Professor of Applied Computer Science, Department of Computer Science, University of Auckland.

"I want the students I teach to be effective professionals, whether as academics or working in industry. I want them to become the sorts of professionals that I would want to work with".

John has been a university educator for 27 years. A strong belief in action-based learning has led John to develop “multi-disciplinary programmes [that] provide a holistic integration and contextualisation of more formal curriculum-based learning in real world situations”. His aim to “turn students into colleagues” guides all his teaching approaches whether formal or informal.

John has undertaken numerous professional leadership roles within the university, such as the integral part he played in the establishment and development of the University of Auckland’s “HeadsUp” programme for new and aspiring Heads of Department and his strong advocacy for the Women in Leadership Programme. 

His extensive involvement with business includes the development of the CSI Academy for structured student internships and the new Extenda programme designed to support the development of research cultures in ICT companies, involving both company senior managers and in-company consultancy by Honours level students. Peers, members of the business world, former and current students speak highly of John as a great mentor, an exceptional research supervisor and someone who is always there when needed.