Teaching and Learning

Professor Ammar Kaka

Pro Vice-Chancellor and Campus President

Professor Kaka before joining Curtin university, spent one year as the President of Applied Science University in Kingdom of Bahrain. Prior to this he served as the Provost and Vice Principal of Heriot Watt University Dubai, a position he has held since 2010. He led and grown the HWU Dubai campus to a student population of over 4000, 250 staff and a growing research culture.  Prof Kaka’s contribution to the transnational education in general and to the Dubai’s education landscape in particular has been immense.  Before this he spent 9 years at Heriot Watt Edinburgh campus and was involved in several senior roles including the Director of the MENA hub and the Director of Learning and Teaching. He was also the leader of the construction economics and management research group. 

He started his academic career at the University of Liverpool where he spent 9 years there as a full time faculty member of the Liverpool School of Architecture and Building Engineering.

Prof Kaka is also a Professor of Construction Economics and Management and has an international reputation for research on the planning, management, and control of construction projects. Author of more than 150 publications, he has held numerous funded research grants with impact demonstrated by the extent of citation and direct industrial application. He is a fellow of the RICS and member of the editorial boards of a number of international academic journals. He has supervised more than 30 PhD students to completion, many of which have developed into senior roles in governments, industry and academia.

Professor Chithirai Pon Selvan, PhD

Director – Research
Head of Faculty
Head of School – Science and Engineering

Professor Chithirai Pon Selvan has extensive experience in teaching engineering students and has worked in academia for over twenty-three years. He has published/presented more than 150 research articles in journals and conferences. He has been invited and honoured as keynote speaker, session chair, resource person, and technical committee member of various conferences held in UAE, India, Thailand, Malaysia, Germany, Italy, Australia, and the UK. His research interests are in the areas of machine design, optimization techniques, manufacturing practices, renewable energy, and engineering sustainable development. He is the approved supervisor of many universities including Curtin University, Australia to guide PhD scholars and has produced many PhDs. He is a member of many professional societies including SAE, ASHRAE, IMechE, ASME, EI, ASQ, and ISTE. He is also a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA), UK.

Prof Pon has received several prestigious awards in the UAE including the following.

• “Teaching Excellence Award (2013-2014)” from Manipal University, Dubai.
• “Dubai Award for Sustainable Transport (2017)” from Road Transport Authority (RTA), Govt. of Dubai.
• “Dr Kalam’s International Excellence Award for Education (2017)” from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Lovers Foundation, UAE.
• “Distinguished Conservation Project Award (2018)” from Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), Govt. of Dubai.
• “Alleem Sustainability Researcher Award (2018)” from Alleem Research and Development Centre, Sharjah.
• “Sustainability Ambassador Award (2019)” from Road Transport Authority (RTA), Govt. of Dubai.
• “Research Excellence Award (2020)” from Curtin University, Dubai.
• “TAG Founders Award – Academic of the Year (2021)” from Transnational Academic Group (TAG), Dubai.
• “Curtin Global Award (2022)” from Curtin Global, Curtin University.

Prior to joining Curtin University Dubai in July 2018, he served for 10 years in the UAE with Manipal University Dubai and Amity University Dubai.

Email: Pon.Selvan@curtindubai.ac.ae

Phone: +971 42452579

Professor Anitha Menon

Head of School – Psychology

Professor J Anitha Menon is a Professor of Health Psychology and holds PhD in Psychiatry/Health Psychology from University of Nottingham, UK and has garnered international acclaim for her impactful work in the field. For more than 30 years she has been actively involved in various researches and service related projects pertaining to areas on public interest. Prof Menon has made significant contributions to the psychological well-being of the youth, gender-based violence, mental health of marginalized and vulnerable population and the enhancement of communication skills among health practitioners. Her other research interests include: applying psychological principles in prevention and management of chronic illness with a special interest in enhancing quality of life of individuals with chronic illness; health related decision-making and adherence to treatment and stress management and yoga in enhancing physical and psychological well-being of adolescents.

She has also been involved in various national and international research projects and has been the team leader for several including DFID funded Development for Higher Education (DelPHE) partnership and NORAD funded Norad Masters program (NOMA), National Institute of Health (NIH), National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), to name a few. She successfully introduced a multidisciplinary Masters program in Clinical Neuropsychology at the University of Zambia, the first in the region.

Beyond her research and policy achievements, Prof Menon is a dedicated educator who has guided undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD students in their own education journey. She has led numerous research initiatives and serves on the editorial boards of leading journals, including the Health and Behaviour, Journal of African Social Research and the Journal of Psychology in Africa. Her academic portfolio includes over 250 publications and conference presentations.

