Bio

Robert is a researcher, educator, and entrepreneur in Digital Humanities, working at the intersection of computer science, information & communication design, and social sciences. Over the last two decades he has founded several information systems platforms for research in human evolution, archaeology and anthropology, including the world’s first centralized platform for global rock art research The Global Rock Art Database, but also knowledge platforms Wikidemia.Info, and U&AI. With over two decades of experience in information networking, his recent work has shifted to focus on the development of digital tools that empower communities, promote environmental sustainability, and advance social equity.

Trained as an audio/broadcast engineer, Robert transitioned into intelligent information systems for the social sciences, earning his PhD at Griffith University in 2016. His doctoral research centered on information networking technologies, data ontology and human-computer interaction in machine learning applications in anthropology. He has since held research fellowships in Digital Technologies at Griffith University and Macquarie University, where he explored e-research capacity building, intelligent systems development for field based research, machine learning for projects in the social sciences, and use of AI in citizen science apps for improving STEM education outcomes in Indiegnous communities in Nrothern Australia, addressing the Closing The Gap and The Digital Divide agenda. Since 2015, his work has increasingly focused on addressing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), by leveraging the potential of innovative digital technologies aimed at promoting Quality Education, Well-Being, and Reduced Inequalities.

Robert currently teaches in Computer Science, Digital Technologies, Communication Design, Human-Computer Interaction, and Social Science. His lectures emphasise the practical application of technologies for societal benefit. His lectures often explore technological solutions for social impact design, addressing SDG challenges such as Poverty, Education, Climate Change, and Inequalities, fostering cultural understanding, community resilience, and environmental awareness.

Through his teaching, research, and consulting, Robert continues to explore how technology can address the complex challenges of our time and contribute to a more equitable and sustainable future.

Education

  • Doctor of Philosophy, School of Humanities, Languages & Social Sciences, Griffith University, 2016
  • Master of Arts & Media, School of Humanities, Languages & Social Sciences, Griffith University, 2009
  • Bachelor of Arts, Recording Arts / Audio & Broadcast Engineering (Honors), Middlesex University, 2004
  • Diploma of Audio Engineering, SAE Technology College, 2002

RESEARCH & TEACHING POSITIONS

  • Senior Lecturer – Computer Science, Media, Creative Industries, SAE University College, 2017-present
  • Research Fellow – Digital Technologies, Griffith Centre for Social and Cultural Research, Griffith University, 2021 – 2023
  • Lecturer – Research Skills, Open Universities, Griffith University, 2019 – 2021
  • Lecturer – Web and Visual Communication Design, School of Arts and Social Sciences, Southern Cross University, 2016 – 2021
  • Lecturer – Communication Design & Technology, Billy Blue College of Design, Torrens University, 2012 – 2020
  • Online Learning Advisor – Communication, School of Communication, Queensland University of Technology, 2018 – 2019
  • Research Fellow – Digital Technologies, Field Acquired Information Management Systems, Macquarie University, 2017
  • Research Fellow – Digital Technologies, e-Research Initiative, School of Arts, Macquarie University, 2016 – 2017
  • Doctoral Researcher, PERAHU, Australian Research Centre for Human Evolution, Griffith University, 2012 – 2016
  • Lecturer – Web, Canterbury TI, University of Southern Queensland, 2011 – 2012
  • Lecturer – Media Technologies, SAE University College (formerly SAE Institute), 2004 – 2012

ACADEMIC ADMINISTRATION

  • Unit Coordinator – Software Development Fundamentals, Dept. of Computer Science, SAE University College, 2024 – present
  • Unit Coordinator – Extended Reality for Social Impact Design, Master in Creative Industries, SAE University College, 2024 – present
  • Unit Coordinator – Intercultural Studies, Master in Creative Industries, SAE University College, 2024
  • Unit Coordinator – The Creative Economy, Master in Creative Industries, SAE University College, 2024
  • Unit Coordinator – Creative Futures, Master in Creative Industries, SAE University College, 2023 – 2024
  • Course Convener – Developing Research and Analytical Skills, Open Universities, Griffith University, 2019 – 2021
  • Unit Coordinator – Debates in Digital Culture; Social Media Storytelling, School of Communication, Queensland University of Technology, 2018 – 2019
  • Course Convener – Digital Media, SAE University College (former SAE & qantm College), 2005 – 2007

Corporate Experience

  • Founder, U&AI, 2024 – present
  • Founder & Director, The Global Rock Art Database, 2012 – 2024
  • Project Manager, Digitising The Deep Past, Griffith University, 2021 – 2023
  • Outreach Manager, Field Acquired Information Management Systems, Macquarie University, 2017
  • Knowledgebase Consultant, Computer Applications and Quantitative Methods in Archaeology (CAA), 2017
  • Founder, Wikidemia.Info, 2016 – 2024
  • e-Research Consultant, e-Research Initiative, Research Office, Macquarie University, 2016 – 2017
  • Executive Officer Information Systems, Academic & Corporate Services, SAE University College (former SAE Global), 2007 – 2012
  • Campus Manager, Brisbane campus, SAE University College (former SAE & qantm College), 2009 – 2010
  • Assistant Campus Manager, Byron Bay campus, SAE University College (former SAE & qantm College), 2007 – 2008

