Emma Sparks

Professor Emma Sparks is a systems engineer with extensive experience in higher education and defence sectors. She currently serves as Dean and Rector at UNSW Canberra and holds multiple leadership roles at Cranfield University, including Director of Programme Portfolio Delivery, Deputy Director of Education, and Head of the Centre for Systems and Technology Management.

• BSc (Hons) in Sports Science and Osteopathy
• MSc and PhD in Systems Engineering for Defence
• Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching, Learning and Assessment for Higher Education

Her research focuses on systems engineering applications in defence, particularly human protection and performance, next-generation soldier systems, and military modernization programs. She has led initiatives like the 'Women in Defence' charter at Cranfield and collaborated on the Australian Soldier Modernisation Program, a $35 million combat capability enhancement project.

Professor Sparks is recognized among the UK's Top 50 Women in Engineering and is the first female Dean and Rector at UNSW Canberra. She has over 20 years of experience working with institutions such as the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (UK) and the Defence Clothing and Textiles Agency.