Industry impact, workforce skills and research excellence are the priorities for Dr Kate Brooks who has been appointed the new Head of the School of Electrical Engineering, Computing and Mathematical Sciences (EECMS) at Curtin University.
Dr Brooks has a PhD in Physics, a track record in radio astronomy research and operations, and a depth of experience helping Australian industry to capture opportunities from digitisation and environmental sustainability.
Her experience will be critical to help the School of EECMS prepare learners and industry partners for a world that is electrified, digitised and socially responsible.
In her current role with Ai Group, Dr Brooks leads a national project with AusIndustry to help businesses move towards net zero. Her previous roles include State Director for the WA Life Sciences Innovation Hub, Innovation Manager for Wesfarmers and Deputy Head of Operations for CSIRO Astronomy and Space Science.
Curtin University Faculty of Science and Engineering Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Mark Ogden welcomed Dr Brooks to the position, adding she was perfectly placed to excel in the role.
“An Adjunct Research Fellow with Curtin for the past five years, Dr Brooks has worked closely with Innovation Central Perth in building cross-organisational collaborations with researchers and businesses, as well as serving on the Advisory Board for EECMS and mentoring and working with students,” Professor Ogden said.
“Her achievements thus far at Curtin and elsewhere have been impressive and I only expect her incredible track record to continue as the new Head of School.”
Dr Brooks said she was excited to assume the position, particularly during a time in which the Australian university sector was undergoing significant transformation, including shifts in research funding priorities and how education is delivered and measured.
“I have had the privilege of supporting Curtin’s efforts to navigate this challenging period and in doing so have gained valuable insights and experiences,” Dr Brooks said.
“All of this equips me to lead the EECMS through this time of change and to seize the tremendous growth opportunities that come with it.”
Dr Brooks takes up the new position at Curtin in August.
