Candidate Statements for ELECTION OF MEMBER OF THE ACADEMIC STAFF TO UNIVERSITY SENATE BY MEMBERS OF SCHOOL OF ABCE

• Dr Vivien Chow
• Dr Taimaz Larimian
• Dr Seyed Mohammad Mojtabaei
• Dr Craig Morton
• Dr Kami Rakhshanbabanari 

See below for statements from each candidate.

Candidates' Statements

DR VIVIEN CHOW

I joined Loughborough University in 2017 and am currently Senior Lecturer in Construction and Project Management at SABCE. My research activities coalesce broadly around three themes: public engagement on projects, employee health and wellbeing, and the social aspect of sustainability. They directly contribute to the University Strategy themes of Vibrant and Inclusive Communities, Sport, Health and Wellbeing, and Climate Change and Net Zero.

I have developed a keen awareness and understanding of the University’s internal processes through leadership roles in my school, formerly as programme lead for the MSc International Project Management, BEng, and MEng programmes, and currently as Deputy Director for the Construction Management Group and Deputy Director of Doctoral Programmes. I am a staunch advocate for a respectful and inclusive workplace and I served for three years as a member of the SABCE EDI Committee. I contributed as a member of the LU Public Engagement Taskforce set up by Prof. Dan Parson to help determine how LU can better engage with local and regional communities.

I believe that open participation and discourse with the broader University constituencies is the best and most effective means to ensure the successful implementation of University Strategy objectives. Through my active participation in the University Senate, I seek to ensure that SABCE and the wider University community continues to be an inclusive and welcoming place to work and thrive, and that the University successfully navigate the challenges and opportunities within the HE sector to maintain our place as a prestigious and world-leading institution in education and research.

DR TAIMAZ LARIMIAN

As Senior Lecturer in Urban Planning and Programme Leader for the Urban Planning Programme at Loughborough University, I am committed to enhancing the academic experience and strengthening the University’s strategic direction. My expertise in urban sustainability, strategic planning, and interdisciplinary research has shaped my contributions to teaching, research, and enterprise.

I bring experience in academic governance, research leadership, and curriculum development, ensuring that quality and standards are maintained across the University’s academic activities. My engagement with external stakeholders, including local authorities, professional bodies, and industry partners, allows me to bring diverse perspectives into Senate discussions.

As a Senate member, I will advocate for academic excellence, inclusive decision-making, and a forward-thinking strategy that supports both staff and students. I am committed to constructive engagement, transparency, and championing initiatives that strengthen Loughborough’s academic standing.

I would be honoured to contribute to Senate’s mission and represent the interests of colleagues in shaping the future of our University.

DR SEYED MOHAMMAD MOJTABAEI

I am pleased to submit my nomination for a position on the LU Senate. With a strong commitment to academic excellence, research leadership, and student engagement, I believe I can contribute to the governance and strategic direction of the University.

I currently serve as the Programme Leader for BEng/MEng Civil Engineering. This role has strengthened my ability to engage with students, colleagues and external stakeholders, ensuring academic policies and teaching practices are continuously improved to enhance student experience.

I have been actively involved in teaching, research, and enterprise, aligning with Senate’s responsibilities, and have recently applied for promotion to SL, an application fully supported by our School. My experience in curriculum development, interdisciplinary collaboration, and research-led teaching spans multiple universities (Sheffield, Cambridge, and Aston). I have also collaborated with leading institutions in Hong Kong, Australia, and New Zealand, bringing diverse insights into global best practices.

My research focuses on resilience and sustainable construction, contributing to Loughborough’s reputation as a leading institution in engineering research. I have successfully led research projects, secured funding from EPSRC and Royal Society, and supervised PhDs to completion, demonstrating leadership in shaping academia’s future.

As a Senate member, I will advocate for research excellence, student success, and a fair, inclusive academic environment while ensuring decisions align with the University’s long-term vision, values, and six strategic aims. I welcome the opportunity to contribute to academic governance, uphold institutional values, and support initiatives that enhance Loughborough’s impact on staff, students, industry and wider society.

DR CRAIG MORTON

Over my seven years at the university, I have seen senior colleagues give up their time to pursue wider activities that benefit the collective community. These activities often go unheralded but are essential for the smooth running of the institution. As I transition into a mid-career phase, it is necessary for me to step-up and contribute to such activities to both share the burden and assist in developing a positive future for Loughborough.

As a member of senate, I would keep to the following objectives to guide my actions:

• Support in the development and implementation of the University Strategy, ensure consistency in effort and commitment to the longer-term plan

• Act as a conduit between front-line staff and central management, bringing to life the day-to-day activities in the schools and figuring out how to harmonise policies and procedures across different parts of the institution

• Create transparent decision making that is well evidenced and documented, holding ourselves to high-standards in terms of professional conduct

• Strive for advancements in academic practice across teaching, research, and enterprise activities to ensure our institution remains at the forefront of the sector.

DR KAMI RAKHSHANBABANARI

I am pleased to stand for election to Senate as a Lecturer in Construction Engineering and Management in the School of Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering. Prior to joining academia, I spent over fifteen years managing multi-billion-dollar projects in the Oil and Gas industry, where I learned the importance of strategic leadership, interdisciplinary collaboration, and high-quality project delivery under complex conditions.

My research integrates computer vision, machine learning, and deep neural networks to advance sustainable building design and management. This includes pioneering approaches to detecting building damage, predicting thermal performance, and promoting energy efficiency—especially through circular economy frameworks that reduce waste and resource consumption. I have also explored the application of IR thermography, Bayesian Networks, and Gaussian Processes to optimise building operations and enhance occupant comfort.

Across my teaching portfolio, I lead modules such as Digital Construction Management, Carbon Modelling and Management, and Principles of Project Management. My goal is to equip students with the analytical, technical, and leadership skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving industry.

If elected, I will bring my passion for data-driven innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity to the Senate. I believe it is vital that we foster an environment where diverse perspectives are championed, and academic standards continue to rise. I am committed to supporting the University’s strategic aims by ensuring rigorous teaching and research practices, promoting cross-disciplinary collaboration, and helping shape policies that benefit our entire community.