A USC Engineering academic who started out working as a builder has been named as a Fellow of the Institution of Engineers Australia.

Associate Professor in Hydraulic Engineering Dr Terry Lucke received the honour for his innovative contributions to the engineering industry – particularly in stormwater research – over more than 10 years.

Dr Lucke was also recognised for his work educating the next generation of engineers, which has included developing innovative learning models and starting a program for students to undertake work placements at a Laos bear sanctuary.

His engineering career started later in life when, after working as a builder for a number of years, he decided to enrol at university as a mature-aged student.

Now leading USC’s award-winning Stormwater Research Group, Dr Lucke said he was delighted to have been recognised by Engineers Australia as an expert within the profession.

“It’s certainly an honour to be named as a Fellow,” he said. “I’ve always been driven by doing creative and innovative work as an engineer and an academic, so it’s really satisfying to have those efforts acknowledged.

“Engineering is a field that can contribute solutions to some of the biggest problems facing the world – environmental and social – and that’s why I’m so passionate about teaching our future engineers.

“I took a somewhat unconventional path towards academia, so it means a lot to have reached this milestone in my career.”

The fellowship is the latest in a series of accolades for Dr Lucke, who has previously received an Australian Award for University Teaching, a Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Excellence and a USC Advance Awards.

Dr Lucke’s efforts in leading cutting-edge research with USC’s Stormwater Research Group were also recognised when the centre was named as a joint recipient of Stormwater Queensland’s Excellence in Research and Innovation Award earlier this year.

— Gen Kennedy