworks. Through the management of policy-focused research teams, Grima drives the university's influence in the public sector. The President maintains a focus on the intersection of governance and social justice, ensuring that all policy research promotes inclusive outcomes. By providing evidence-based guidance to stakeholders, Grima secures the university's role as a trusted advisor in the creation of sustainable and effective educational policies that benefit diverse communities across the globe.

Paulasta Majumdar, the President at Deakin University, manages the strategic alignment of research themes with community engagement efforts. Overseeing the implementation of social justice initiatives, the President ensures that the university's research directly benefits marginalized groups and promotes equity. This leadership role involves coordinating with community leaders and non-profit organizations to translate research into grassroots impact. By fostering strong community ties, Paulasta Majumdar directly supports the university's mission of creating socially just societies. Through the oversight of outreach programs, Majumdar drives the practical application of educational research in real-world settings. The President maintains a focus on the ethical implications of research, ensuring that all projects prioritize the well-being of the communities involved. By facilitating meaningful dialogue between researchers and the public, Majumdar secures the university's reputation as a socially responsible institution dedicated to making a tangible difference in the lives of learners and citizens.

Gia Tran, the President, Deakin Information Security Club at Deakin University, directs the student-led initiatives focused on cybersecurity and digital safety. Overseeing the training and development of students in information security, the President, Deakin Information Security Club ensures that the university's digital infrastructure remains protected and that students gain practical skills. This leadership role involves organizing workshops and industry collaborations that highlight the importance of security in the digital world. By fostering a culture of vigilance and technical expertise, Gia Tran directly impacts the university's digital resilience. Through the management of club activities, Tran drives the development of future cybersecurity professionals. The President, Deakin Information Security Club maintains a focus on the intersection of technology and education, ensuring that security practices are integrated into the university's digital learning environment. By preparing students for the challenges of the digital age, Tran secures the university's commitment to safe and sustainable digital education.

Matthew Edge, the Chief Marketing Officer at Deakin University, architects the brand strategy and communication frameworks that promote the institution's research impact. Overseeing the dissemination of findings from the Centre for Research for Educational Impact, the Chief Marketing Officer ensures that complex educational data reaches policymakers and academic stakeholders effectively. This leadership role involves managing digital presence and public engagement campaigns that highlight the university's commitment to STEM education and social justice. By aligning marketing initiatives with the core research themes, Matthew Edge directly supports the university's goal of influencing educational policy. Through the implementation of data-driven outreach, Edge enhances the visibility of research outcomes across global markets. The Chief Marketing Officer maintains a focus on clear, accessible communication to bridge the gap between academic research and practical application, ensuring that the university's mission resonates with diverse audiences and supports the advancement of inclusive educational practices worldwide.