DrMariana Paulino

Dr Mariana Paulino is a Mechanical Engineer, educator and academic leader whose work connects engineering education, industry engagement and applied research. She is a Senior Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering and Associate Head of School (Teaching and Learning – Student Experience) in Deakin University’s School of Engineering.

Mariana earned her undergraduate and master’s degrees in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Aveiro, Portugal, before obtaining her PhD in Mechanical Engineering at Deakin University, Australia. Her disciplinary foundations are in computational mechanics, finite element analysis and the constitutive modelling of engineering materials, with applications in advanced manufacturing, lightweight structures, crashworthiness and impact-protection systems.

Her academic practice is grounded in the view that engineering education is most effective when students engage with authentic problems, contemporary professional practice and the wider technological and social context of engineering. Her educational leadership focuses on strengthening curriculum quality, student transition and engagement, industry-connected learning, and the capability of academic teams to deliver inclusive and professionally relevant engineering education.

Mariana’s research uses computational mechanics to support innovation in advanced manufacturing. She works with industry and multidisciplinary research teams to understand material, manufacturing and structural behaviour and to translate engineering knowledge into improved processes, products and design approaches. A defining feature of her work is its collaborative and translational character, creating opportunities for students and early-career researchers to participate in meaningful, industry-connected research.

Mariana has held leadership roles at discipline and School levels, including Deputy Head of Discipline for Mechanical Engineering and Associate Head of School. Across these roles, she has focused on building collaborative cultures, sustainable systems and productive partnerships that enable educational and research impact beyond her individual contribution.

Her current work brings together engineering education, emerging technologies and professional practice, with particular interests in sustainable manufacturing and preparing students, academics and curricula for an increasingly AI-enabled engineering environment.