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Khairiah A Rahman is Senior Lecturer at the School of Communication Studies. She has lectured in public relations and intercultural communication and taught undergraduate and postgraduate levels, as well as industry practitioners. Khairiah has also served on the advisory board of the Pacific Media Centre, AUT’s Diversity Caucus and was Programme Leader for the Certificate of Communication Studies.

Khairiah is the Secretary for Media Education for the Asian Congress for Media and Communication. She is also a committee member and founding secretary of the Asia Pacific Media Network. Khairiah has served on several editorial boards including Pacific Journalism Review and the edited book “Exchanging Terrorism Oxygen for Media Airwaves: The age of Terroredia” (2014). She has written on media representations of Islam and Muslims, culture and identity, crisis miscommunication, and the Islamic perspectives of dialogue and persuasion. Her research on media representations of Islam and Muslims in New Zealand was cited in Radio New Zealand, Spinoff and The Pacific Media Watch.

Khairiah was involved in reporting to the Royal Commission Inquiry on the Christchurch Mosque Massacres.  She is part of the Thinktank of FIANZ (Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand). She was invited by the Department of Prime Minister’s Office to speak at a media panel for the conference in Christchurch on countering terrorism and violent extremism in June 2021. In October 2021, Khairiah was appointed to Meta’s Aotearoa News Innovation Advisory Group. The group was  initiated by Meta to provide resources, training, and expansion opportunities to local news outlets. Khairiah is also a member of PRINZ (Public Relations Institute of New Zealand) and is actively serving her community as government liaison.

Khairiah has served on the academic panel at the He Whenua Taurikura (A Land at Peace) Centre for Research Excellence on Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism. Her research intersects media and self-representations of marginalised communities, issues impacting diversity and inclusion, crisis and communication paradigms in practice. 

Jamal is a Lecturer in Marketing whose research focuses on understanding culturally informed consumption practices and their implications for individual and community wellbeing. His research examines topics such as social exchange, consumer trust, lending and borrowing practices, home organisation, and consumer deceleration to generate insights that contribute to healthier and more sustainable consumer lives.

Jamal's work is situated within Consumer Culture Theory (CCT) and consumer behaviour research. He employs a range of qualitative methodologies, including ethnography, netnography, and projective techniques, to explore the social, cultural, and material dimensions of consumption.

His research has been published in leading international journals, including the European Journal of Marketing and the Journal of Marketing Management, and presented at premier academic conferences, including the Consumer Culture Theory Consortium and the Australian and New Zealand Marketing Academy Conference. Jamal is the recipient of the Best Consumer Relevant Paper Award from the Journal of Consumer Research in recognition of the practical and societal relevance of his work.

Beyond academia, Jamal is committed to engaging wider audiences and translating research into public impact. His work has been featured in a range of media outlets, including The Conversation, Stuff, and Radio New Zealand.

I am a PhD candidate in the School of Education at Auckland University of Technology (AUT), New Zealand, and a primary school teacher in Auckland. With more than ten years of teaching experience across Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and New Zealand, my work focuses on creating inclusive, equitable, and evidence-informed learning environments for diverse learners.

My doctoral research investigates how teachers adapt their pedagogical practices to support neurodiverse learners in Flexible Learning Spaces (FLSs). Using an interpretive multiple case study approach, I explore how teacher agency, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), inclusive education, and sociomaterial perspectives shape teachers' decisions and classroom practices. My research aims to contribute practical and research-informed recommendations for teachers, school leaders, and policymakers seeking to improve educational experiences for neurodiverse students.

I am a Senior Engineering Technician – Built Environment (Construction) at AUT, providing technical support for engineering teaching, research, and laboratory operations across the Built Environment disciplines. My role includes managing and maintaining laboratory facilities and specialist equipment, supporting structural and materials testing, assisting with the planning and delivery of laboratory classes, and working closely with academic staff and students to ensure safe and effective learning and research environments.

I hold a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Auckland, with research expertise in structural dynamics, nonlinear vibrations, wave propagation, and computational modelling. My background combines advanced numerical simulation with experimental engineering, enabling me to support a wide range of laboratory and research activities across mechanical, civil, and structural engineering.

