An international expert in Artificial Intelligence (AI) who has worked at some of the world’s biggest tech companies has been appointed a La Trobe University Vice-Chancellor’s Fellow.
Dr Susan Zhang is a global tech leader and entrepreneur who has held leadership positions at Google UK, TikTok, Amazon and Canva, working in Australia, China and the United Kingdom.
Currently Head of Creative and EdTech, Digital Trade for the British Government based in Sydney, Dr Zhang recently completed her PhD in Computing and Information Technology at the University of Wollongong, receiving the Examiner’s Commendation for Outstanding Thesis about leveraging AI-powered Educational Influencers in Higher Education.
As a La Trobe VC’s Fellow, Dr Zhang will support the implementation and development of the University’s AI-first strategy, which sets a bold ambition to transform research, education, student support and business operations.
Dr Zhang said she was thrilled and honoured to be named a VC’s Fellow at La Trobe, which she said comes with great responsibility, particularly as the University leads the way on AI across the higher education sector.
“I’m beyond grateful for the trust instilled in my industry experience and ability to bring my EdTech research findings to reality at La Trobe,” Dr Zhang said.
“I look forward to working closely with the La Trobe community on adoption of the AI-first strategy, including the roadmap of customised responsive AI user journey for both teaching and learning staff, professional workforce and students on and off campus.
“La Trobe is setting a great example for institutions to consider the integration of GenAI in every level and every step within the community. I am confident and very much excited to be able to contribute towards the implementation of the AI strategy and make it future proof for incoming students and staff.”
La Trobe University Vice-Chancellor Professor Theo Farrell said Dr Zhang’s appointment, his first as VC, came at an important time for the University as it embarked on its bold AI Strategy.
“Dr Zhang is a global leader in technology and at the forefront of using AI to enhance and grow the higher education sector. La Trobe is fortunate to have her significant insights and expertise as a VC’s Fellow, which I’m sure will be felt across all facets of the University,” Professor Farrell said.
Dr Zhang has received numerous accolades, including the 2019 Australia China Alumni Association Young Australia China Alumni of the Year, and a Judges’ Commendation in the Australian Ambassador’s Award for Women in Leadership.
A published author, TEDx speaker and mentor for young entrepreneurs, Dr Zhang believes her research can play a key part in harnessing the capabilities of AI-driven education influencers at the intersection of e-learning technology and pedagogy Digitalisation.
Other Vice-Chancellor’s Fellows at La Trobe include leading public intellectual, Emeritus Professor Robert Manne AO, first La Trobe academic to win the Prime Minister’s Prize for Science Distinguished Professor Jenny Graves AC, and writer and activist, Professor Dennis Altman AM.
Media contact:
Charisse Ede – media@latrobe.edu.au, 0404 030 698
