Industry Alumni Program
The Industry Alumni Program connects experienced technology professionals and former Cisco leaders with NIIN initiatives. Alumni contribute strategic insight, technical expertise and mentorship to support applied research, strengthen industry engagement, and accelerate the translation of innovation into real-world impact.
Our Alumni
Andrew McLean
Professor of Practice
University of Technology Sydney
Professor Andrew McLean has held senior leadership roles across telecommunications and digital infrastructure, with deep experience in large-scale transformation and industry collaboration. As part of the NIIN Industry Alumni Program, he provides strategic guidance and industry insight to support the development and deployment of practical, scalable solutions.
Richard Dodsworth
Professor of Practice
Flinders University
Professor Richard Dodsworth brings extensive experience in technology leadership, digital transformation and innovation strategy. Through the NIIN Industry Alumni Program, he supports industry–university collaboration, contributing strategic direction and ensuring projects are aligned to real industry challenges and opportunities.
Drago Sijan
Professor of Practice
La Trobe University
Professor Drago Sijan has extensive experience across cyber security, digital technologies and complex systems. Through the NIIN Industry Alumni Program, he contributes technical expertise, strategic insight and mentorship to help guide innovation projects and accelerate real-world outcomes.
Rob De Nicolo
Professor of Practice
RMIT
Professor Rob De Nicolo is an experienced technology executive with a strong background in innovation delivery, industry engagement and enterprise systems. As a member of the NIIN Industry Alumni Program, he provides mentorship and strategic input to support applied research and the development of industry-relevant solutions.
Marcus Lim
Professor of Practice
RMIT
Marcus Lim brings 25 years of Cisco experience, specialising in public sector digital transformation, digital learning theory, and industry marketing. His interests span digital skills enablement, digital health, AI and wireless, and IT services innovation.
Helen Patton
Professor of Practice
University of Canberra
Helen Patton leads cybersecurity advisory at Cisco, drawing on more than 20 years in security. Previously CISO at The Ohio State University and an executive at JPMorgan Chase, she is also a Professor of Cybersecurity Practice at the University of Canberra.
Carl Solder
Professor of Practice
Carl Solder is Cisco's CTO for ANZ, with nearly 30 years at the company spanning systems engineering, distinguished engineer roles and 14 years in Silicon Valley as VP of Engineering for Cisco's Enterprise Networking and Cloud organisation.
Angelo Puglielli
Professor of Practice
Angelo Puglielli is a Business Solutions Architect at Cisco ANZ. He has been with Cisco for over 20 years and holds CISSP security and TOGAF enterprise architecture certifications, an MBA in Technology Management and a Master of Engineering Science.