Robert Petersen

Dr Robert Petersen is a Lecturer in the School of Engineering at the University of Newcastle, specializing in Civil Engineering with a focus on corrosion, structural engineering, and materials science. He holds a PhD in Civil Surveying & Environmental Engineering and a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) (Honours), both from the University of Newcastle.

His career includes full-time research roles since 2008, with notable projects such as an ARC Discovery Project on masonry wall strengthening (2009–2011), a Water Industry study on cast iron pipe corrosion (2012–2018), and an ARC project on seawater steel corrosion (2018–2021). Current roles include a research associate position studying crevice corrosion in seawater (2020–2023) and a Chief Investigator on a new ARC project on calcareous seawater steel corrosion (2021–2023).

Research interests span corrosion mechanisms in marine and soil environments, structural integrity of civil infrastructure, and advanced materials like fiber-reinforced polymers. Notable awards include the 2019 Guy Bengough Award and the 2009 M.A. Hatzinikolas Best Paper Award.

Teaching responsibilities include courses on advanced structural analysis and steel design, delivered on a casual basis. Supervision includes current and past PhD students focusing on structural health monitoring and numerical sea state analysis. He is affiliated with the Centre for Infrastructure Performance and Reliability, contributing to infrastructure durability and lifecycle management initiatives.