Faculty

Professor John Evans

Pro-Vice Chancellor – Curtin Dubai

Professor John Evans has a PhD and Master of Science in Finance from the University of Illinois, and a Master of Business in Accounting from Curtin University.

Professor Evans has extensive international experience as an academic leader and business manager through his roles as Dean of Campus for the University of Wollongong in Dubai, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Curtin Malaysia, Director of Curtin’s Asia Business Centre and currently the Pro Vice-Chancellor of Curtin University Dubai.

Dr Khyati Shetty (PhD)

Head of School- Business and Arts | Dean – Teaching & Learning

Dr. Khyati Shetty, is a recipient of several teaching and Industry awards, including the Global Training and Leadership Award-2017, GCC Women Leaders Award-2017 and Top 100 Global Training & Development Minds-2018. With an experience of 11+ years in the industry, Consultancy and Academia, she specializes in the subjects of Strategy, Entrepreneurship, and Strategic Marketing. She is also an Executive Coach, Innovation Facilitator and Leadership Consultant to several Governments and has conducted 250+Executive Education Programs around the globe.

Her research interest is in the areas of Brand Personality and Women’s Entrepreneurship, and her sustained commitment to impactful research in Women and Leadership has led to her initiatives being recognized by the Diana Project-2018 and several leading journals and conferences.

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +971 42452572

Assoc. Prof Pon Selvan (PhD)

Head of School – Science and Engineering

Prof. Chithirai Pon Selvan obtained his Bachelors in Production Engineering, Masters in Computer Aided Design and Ph. D in Mechanical Engineering. He has over twenty years of experience in teaching, educational assessment, classroom management and student relations. He also has hands-on experience in designing & implementing practices in education sector including interactive and innovative trainings as well as educational content for engineering students.

Prof. Selvan has published 100+ research articles in international journals and conferences. He has been invited and honoured as key note speaker, session chair, resource person and technical committee member in various conferences in UAE, India, Thailand, Malaysia, UK, Germany & Italy. He joined Curtin University Dubai in July 2018 as Head of School of Science and Engineering after serving 7 years at Manipal University Dubai and 3 years at Amity University Dubai.

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +971 42452579

Shahra Jafar Ali

Head of School – Foundation Studies

Ms Shahra Jafar pursued a Bachelor’s of Science as a double major in Information Technology and Business Information System at Murdoch University Dubai, where she was elected as IT representative, and interned as Information Technology executive. At the conclusion of her studies, having achieved Vice Chancellors Academic Excellence Award for the year, she began her career with Transnational Academic Group as an Adjunct Lecturer teaching Computer Productivity and Mathematics for the Murdoch Dubai Foundation Program. With the opening of Curtin University Dubai, Shahra Jafar became the Program Coordinator for Science and Engineering- Curtin Dubai Foundation Program and Lecturer for Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Computer Productivity for the new campus and added curriculum development of Physics and Chemistry to her teaching portfolio while currently pursuing her Masters in Information Technology (Software Systems).

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +971 4 2452576

Dr Nidhi Sehgal

Lecturer – Management
School of Business

Dr. Nidhi Sehgal is a Lecturer in the School of Business. Post to her Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, she has completed Masters in Business Administration (Computer Aided Management) with specialization in Human Resource Management. She was the university topper and secured a gold medal. Further, she holds Masters of Philosophy (M.Phil) in Management, Advanced Diploma in Business Administration and Ph.D in Business Administration. She has also qualified National Eligibility Test for Lectureship conducted by University Grants Commission, India.

She is also a fellow of Higher Education Academy, UK. She has worked with prestigious government and private international universities in UAE and India. Prior to academia, Dr. Sehgal also holds rich industry experience. She has published research papers in the area of skill deficit, employability gap analysis and manpower supply. Her research interests lie in the area of Human Resource Management and Organizational Behaviour.

Email: [email protected]

Salih Ismail

Program Coordinator & Lecturer – Computer Science
School of Science and Information Technology

Mr Salih Ismail is a Lecturer in the School of Science and Engineering. He is currently pursuing his doctoral research in security of cloud computing. His research interests include Cyber Security, Internet of Things, Cloud Computing and Semantic Web. He graduated with a distinction in MSc Computer Systems Management from Heriot-Watt University. He received his BSc (hons) in Information Technology from University of Bedfordshire. Prior to academia he worked in the industry in various posts like IT Manager, Technology Officer, and Database Administrator etc. and sat on many advisory boards for tech startups. He has received various awards showcasing his Excellency in Cyber Security including the prestigious Dubai Electronic Cyber Security Innovation Award.

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +971 42452576

Mahesh Nagaraj

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

Mr. Mahesh Raj Nagaraj holds a Bachelors in Electrical and Electronics Engineering, and a Masters 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 & Neural Networks, Electrical Power Generation, Smart and Eco-friendly System and Maximum Power Point Tracking for Photovoltaic System. He has hands-on experience on installation of various engineering laboratories, He is a certified professional in PLC & SCADA, Basic First aid, Fire Warden and HSEM.

