TWO Bond University teams have received citations for outstanding contributions to student learning at the 2021 Australian Awards for University Teaching.
The Tactical Research Unit (TRU) and the Bond Data Analytics Team picked up awards that recognise their members as “being among Australia’s most exceptional university teachers”.
The TRU is a network of multidisciplinary international experts who investigate ways to optimise the capabilities and safety of tactical personnel including military, law enforcement, firefighters, and first responders.
Those cited in the award were Associate Professor Rob Orr (leader), Assistant Professor Elisa Canetti and Assistant Professor Ben Schram.
Judges said there was evidence “the program has been adopted nationally and internationally, with recognition from national and international industry”.
Dr Orr said the TRU worked with industry partners including Australian Defence Apparel and Optimal Performance Solutions to develop a ‘Trident Approach’ to research.
“This sees students working with industry experts and end users - serving personnel - as part of their research, giving the students real-world experiences,” Dr Orr said.
“Receiving this citation serves as a form of external peer review and approach validation and is a great reward to us at the TRU and our industry partners.”
The Bond Data Analytics Team included Associate Professor Adrian Gepp (leader), Associate Professor Marcus Randall and Professor Steve Stern.
The team’s citation recognised its “industry relevant program that has positive impacts on students and industry and has industry recognition and support”.
Dr Gepp said he was delighted and honoured his team had received the citation which recognised their innovative approach in designing data analytics programs focussed on solving industry problems, thus producing graduates with technical proficiency and practical business acumen.
“We are thankful for the broad support from Australian organisations that make it possible for us to have student teams working on real-world projects,” Dr Gepp said.
“Career outcomes for our students span management and analytics consultancies, banking and financial services, accounting, all levels of government, mining, retail, recruitment, gaming, airlines, travel, sport science and health sectors.”