Academic Profile

Dr. Sai Kiran Lakkaraju is the Deputy Dean - IT Associate Professor at Wentworth Institute of Higher Education, bringing over 27 years of comprehensive experience in higher education, research, and industry. His distinguished career spans academia, curriculum development, and strategic leadership in information technology education.

With a Ph.D. from the University of Western Sydney in Knowledge Management Systems, Dr. Lakkaraju has established himself as a respected educator and researcher, having published extensively in the fields of artificial intelligence, knowledge management, and educational technology. His commitment to excellence in teaching and multicultural education has made him a valuable leader in Australian higher education.

                    Academic Leadership
                    Deputy Dean - IT Associate Professor (2025-Present)
Director-MIT and Academic Board Member
27 years of comprehensive academic experience
Proven leadership in curriculum development and strategic planning

                

                    Educational Excellence
                    Graduate Certificate in Tertiary Teaching
Extensive experience with multicultural student populations
Skilled in business meeting facilitation and project coordination
Strong background in technical training and assessment

                

                    Research & Innovation
                    Ph.D. in Knowledge Management Systems
20+ peer-reviewed publications and conference proceedings
Expertise in artificial intelligence and logic programming
Active researcher in online learning methodologies

                

                    Professional Skills
                    Exceptional problem-solving and analytical capabilities
Advanced written and verbal communication skills
Proven ability to work under pressure with minimal supervision
Extensive experience with various technologies and environments

                

Academic Qualifications

2013

Graduate Certificate of Education (Tertiary Teaching)

Federation University Australia (formerly University of Ballarat)

Specialized qualification in higher education pedagogy and curriculum design, focusing on effective teaching methodologies for tertiary-level instruction.

2008

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

University of Western Sydney

Thesis Title: "Synchronising Subjective Knowledge and Knowledge Management Systems in Organisations"
A comprehensive study examining the integration of individual knowledge with organizational knowledge management systems, contributing to the field of knowledge engineering and organizational learning.

2008

Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAA40104)

MW Training

Professional certification in vocational education and training, qualifying for the delivery and assessment of training programs.

2001

Master of Science (Honours) - Computer Science

University of Western Sydney

Thesis Title: "SLDNF Formalization for Updates and Abduction"
Advanced research in logic programming and non-monotonic reasoning, contributing to the theoretical foundations of artificial intelligence.

1994

Master of Science - Computer Science (First Class)

Nagarjuna University

Graduated with highest honors, demonstrating exceptional academic achievement in computer science fundamentals and advanced topics.

1991

Bachelor of Science - Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics (First Class)

Nagarjuna University

Triple major undergraduate degree with first-class honors, providing a strong foundation in computational sciences and mathematical principles.

Academic Career

Deputy Dean - IT Associate Professor

Wentworth Institute of Higher Education

Jun 2025 - Present

Leading the Information Technology academic division, overseeing curriculum development, faculty management, and strategic planning for IT programs. Responsible for academic quality assurance and maintaining industry alignment in program delivery.

Director-MIT & Member of Academic Board

Wentworth Institute of Higher Education

Oct 2022 - Present

Strategic leadership role overseeing MIT operations and serving on the Academic Board. Involved in institutional governance, policy development, and academic quality assurance across multiple programs.

Discipline Head IT and Coordinator for IS & ICT Majors

Wentworth Institute of Higher Education

Feb 2021 - Jun 2025

Led the Information Technology discipline, coordinating Information Systems and ICT major programs. Managed curriculum development, faculty coordination, and student progression across multiple IT specializations.

Casual Lecturer

MIT Australia

Jul 2008 - Mar 2021

Delivered undergraduate and postgraduate courses in computer science and information technology. Specialized in programming, database systems, and knowledge management across diverse student cohorts.

Casual Lecturer

Australian Technical & Management College (ATMC)

Jul 2014 - Mar 2020

Casual Lecturer

Kent Institute of Business and Technology

Feb 2013 - Oct 2015

Tutor

University of Western Sydney

Mar 1999 - Jun 2005

Provided academic support and tutorial services for undergraduate computer science courses during doctoral studies. Gained extensive experience in student mentorship and academic guidance.

Research Publications

Book Chapter:

• Singh, P. J., & Lakkaraju, S. K. (2024). Robots in Space Exploration. In Robotics and Smart Autonomous Systems Technology and Applications (1st ed.). CRC Press.
Dissertation/Thesis:

• Lakkaraju, S. K. (2008). Synchronising subjective knowledge and knowledge management systems in organisations [Doctoral dissertation, University of Western Sydney].

• Lakkaraju, S. K. (2001). A SLDNF formalisation for updates for abduction [Master's Honors dissertation, University of Western Sydney].
Journal Articles:

• Lakkaraju, S. K. (2024). Transforming Employment Practices through Knowledge Synchronisation: An Action Research Approach. International Journal of Employment Studies, 32(2), 4–47.
Conference Proceedings:

• Lakkaraju, S. (2025, July 18). From Learners to Leaders: Capstones for Purpose, Progress, and Professional Growth. People, Purpose, and Progress. APERA Symposium, Sydney.

• Lakkaraju, S. K. (2024a, July). Critical Thinking Gap and AI Tool Utilization Challenges in Advanced Database Education. APERA Symposium. Engaged Research In the Digital World, Sydney.

• Lakkaraju, S. K. (2024b, October). Bridging the Gap: Enhancing Critical Thinking in AI-Powered Learning Environments. Humanising Digital Spaces: Bridging Technology and Humanity. APERA Annual conference 2024, Sydney.

