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Associate Professor Georgia Clarkson is the Chair of the Course & Industry
Advisory Committee and serves as a distinguished member of the Academic
Board at Southern Cross Institute (SCI). She has a mixed disciplinary
background in arts, teaching, and paramedicine. She has a focus on inclusivity
in education having completed her PhD around the impact of inclusive
educational practice.
Associate Professor Clarkson has worked as an academic since 2008 and has
been employed by several higher education providers, where she has worked
in leadership roles in shaping programs and projects. Her interdisciplinary
experience has guided her leadership of numerous teaching development
projects in collaboration with colleagues from a broad range of disciplines.
Experience in policy development and governance enhances her higher
education leadership experience.
Dr Adrian Melia serves as a distinguished member of the Course & Industry Advisory Committee at Southern Cross Institute (SCI). He has over 20 years’ experience combined as a practitioner and academic. Prior to entering academia, Dr Melia worked in the finance industry as an Actuarial analyst as well as Management Consulting for clients in financial services and government.
Presently the Deputy Head of School for Teaching & Learning and Senior Lecturer in Finance, at the University of Newcastle, Dr Melia is an award winning researcher, with main research interests in corporate finance and asset pricing. He has published in leading national and international finance journals such as the Journal of Banking and Finance, European Journal of Finance, Pacific-Basin Finance Journal and the Australian Journal of Management. With a focus on ensuring his academic translates into practice, Dr Melia’s research has been recognised by the superannuation industry and collaborates and consults with both investment and insurance firms.
Dr Helen Haslem serves as a distinguished member of the Course & Industry
Advisory Committee at Southern Cross Institute (SCI). She is an experienced
lawyer and academic with extensive expertise in civil and criminal law, who has
over a decade of legal experience, including a background as a federal
prosecutor and government lawyer.
In addition to her legal career, Dr Haslem is a dedicated researcher and
academic. She has taught undergraduate law units at various universities,
including Australian Catholic University, University of Technology Sydney, and
Macquarie University. Her unique blend of legal experience and academic
dedication is underscored by her commitment to effective learning design and
principles of education.
Dr Haydn Aarons serves as a distinguished member of the Course & Industry Advisory Committee at Southern Cross Institute (SCI). He is a Senior Lecturer in Sociology at Australian Catholic University in Melbourne.
Dr Aarons brings over 20 years of expertise to his work in the expansive fields of Social Sciences and Social Work. With a strong commitment to teaching and research, he has contributed significantly to these disciplines throughout his distinguished career.
His research focuses on religion, health, communities, migrants and refugees, and culture. Dr Aarons has also specialised in research methods for the Social Sciences and Social Work and has applied his expertise in survey research to a wide range of academic, industry, and policy research.
Dr Indra Seher serves as a distinguished member of the Course & Industry Advisory Committee at Southern Cross Institute (SCI). She has Ph.D. in Computing and Information Technology from Western Sydney University and has over two decades of professional experience. With a diverse work experience in the IT industry as well as academics, she brings extensive experience to teaching, designing, and coordinating tertiary-level courses in Information Systems.
As an active researcher, Dr Seher’s interests span areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, and Natural Language Processing. Her professional journey includes a tenure as a Project Manager at Western Sydney University and significant involvement as a Reviewer, Programme Committee Member, and Technical Committee Member for various international conferences.
Beyond her academic pursuits, Dr Seher has served as a course advisor for both postgraduate and undergraduate students. She remains dedicated to teaching and innovative research in Computing and IT, embodying a proactive and challenging mindset.
Mr Anthony Obinna Iwuagwu serves as a distinguished member of the Course & Industry Advisory Committee at Southern Cross Institute (SCI). He is a distinguished academic and researcher, renowned for his significant contributions to social gerontology and social work. He has taught in higher education institutions across Nigeria, Canada, and Australia, and has supervised both undergraduate and graduate social work students on professional practice placements, shaping the next generation of social work professionals.
Mr Iwuagwu’s research is extensive and diverse, focusing on social work, ageing, disability, and culturally and linguistically diverse populations. His scholarly work is widely published in respected journals, and he has presented his findings at international conferences, earning him recognition and respect in his field.
Beyond academia, Mr Iwuagwu is dedicated to the practical application of his research. He collaborates with local and international organisations to develop programs and policies aimed at improving the quality of life for older adults, youth, and those with disabilities. His commitment to social justice and advocacy for vulnerable populations is a cornerstone of his professional philosophy, driving his efforts to make a meaningful impact in communities.
Honorary Professor Maypilama is a senior Yolŋu researcher and respected Cultural Authority from the Waramirri clan of Galiwin’ku, Elcho Island. She is a Principal Research Fellow at Charles Darwin University’s Molly Wardaguga Research Centre and the Northern Institute, with over 20 years of experience in Yolŋu-led research, community engagement, and education. A founding member of Yalu Marŋgithinyaraw (now Yalu Aboriginal Corporation), Honorary Professor Maypilama has played a pivotal role in developing culturally responsive health and education programs for Yolŋu communities. Her expertise spans maternal and child health, nutrition, chronic disease, hearing loss, and early development. Fluent in multiple Yolŋu Matha dialects, she has guided numerous collaborative projects that bridge Yolŋu and Western knowledge systems, championing ethical research practices and improved education outcomes for Yolŋu people.
Honorary Professor Maypilama is widely recognised for her exceptional ability to work between cultures and for her unwavering commitment to community-led approaches. She has mentored both Indigenous and non-Indigenous researchers, ensuring that research undertaken in Yolŋu communities is culturally grounded, respectful, and mutually beneficial. Through her leadership, Honorary Professor Maypilama continues to influence national conversations on Indigenous research methodologies and education, while actively supporting the next generation of Yolŋu leaders and scholars.
