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The Director of the Graduate Research School is responsible for the operations, management and development of all facets of graduate research at the university. The Director plays a key role in building strategic domestic and international partnerships, growing research income, establishing industry funded PhDs and programs, and supporting the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in all areas aligned to the university's mission and strategy. The Director assists in the strategic direction of graduate research activities including policy development, program compliance, student data analysis, budgeting, marketing and staff management.
Michelle Lopez is the inaugural Director of the Graduate Research School. The Graduate Research School will be the central hub for all Higher Degree Research (HDR) activities at ACU. Michelle joins ACU from Monash University where she has had more than 20 years in senior management and leadership roles in research training, most recently as Director of the Monash Graduate Research Office.
As Director Graduate Research Office at Monash University, Michelle was responsible for providing University wide leadership and strategic oversight for all aspects of the centralised graduate research services, including student administration, planning and development, regulatory compliance, student and supervisor development, student experience, industry engagement and business improvement initiatives.
As Director Graduate Research School, Michelle brings extensive knowledge of the tertiary education policy framework in Australia, has significant experience in establishing and maintaining strategic partnership nationally and internationally and considerable operational and management experience in higher education.