Key skills and expertise

Bringing over 40 years of experience, the expert is proficient in conservation agriculture, soil and water management, and applied soil physics. They have led numerous international projects, including those funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, focusing on capacity building and sustainable practices. Career highlights include authoring over 120 publications and playing a pivotal role in curriculum development at the University of Queensland. Responsibilities have included supervising research staff and students, designing educational programs, and leading research on soil-water relationships. The expert has successfully transitioned courses to online formats, achieving high teaching scores, and possesses extensive experience in international development cooperation.

Project experience and donor exposure

Worked across diverse projects involving collaboration with international donors such as the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The expert's involvement has encompassed project implementation, capacity building, and technical assistance, primarily in agriculture and education. They have led the design and delivery of DFAT-funded Australia Awards Short Courses and Fellowships across Africa and Indonesia, focusing on irrigation, water resources management, and agricultural policy. These initiatives have been regional and sector-specific, with work conducted in countries including Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, and Vietnam.

Sectors and geographic focus

Previously held roles such as Principal Research Fellow, Senior Lecturer, and Consultant, the expert has worked across sectors including education, food security, land and soil management, laboratory measurement, research, and agriculture. Their interdisciplinary expertise includes curriculum development and course design, integrating digital tools in agricultural education. With a regional focus on countries like Papua New Guinea and Vietnam, the expert has contributed to sustainable soil and landscape management practices in diverse geographic contexts. Background includes positions at various institutions, offering a comprehensive understanding of regional agricultural and soil management practices.

Languages and education

With a background in languages, the expert is a native German speaker and fluent in English, with rudimentary skills in French. These competencies have been utilized in various international contexts, supporting effective communication and collaboration in diverse, multilingual teams in countries such as Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, and Vietnam. The expert holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Agricultural Science and a Graduate Certificate in Higher Education from the University of Queensland, Australia. Additionally, a Diplom Agrar Ingenieur in Horticultural Science was obtained from the University of Hannover (now Leibniz Universität Hannover), Germany. These qualifications underscore a strong foundation in agricultural and horticultural sciences, complemented by expertise in higher education.