Rate My Professor Dylan Cuskelly

Dr. Dylan Cuskelly serves as a Lecturer in the School of Engineering at the University of Newcastle. He earned his Doctor of Philosophy and Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) with Honours from the University of Newcastle. His academic career at the institution began with an undergraduate research project, followed by an honours project and PhD, both centered on the synthesis of novel materials within mechanical engineering. Cuskelly's research specializations include the synthesis of advanced ceramics such as MAX phases and MAB phases, where he has discovered previously unknown phases and developed new synthesis processes. His work extends to creating metal alloys and compounds for advanced engineering applications in hostile conditions, emphasizing economical synthesis processes. A primary focus is on energy storage technologies, particularly Miscibility Gap Alloys (MGAs) for thermal energy storage to support renewable energy solutions like solar and wind. As part of the Advanced Materials group, he collaborates with Dr. Heber Sugo and Professor Erich Kisi.

Cuskelly has commercialized MGA technology through MGA Thermal, a start-up company he co-founded and directs, enabling local manufacturing in the Hunter region and engaging international customers. In teaching, he develops and delivers courses such as ENGG1500 on practical problem-based learning and a new experiential 'Engineering Practice' course, earning the 2017 Excellence in Teaching and Learning award from the University of Newcastle. He has supervised six PhD students, with five completed, on topics including MAB phase ceramics and thermal energy storage materials. Cuskelly has secured six grants totaling $272,688 from funders including MGA Thermal, Google Australia, and FPR Energy. Key publications encompass the book chapter 'Miscibility Gap Alloys: A New Thermal Energy Storage Solution' (2018) and conference papers like 'Practical problem-based learning during and ‘post’ COVID; a case study of ENGG1500' (2021), '‘Optimised Blackboard’; How first year students created their own pseudo-LMS' (2021), and 'Synthesis and Plasmon Responses of Sodium Tungsten Bronze Nanoparticles' (2019).