Worldly academic brings breadth of experience to role

A scholar with decades of academic and industry research experience has been appointed Charles Darwin University’s (CDU) new Dean of Graduate Studies.

Professor Steven Greenland joined CDU in 2017 as a Professor in Marketing, serving in various roles including as the Associate Dean of Research in the Faculty of Arts and Society, supporting more than 100 research staff and 160 Higher Degree by Research (HDR) students. 

Over the past seven years he’s supported numerous early career researchers and students in developing their research profiles and impact. This includes his HDR students who have been first authors on 10 articles in leading journals based on their PhD research since 2017, and two who received awards for their research. 

Professor Greenland was thrilled for the opportunities in this role to apply his extensive academic and industry experience, and to continue the good work of CDU’s prior Deans of Graduate Studies in supporting staff and students.

Professor Greenland said among many ambitions for the role, his goals included helping to shape CDU as the university of choice for HDR pathways, and to support more HDR students into placements and internships during their studies. 

“The impacts of high-level PhD research filters down and has an increased practical impact,” Professor Greenland said. 

“Internships can give students experience at a high-level in industries and organisations. They’re an important addition to students’ CVs and they build industry and organisational collaboration.

“CDU is also well positioned in Northern Australia to facilitate research with international PhD students, and to support those collaborations and partnerships, which will have an impact not only in Northern Australia but in Australia, the Asia Pacific and beyond.” 

Professor Greenland’s academic journey began at his alma mater the University of Manchester, where he held research and lecturing roles. He later held senior roles at London Metropolitan University and Swinburne University of Technology.

His applied industry research expertise includes managing research projects across the United Kingdom and Europe at agency Abacus Research Limited, and later for global agency Nielsen. 

In his recent years in academia, Professor Greenland has published Q1 articles (most prestigious journals) across fields including business, education, environment and social sciences, public health, and engineering. 

CDU Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Innovation Professor Steve Rogers welcomes Professor Greenland to the role.

“CDU has nearly 400 Higher Degree by Research students who are committed to creating impactful and lasting change in their fields and communities through research,” Professor Rogers said. 

“Steven’s extensive experience in academia, industry, and his work with academic staff and students makes him a valuable asset to this critical role.”