Professor Ampalavanapillai (Thas) Nirmalathas

Professor Thas Nirmalathas is currently the Interim Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology. In this role, Thas leads the Faculty's operations to advance its academic and research mission within the University.

As a distinguished professor of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Thas is deeply engaged in cutting-edge research, exploring areas such as optical wireless network integration, photonic computing, heterogeneous photonic integrated circuits and advanced wireless communication technologies.

Within the University, Thas has worn many hats, from guiding groundbreaking initiatives as Deputy Dean (Research) and Institute Director for the Melbourne Networked Society Institute to nurturing entrepreneurship as the Cofounder and Director of the Melbourne Accelerator Program and Head of Department.

Thas' accomplishments extend beyond academia. He's a Fellow of Institution of Engineers Australia, Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering, and Senior Member IEEE USA and Optica USA. He is also a key contributor to initiatives like the IEEE Future Networks Initiative and the IEEE Photonics Society’s Emerging Technologies Task Force.

In addition to his professional affiliations, Thas plays a pivotal role in driving national-level impact as the chair of the National Steering Committee for Information and Communication Sciences within the Australian Academy of Sciences.

When he’s not working, he is actively involved in volunteering across a few community organisations and enjoys gardening and sightseeing.