Additionally, her exceptional work has earned her prestigious accolades such as the Labour Day Award for Innovation and Excellence from the Government of Zambia and the UK Alumni Award for Professional Achievement, Best Professor in Psychology from World Education Congress, Change Fellowship from International Congress of Psychology , Women Leadership Achievement Award from Women’s Leadership Congress, Most Influential Women in Business and Government CEO Global award- Education and Training- Country winner , Most Influential Women in Business and Government CEO Global Regional award- Education and Training- Regional winner, African Women Leaders and recently the Denmark Gunvald Award for Feminist Research and Service from International Council of Psychology.

Prof Menon has also previously served as visiting Professor at the American University of Sharjah, the Rochester Institute of Technology Dubai and and Professor of Psychology at the University of Zambia. Her extensive career includes academia, industry, and clinical practice, where she has made substantial contributions to research funding, faculty development, and the advancement of psychology.

Email: Anitha.Menon@curtindubai.ac.ae

Dr Nidhi Sehgal

Head of School – Business and Humanities

Dr Nidhi Sehgal is the Head of School of the School of Business and Humanities at Curtin University Dubai. She completed her PhD in Business Administration and is also a fellow of the Higher Education Academy, UK. She holds two master’s degrees: one in the area of Business Administration with a specialisation in Human Resource Management and another in Philosophy with a concentration on Management. She was the university topper and secured a gold medal for outstanding performance in her MBA. She has also completed an Advanced Diploma in Business Administration.

She qualified with the National Eligibility Test for Lectureship conducted by the University Grants Commission, India. She has worked with prestigious government and private international universities in the UAE and India and has a rich teaching experience of over a decade. Prior to academia, Dr Sehgal has significant industry experience. She regularly presents her research papers at conferences and publishes her research in reputed journals. She has published research papers in the areas of teaching and learning, human resource management, and marketing.

Email: Nidhi.Sehgal@curtindubai.ac.ae

Dr Bilal Siddiqi

Director – Learning and Teaching

Dr Bilal Siddiqi has experience in both academic and operational spheres. He has a PhD in literature from the University College of London, where he was recipient of a three-year scholarship. During his PhD, he edited a cluster of articles on Fyodor Dostoevsky entitled, ‘Rethinking Dostoevskii: Literature, Philosophy, Narrative’ with the renowned Slavonic journal, SEER. He also co-wrote the introduction for this cluster. He taught undergraduate and postgraduate courses at UCL and supervised undergraduate theses in literature. He is also a qualified schoolteacher, with a Postgraduate Certificate in Education from Oxford University. He has taught at various secondary schools in London and Oxfordshire, teaching English Literature and Language to students in between the ages of 11 and 18.

On the administrative and operational side, Bilal has worked predominantly in the media and education sectors, serving as Executive Director for Samaa TV, one of the premier news channels in Pakistan, and as a Marketing and PR executive and later manager at Murdoch University Dubai.

Email: bilal.siddiqi@curtindubai.ac.ae

Dr Naziha Ali Raza

Head – Student Success Centre

Dr Naziha Ali Raza has a Professional Doctorate (EdD) in Education from the University of Exeter, UK with a specialization in TESOL. Over the 20 years of her career, she has contributed to the fields of education and English language in the corporate and academic sectors. Dr. Naziha is also a consultant at the General Civil Aviation Authority in the United Arab Emirates. She has previously worked at Emirates Airline, UAE for 13 years as a Learning & Development Specialist and in Pakistan as the Director of Faculty Development at institutions such as Lahore University of Management Sciences (School of Education) and The City School Network, Lahore. Her specialisations include teacher/trainer development, research, English language skills, essential skills, academic writing, programme evaluation and training policy development.
In 2016, Dr. Naziha served as the President and Conference Co-Chair of TESOL Arabia, the largest teachers’ association in the Middle East. In 2012, she was awarded by HRH Shaikh Nahyan (then Minister of Higher Education) for her contributions to teacher development in the UAE. Dr. Naziha now actively volunteers in teachers’ associations such as TESOL International (Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages, USA), IATEFL (International Association for Teachers of English as a Foreign Language, UK) and SPELT (Society of Pakistan English Language Teachers). She also presents her research at the annual conferences of these associations. Her current research interests include translingual pedagogy, professionalism, Continuous Professional Development and evaluation.
Dr. Naziha has founded the Extensive Reading Foundation Pakistan, conducts voluntary teacher development in rural Pakistan and also reaches out to educators through her YouTube channel. Her recent publications include a co-edited a volume on English Language Teaching Research in Pakistan (Springer Nature, 2022) and a forthcoming co-edited work entitled, Testing, Assessment & Evaluation Research in South Asia.
In addition to academics, Dr. Naziha has a keen interest in the healing sciences and is a certified practitioner of Reiki, Crystal Healing and Access Bars. She is also a seasoned Toastmaster.

