Professor Zora Vrcelj is currently the head of Built Environment and Engineering at Victoria University, Melbourne. She obtained her B.Eng. (Civil) from the University of Wollongong and her Ph.D. in Structural Engineering from the University of New South Wales, Sydney. Her research has evolved from structural engineering, composite systems and structural stability into sustainable construction, circular economy applications, smart infrastructure, digital construction and engineering education. More recently, her work has focused on digital transformation, AI-enabled construction and project decision making, including the use of emerging technologies to improve construction quality, safety, resilience and professional practice. She has published extensively in high-impact international journals and has led numerous interdisciplinary research projects. Prof. Vrcelj is the chair of the AUBEA 2024 conference and has been actively involved in curriculum innovation, integrating sustainability and industry collaboration into engineering and construction education.
Dr. Yanni Bouras is a senior lecturer in the College of Sport, Health, and Engineering at Victoria University. He has been part of Victoria University since 2011, beginning his academic journey with an undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering before completing his Ph.D. in Structural Engineering. His doctoral research focused on the thermal stability of concrete and concrete-filled steel tubular arches. Dr. Bouras’ research interests extend beyond structural mechanics to sustainable construction, where he has initiated projects on developing building products incorporating recycled waste materials and evaluating infrastructure sustainability rating tools. His work contributes to advancing environmentally responsible construction practices. With extensive teaching experience across both the Engineering and Built Environment disciplines, Dr. Bouras has taught subjects including structural analysis and design, construction techniques and operations, land surveying, and building science. His expertise supports the integration of sustainability and structural performance principles in construction education.
Dr. Malindu Sandanayake is an associate professor in Built Environment at the College of Sport, Health, and Engineering, Victoria University. He is a chartered professional engineer (CPEng) of Engineers Australia and an honorary associate professor in the School of Civil and Infrastructure Engineering at RMIT University. Prior to joining Victoria University, he worked as a post-doctoral research fellow at RMIT University. His research expertise spans sustainable materials, green construction, life cycle assessment, Building Information Modelling (BIM), smart technologies in construction, and carbon-neutral construction. His contributions to sustainability research have earned him recognition as a finalist for the RMIT Award for Research Impact and the recipient of the 2022 Vice-Chancellor’s Award in the Sustainability category. Prof. Sandanayake has published extensively in high-impact journals, book chapters, and conference proceedings. He is an experienced research supervisor, with interests in BIM, circular economy applications in construction, sustainable management practices, and waste-to-value research.
