Together, they are designing the Institute’s interdisciplinary education, research, and engagement and events program.
They’ll equip learners with the knowledge and skills to contribute to a regenerative future, amplify our impact, and advance global change.
Chris Speed is Professor of Design for Regenerative Futures at RMIT. Chris has deep experience in using collaborative methods, with a wide variety of communities and partners, to co-create imaginative, interdisciplinary, and inclusive organisational movements. Previous Directorships include the Edinburgh Futures Institute, and the Institute for Design Informatics, both at the University of Edinburgh.
Angel Zhong is Professor of Finance at RMIT. Angel leverages empirical research and industry partnerships to advance financial markets literacy, investor behaviour insights, and sustainable finance practices. Her leadership roles include Interim Head of Department (Finance), Deputy Dean (Research & Innovation) at RMIT and the Financial Research Network.
Oliver Jones is Professor of Chemistry at RMIT. Oliver is a multi-award-winning educator and researcher, focusing on analytical, biological, and environmental chemistry, and the public understanding of science. His previous roles include Higher Degree by Research Manager, Discipline Leader, and Department Head.
Diane is a social impact specialist with over a decade of experience leading complex, collaborative projects. She has expertise in lived experience approaches, and integrating research, policy and practice to drive systemic change. Diane is a firm believer in our shared responsibility to create a thriving future, and in the capability of communities to foster change.
Hannah is an experienced educator and curriculum leader with expertise in online education, interdisciplinary design, academic governance, and compliance. With a strong STEM and equity-focused background, she leads collaborative educational initiatives. Hannah is passionate about education that equips learners to address complex future challenges.
Kirsten Black has more than 20 years of experience transforming higher education through evidence-based pedagogy design. She is an award-winning leader of major university transformation projects at RMIT, Victoria University, and UNSW. Kirsten has deep expertise in collaborative methods and emerging educational technologies.
Bonnie is a researcher, writer and educator whose work explores the intersections of technological and ecological systems. She holds a Master of Science in Synthetic Landscapes from the Southern California Institute of Architecture and has conducted a research fellowship on AI and Philosophy. Bonnie leads design research studios in landscape architecture at RMIT.
Our External Advisory Board is a team of high-calibre individuals whose diverse leadership, experience, and insights will help shape the direction and impact of the Regenerative Futures Institute.
Stacey is a proud Gunggari women from south-west Queensland. For over 30 years, she has been a leader in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander affairs, especially in education. In 2025, she received an Order of Australia Medal for her service to the Indigenous community and netball. Stacey worked as a senior executive in Indigenous affairs in the Australian public service for more than 25 years. She has driven change through government policy and programs, and in organisations focused on systems change. She advocates for the self-determination and agency of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. (Photo: ABC News, Crystalyn Brown)
Kate is a strategic leader with 20 years of experience in entrepreneurship, urban development, and sustainability. As Executive Director of the UN Global Compact Network Australia. she leads the world’s largest initiative for making business more sustainable and responsible. With over 15 years on boards and advisory groups, Kate has a strong understanding of governance, risk, and strategic oversight. Her achievements include building a circular economy business and leading significant precinct redevelopments. Kate graduated from the Harvard Executive Education for Sustainability Leadership program and is pursuing an Executive MBA.
Amanda is an expert in innovation and strategy. She has over 20 years of experience in digital, communications and professional services. She holds Master’s degrees in Commerce and Communications from RMIT. Her career includes roles in both the creative and consulting sectors. At Aurecon and KPMG Australia, she built inclusive innovation ecosystems and led cross-sector initiatives. Amada uses systems thinking to deliver design-led transformation initiatives. These connect industry and education, turning insights into impact. She champions future-focused approaches to complex challenges, through collaboration, experimentation, and purposeful design.
Emma has diverse experience in creativity, tech and innovation. She has led many programs to support Melbourne’s startup and social impact ecosystem. Her work covers both public and private sectors. This includes launching a global tech education startup in Melbourne and working at Sustainability Victoria’s Circular Economy Business Innovation Centre. Currently, Emma is the Climate Innovation and Sustainable Development Lead at the City of Melbourne. A key theme in her career is using open innovation and collaboration to engage communities in tackling complex challenges like climate change and sustainability.
Kaj is the founder and CEO of Regen Melbourne, an engine for ambitious collaboration in service of the regeneration of Melbourne. Powered by an alliance of over 200 organisations, Regen Melbourne is the catalyst and host of bold projects that are moving Melbourne towards a regenerative future. Kaj is also a senior advisor and facilitator at Small Giants Academy. This non-profit focuses on inspiring and equipping people to be business, social and political leaders for the next economy. A civil engineer by training, Kaj holds a Master of Economic History from Lund University.
Jen is a public health specialist and has extensive knowledge in medical toxicology and risk assessment. She is the Acting Chief Environmental Scientist at Victoria’s Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and has worked in the field of contaminated land and human health risk assessment for 20 years. With a background in Chemistry, Jen has explored a wide variety of roles in the field, research, and management. She received her PhD in Chemistry from The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and is a Fellow of the Australasian College of Toxicology and Risk Assessment.
Tom has over 30 years of experience as an art restorer, lawyer, and senior executive, including CEO. He has worked in public galleries, museums, and the not-for-profit sector. Tom is a Torres Strait Islander from the Kulkalgal and Meriam Nations of the Central and Eastern Zenadth Kes (Torres Strait). He is CEO of the Koorie Heritage Trust, which provides opportunities for all to learn, connect and re-connect with the rich living cultural heritage of Aboriginal Victoria. Tom is also a board director at the National Portrait Gallery of Australia and a board member of the French Australian Cultural Exchange Foundation. (Photo: Christian Capurro)
Justine is a changemaker who makes a real impact in business, the environment, and the community. As Telstra’s Chief Sustainability Officer, she leads the company’s strategic approach to sustainability, stakeholder engagement, and community projects. Justine is passionate about building diverse, high-performing teams. She is also a director of the Telstra Foundation. This is the company’s philanthropic arm, which empowers Australian children and young people to thrive in a digital world. Justine graduated with a Bachelor of Laws from The University of Western Australia and began her legal career in private practice.
Neil is a serial entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience in climate, nature, and sustainability. An experienced CEO and Founder, he has worked with many impact-focused start-ups. One of his ventures is NatureCo, which focuses on high-integrity nature-based carbon projects. Neil has helped establish several organisations, including the Victorian Cleantech Cluster. This cluster aims to make Victoria a major hub for cleantech innovation and commercialisation. He also serves as an Enterprise Fellow at the University of Melbourne and is a founding advisory board member of the university’s Climate Futures Institute.
Salvador is a world-leading expert in urban planning and serves as the Director and President of the Urban Ecology and Territorial Foundation. He is best known for planning and developing ‘superblocks’ in Barcelona. This initiative transformed traditional city blocks, reducing car traffic and enhancing community, liveability and sustainability. Salvador has developed a coherent ecological theory of ecosystemic urbanism, now taught at universities worldwide. He has worked with 144 cities worldwide, examining how different elements within cities interact and affect the potential for environmental remediation. In 2025, RMIT Council awarded Salvador an honorary doctorate in Design.
Fellows from across RMIT have come together to co-design and deliver our unique interdisciplinary education program.
The 37 fellows represent outstanding interdisciplinary collaboration, coming from 16 schools and departments, four colleges, and two portfolios.
Explore the expertise of our fellows by expanding the sections below.
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.
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