A seasoned Civil & Geotechnical Engineering Professional and Chartered Engineer with over 15 years of combined experience in Industry and Academia. Presently, I am engaged in Teaching and Research in Civil Engineering at WITT, New Zealand, while pursuing my research as a Scholar, at Massey University, focusing on Sustainability approaches towards Geotechnical Infrastructure in Road Networks. Previously, I held the position of Principal Lecturer and Program Leader in Civil Engineering at the School of Building and Civil Engineering, Fiji National University (FNU). Within the industry, I have actively contributed to various large-scale infrastructure projects in the oil & gas and steel manufacturing sectors. My roles have ranged from Project Management Consultant (PMC) Engineer to Geotechnical Design Engineer for Railway Siding Projects. I have played instrumental roles in the planning, construction, and execution of Railway Construction Projects, collaborating closely with stakeholders at all levels. My expertise encompasses the preparation and review of Geotechnical Reports, covering foundation design, settlement analysis, slope stability analysis, retaining wall design, and ground improvement works involving Granular Piles and Prefabricated Vertical Drains. Additionally, I possess a strong background in laboratory and field testing of soils, as well as the characterization of soils and pavement materials. I remain actively involved as a Geotechnical Practitioner, collaborating with Civil/Structural firms in Fiji. In academia, I have undertaken geotechnical consultancy projects alongside my teaching and research commitments. Moreover, I have a comprehensive understanding of the relevant AS/NZ/NZGS standards for Civil/Geotechnical Engineering, both in academic and industry contexts.
In academia, I possess teaching experience in Civil Engineering across different academic levels, including levels 7, 8, and 9, encompassing BE/BE(Honours)/ B.Tech/B.Sc/PGDip/PG programs. Additionally, I have fulfilled the role of Program Leader for Engineering New Zealand Accreditation (under the Washington Accord) for the BE (Honours) Civil Engineering program at FNU. My academic contributions are underscored by a noteworthy publication history, comprising numerous peer-reviewed articles spanning book chapters, conference proceedings, and journals. Furthermore, I have actively participated as a reviewer, keynote speaker, and member of international advisory boards for various Civil Engineering conferences globally.
My expertise extends to crafting successful external funding proposals within both Civil and Interdisciplinary fields. I maintain affiliations with several international and regional professional bodies/societies within the Civil and Interdisciplinary domains. Former President and Currently, I serve as the Secretary of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) New Zealand Group and hold positions as a steering committee member and Secretary at the Life Cycle Association of New Zealand (LCANZ). Additionally, I have been awarded an ERASMUS+ scholarship for the University of Valladolid, Spain, through Fiji's Staff Mobility Program, and proudly count myself among the alumni of IIT Roorkee.