Email: Naziha.raza@curindubai.ac.ae

Professor Katerina Nicolopoulou

Adjunct Faculty – School of Business & Humanities

Prof Katerina Nicolopoulou joined Curtin University Dubai in February 2025, teaching on the MBA programme. Prior to joining Curtin, she held two Full Professorships (Professor of Entrepreneurship and Social Innovation at Strathclyde Business School, 2021 and Professor in Management at Edinburgh Business School, 2024). She has also held two Research Leadership roles, respectively, as Director of Research at the Departmental level and Deputy Director of Research for two global campuses at the School level.
Prof Nicolopoulou has been a Senior Enterprise Fellow at the University of Southampton, UK, a Research Fellow at INSEAD Business School, France, and has also held practitioner roles in Strategic Affairs and Planning, and Corporate Social Responsibility in the GCC for five years.

She is a Senior Fellow of Advance HE (SFHEA) and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (FRSA). She is also a Member of the Chartered Association of Business Schools (CABS) International Committee and has an ongoing interest in higher education global trends, as well as in strategies for supporting HEIs to stay globally relevant and impactful.

Prof Nicolopoulou has extensive teaching experience at MBA, MSc, DBA and PhD levels, in several countries. Between 2020–2023, she led the Research Group Global Socially Progressive Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Strathclyde Business School, with seven funded PhD students whom she supervised successfully (several completions), whilst concurrently also leading the development of the first three Global DBA cohorts from the GCC. She is an Associate Editor for the journals Gender, Work and Organisation, as well as the Journal of Social Entrepreneurship. She is also a Trademark Inventor and holds Invention Disclosures for innovative models of entrepreneurship development in diverse global contexts.

Her research interests include Social, Sustainability and Diversity frameworks of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, AI and Digital Entrepreneurship, Responsible AI frameworks with relevance to Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Business School Agendas; context-based theorising for Entrepreneurship and Innovation for diverse regional contexts, social science-based and interdisciplinary approaches in theorising entrepreneurship and innovation.

Prof Nicolopoulou has published in Human Resource Management (FT50 list), British Journal of Management, Journal of Small Business Management, R&D Management, European Management Review, Organisation & Environment, Business & Society, International Journal of Human Resource Management, and has edited seven journal Special Issues, including Entrepreneurship and Regional Development, European Management Journal, International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behaviour and Research, as well as six books with publishers such as E. Elgar, Routledge and Palgrave.
She holds a PhD and an MSc from the London School of Economics, UK, an LLM from Edinburgh University, UK and a BA (Hons) First Class, jointly with an Associateship (AKC) from King’s College London, UK.

Email: katerina.n@curtindubai.ac.ae

Dr Mahwish Anjam

Lecturer – School of Business & Humanities

Dr Mahwish Anjam holds her PhD in Management and her Master’s in Business Administration. She is also a certified corporate trainer with experience in delivering customised training. With over 21 years of experience as an educationist and corporate trainer, she brings strong communication, research, and administrative skills to her work. Prior to Joining Curtin University, she worked as an education manager and faculty member at various universities, including her last assignment as Dean of the College of Business at Al Ghurair University, Dubai. Her research interests include leadership, strategic management, HRM, and Organisational behaviour, with her articles published in various prestigious journals.

Email: Mahwish.Anjam@curtindubai.ac.ae

Dr Rex Bacarra

Lecturer – School of Business

Dr Rex Bacarra has received two PhDs. He graduated with a PhD in Management Research with concentration on Organizational Development and Human Resource Management at King’s College London, UK and another PhD in Philosophy at De La Salle University, Manila. He is also McGraw-Hill Education’s Digital Faculty Consultant for Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA)

He is a Noble Hero Awardee, the highest award given to an overseas Filipino by the UAE’s Philippine Consulate for excellence in the field and for his service to the community. The Khaleej Times profiled his story in an article entitled, “Dr Rex Bacarra: An Extraordinary Inspirer for Students”. He has been chosen as one of the 100 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf by Illustrado Magazine for 5 years in a row; interviewed by Abu Dhabi TV (ADTV) for excellence in the field of teaching; awarded as the “Outstanding Educator of the Year” by The United Federation of the Filipino-American Educators in New York, USA, August 2020; awarded with “Innovator of The Year – Education” during the XAGA Awards by Xpedition Magazine, 2019; awarded with “Educator of The Year” by The Filipino Times, 2019; Gulf News cited him as one the favorite and memorable teachers based on the interview conducted with former students.

