Malcolm Gillies

Dr Malcolm Gillies is a Senior Lecturer in Hydraulic Engineering and Irrigation at the School of Agriculture and Environmental Science, University of Southern Queensland. He holds a BEng and PhD from USQ. His expertise spans Surface Irrigation, Irrigation Modelling, Furrow Irrigation, and Hydraulic Engineering. He has held roles including Research Fellow at the National Centre for Engineering in Agriculture and Senior Research Fellow in Hydraulic Engineering.

Education:

• Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) from University of Southern Queensland
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from University of Southern Queensland

Research Focus:

• Optimization of water use efficiency in agricultural systems
• Automation and precision technologies in irrigation
• Hydraulic performance of irrigation systems
• Development of decision support tools for farmers

His work emphasizes automation of furrow irrigation, real-time monitoring systems, and cost-benefit analysis of modern irrigation practices.

Recent Research Trends: Over 15 years, his publications focus on advancing automated irrigation control systems, seepage loss mitigation, and improving surface irrigation efficiency in crops like cotton, sugarcane, and pasture. His studies bridge hydraulic engineering principles with practical agricultural applications.

Affiliations:

• Centre for Agricultural Engineering
• National Centre for Engineering in Agriculture

Teaching: Teaches courses including Irrigation Science, Water Resource Engineering, and Advanced Hydraulic Systems.