26 May 2020
We caught up with Carlo Gabriel, Lead Tutor in the Mechanical Engineering Department at the Southern Institute of Technology (SIT).
What is your role at SIT?
Lead Tutor, Mechanical Engineering Department of SIT
Why did you enter the world of academia?
Since I finished my degree in 2005, I entered the world of teaching. Then, when I moved to NZ in 2008, I worked in the industry and realised there’s always been a teacher in me. Thus, in 2017, I decided to go back to teaching to continue my calling of opening the learners’ eyes to a variety of perspectives, guiding them through the right path, inspiring them, and touching their lives.
What’s the best thing about teaching students?
The best thing about teaching students is you get to transfer knowledge and most importantly, you learn a lot from them as well. Seeing them succeed in their chosen endeavour and curve their respective niche is also very rewarding.
What would be your dream student project to supervise?
Given my comprehensive knowledge and background in power plant engineering, thermodynamics and renewable energy, I also want my students to endeavour on those fields.
Carlo Gabriel
How do you explain the Dublin Accord to your students?
I explain Dublin Accord to my students that it’s specifically focused on the mutual recognition of academic qualifications that underpin the educational base for Engineering Technicians. The Accord acknowledges that the educational base is a key foundation for practice as an engineering technician, in each of the countries or territories covered by the Accord (IEA, 2020).
It recognizes the importance of the roles engineering technicians play as part of a wider engineering team. It’s mindful that these roles are often termed differently within specific jurisdictions.
Why are you a member of Engineering New Zealand?
Being a member helps me to improve my professional, technical and personal competencies. Likewise, it opens an avenue for me to engage in more cutting-edge and forward-looking undertakings related to engineering.
How do you engage with Engineering New Zealand?
I work on different research projects and have them presented in the various forums to ensure that there will be an exchange of ideas.
What’s your favourite piece of engineering in Invercargill?
Industries that use renewable energy to supply the power demand in the industry and community –wind turbines and hydro-electric power plants are my favourite engineering pieces.
What do you do in your spare time?
With my family and do the things, I like the most, such as playing badminton and swimming, as well as reading and writing.