He was invited by the United Nations and Heartfulness Organization as a speaker during the International Day of Peace, Dubai, UAE. He was also invited to give a leadership talk to the Joint Aviation Command of the UAE military in Abu Dhabi, and as a jury in the Global Pitch Competition consisting of several countries upon the invitation of the UAE’s Ministry of Economy.

Email: Rex.Bacarra@curtindubai.ac.ae

Dr Godwin Francis

Lecturer – School of Business

Dr Godwin Francis has been a dedicated Business Management Lecturer at Curtin University Dubai for over a year, specializing in Project Management. He holds a PhD in Business Management with research focusing on organizational resilience and preparedness against external disruptions. With more than 14 years of experience in the Higher Education industry, Dr Francis has held significant administrative roles, including leading the Board of Examiners at the British University in Dubai.

Dr Francis is passionate about fostering a dynamic and inclusive learning environment where students can thrive and develop resilience. His expertise includes software documentation, Microsoft Office, and team management. He is fluent in English and has working knowledge of several other languages.

Key Areas of Expertise:

• Project Management
• Organizational Resilience
• Higher Education Administration
• Research Consultancy
• Leadership and Emotional Intelligence

Notable Achievements:

• Published research on organizational resilience, corporate social responsibility, and green production practices.
• Developed and delivered comprehensive workshops on management, marketing, accounting, and economics.
• Successfully managed faculty administration, ensuring operational excellence and strategic development.

Dr Francis is committed to academic excellence and the continuous growth of his students and colleagues. He is always eager to connect with professionals and individuals who share his passion for education and leadership.

Palak Jagtiani

Lecturer – School of Business

Palak Jagtiani is an accomplished academician with extensive experience in teaching Law and Business courses for a decade. She has led courses on Business Law, Fundamentals of Marketing and Economics, Company Law, Banking Law, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Criminology and allied courses to both undergraduate and graduate students. Her expertise includes subjects such as Commercial Laws focusing on Taxation Law.  Palak is dedicated to fostering interdisciplinary learning environments and personalized mentorship, significantly contributing to the professional growth and development of her students. Her commitment extends beyond academics, aiming to build enduring careers and well-rounded professionals.

Dr Vimi Jham

Lecturer – School of Business

Dr Vimi Jham is passionate and versatile educationist in Management with specialization in Marketing, with nearly three decades of extensive teaching, training and research experience along with extensive experience of heading the academic administration. She has taught courses at Masters, Executive Masters  and Bachelors level at Indian, Middle Eastern, Australian , Mexican and European Universities. She is an affiliate of Harvard Business School, Boston, USA and holds a PhD from Aligarh Muslim University, India. Dr Jham’s research examines consumers behaviour among different cultures, artificial Intelligence, sustainability, relationship marketing practices and its application in different sectors with focus on satisfaction, quality and social media. Having conducted training programs for corporates, she has published research papers in Scopus/ ABDC journals of academic repute, magazines, published case studies and authored books.

Yassine Sassi

Lecturer – School of Business

As a lecturer at Curtin University, I specialize in User Experience (UX) for business. With a background in marketing, management, digital media, and creative production design, I have focused my career on blending innovative design with effective business strategies.

I have led marketing campaigns and optimized digital content strategies, earning recognition in the field. My expertise spans digital media management and creative production & startup founding, benefiting both academia and industry.

As an educator, I am dedicated to creating a learning environment that emphasizes critical thinking and practical application. I prepare students for success in their careers by equipping them with the necessary tools and critical skills to meet the ever-evolving industry standards. Additionally, I emphasize the importance of emotional intelligence to sharpen their perspectives in UX and digital marketing. My commitment to mentorship and academic excellence aims to inspire and shape future professionals.

Rasha El Khatib

Lecturer – School of Business

As a lecturer at Curtin University, I specialize in User Experience (UX) for business. With a background in marketing, management, digital media, and creative production design, I have focused my career on blending innovative design with effective business strategies.

I have led marketing campaigns and optimized digital content strategies, earning recognition in the field. My expertise spans digital media management and creative production & startup founding, benefiting both academia and industry.