I enjoy applying engineering knowledge to bridge theory and practice, helping students and researchers translate engineering concepts into practical solutions through high-quality technical support and laboratory experience.

With over 23 years of experience across Aotearoa New Zealand's education system as a teacher, middle school leader, and principal, Hazel brings deep insight into intergenerational learning and the systemic challenges and opportunities facing Māori and Pacific learners. She has taught and led across primary, intermediate, secondary schools, wānanga, and tertiary vocational education, and continues her service to Māori and Pacific through mentoring and supervising Māori doctoral students within tertiary education.

Hazel's research focuses on co-designing culturally grounded, future-focused, and community-led solutions. She leads cross-disciplinary projects in:

• STEAM education and workforce development
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies
• Safeguarding and integrating mātauranga Māori
• Creating intergenerational pathways in education and technology for tamariki, rangatahi, whānau, pakeke, kaumātua 

Hazel works in close partnership with community and industry stakeholders to ensure her research is grounded, scalable, and aligned with the aspirations of Māori and Pacific peoples. She is deeply committed to building a future that is inclusive, innovative, and empowering, where Indigenous knowledge systems and modern technologies are woven together to drive meaningful, lasting change for Māori and the communities she is privileged to serve.

Kate Absolum is the Learning and Academic Engagement, Senior Manager.
She has been teaching, writing, and designing learning materials in a range of educational environments for more than twenty years in NZ, Australia, South Korea and Hong Kong. Before her role at AUT she was the senior curriculum designer for DMM Eikaiwa, developing curriculum and learning resources for Japan's (and possibly the world's) biggest online language school, delivering more than 1 million lessons a month. Prior to this, Kate was a lecturer at AUT International House, mainly focusing on pre-tertiary English language programs for international students. She has experience in curriculum, materials and assessment design, and academic literacy education.

I am an experienced physiotherapist with a mix of adult and paediatric experience. Graduating from Brunel University in 2000, I gained a Post Graduate Diploma in Health Science (Child Health) in 2024. I am a current PhD candidate exploring physiotherapy care for non-ambulatory children with cerebral palsy and intellectual disability. I am passionate in equal parts about improving the evidence for children with complex disabilities and providing them with the most fun and beneficial physio that they deserve to be their best selves.

I have a strong interest in clinical gait analysis, particualry the physiotherapy and orthotic management of gait and movement.  Working alongside my colleagues from Starship Childrens Hospital we provide the only national service guiding complex gait management.  I integrate my extensive knowledge of gait with Elaine Owen's OSKAR approach to orthotic management to provide a holistic patient-centred approach to improving gait.

Tom is a lecturer in the Department of Physiotherapy, Auckland University of Technology, NZ. Tom draws upon over 20 years of clinical and industry experience to inform his teaching responsibilities across undergraduate and postgraduate studies in the field of musculoskeletal medicine, manual therapy, and exercise rehabilitation. In addition, he has several years of experience in clinical education both providing and co-ordinating clinical education placements for postgraduate musculoskeletal physiotherapists as well as final undergraduate physiotherapy students.

Tom has recently completed his PhD examining force control in the shoulder, a milestone that has significantly enriched his academic teaching and growth as an early-career researcher. He holds a role as Professional Practice Advisor for Physiotheray New Zealand, contributing to the profession at a national level. In addition he is an Associate Editor for the NZ Journal of Physiotherapy,  a journal that reflects excellence in research and professional issues relevant to New Zealand and international physiotherapy communities. 

I am a PhD Candidate at AUT, with a robust foundation in clinical and public health practice. Originally trained as a registered general nurse and public health officer in Ghana, I bring extensive academic and professional expertise in nursing, nutrition, and global health. My interdisciplinary background informs a research portfolio that spans critical domains of clinical and global public health, including maternal and child health, nutrition, infectious diseases, family and domestic violence, nursing science, women’s health, epidemiology, quality improvement, and health systems strengthening. These intersecting areas reflect my commitment to advancing health service delivery, population health, and overall well-being.

