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Deputy Vice-Chancellor has eye for detail
Focusing on the detail comes quite naturally for the University of the Sunshine Coast’s new Deputy Vice-Chancellor Birgit Lohmann.
The Professor of Atomic Physics – whose research interests include experimental atomic and molecular physics and quantum dynamics – is settling in quickly as the person responsible for much of the day-to-day running of the University.
She became USC’s first female senior executive when she arrived in mid-February with a strong background in quality assurance and enhancement, teaching and learning, research, and developing collaborations between universities and their communities.
Professor Lohmann was previously the Pro Vice-Chancellor of Learning and Quality at the University of Adelaide, where she provided leadership in learning and teaching, and in quality assurance processes.
She said this work, in particular, had prepared her well for the job ahead at USC.
“I’m still fleshing out the parameters of my role, but my main emphasis will be on ensuring the academic activities of the University proceed without hindrance,” she said.
“My job involves making sure staff are supported in delivering the core business of the University – that is, teaching and learning, and research – and are brought along with the aspirations and the strategic goals of the University.
“It also involves ensuring the quality of our program offerings and that the student experience is retained at a high level.
“It is exciting to take up this role to help unlock the potential that this University has to further develop as a high-quality and well-known institution in Australia and internationally.
“USC needs to start seeing itself in the light of the next step, and that is becoming a bigger institution with more profile and more clout.”
Professor Lohmann grew up in Adelaide as the daughter of working-class European immigrants and, like half of USC’s current student population, she was the first in her family to attend university.
She said this gave her a keen understanding of how important it is for USC to provide support for students of lower socio-economic status.
“We want to increase access for our students and ensure that they have every opportunity to succeed here and leave with a quality education,” she said.
Professor Lohmann is internationally known for her research in atomic and molecular physics. She has produced more than 100 journal and conference contributions, and served on the scientific committees of many international conferences.
She gained her PhD in Atomic Physics at Flinders University in Adelaide, and has since worked at the Australian National University, Murdoch University, Griffith University and the University of Adelaide.
She plans to continue her adjunct roles with Griffith University’s Centre for Quantum Dynamics, and with the Australian Research Council’s Centre of Excellence for Antimatter-Matter Studies.
— Terry Walsh