Sustainable Engineering and Technology Foundation Studies: Certificate of Higher Education

Lilian Martins da Silva

Hello, I am Lilian Martins da Silva and I have been at Roehampton since January 2024. I have a background in architecture and sustainable building technology, I have been practicing both for over 20 years in Brazil and in the UK. I have been responsible for delivering environmental design solutions towards net zero, working with design teams to provide innovative solutions at all design and planning stages in a challenging and fast-moving market. I have experience of working on a wide range of projects where I have integrated technical analysis and environmental policies into coherent recommendations and developed a strong consultative and client service approach. My areas of expertise include architecturally driven whole-life carbon strategies, environmental design, low-energy building design, daylight and thermal modelling, planning, and environmental certifications (BREEAM, LEED, and WELL).

I am a chartered engineer in the UK and a chartered member of CIBSE and a LEED educational programme reviewer. My role at Roehampton is to integrate sustainability into teaching to enable students to work on projects with real case scenarios. 

Mohanad Abobakr

Hello, I am Mohanad Abobakr, and I have been at Roehampton since June 2024. With a background in architecture, Façade Design and Construction, I have over a decade of experience as a healthcare architect and lecturer. My work has spanned globally, focusing on designing healthcare facilities such as hospitals, medical facilities, and various healthcare environments, where I have managed design and construction processes to foster a conducive environment for healing and well-being. This involves overseeing the construction of critical spaces in healthcare facilities and ensuring compliance with international standards.
In academia, I bring this real-world experience to the classroom, enriching students' learning with practical insights from my extensive project portfolio. My research is dedicated to integrating sustainable design principles into healthcare environments, in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. I explore innovative solutions, particularly in hygienic surface materials, to enhance infection control while minimizing environmental impact.
At Roehampton, my role is to infuse sustainability into teaching and learning, empowering students to confront real-world challenges head-on. Together, we are paving a path towards a greener, more resilient future.

Ourania Tsioulou

Hello, I’m Ourania Tsioulou, Senior Lecturer in Civil Engineering and I have been at Roehampton since July 2024. I am a civil Engineer, and I have extensive academic experience for over 10 years in various civil engineering departments across the UK.
My main research interests bridge the areas of rehabilitation and strengthening of existing structures, and the development of novel sustainable construction materials, with particular interest in a) replacement of cement with waste materials such as Pulverized Fuel Ash and b) replacement of aggregates with recycled materials such as recycled concrete, glass or rubber.
My role in Roehampton is to motivate students and ensure they gain the knowledge and develop the skills to investigate, define, and solve real world problems, identifying any constraints including structural, environmental and sustainability limitations, ethical, health and safety issues. My teaching is strongly linked with industrial experts and laboratory based activities, which enable students to visualize, understand and apply complex aspects of civil engineering discipline.

Jane Ballantyne

Hello. I am Jane Ballantyne, and I have been at Roehampton since July 2024. I worked in private practice in London for over 20 years before moving into higher education a few years ago. I am a Chartered Building Surveyor and a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (FRICS).

My main expertise is with existing buildings, in particular refurbishment, adaption and retrofitting; and building pathology which involves recognising and diagnosing defects, proposing solutions and implementing these. I hope to inspire students to appreciate the existing built environment which has a huge role to play in sustaining our future; from the social capital generated by historic buildings and the use of traditional building materials; to retrofitting buildings to reduce carbon emissions and adapting them to be more climate resilient. I am particularly interested in building conservation and retrofitting of traditional buildings. 

I bring my experience into my teaching, using authentic assessments and problem based learning, for students to develop the key skills they need in the workplace.

Felipe Mellado

Hello, I am Felipe Mellado, and I have been at Roehampton since August 2024. I worked in industry for a few years before moving to academia in 2015. I am a Construction engineer with an MSc in Construction management and a PhD in Civil Engineering (Construction Management).

My main expertise is in managing construction projects, sustainability, and innovation. I am eager to help students realise their potential and inspire them to significantly impact the built environment sector. Individual contributions can play a huge role in the country's economy, creating jobs and infrastructure for other industries.

I am particularly interested in sustainability in the built environment and construction management's role in reaching industry targets. I bring my experience into my teaching, using real-world examples and scenarios to prepare students for the challenges the industry faces.

Thadshajini Suntharalingam

Hello, I am Thadshajini Suntharalingam, Senior Lecturer in Civil Engineering, and I have been at Roehampton University since August 2024. My work has been largely focused on academia and I have academic and research experience for over 5 years in various civil engineering departments across the UK.
 
My expertise lies in advancing low-carbon concrete, 3D printed concrete structures, modular construction systems, and overall sustainability. My research is dedicated to developing innovative solutions for reducing the environmental impact of construction, including the optimization of 3D printing technology for concrete structures and exploring low-carbon and recycled materials. 
 
At Roehampton, my focus is on preparing students to meet the complex challenges of the construction industry, with a particular emphasis on sustainable engineering practices. I aim to provide experiential, hands-on practice through teaching that bridges theory with real-world application. Also to create a learning environment where students develop practical skills and insights to address future challenges in a rapidly evolving field and contribute to innovative, sustainable engineering solutions.

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