Rate My Professor Warren Reilly

Dr Warren A. Reilly is a Lecturer in the School of Engineering, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, at the University of Newcastle, Australia. He holds a PhD in Design from the University of Newcastle, completed in 2005. Before academia, Reilly spent more than twenty years in private industry, designing and managing projects for naval vessels, medical prosthesis, rail vehicles, and consumer products. As Design Manager for Chilli Engineering and Design Pty Ltd (2006-2013) and Director of Cadalyst Consulting Pty Ltd (1995-2015), he led international projects valued over $2 billion AUD, providing expertise in design development, CAD management, and configuration across Asia-Pacific.

His research synthesises sustainability, creativity, and technology, specialising in digital design innovation during conceptual phases. Key interests include design theory, ideation practices, additive fabrication, CAD simulation, design philosophy, industrial/product design, and engineering education. Publications include conference proceedings: Reilly et al., 'Optimised Blackboard: How first year students created their own pseudo-LMS' (AAEE 2021); Reilly and McBride, 'Human-centrics and Design Thinking in Engineering Practice' (AAEE 2018); Chapman et al., 'Architecture and Recovery: Understanding the role of domestic residential spaces in assisting and enhancing stroke recovery' (ANFA 2016). Creative output: 'Honeysuckle Placemaking' (2018). Reilly's teaching excellence is recognised by awards such as the 2020 Citation for Outstanding Contribution to Student Learning (Australian Awards for University Teaching), 2015 Vice-Chancellor's Award for Teaching Excellence and Contribution to Student Learning, 2020 and 2015 Faculty Awards for Teaching Excellence, 2019 BOLD Award for Innovation in Course Design, and NUPSA Supervisor of the Year. He convenes courses including ENGG3500 Managing Engineering Projects, ENGG2500 Sustainable Engineering Practice, and previously coordinated Industrial Design programs and developed the Master of BioInnovation and Design. As co-supervisor, he has guided three PhD completions.