Leading environmental engineer Prof Cheryl Desha has been appointed Natural Hazards Research Australia’s new Science and Innovation Director.
Prof Desha will join Natural Hazards Research Australia from Griffith University, where she is a professor in resilient infrastructure and communities at the Cities Research Institute and founder of Griffith’s Disaster Management Network.
CEO of Natural Hazards Research Australia Andrew Gissing believes Prof Desha’s appointment will bolster the Centre in its mission to deliver research that is useful, actionable and supportive of better decision-making.
“As a sustainability and resilience researcher, academic and engineer Cheryl will bring her unique skill set covering risk analysis and management, productivity, quality and performance assurance systems and the built environment to Natural Hazards Research Australia,” Andrew said.
“Cheryl has a wealth of experience, knowledge and expertise and will guide the direction of Natural Hazards Research Australia’s research so that it informs the policies and practices of our members around the country who are all working to keep us safe from natural hazards.”
Prof Desha has a long history and interest in disaster resilience and is the founder of the Queensland Disaster Resilience Alliance and the founder and director of the Griffith Disaster Resilience Management Facility. As the Science and Innovation Director Prof Desha will draw on her research and practical engineering experience, working closely with both the members and researchers of Natural Hazards Research Australia.
“I am passionate about enabling and amplifying Australian researchers and Australian research, and as Science and Innovation Director I am excited about supporting meaningful problem-solving for end-users of research,” Prof Desha explained.
“I am thrilled to join the team at Natural Hazards Research Australia, facilitating the research and innovation process that supports the people and organisations working across the country in all facets of disaster management and resilience.
“Australian science has many opportunities right now in areas such as AI, digital earth and big data. I look forward to supporting the timely generation of ideas and the transition into great research that benefits all Australians, improves our disaster resilience and protects our environment,” Prof Desha said.
Prof Desha is a Fellow and Chartered Member of Engineers Australia, a Council member of the International Society of Digital Earth and sits on the Advisory Board of the United Nations Global Geospatial Information Management group. In 2021 Prof Desha was recognised by Engineers Australia as Queensland Professional Engineer of the Year and in 2020 was awarded the Queensland Government's Individual Champion of Change Award by the Inspector-General Emergency Management.
Prof Desha holds a PhD in Engineering Education and Sustainable Development, and a Bachelor of Engineering & Environmental Engineering, both from Griffith University. Prof Desha will commence with the Centre on 3 June, based at the Centre’s Brisbane node.
MEDIA ENQUIRIES – Please contact Nathan Maddock at Natural Hazards Research Australia – 0410 998 600 or nathan.maddock@naturalhazards.com.au