Silas’ research trajectory was shaped by a deep curiosity about the persistent inequities and complications in maternal and child health, particularly the role of nutrition in shaping pregnancy outcomes. This interest, cultivated through years of clinical engagement and public health practice, evolved into a focused academic pursuit aimed at discovering innovative, evidence-based solutions to improve well-being across the life course.

My current doctoral research investigates the association between anaemia in pregnancy across different trimesters and adverse birth outcomes. The study integrates a nutrition intervention component designed to address iron-deficiency anaemia, intending to develop practical, food-based and education-driven models for prevention and management. I am particularly interested in uncovering scalable, culturally responsive nutrition strategies that can enhance maternal and neonatal health outcomes in resource-constrained settings. Looking forward, I aim to contribute to the development of integrated nutrition frameworks that can be applied across diverse populations. I believe there is significant untapped potential in leveraging timely, community-based interventions to reduce anaemia in pregnancy, an issue that has long posed challenges to global health systems.

I am actively seeking academic opportunities, including research and teaching assistantships as well as volunteerism, and welcome collaboration with scholars and practitioners who share a passion for innovation and impact. Silas views implementation science as a collective endeavour, valuing the exchange of ideas and interdisciplinary partnerships that drive meaningful change. My overarching goal is to relentlessly conduct research that transcends academic boundaries and contributes to tangible improvements in the lives of individuals and communities worldwide.

Dr. Zahir Ahmed is a Senior Lecturer in Accounting at the Auckland University of Technology (AUT) Business School. He holds a PhD in Management Accounting and an MA in Social Research Methods from the University of Manchester, UK, as well as MCom and BCom (Honours) degrees in Accounting from the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh. He is a Chartered Accountant (CA ANZ) and a Certified Practising Accountant (CPA Australia).

Dr. Ahmed’s research expertise lies in accountability and control in not-for-profit and public sectors, management accounting change, performance management, sustainability reporting, and social impact accounting. His work particularly explores gender in management accounting, new public management, and management control systems. His research has been published in leading journals, including Critical Perspectives on Accounting, Australian Accounting Review, Accounting Research Journal, Journal of Public Budgeting, Accounting & Financial Management, Journal of Accounting and Organizational Change, Australasian Accounting Business and Finance Journal, and Asian Review of Accounting.

He is actively engaged in interdisciplinary research collaborations and is currently involved in projects examining management control and sustainability in pharmaceutical companies, accountability in social impact organisations (SIOs), and sustainability reporting in the gambling industry.

Dr. Ahmed has extensive teaching experience across New Zealand, the UK, and Bangladesh, specialising in management accounting, performance measurement, and financial decision-making. He has received teaching excellence awards for his innovative, student-centred approach and commitment to applied learning.

Dr. Ahmed also plays an active role in academic leadership and service. He served as an Associate Editor of the New Zealand Journal of Applied Business Research and has successfully organised several international conferences, including APIRA, NZMA, and the Global Student Case Competition. Additionally, he serves as a journal and conference reviewer for several leading academic forums, including Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, Qualitative Research in Accounting & Management, Meditari Accountancy Journal, Journal of Accounting and Organizational Change, British Educational Research Journal, Accounting Research Journal, and Journal of Public Budgeting, Accounting & Financial Management.

Based at the Auckland University of Technology, I am an Intensive Care Paramedic (25+ years of national and international experience) and an emergent researcher. My programme of scholarship focuses on technology‑enhanced learning, learning design, and authentic simulation‑based pedagogies within the rapidly evolving discipline of paramedicine education.

Dr Esther Aigwi is an early-career engineer who has worked with a variety of engineering clients, consistently striving for excellence in her projects. Coming from an African cultural background, she brings a unique perspective to her work, which emphasises innovation and effectiveness. She is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy in the UK (FHEA) and a Chartered Construction Manager (MCIOB). She is also an Associate Investigator at Te Hiranga Rū QuakeCoRE (New Zealand Tertiary Education Commission-funded Centre for Earthquake Resilience). In addition, she serves on the Executive Committee of the QuakeCoRE Early Career Researcher Network and is a member of Engineering New Zealand. 