• Lakkaraju, S. K., Wang, Y., & Maharjan, A. (2024, October). Human Centred Survey System on A Shoestring Budget. Humanising Digital Spaces: Bridging Technology and Humanity. APERA Annual Conference 2024.

• Lakkaraju, S. K. (2023, November). A note on synchronizing organizational knowledge: A pathway to learning excellence. Paper presented at the APERA Annual Conference.

• Lakkaraju, S. K., & Breach, G. (2023, September). Validating validation: Measuring the efficiency of assessment and recognition of prior learning process. Paper presented at the APERA Symposium.

• Lakkaraju, S. K. (2021, July). Some ideas to counter issues in online learning. Paper presented at the 23rd Conference of the International Employment Relations Association (IREA).

• Lakkaraju, S. K. (2016, October). Classroom management in a community language school setting and managing parent expectations. Paper presented at the 1st Indian Community Languages Schools Parents and Teachers Conference, Sydney.

• Lakkaraju, S. K., Unhelkar, B., & Khandelwal, V. (2007, November). A comparative study of subjective knowledge and knowledge management systems in learning organizations. Paper presented at the University of Western Sydney Research Futures Forum.

• Lakkaraju, S. K., & Khandelwal, V. (2006, June). On the ontological aspects of knowledge management. Paper presented at the 2nd International Conference on Information Management and Business (IMB).

• Lakkaraju, S. K., Zhang, Y., & Khandelwal, V. (2006, May). A DAIS for knowledge management. Paper presented at the University of Western Sydney Innovations Conference.

• Lakkaraju, S. K. (2005, May). The thing called knowledge. Paper presented at the University of Western Sydney Innovation Conference.

• Lakkaraju, S. K. (2004a, May). A model-based approach for epistemic logic program updates. In Artificial Intelligence and Applications (AIA).

• Lakkaraju, S. K. (2004b, May). Student assessment system. Paper presented at the University of Western Sydney Innovation Conference.

• Lakkaraju, S. K., & Khandelwal, V. (2004, February). An architectural framework for a web-based knowledge system. Paper presented at the IRMA International Conference (IRMA).

• Lakkaraju, S. K., & Zhang, Y. (2002a, December). A SLDNF proof procedure for rule-based update. In International Conference on Intelligent Information Technology (ICIIT).

• Lakkaraju, S. K., & Zhang, Y. (2002b, August). Abduction and update in logic programs. Paper presented at the International Conference on Artificial Intelligence (IC-AI).

• Zhang, D., & Lakkaraju, S. K. (2002, December). On natural deduction systems for non-monotonic reasoning. In International Conference on Intelligent Information Technology (ICIIT).

• Lakkaraju, S. K., & Ray, P. (2001, September). Alarm correlation: A CoMEN perspective. Paper presented at the Asia-Pacific Network Operations and Management Symposium (APNOMS).

• Ray, P., & Lakkaraju, S. K. (2001, September). CoMENS: A methodology for the development of cooperative management systems. Paper presented at the Asia-Pacific Network Operations and Management Symposium (APNOMS).

• Lakkaraju, S. K., & Zhang, Y. (2000, June). Rule based abduction. In 12th International Symposium on Methodologies for Intelligent Systems (ISMIS).

• Lakkaraju, S. K., & Zhang, Y. (1999). A procedural approach for rule-based update. Paper presented at the 12th Australian Joint Conference on Artificial Intelligence (AJCAI).

Industry Experience

Founder & Sole Director

AsrayAI (Registered Company: Sukhasraya Pty Ltd)

May 2025 – Present

Established an AI-focused venture to explore applications of artificial intelligence in education and business solutions. Currently in the development phase with initial planning, product ideation, and branding underway. Website and service offerings under construction.

Principal Consultant

VETSOL

June 2009 – July 2020

Project #4: Researcher – Online privacy and Intellectual Property

Worked for a solicitor, Brendan Pigott, in protecting online privacy of one of his clients.

Project #3: E-commerce solution for www.onemb.com.au (Defunct)

Responsibilities:

Designed and developed http://www.onemb.com.au website
Evaluated and selected a technology provider
Worked closely with the technology provider in system customisation.

Project #2: E-commerce solution for www.onlinebuys.com.au (Defunct)

Responsibilities:

Identified the application provider
Re-designed the portal
Liaised with the implementation team

Project #1: ICA05 unit of competencies development

Responsibilities:

Developed qualifications and cluster/unit outlines
Researched textbooks and other relevant material
Developed session plans
Developed teaching material
Developed assessments

Systems Analyst

MICROLION COMPUTERS

1996 – 1998

Project #2: Hotel Management System

Responsibilities:

Involved in developing business requirements.
Held regular meetings with the stakeholders to obtain input and agreement on the business requirements.
Extensively liaised with clients regarding software requirements.
Worked closely with the programmers and testers for system development.
Reported to Project Manager in regular intervals.

Project #1: Financial Accounting System

Responsibilities:

Involved in reviewing of existing solutions design.
Involved in Gap analysis.
Involved in developing Business requirements.
Identified and Corroborated Product Development limitations in design decisions.
Extensively liaised with clients regarding software requirements.
Worked collaboratively with programmers and architects.
Participated in project planning and comprehensive User Acceptance Testing.

Software Engineer/Tester

EFFTRONICS SYSTEMS PTY. LTD.

1994 – 1996

Projects:

Project #5: On-Line Stock Exchange Package.
Project #4: Home Video Shopping.
Project #3: SITITEXT
Project #2: Displays Software Package.
Project #1: Animation Player.

Responsibilities:

Involved in programming using C and Pascal programming languages.
Involved in Testing (Unit, Black-box, white-box).
Involved in Gap analysis.
Reported to Development Manager.
Participated in program inspection and walk through.