David Hastie

Dr. David Hastie is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Wollongong's School of Mechanical, Materials, Mechatronic and Biomedical Engineering, part of the Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences. He has been with the university since 1997, progressing from a Research Fellow (2005–2008) to Lecturer (2008–2016) and then Senior Lecturer (2017–present). His research focuses on bulk materials handling, belt conveyor systems, discrete element modelling (DEM), and engineering education innovation. He holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering (2010) and has authored over 60 journal/conference papers.

Dr. Hastie’s research interests include particle flow mechanics, segregation of granular materials, dust suppression technologies, and industrial applications of DEM. He leads the International Solids Handling Research Institute (ISHRI) at UOW and has contributed to projects like the ARC Training Centre for Innovative Composites and the AI Tutor initiative for engineering education. He received the A.W. Roberts Award (2019) and the OCTAL Award (2011) for teaching excellence.

• Education: BEng (Mechanical Hons), MEng (Research Hons), PhD (Mechanical Engineering) from University of Wollongong.
• Teaching: Leads courses in Engineering Fluid Mechanics, Solids Handling, and Mechanical Design.
• Grants: Over $5M in funding for projects including coal dust suppression and autonomous wool harvesting.
• Leadership: Conference chair for ICBMH 2016/2023 and executive roles in ASBSH and APTS.

His work bridges academia and industry, addressing challenges in bulk material handling, mine safety, and engineering pedagogy through interdisciplinary collaboration and advanced computational methods.