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MrRob McHenry

Lecturer

Faculty of Science Engineering and Built Environment/School of Engineering

Orcid identifier0000-0002-7984-6855 (opens in a new tab)⁠
  • Lecturer
    Faculty of Science Engineering and Built Environment/School of Engineering
  • +61 3 522 73845 (Work)
  • Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus, 75 Pigdons Road, Waurn Ponds, Victoria 3216

BIO

I am a mechanical engineer, engineering educator, and engineering‑practice researcher with a decade of global automotive experience and a deep commitment to improving the authenticity and relevance of engineering education. Before joining Deakin, I worked at Ford Motor Company across powertrain development and integration, specialising in fatigue and durability testing, vibration analysis, experimental design, test development, and project management on global programs including the Global Ranger, Everest, Bronco, and Taurus and Escort for China.

 

I transitioned to academia in 2019 and began my PhD in 2022, investigating how cultural and contextual influences shape the sociotechnical practices of early‑career engineers — work directly informing my curriculum design, assessment leadership, and research‑informed professional practice teaching.

 

My unique teaching style is consistently well‑received by students, who regularly express appreciation for the time, effort, and care I invest in designing and curating meaningful learning experiences. They frequently acknowledge the value of the genuine industry connections embedded throughout my units, and my authentic, personable style of teaching that intentionally mirrors workplace behaviours, roles, and expectations. This alignment between real‑world practice and learning design is a deliberate part of my pedagogy, ensuring students experience engineering education that is credible, relational, and anchored in contemporary professional practice.

 

My work now focuses on engineering‑practice ethnography, early-career engineer capability development, industry‑embedded curriculum, and national initiatives supporting Australia’s transition to a clean‑energy engineering workforce.

 

My contributions to the field have been recognised at a National Level via invitation within the following groups and events as an active participant and contributor:

  • Australian Council of Engineering Deans (ACED) funded Engineering Futures Initiative (EFI) Consultative Group
  • Stakeholder group providing feedback to Engineers Australia on revisions to the National Competency Standard for Engineering and related accreditation/user‑guide materials
  • Observer, Engineers Australia Hydrogen Engineering Area of Practice – Hydrogen Engineering Competency Framework Sub‑Working Group
  • Executive committee member, Australasian Centre for Engineering Professional Practice Research (ACEPPR), a Special Interest Group (SIG) of AAEE.
  • Invited expert panelist, National Engineering for Society Capstone Showcase, AAEE Annual Conference Brisbane 2025

 

DEAKIN UNIVERSITY CURRENT APPOINTMENT

  • Lecturer
    Deakin University, School of Engineering

NON-ACADEMIC POSITIONS

  • Program Attribute Team Lead Engineer - Powertrain Noise, Vibration and Harshness
    Ford Motor Company of Australia Ltd, Powertrain Systems, Australia5 Jan 2015 - 1 Nov 2019
  • Test and Development Engineer - Powertrain Noise, Vibration and Harshness
    Ford Motor Company of Australia Ltd, Powertrain Systems, Australia1 Apr 2013 - 5 Jan 2015
  • Test and Development Engineer - Engine Systems
    Ford Motor Company of Australia Ltd, Vehicle Evaluation and Verification, Australia18 Jan 2010 - 29 Mar 2013
  • Cooperative Engineer - Engine Testing
    Ford Motor Company of Australia Ltd, Vehicle Evaluation and Verification, Australia7 Jan 2008 - 19 Dec 2008

DEGREES

  • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Engineering Practice & Education
    Deakin University, Burwood, Australia2 Sep 2022 - 7 Aug 2026
  • Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical and Manufacturing) Honours
    University of Melbourne
  • Bachelor of Science
    University of Melbourne
  • Graduate Certificate, Higher Education (Learning and Teaching)
    Deakin University, Burwood, Australia2 Mar 2020 - 30 Jun 2023

CERTIFICATIONS

  • Senior Fellow, Higher Education Academy
    Advance HE, York, United Kingdom19 Oct 2022 - present
    Recognition of my experience as a higher education professional who leads and influences teaching and learning, and supports others to improve student outcomes. This demonstrates my commitment to sustained, effective impact on academic practice at an institutional, and wider level.

FIELDS OF RESEARCH

  • Engineering practice and education

AREA/FACULTY

  • Faculty of Science Engineering and Built Environment

DEPARTMENT/SCHOOL/INSTITUTE/DISCIPLINE

  • School of Engineering