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +971 42452565

Mehroz Dilshad

Lecturer – International Business
School of Business

Ms Mehroz Dilshad holds a Master of Science degree (MSc) in International Economics, Banking and Finance from Cardiff University, UK and a Bachelor of Business Administration Honours degree (BBA hons) in Finance with distinction from Lahore School of Economics, Pakistan. She was awarded with a merit-based scholarship for four years when enrolled in BBA (hons). With over five years of teaching experience in higher education, she teaches subjects in International Business at foundation and undergraduate level in Curtin University Dubai. Mehroz has recently published four articles in finance and education discipline in International Business Research Journals. Being an economics, finance and banking graduate, Mehroz has also worked in banking sector for over one year to gain practical experience in this field. She is also currently pursuing Doctorate of Education (edD – thesis in Finance & Higher Education) from University of Liverpool, UK.

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +971 42452568

Sabiha Nuzhat

Lecturer – IT and Computer Systems
School of Science and Information Technology

Ms Sabiha Nuzhat holds a Master of Science in Information Technology (Software systems) with Distinction from Heriot Watt University, and a Bachelor of Science in Computing Science from Murdoch University. During her studies at Murdoch Dubai, she received the honour of being a Valedictorian, and was awarded the ‘Academic Excellence Award by DIAC’ (Dubai International Academic City) and the ‘Colonel S P Wahi Leadership Award’ for demonstrating outstanding leadership qualities. She has been teaching for more than 4 years to students of Undergraduate programs, mainly, object-oriented programming, databases, computer systems, system analysis & design and mathematics.

Sabiha also holds a certificate in Master of Business Administration from Edinburgh Business School – Scotland. Prior to teaching, she had been working in the field of marketing specializing in social media and web marketing. She was also responsible for various employee trainings at the organization and holds an ISO qualified auditor certificate from QA Technic.

Currently, Sabiha is pursuing Doctorate of Education (EdD) from University of Bath in UK. Her research is focused on the use of technology in education.

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +971 42452312

Jeya Kumar

Associate Lecturer – Mathematical Foundations Intensive
Curtin Dubai Foundation Program

Mr. Jeya Kumar has over 20 years of teaching experience. He has been an Instructor, teaching Mathematics at Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) in Al Ain for fifteen years. He piloted and pioneered an online web-based program called ALEKS (Assessment and Learning in Knowledge Spaces) at HCT. Prior to his lectureship at HCT Al Ain, he worked as a teacher, computer instructor and network administrator in Brunei. Mr. Kumar specializes in teaching Mathematics by incorporating elements of Computing.

He completed his first degree in Mathematics and Computing in the UK.  He also holds a Graduate Diploma in Secondary Education (Mathematics and Computing) from Curtin University, Perth, Australia. He then went on to complete his MSc in Education (Classroom Technology) from the United States.

During his career, he has presented at a number of conferences and workshops for academics and professionals.  Mr. Kumar has also published on, ‘Online delivery of Mathematics courses.’ Mr. Kumar currently teaches Mathematics at Curtin University Dubai.

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +971 42452580

Nick 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. Nick then moved to Dubai, managing several projects, including Expo 2020 Pavilions, helping them obtain their LEED Gold Sustainability targets.

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

Ajita Nayar

Adjunct Faculty

Ajita Nayar has a Masters in Microbiology and Environmental Science and is an Associate Fellow of the UK Higher Education Academy. She is an experienced lecturer with more than a decade and a half years of teaching both undergraduate and graduate students in Mumbai and Dubai. She is passionate about improving quality and adding value to Teaching & Learning practices and has been closely involved in curriculum & 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 that was 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 Programme and Under-graduate students.

Vidhi Agarwal

Adjunct Faculty

Ms Vidhi Agarwal has more than 10 years of experience in Education Management – teaching the subjects of Law, Commerce, Management and Ethics in UAE and India. Her previous work experience includes working as a Partner for an international law firm, providing expertise and specialist skills in the management and operation of the firm. Additionally, Ms Agarwal has performed contract analysis, related to investment funds and covenant quality assessments for credit rating agencies. With a Masters in Law, a Masters in Commerce, Diploma in Business Management, and a PGCertHE, Ms. Agarwal is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Business Management in a multi-disciplinary subject.

Ankit Kathuria

Adjunct Faculty

Mr Ankit Kathuria holds a Master of Business Administration degree in Marketing & International Business, and a Bachelor degree in Electrical & Electronics Engineering.

He has more than a decade of industry experience holding marketing & digital leadership positions at UBER, EMAAR, OLX & Make My Trip.

He has worked across international markets including Europe, Middle-East, South Asia & North America. He is the Founder & Managing Director of Solvetude Marketing Consultancy, which engages with businesses with a mission to help them devise their digital strategy & growth roadmap.

He has been awarded as one of the Most Influential Marketing Leaders by World Marketing Congress and also been listed in the Top 3 Digital Marketers in Ecommerce & Online Classifieds category by the Internet & Mobile Association of India. He has been invited and honoured as keynote speaker & panellist in various conferences in UAE, India, Germany & Thailand His article on “Emerging Role of Digital Marketing in Indian Market” has been published by the Consultant’s Review magazine. He also has multiple marketing campaign case studies published with Google, Facebook & Twitter.