As an educator, I am dedicated to creating a learning environment that emphasizes critical thinking and practical application. I prepare students for success in their careers by equipping them with the necessary tools and critical skills to meet the ever-evolving industry standards. Additionally, I emphasize the importance of emotional intelligence to sharpen their perspectives in UX and digital marketing. My commitment to mentorship and academic excellence aims to inspire and shape future professionals.

Dr Mohita Shrivastava

Lecturer – School of Psychology

Dr Mohita Shrivastava, PhD, is a neuroscientist and founder and CEO of the Cognitome Program, Cognitome LLC, Dubai. She holds a PhD in neuroscience from the Neurosciences Centre, AIIMS, New Delhi, India, and completed her PhD research training at Kansas University Medical Centre, Kansas, USA.

She holds two master’s degrees—one in biomedical sciences from Dr BR Ambedkar Centre for Biomedical Research, University of Delhi, and another in applied clinical psychology from Annamalai University. She also holds an advanced postgraduate diploma in applied neuropsychology from the University of Bristol, United Kingdom. Additionally, she has completed a refresher skill enhancement training on “fMRI in Neuroscience Research” organised by MGH Athinoula Martinos Centre for Brain Imaging, Boston, USA.

Dr Shrivastava has undertaken didactic training in EEG/QEEG conducted by STS Inc., United States, as well as Phase 2 practicum training and mentorship requirements in EEG/QEEG, along with didactic and practicum training in neurofeedback from Successful Practitioner and InMindOut, San Antonio, Texas, USA.

With more than a decade of experience, she has been actively involved in neuroscience and neuropsychology teaching, research, therapeutics, projects, and outreach. She serves as an editorial board member for internationally recognised neuroscience journals and is an active member of several esteemed international neuroscience societies.

Throughout her career, Dr Shrivastava and the Cognitome Program have received numerous awards and accolades for their contributions. She has published peer-reviewed articles in international journals and written mental health columns for leading newspapers and magazines, including Khaleej Times (UAE’s national daily), WKND Magazine, and Passion Vista Global Magazine.

Dr Mahalakshmi Satyanarayana

Lecturer – School of Psychology

Mahalakshmi S, a PhD scholar at IIT Hyderabad, has submitted her thesis and is awaiting graduation. Her research explores the lived experiences of individuals with chronic pain, using narratives and patient stories to understand its impact on daily life, medical interactions, and coping strategies. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges anthropology, psychology, and medicine, aiming to enhance patient care and healthcare narratives.

As part of her academic journey, Mahalakshmi was a Commonwealth Fellow at the University of Edinburgh, UK, where she engaged with interdisciplinary perspectives on health and well-being.

With two years of teaching experience at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, she is passionate about teaching and discussing research. Her academic journey includes both teaching and non-teaching roles, enriching her expertise and strengthening her ability to convey complex concepts to diverse audiences. As an adjunct faculty member, she teaches qualitative research methodology, social psychology, and individual differences to psychology students at Curtin University Dubai.

Dr Khym Isaac De Barros

Lecturer – School of Psychology

Dr Khym Isaac De Barros’s work with college students began when she was a student at Lehman College of the City University of New York. She was trained to help students overcome the challenges of college writing, and quickly realised that doing so also required a responsive sensitivity to a variety of other issues, such as learning disabilities, financial difficulties, and emotional challenges, that could hinder academic success.

To develop a more holistic approach to academic services, Dr De Barros became an Assistant Counsellor in the SEEK (Search for Education, Elevation, and Knowledge) program, then went on to earn an MA and Ed.M. from Columbia University’s Teachers College. She later earned a doctorate in counselling psychology with a specialisation in multicultural counselling from Indiana University, Bloomington.

While at Indiana University, in her pursuit of understanding the academic, counselling, student services nexus, she served as a Financial Aid Counsellor for both the Office of Admissions and the Kelley School of Business, and supervised a team of graduate counsellors invited to provide additional support at a local middle school.

As a Staff Psychologist at Colgate University, Dr De Barros played a key role in establishing effective student-centred initiatives such as the First Year Adjustment Group Program and the Sophomore Non-Traditional Student Retention Program. At the State University of New York at Oswego, she built a successful collaboration between the University Counselling Center and the McNair Scholars Program, allowing for personalised interpersonal counselling, supervision of students’ thesis research, and academic conference preparation.

In her leadership roles as Director of Counselling and Student Development at Bridgewater State University and Assumption College, Dr De Barros directed counselling teams and facilitated multicultural and sensitivity training for campus staff, including campus police and residential life staff. She has also taught at several U.S. universities, including the City College of the City University of New York, Ivy Tech State College, Indiana University, Bloomington, and Liberty University.

