Show Me
We're here to help you connect with students, academics and industry partners.
Contact us at ACU Catalyst to discuss partnership opportunities.
Professor Myriam Amielh is Australian Catholic University’s inaugural Dean, Industry and Innovation, having commenced this role in February 2021. With deep understanding of and numerous engagements with industry over her career, Professor Amielh is planning and implementing extensive industry engagement strategies across ACU.
Professor Amielh has worked in senior roles in the Higher Education sector in Australia since 2016, and prior to this held leading roles in Research and Development for the commercial sector. Professor Amielh holds a PhD and Masters in Computer Sciences and Mathematics, which she studied in France and Canada.
Career highlights include the establishment of UTS’ prototyping unit (UTS Rapido), which has delivered research translation to multiple UTS industry partners, and the creation of the Wanago program to address STEM gaps for over twenty NSW High Schools. Professor Amielh also coordinated the development of UTS’ strategy for ‘Precinct, partners and community’, delivered new Work-Integrated-Learning programs as well as a large industry and government consortium for future secure research facilities in NSW. Additionally, Professor Amielh is credited with the creation of numerous patents, through leading teams in both Philips and Canon.
Angela Burke currently provides strategic and managerial support to ACU’s inaugural Dean, Industry and Innovation. Angela joined ACU in 2012, in the Office of the Provost and has contributed to a number of Provost-led initiatives, including establishing and operating the ACU Rome Campus and ACU Brisbane Leadership Centre and many large projects spanning all Faculties and Directorates. Angela holds a BA, (Communication - Theatre/Media) from Charles Sturt University, and has background in providing high level executive support to Company Directors in the market research, human resources, insurance and property industries.
Dr Theresa Lauf has wide-ranging leadership and advocacy experience across governance and equity, student support, learning, teaching, research and engagement. Additionally, she has led communications and complaint management teams in the education sector. Her work in the traditionally male-dominated areas of criminal law and construction law, her role as Honorary Consul for the Republic of Poland in Queensland and her long-standing volunteer work in support of ethnic communities, underpins her commitment and passion for social justice issues and the transformative effects of education and research.
Dr Annet Hoek is an experienced manager, consultant and researcher who has worked with universities, health industries, global food companies, start-ups, governments and non-profits for more than 20 years. Her broad interest in health innovation aligns with her mission to bridge the gap between scientific research and the real world to create positive change. With a diverse background that includes a PhD, a Masters in Medical Science, and a Master of Science in consumer behaviour, human nutrition and biology, she enjoys connecting people and ideas from different disciplines. Dr Annet will focus on developing new opportunities and fostering valuable partnerships between industry, community and end-users with the Faculty of Health Sciences.
As a member of the Industry and Innovation team, Melinda will utilise her extensive ACU knowledge and experience to cross-collaborate on strategic projects including Campus Optimisation priorities, Work Integrated Learning (WiL) and corporate scholarships development
Melinda joined ACU in 2013 providing executive support to the Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Vice-Chancellor Portfolio. Since 2019, Melinda held project officer roles, contributing to strategic Corporate Services and university initiatives including ACU's Blacktown Campus Establishment Program; Business Resilience and Critical Incident Management; and the Campus Leadership program. Melinda has also spent time in the Office of the Vice-Chancellor and President, overseeing the successful delivery of the 2021 Vice-Chancellor Staff Excellence Awards and other Vice-Chancellor priorities.
Prior to ACU, Melinda worked for the Vice-Chancellor at the University of Sydney; in the Office of NSW Health Minister Jillian Skinner MP; and Sydney Local Health District. Melinda holds a bachelor’s degree from Australian National University (ANU) and completed ACU’s Emerging Leaders and Managers Program followed by the Graduate Certificate in Higher Education Management from the University of Melbourne in 2019
Rachelle has been with ACU since 2016, primarily working in the Faculty of Education and Arts. Prior to this Rachelle worked in research and administrative roles in a number of universities, as well as in business development roles in the private sector. Rachelle holds a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Policy and Politics, both of which were completed with a focus on better understanding the modern business environment in which Australian universities operate. Rachelle’s work with the Industry and Innovation team will focus on non-research tenders and consultancy processes and opportunities across ACU.
Stefan Orfanos has extensive ties within the ACU community, not only as a Bachelor of Psychological Sciences/Bachelor of Laws student at the Melbourne campus, but also in his various co-curricular roles. Stefan has developed a strong passion for leadership and service as the President of the St Patrick’s Psychology Society and the President of ACU Melbourne Cheerleading Club. He has assisted the Industry and Innovation team in a part-time role as an Administrative Assistant since July 2020, where he has been driven to give back for the support and opportunities that ACU has provided him. Stefan is motivated to enrich ACU’s services and curriculum.
Isobel Watters recently graduated with a Bachelor of Psychological Science/Bachelor of Laws from ACU. She is passionate about helping people and advocating for their rights. An enthusiastic student, Isobel enjoyed getting involved in the many extracurricular activities offered to ACU students. She participated in multiple legal competitions facilitated by ACU’s law society, and was the vice-president of the university’s psychology society. Isobel got a great sense of fulfilment out of organising events and resources which aimed to enrich other students’ university experiences.