Steve Austin - Associate Dean, Engineering, Environment & Science, Coventry University
Steve has been lecturing and researching for 24 years in further and higher education, with a focus on semi-immersive training and virtual team integrated project work. He completed a BA (Hons) in Architecture at Portsmouth University in 1993, before studying his PGCE at Keele University and MSc in Management for Construction at Coventry University. He started teaching at Moulton College in 2001, ultimately being promoted to Subject Manager, before joining Coventry University in 2006.
Steve is currently the Associate Dean, Engineering, Environment & Science at Coventry University and a visiting Professor at Ryerson University, Toronto, Canada. Research projects include one funded by Hewlett Packard, aimed at developing innovative learning approaches, supported by appropriate information technology infrastructure to enhance collaboration and communication amongst construction personnel in a global context.
Another research project, funded by the Higher Education Academy, looked at the use of an innovative approach to international problem-based learning in the Built Environment education, using a real-time on-line platform, in order to enhance employability skills. In the last 9 years, Steve has completed five Erasmus+ research projects, looking at a range of European mobility language and employability skills. I am currently involved on three Erasmus+ projects looking at construction and demolition waste management training for site managers and entrepreneurial skills for construction students.