Most recently, she served as a Visiting Assistant Professor at the American University of Sharjah. She is also the founder of the Paget T. & Sylvia G. Isaac Research Institute. Her research focuses on mood disorders (anxiety and depression), interpersonal relationships, cross-cultural help-seeking behaviours, the psychotherapy process, and multicultural counselling competence and assessment.

Dr De Barros is currently mentoring 14 research assistants, providing them with research opportunities, graduate school advising, and academic mentorship. Her work has been presented at major conferences including the American Psychological Association, the British Psychological Society, the Emirates Society of Mental Health, the International Psychology Conference Dubai, and the Society of Psychotherapy Research.

She also presented at Curtin University’s flagship research event, the International Conference on Innovation, Sustainability and Applied Sciences, where she and her team received the Best Presenter Award in the Advances in Mental Health and Well-being category.

Her published work appears in Counselling American Minorities and Women and Therapy. Dr De Barros joined Curtin University in January 2025 as an Adjunct Lecturer in both the Foundations Program and the School of Psychology.

Dr Benita Christopher

Program Coordinator – IT & Computing

Dr Benita Christopher is a dedicated and accomplished academic with a passion for Computer Science and Engineering. With over a decade of experience in both teaching and leadership roles, she has made a significant impact in the educational sector, particularly within the UAE and international academic communities. Dr Benita Christopher holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science from Mother Teresa Women’s University and has consistently excelled in her academic pursuits including a University Gold Medal for her MCA and a top-five ranking for her ME in Computer Science Engineering.

Throughout her career, Dr Benita Christopher has been actively involved in curriculum development, student mentoring, and research initiatives. She has designed and delivered high-quality academic programs, especially in the fields of Artificial Intelligence, Data Structures, and Database Management, and has guided students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. She is particularly passionate about fostering industry collaboration, having forged partnerships with major global companies. Dr Benita Christopher has also organized numerous workshops, seminars, and industry visits to enhance the learning experience for her students, exposing them to real-world technologies and practices.

In addition to her teaching, Dr Benita Christopher has made notable contributions to research and innovation. Her research interests are reflected in her patents, publications, with several journal papers and books to her name, including titles on Operating Systems, Digital Image Processing, and Advanced Database Management Systems. Her work in artificial intelligence, particularly in medical imaging, has the potential to drive significant advancements in healthcare technologies.

Dr Benita Christopher is also a respected reviewer for top journals, including Wiley (IMA), and has served as an external examiner for Ph.D. theses. Her contributions to academic conferences, staff development programs, and student activities have made her a well-rounded and highly respected figure in her field. She continues to inspire her students and colleagues through her commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and innovation.

Email: Benita.Veronica@curtindubai.ac.ae

Bhavika Prakash Khetani

Lecturer – Cyber Security
School of Science and Information Technology

Bhavika Khetani is a distinguished professional with a solid academic background, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems and Management from Manipal University, and a Master’s degree in Cybersecurity and Penetration Testing from Middlesex University. Her exceptional academic journey includes earning distinction for her thesis, a testament to her commitment to excellence. Bhavika was honoured to be invited to participate in a panel discussion event, where she provided valuable insights into thesis and research programs, further solidifying her reputation as an expert in the field.

As a Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) and Certified Information Security Consultant (CISC), Bhavika embarked on her professional career as a Teaching Assistant in Cybersecurity at Zayed University. In this role, she conducted engaging ethical hacking labs, developed vulnerable machines, and orchestrated numerous Capture The Flag (CTF) competitions, having over 300 students. Throughout her academic pursuits, Bhavika seamlessly balanced her roles, serving as an Adjunct Lecturer at Manipal University and Murdoch University.

Her dedication to education extended beyond the classroom, as she imparted knowledge to both Bachelor’s and PG Diploma students. Bhavika’s teaching philosophy centres around cooperative learning approach where she makes her classes not only informative but also enjoyable and interactive. Her passion for creating a dynamic learning environment reflects in her commitment to fostering a love for cybersecurity among her students.

Email: Bhavika.Khetani@curtindubai.ac.ae

Mahesh Nagaraj

Lecturer – Physics Foundations, Electrical Systems, Lab Electronics
School of Science and Engineering

Mahesh Raj Nagaraj holds a Bachelor’s in Electrical and Electronics Engineering, and a Master’s in Computer Applications in Industrial Drives in Electrical Engineering, for which he secured a university gold medal. He has over 8 years of experience in teaching and student relations. His research interests are in the areas of Nano Technology; Artificial Intelligent and Neural Networks; Electrical Power Generation; Smart and Eco-friendly System; and Maximum Power Point Tracking for Photovoltaic System. He has hands-on experience in the installation of various engineering laboratories and is a certified professional in PLC and SCADA.

