About this website:
This site displays my Resume and provides some information on a selection of robotics, control, automation, networking & security projects that I have lead and/or contributed towards. Kindly note that I have two resumes - one focussing on professional experience and the other on academic experience. Please contact me via email: praneelchand10@yahoo.co.nz if you would like to get in touch and collaborate.
I’m an Engineering and IT professional with a growth mindset and agile learning approach, continuously building skills to adapt in fast-evolving technical environments. I bring rational, structured problem-solving skills and a strong solution-focused, results-oriented mindset to complex challenges.
I’m known for attention to detail and for working effectively as a collaborative team contributor and leader, supporting others while also taking ownership of outcomes. My experience spans engineering education, applied research, and technical projects, with a growing focus on cybersecurity and AI/ML. I’m motivated by continuous improvement, practical impact, and delivering work that meets high professional standards.
I currently have unlimited working rights in Fiji, New Zealand, and Australia.
About me:
I am originally from Suva, Fiji. I spent several years working as an engineering educator and researcher in Fiji before moving to New Zealand in 2016. After 7 years as an engineering educator and researcher in New Zealand, I moved on to academia in Australia, In total, I have over 25 years experience in engineering education, research, and projects. I have recently reskilled in cybersecurity through CompTIA industry certifications. I'm eager to apply newly acquired cybersecurity expertise alongside strong analytical and problem-solving skills to address real-world challenges.
I am currently a Senior Lecturer at SISTC in Sydney, Australia. My teaching role includes subjects related to AI, data analytics, and cybersecurity. I also do some causal lecturing for other academic institutions in network security and cybersecurity.
Outside of work I enjoy keeping healthy and fit by being regular to the local gym. I finished 3rd in NZ and 8th overall in Australia and NZ in the November 2022 Snap Fitness Champions League Challenge. In 2021, I was the most visited member of Snap Fitness Frankton, coming to gym 295 days out of a possible 300 days (the gym was closed for 65 days due to COVID lockdowns). I also finished 4th overall in NZ and 1st in the Waikato in the Snap Fitness Mega May Madness Challenge for 2021.
Enjoying a PhD pre-graduation celebratory drink in Wellington .
Conference presentation time.
Vision based object sorting with robotic arm.
Programming and testing PLC automation.
From left to right: outstanding student in postgraduate diploma programme; outstanding student in BTech Electrical/Electronic Engineering (Department of Engineering); outstanding student in School of Pure and Applied Sciences; Australian Schools Computer Studies Competition top achiever; Dux of School
Best conference paper presentation on mobile robot control. 12th Electronics New Zealand Conference 2005 hosted by Manukau Institute of Technology
ICCAR certificate for excellent oral presentation and significant contribution to the conference
I finished 3rd in NZ and 8th overall in Australia and NZ in the November 2022 Snap Fitness Champions League Challenge.
Most visited gym member for 2021. 295 days out of a possible 300 (The gym was closed for 65 days due to COVID)
I finished 4th overall in NZ and 1st in the Waikato in the Snap Fitness Mega May Madness Challenge for 2021.