Furthermore, she contributes to the academic community as an editorial board member of the Urbanization, Sustainability and Society Journal. Her research interests cover a broad range of topics, including urban shrinkage and regeneration, seismic resilience, and the adaptive reuse of historical buildings. She is also focused on trends in energy efficiency, such as the adoption of Passive House and solar photovoltaics, as well as on construction waste management and decision-making frameworks. 

Currently, she is exploring how her research interests can connect with the impacts of climate change and pandemics. Actively involved in academia, she contributes to leading journals and conferences in her field. Her participation in various academic panels highlights her commitment to advancing knowledge and promoting collaboration among researchers and industry practitioners. Through her work, she aims to develop practical solutions to inform policy in engineering and the built environment.

Dr Richard Ajiee is the Programme Leader for BA Global Tourism and a lecturer in Event Management and Tourism at the School of Hospitality and Tourism. His research is transdisciplinary, spanning sport sociology, sport management, event management, and tourism, with a particular focus on the transformative power of sport, the social impacts of events and tourism, migration, leisure, entrepreneurship and creative analytical practice. Dr Ajiee is an advocate of project-based learning, integrating real-world event production into his teaching to equip students with practical skills and experiential knowledge. He brings a wealth of industry expertise gained across Europe, Africa, and New Zealand, where he has successfully delivered innovative events that foster community and industry collaboration. Prior to joining AUT, Dr Ajiee taught at the New Zealand Institute of Sport (NZIS) and Best Pacific Institute of Education, consistently blending academic rigor with creative practice. His work is driven by a passion for fostering positive social change through impactful research, teaching, and community initiatives.

Dr. John Olabode Akindoyo is a Postdoctoral Fellow in the School of Engineering, Computer & Mathematical Sciences at Auckland University of Technology. He has a strong background in Materials Science and Engineering, and Industrial Chemistry and is named among the top 2% Scientist in the world for the year 2025 and 2026, by Elsevier and Stanford University. He holds two PhDs, one Master of Engineering and a Bachelor of Science (Hons) degree.

He is a materials expert with research experience that runs across different aspects of material science & engineering, material utilization, modification, development, fabrication, testing and characterization.

Dr Duaa Zuhair Al-Hamid is a Lecturer in the Computer and Information Sciences Department at Auckland University of Technology (AUT). Previously, she was a Lecturer in Software Engineering at Yoobee College of Creative Innovation in Wellington, New Zealand. She has also served as a Visiting Scholar at the AUT Centre for Wireless and Intelligent Systems Engineering (WISE).

Dr Al-hamid earned her PhD in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from AUT, a Master's degree in Data Telecommunication Networks. with Distinction, from the University of Salford, Manchester, UK, and a Bachelor's degree in Electromechanical Engineering from the University of Technology, Baghdad, Iraq.

Her research interests are specialized in Wireless Communication, Wireless Sensing, Internet of Things (IoT), Software Defined Networks, and Network Digital Twin, which support the design of end-to-end systems. She applies her expertise in various applications such as Vehicular Networks (VN), Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), healthcare, environmental monitoring, and disaster management. Her interdisciplinary approach enables her to address complex challenges across these domains.

If you are interested in PhD or Masters research, please get in touch for further information.

Fakhrul Alam is Professor and Head of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand. He is an award-winning lecturer and experienced doctoral supervisor. He has published 100+ refereed articles and as the PI has secured $1million+ external funding. He also has significant experience with managing academic programmes, and student experience. He was named among the Stanford/Elsevier Top 2% Scientists in 2024 and 2026, for his contributions to the ICT discipline.

Prospective PhD students are welcome to contact Fakhrul via email. Please attach your academic CV and include a brief statement outlining your interest in working with him.

I am originally from Nigeria and have a background in microbiology and laboratory-based research. My work is shaped by an interest in how microorganisms influence human health, particularly in the respiratory system.

My current PhD research explores how acoustic nasal therapy may affect the nasal microbiome, immune responses, airflow, and wellbeing. More broadly, I am interested in practical, non-invasive approaches that can improve everyday health outcomes.

I enjoy research that connects laboratory science with real-world impact, and I value collaboration with people who bring different ideas, skills, and perspectives.