Email: Mahesh.Nagaraj@curtindubai.ac.ae

Phone: +971 42452565

Dr Assem Al-Hajj

Lecturer – School of Science and Engineering

Dr Assem Al-Hajj is a highly experienced leader in the education and training sector, with over 30 years of expertise. He is currently the CEO and Director of Project Perfect Professional Practices FZ-LLC, UAE, and Life Long Learning Consultancy Ltd, UK. He is a certified trainer with the Middle East Facilities Management Association (MEFMA), an approved academic tutor with Curtin University and the International American University in Los Angeles, and a partner of eAcademy-UK.

Previously, he served as CEO of Khawarizmi Holding Company (KHC) and President of Khawarizmi International College, Abu Dhabi, UAE. He was also the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Development at Applied Science University, Bahrain. In 2006, he established the School of the Built Environment at Heriot-Watt University Dubai, where he became its Academic Head and Director of Research. Before that, he spent 13 years at Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, UK. His international experience includes serving as Programme Director for the Shell Intensive Training Programme in Nigeria and Senior Project Director for the Petroleum Training Institute Upgrade Project, Warri, Nigeria (2000–2005).

Dr Al-Hajj has published over 80 scientific articles, accumulating more than 1,000 citations and 80,000 reads, and has spoken at over 100 international and regional industry events. He is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy in the UK (SFHEA), a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Building (FCIOB), a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (FAIQS), and a member of the Lebanese Order of Engineers and Architects. He was recognised by FM Middle East magazine as one of the 50 most influential professionals in the facilities management industry in the Middle East. In 2013, he won the MBM Research and Teaching Award at the Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors’ Infinite Value Awards in Sydney, Australia.

In addition to his academic and industry contributions, Dr Al-Hajj has provided leadership coaching and training for executives and has over five years of experience in commercial construction projects.

Dr Rashmi Rani

Lecturer – School of Science and Engineering

Dr Rashmi Rani has an impressive academic background and extensive research experience. She is a practice-oriented academic with broad academic experience in the areas of applied and engineering mathematics. She holds a PhD with specialisation in applied mathematics from Magadh University and master’s degrees in mathematics and computing from ISM, Dhanbad, India. She was awarded a gold medal and the Best Girl Student award during her master’s degree programme.

Dr Rashmi’s research interests are related to BCK/BCI algebras, project-based learning, data mining, sampling theory, and optimisation techniques. In addition to teaching applied mathematical courses, she is also dedicated to community development and engagement.

Dr Clifton Stephen

Lecturer – School of Science and Engineering

Dr Clifton holds a PhD in Materials Engineering. His research interests include Advanced FRP composites, Impact-resistant materials, Composites and Nano-composites for Ballistic applications. He has published numerous research articles in leading Scopus-indexed scientific journals and presented in various national and international conferences. He has over five years of experience teaching engineering students in the UAE. He holds a Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering and Masters in Manufacturing Engineering and Technology.

Prior to joining Curtin University, he worked at Manipal University – Dubai as Research and Teaching Associate. He was part of successful engineering research and development projects funded by ASHRAE – USA and R&D Program of Manipal University, Dubai. Apart from academia, he also has over three years of industry experience having worked as an Environmental Auditor with a leading Green SME based in Dubai.

Email: Clifton.Stephen@curtindubai.ac.ae

Shahra Jafar Ali

Head of School – Foundation Studies

Shahra Jafar was the recipient of the Vice Chancellor’s Academic Excellence Award and the Colonel SP Wahi Leadership Award during her time as a student pursuing a double major in Information Technology and Business Information Systems at Murdoch University Dubai.

During her time as a student, she began her career with Transnational Academic Group as an Adjunct Lecturer teaching Computer Productivity and Mathematics in the Foundation Program. At Curtin University Dubai, Shahra Jafar started as the Unit Coordinator and Lecturer for Mathematics and Computer Productivity, where she contributed towards the curriculum development of Physics and Chemistry in addition to her teaching portfolio. She has completed her Masters in Information Technology (Software Systems) from Heriot Watt University and is currently the head of Foundation Studies at Curtin University Dubai. Shahra is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, UK.

She is simultaneously pursuing her PhD with Curtin University, focusing on Artificial Intelligence.