Panels and Advisory Boards

  • Course Advisory Panel for Computer Science, SAE University College, 2024
  • AI Advisory Panel for Common Core, SAE University College, 2024
  • e-Research Advisory Board, e-Research Initiative, Research Office, Macquarie University, 2016 – 2017
  • Session Co-Chair, Cultural Heritage Data Acquisition and Processing: UAV and Photogrammetry for CH survey, International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing Congress, Prague, Czech Republic, 2016
  • Academic Board, SAE University College, 2007 – 2012
  • Academic Board, qantm College, 2007 – 2008

Professional Societies

  • Rotary International, NextGen e-Club, 2023 – present
  • Computer Applications and Quantitative Methods in Archaeology (CAA), 2017 – present
  • CIPA Cultural Heritage Documentation, 2013 – present
  • Virtual Multimodal Museum, 2017 – 2024
  • Society for American Archaeology (SAA), 2012 – 2017

Other Services

  • Outreach Volunteer, The Street University, Ted Noffs Foundation, 2023 – present
  • National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Stand Up Paddle Board Instructor, SUP in Paradise, 2018 – 2023

Honors & Awards

  • Listed for Contributions to Data Ontology and Semantic Web Technologies, CIPA Ontology Task Group, 2016
  • Rock Art Scholarship, Griffith University, 2012
  • International Scholarship, Middlesex University, 2003
  • Certificate of Appreciation for Contributions to Library Services, SAE College, 2005

Students

Graduate and undergraduate research students under my supervision (current positions indicated in parentheses).

  • A. Rawson (Media Producer, AMR Production. Masters in 2024, SAE University College)
  • D. Ransley (Marketing Officer, ADM Systems Pty Ltd. Bachelor in 2010, SAE University College)
  • M. Okada (Adjunct Research Fellow, Griffith University, Digital Health Project Officer, Queensland Health. Bachelor in 2009, SAE Institute)

FUNDING

Over a quarter of a million Dollars raised for research in Information Science, Digital Humanities and Social Impact Design.

  • $7,000 The Street University Community Garden Project, Rotary District Grant, e-Club of Next-Gen, 2024.
  • $1,000 The Street University Facilities Upgrade Washing Facilities, Rotary Club of Griffith Gold Coast, 2024.
  • $60,000 Digitising The Deep Past: Machine Learning, Rock Art and Indigenous Engagement with 21st Century Technology, Vitalogy Foundation, 2023
  • $7,965 A Tactile and Virtual approach to understanding finger-flutings: Koonalda Cave, South Australia case study, Arts, Education & Law Group Research Grant, Griffith University, 2023
  • $120,000 The Global Rock Art Database, Rock Art Scholarship, Place, Evolution and Rock Art Heritage Unit, Griffith University, 2012-2016
  • $7,500 A collaborative, ontological and information visualization model approach in a centralized rock art heritage platform, Publication Assistance Scholarship, School of Humanities, Languages and Social Science, Griffith University, 2016
  • $2,000 A Radical Collaborative Approach: Developing a model for learning theory, human- based computation and participant motivation in a rock-art heritage application, Pre-Publication Conference Support, School of Humanities, Griffith University, 2016
  • $2,000 Developing a reference model for The Global Rock Art Database for rock art data management using the international CIDOC CRM and Australian rock art examples, Pre- Publication Support, School of Humanities School of Humanities, 2015
  • $25,000 Preserving Song: An Examination of the Development and Distortion of Indigenous Music in Australia, Honors Stipend, Middlesex University, 2003-2004

Certificates

  • Strategic Thinking, Project Management Institute, 2024
  • Ethics in the Age of Generative AI, Project Management Institute, 2024
  • Minimise Environmental Impact, Statement of Attainment for Certificate IV in Outdoor Leadership, Academy of Surfing Instructors (ASI), 2018
  • Artec Hand Held Laser Scanning Training, Artec 3D, 2016
  • ArcGIS DEsktop Certificate Course, Esri, 2014
  • Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAA), Southern Cross Education Institute, 2008

Licenses

  • Recreational Marine Driver Licence (RMDL), Department of Transport and Main Roads Queensland, Australia
  • Level 1 Stand Up Paddle Board (SUP) Instructor (Enclosed Flat Water), Academy of Surf Instructors (ASI), 2018
  • ASI Surf Water Safety Rescue Award, Academy of Surf Instructors (ASI), 2018