ProfessorStuart Parsons

Stuart completed his BSc(Hons) and PhD in Zoology at the University of Otago before taking up roles at the University of Bristol and University of Auckland.

In 2014 Stuart moved to Queensland to take up the role of Head of School for Earth, Environmental and Biological Sciences at Queensland University of Technology. After 7 years at QUT he moved to the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) to take up the role of Dean of Science, Technology and Engineering.

Stuart has undertaken a number of significant strategic projects in his time as an academic leader. This includes the revision of degree curriculum, the development of new degrees at both undergraduate and postgraduate level, and accreditation of engineering and technology degrees.

He has also held leadership roles within key advisory groups and councils, such as the Australasian Council of Environmental Deans and Directors (ACEDD) and the Australian Council of Science Deans. As President of ACEDD, Stuart initiated a significant project to assist universities to integrate first nations knowledge into their curricula.

Stuart has also been a national assessor for the Sage Athena Swan (Gender Equity in Science Australia) program, Chair of UniSC’s Academic Board, and a member of the university’s Council.

Stuart’s research is in the broad area of sensory ecology and animal behaviour, with a focus on bioacoustics. Past outputs have covered topics as diverse as auditory anatomy, biological sonar, mating systems, and habitat selection in natural and modified landscapes. Although much of his work has focused on bats, he has also worked with insects, birds and whales.