I am a PhD researcher in Food Science at Auckland University of Technology, specialising in proteomics. My research explores the extraction, characterisation, and functional properties of fish proteins to better understand their nutritional value, biological activities, and potential health benefits. I am particularly focusing on transforming underutilised aquatic resources into high-value ingredients that contribute to both human wellbeing and environmental sustainability.

Sara Ali is a Senior Lecturer working as the Academic Database Advisor in the Finance Department at Auckland University of Technology (AUT). Her teaching interests focus on developing students' ability to understand emerging and innovative data analytics techniques and make informed business decisions. More specifically, her teaching focuses on fintech and digital finance, data analytics, programming for business analytics, data visualisation and financial econometrics. Her research interests include digital tools, AI and machine learning, asset pricing, financial risk management, investments, hedge funds, and financial econometrics, and recent research focuses on economic policy uncertainty and institutional investors' behaviour. As part of her research, Sara specialises in handling and analysing textual data using industry-standard software like STATA and SAS, developing Python codes to explore emerging topics in research. Her research work has been published in peer-reviewed journals such as the Pacific-Basin Finance Journal. 


Sara joined AUT in 2016 and since then has taught fintech and data analytics,  data analytics for business and financial databases and data analytics software in different programs, including PhD program, Master of Applied Finance(MAF), Masters of Business Administration(MBA), Master of Professional Accounting (MAP), and Post-graduate Diploma and Undergraduate and currently, involved in teaching programming for business Analytics courses in the BBus program.

Sara holds a PhD in Financial Econometrics from the University of Karachi, Pakistan.

Dr Quentin Allan is a Senior Lecturer, and Academic Writing Advisor. He has worked at AUT since 2010. Based in the Manukau Library, he contributes to the work of the LAE team in developing academic literacies in students from all disciplines, both undergraduate and postgraduate. For further information and links to resources, see Te Mātāpuna Library & Learning Services' homepage: https://library.aut.ac.nz/for-lecturers/academic-writing-development-for-your-students

With a teaching background in language and linguistics, Quentin has over 30 years’ experience in a range of educational environments (in Aotearoa New Zealand and overseas) including seven years teaching at the University of Hong Kong. During his time in Hong Kong, he also worked for the Hong Kong Examinations Authority in a variety of roles.

In 2016, in recognition of his academic leadership in Hong Kong and Aotearoa NZ, Quentin was awarded Senior Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (UK). A key contribution to the LAE team has been the co-creation and ongoing refinement of an embedded academic literacies model, initially developed with fellow learning advisor Robyn McWilliams: 

McWilliams, R., & Allan, Q. (2014). Embedding academic literacy skills: Towards a best practice model. Journal of University Teaching and Learning Practice, 11(3), 1–20. http://ro.uow.edu.au/jutlp/vol11/iss3/8

Recent collaboration with faculty colleagues has resulted in the following output:

Raleigh, S., McWilliams, R., & Allan, Q. (2024). #Take5 #101 Collaborating to embed academic literacies: Enhancing our best practice model. Association for Learning Development in Higher Education. Retrieved from https://aldinhe.ac.uk/take5-101-collaborating-to-embed-academic-literacies-enhancing-our-best-practice-model/

Feedback: ALICE STINETORF05/04/2024 AT 12:09 PM

"I really enjoy this breakdown of your collaborative approach ... This shows a scaffolded, reflective/analytical approach to writing that would demystify the process for so many students."

In 2025, Quentin initiated a collaborative autoethnographic research project to explore the pedagogical features that impact student learning through embedded workshops.

In terms of contributing to the wider community, Quentin has taken an active role in supporting OUT@AUT, the Staff Network for AUT's Rainbow Communities. For example, as Secretary, from 2019-2021 he circulated a weekly Digest containing updates relating to AUT staff members, also topical stories, both local and international. Drawing on his doctoral research, he recently applied a CDA lens to critique parliamentary discourse from the late 20th century:

Allan, Q. (2025). What homophobic thinking looks like: Insights from New Zealand’s homosexual law reform debates of the late 20th century. New Zealand Sociology, 40(1), 37–54. 

He is currently collaborating with AUT colleagues on a project that will culminate in a chapter for the upcoming Routledge Handbook of Language, Discourse and Mental Health.