The Institute of Applied Sciences (IAS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Johann Poinapen to the position of Director at the Institute. Dr Johann joined IAS as the Deputy Director in October 2014 and has acted as the Director IAS since January 2015.
A former Principal/Lead Water Process Engineer at AMEC Australia and a former Water Leader and Engineering Group Manager with MWH Global, Dr Poinapen is a registered and chartered professional engineer with over 17 years’ experience in the water and environmental sectors. Dr Poinapen obtained his PhD from the University of Cape Town, South Africa in water process engineering for the co-treatment of sewage sludge and acid mine drainage.
Since joining the Institute in 2014, Dr Johann has spearheaded the securing and renewal of major funding for the Institute in the areas of Biofuel Testing, Drug Discovery, Chemical Management and Training and Natural Resources Management.
Dr Johann acknowledged the significant contribution of the former IAS Director and current Consultant to IAS, Professor Bill Aalbersberg in the establishment of the Institute as a regional leader of scientific services provider. He further added that he hopes to use his wealth of experience in consultancy, project development and business management to improve IAS’s standing both regionally and globally.
The Institute of Applied Sciences is a self-funded consultancy, training and research arm of the University that is located within the Faculty of Science, Technology & Environment. Its main areas of activity are analytical services, training, research and development and consulting services in areas related to natural resource management and biodiversity conservation. It also houses the Centre for Drug Discovery and Conservation and the South Pacific Regional Herbarium.
