A Charles Darwin University (CDU) academic has been recognised by industry, government and his peers as the Northern Territory’s leading professional engineer.
Head of School of Engineering and IT at CDU Professor Friso de Boer was named the Professional Engineer of the Year during the recent 2011 Engineering Excellence Awards Northern Division.
Professor de Boer’s significant contribution to growing CDU’s engineering student cohort from 40 students in 2003 to almost 400 students was recognised, as too was his continued lecturing efforts at Bachelor and Masters degree levels.
As chief visionary for CDU’s engineering discipline, Professor de Boer has expanded the courses available to include the Diploma, the Bachelor and the Masters of Engineering across Civil, Electrical and Electronics and Mechanical Engineering.
Engineers Australia Northern Division Director, Bronwyn Russell said Professor de Boer had demonstrated excellent people management skills and careful financial management, all of which were key competencies required of any engineering manager.
“Friso’s creativity and passion have made it possible to attract students from outside Darwin and overseas with the introduction of distance learning and courses that are relevant to make the school self-sustaining,” she said.
“He has convinced government and industry to support students with scholarships that enable study in Darwin, thus providing graduates for the future. He is an inspiration to the Northern Territory and his contribution will be ongoing.”