Renowned biologist appointed Course Director of Monash’s hugely popular Master of Environment and Sustainability
Congratulations to Dr Rohan Clarke on his new appointment as Course Director of Monash University’s Master of Environment and Sustainability (MES).
Dr Clarke replaces Dr Susie Ho, who has been involved in the development of the course since 2016, and has led the course since 2017.
Passionate about contributing to real change in the sustainability space Dr Clarke’s research interests focus on conservation biology and ecology, particularly as they relate to best-practice strategies to reduce the impact of threatening processes on global biodiversity.
He has used a range of cutting-edge tools in his research including UAVs, remote sensing, stable isotope analysis, and spatial modelling. Dr Clarke, a lecturer in the School of Biological Sciences, was most recently the Scientific Director at the Monash Drone Discovery Platform which oversees all drone/remotely piloted aircraft focused research activities across the university.
“I am delighted to be leading one of the best environment and sustainability masters in the world,” said Dr Clarke.
“This is a truly multidisciplinary course which harnesses the expertise of Arts, Science, Business and the Monash Sustainable Development Institute (MSDI).
“Our students and staff are part of a culture dedicated to working on the planet's biggest challenges from biosecurity to global economic development.”
Dr Clarke has a strong international reputation at the interface between environmental management, and industry and agency application, with a focus on applied science with impact.
He has authored more than 100 peer-reviewed papers, two books, 35 book chapters and over 100 reports to industry.
His publications have appeared in high-ranking international journals, and he has routinely served as a member of various industry, agency and conservation panels.
Outgoing MES Course Director Dr Susie Ho is the Faculty of Science Associate Dean International, and Associate Dean Graduate Education.
She has been instrumental in growing the MES course to a student cohort of over 300.
“Students come from over 50 different countries, and all disciplinary and professional backgrounds from music to engineering, law and beyond,” Dr Ho said.
“What draws us together is a desire to advance sustainability, in many different ways, and an openness to working with others.”
Dr Ho has attended several UN Climate Change Conferences (COP) providing support to MES students and helping them to become involved in intergovernmental meeting processes.
Dr Ho said although she would not be stepping too far away from MES she would now be focusing on her passion for master’s programs.
In a separate but related development Dr Misol Kim has been appointed to the newly created role of MES Course Coordinator.
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Silvia Dropulich
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T: +61 3 9902 4513 M: +61 435 138 743
Email: silvia.dropulich@monash.edu