This week we farewell Professor Barbara Messerle, Macquarie’s Executive Dean of Science and Engineering since January 2015, and Professor of Chemistry.

She will be exchanging Macquarie’s eucalyptus trees and park-like campus for weathered sandstone and expansive lawns, taking up a new position as Provost of her alma mater, Sydney University, where she earned her doctorate in 1987.

Her time at Macquarie has equipped her well for this challenge. Professor Messerle steered her faculty through a period of considerable cultural and structural change, carrying responsibility for 10 very diverse departments, and establishing a new Engineering School. She also supported the growth of industry, government and international partnerships and is an experienced and passionate advocate for increasing the number of women in STEMM at all levels.

As Executive Dean of Science and Engineering, she introduced scholarships for women, worked with the University to a program to encourage girls in high schools in STEMM, and created a committee for Women in Science and Engineering within the faculty, to support women in academia.

Professor Messerle was also instrumental in Macquarie’s involvement with the FIRST Robotics program, which encourages all young people to become involved in the field.

Amongst all this, she has continued her academic work as a chemist. As head of the Messerle Organometallics Research Group at Macquarie, she studies the development of catalysts and catalytic methodologies for promoting efficient and selective chemical transformations.

Following her departure on 23 August, Deputy Dean, Professor Bernard Mans will act as Interim Dean.

In paying tribute to his departing colleague, Professor Mans says “From her first day at Macquarie, Barbara has led a deep and phased transformation of the faculty. She also did it at fast pace, and across her portfolio: the early design of a faculty strategy was quickly followed by important changes such as the restructuring of existing departments and the assumption of responsibility for the research and optical instrumentation capability of the Australian Astronomical Observatory (now AAO-Macquarie).

“Observing her over the years, I never saw her slowing down when tackling a challenge, and I don’t believe she will in her new job either.”

Vice-Chancellor Professor S Bruce Dowton has also paid tribute to Professor Messerle’s collegial leadership style and significant contribution to Macquarie University during her 4.5 years as Executive Dean to enhance the faculty’s research and teaching, and build greater focus on innovation and engagement with industry partners.

“I know my colleagues join me in wishing Barbara every success in the next phase of her career,” says Professor Dowton.

The last word, of course, should go to Professor Messerle herself.

“Macquarie University is a special place to work, with truly collegial staff and a great environment for teaching and research,” she says. “I am sad to be leaving Macquarie, especially FSE, and at the same time excited about my next role. Thank you to all the tremendous people I have worked with who have contributed so much, and I wish you all well.”