Email: Shahra.Jafar@curtindubai.ac.ae

Phone: +971 4 2452576

Shelley Lawson

Lecturer – Curtin Dubai Foundation Program

Shelley Lawson was an English Language teacher for more than twenty years at higher education institutions in Germany, South Korea, KSA, and the UAE and she now works as a lecturer in the School of Business and Humanities at Curtin University Dubai.

She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design, a Master’s in Media and Culture, and a Master’s in English Language and Applied Linguistics. She is currently conducting her PhD research into the credibility of personal stories on Twitter, and her other research interests include second language acquisition, culture, social media, and critical discourse analysis.

Shelley regularly presents at conferences and publishes her research, but still considers the most important and rewarding aspect of her job to be the teaching itself.

Email: Shelley.Lawson@curtindubai.ac.ae

Ajita Nayar

Lecturer – Curtin Dubai Foundation Program

Ajita Nayar has a Master’s in Microbiology and Environmental Science and is an Associate Fellow of the UK Higher Education Academy. She is an experienced lecturer with more than 15 years of teaching both undergraduate and graduate students in Mumbai and Dubai. She is passionate about improving quality and adding value to Teaching and Learning practices and has been closely involved in curriculum and assessment design for undergraduate students. In addition to lecturing, she was also the Academic Counsellor and Institutional Effectiveness Coordinator at the American College of Dubai.

Ajita Nayar is also a qualified Project Management Professional (PMP) and has managed International Educational for Sustainable Development (ESD) projects for the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF) in the UAE and Qatar which were adjudged by UNESCO as one of the five Best Practices in the Arab region. She was invited by UNESCO to present her project design and activities at the World Conference on ESD in Nagoya, Japan. She has represented the UAE in numerous international gatherings on Education for Sustainable Development in Norway, Scotland, Malta, Poland, Macedonia, Sweden, and Morocco, and is a regional member of the Commission on Education and Communication of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Ajita Nayar joined Curtin University Dubai in January 2018 and teaches Mathematics and Introduction to Statistics to the Foundation and Undergraduate students.

Email: Ajita.Nayar@curtindubai.ac.ae

Nicholas Brown

Teaching and Learning Coordinator and Associate Lecturer
Curtin Dubai Foundation Program

Nicholas Brown is the Teaching and Learning Coordinator at Curtin University Dubai. He teaches courses within the University’s Foundation program, focusing on areas such as Critical Thinking and Project Management.

Born in the United Kingdom, Nick graduated with a BEng (Hons) in Architectural Engineering in Edinburgh and began his career as a Mechanical Building Services Engineer. Nicholas then moved to Dubai, managing several projects, including Expo 2020 Pavilions, helping them achieve their LEED Gold Sustainability targets.

As the Teaching and Learning Coordinator, Nicholas supports students with understanding the types of academic writing, tips and tricks on paraphrasing, referencing, and understanding what credible sources are when writing assignments.

Email: Nicholas.Brown@curtindubai.ac.ae

Liz Antonette Dacalan

Associate Lecturer – Curtin Dubai Foundation Program

Liz Antonette Dacalan holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Science Teaching Major in Mathematics from University of the Philippines. Currently, she is committed to advancing her expertise in the realm of education and pursuing a Master of Education (MEd) program at Murdoch University Dubai

She has amassed over 13 years of experience in teaching Mathematics that extends to fostering positive relationships with parents and students, effective classroom management and implementing impactful assessment strategies. In addition to her teaching portfolio, she has had the opportunity to teach Mathematics to students with special learning styles and needs (e.g. ADHD/ADD, Autism, Dyslexia). She joined Curtin University Dubai in January 2024 and worked previously in an international school in Dubai for 6 years.

Email: Liz.Dacalan@curtindubai.ac.ae

Ann Mary Alex

Lecturer – Curtin Dubai Foundation Program

Ann Mary Alex holds a Master’s degree in Botany from Mahatma Gandhi University. Her academic journey has been complemented by both teaching and non-teaching roles, experiences that have deepened her understanding of her field and enhanced her ability to effectively communicate complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences.

Throughout her career, she has actively sought opportunities to apply her knowledge in practical settings. These experiences have equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of how theoretical concepts translate into real-world applications, enriching the learning experience for her students.

As an Adjunct Lecturer, Ann Mary Alex prioritizes creating an engaging and inclusive learning environment, motivating students to explore the intricacies of Life Science (Biology). Her teaching philosophy centers around fostering critical thinking and independent inquiry, skills essential for future scientists and healthcare professionals.