Academic Management and Governance
Prof. Mahfuz Ashraf
Academic Dean
Dr. Mahfuz Ashraf is the Dean and Professor at the Lincoln Institute of Higher Education, Sydney. With more than 20 years of experience in academia, he is passionate aboutcreating an environment where students thrive through innovation, research, and meaningful
learning.
Dr. Ashraf’s work spans Business, Information Systems, and Technology, with a strong focus on how these fields can improve lives and communities. He has published over 50 research papers and led projects in areas such as health leadership, social entrepreneurship, and ICT for development—always with a vision to drive positive social impact.
Equally committed to teaching and mentorship, he has guided more than 40 research students who have gone on to successful careers in universities, industries, and government. His approach to leadership combines academic excellence with a genuine care
for students’ growth and success.
Dr. Ashraf’s own academic journey through reputed universities in Australia, the UK, and Bangladesh inspires his belief in education as a transformative force—something he strives to bring to every student at Lincoln Institute.
Gana Pathmanathan
Academic Quality Development Manager
Gana Pathmanathan is a passionate senior education management professional based in Sydney, with over 15 years of experience in the higher education sector.
Throughout his career, Gana has held significant leadership roles, including Program Development Manager at The Institute of International Studies, and Academic Director at CIEE Council on International Educational Exchange.
His expertise spans project planning, higher education management, public speaking, and curriculum development. He has successfully managed academic services, developed courses, led teams, and optimised operational processes, consistently receiving positive feedback from stakeholders.
Gana holds a Graduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education from Charles Sturt University and a Master of Information Science in Databases from the University of New South Wales.
Dr. Hema Malichah
Lecturer and Academic Learning Support Manager
Dr. Hema Malichah Govindarajan is a Lecturer and Academic Learning Support Manager at Lincoln Institute of Higher Education, with over 12 years of experience in higher education teaching. She holds a BA, MA, M.Phil, and PhD in English, and has made significant contributions to teaching, research, and curriculum development across diverse disciplines.
Her academic expertise includes literary theories such as Deconstruction, Avant-Garde Studies, Cultivation Theory, Simulacrum, Reader-Response Theory, and Diaspora Studies. Her broader interests encompass ESL, Business English, Linguistics, Soft Skills, Journalism, Media Studies, Literary Criticism, Research Methodology, and Academic Literacy.
Her doctoral research received high commendation, and she was awarded a Gold Medal for academic excellence during her postgraduate studies. She has supervised postgraduate research, published extensively, and presented her work at international conferences, where she has also served as a keynote speaker, moderator, and panelist.
At LIHE, she plays a key role in academic learning support, student experience management, and institutional governance. Beyond her professional commitments, she enjoys reading, doodling, photography, and kayaking. Deeply committed to student development, she is passionate about nurturing a love for reading and revitalizing a strong reading culture among young adults.
Saif Uddin Ahmed
Academic Experience Manager
Saif is the Academic Experience Manager at Lincoln Institue of Higher Education, with over 15 years of experience, including extensive work in higher education, Saif has contributed to a range of student-focused initiatives, including academic support services, student engagement programs, and institutional operations.
His expertise lies in building inclusive and supportive campus environments that enhance student wellbeing and success.
Saif holds a Master of Professional Accounting from the University of Western Sydney and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from North South University.
Throughout his career, he has worked across educational and professional sectors, bringing a student-centred approach to administrative leadership and student services.
Outside of his professional role, Saif enjoys community engagement, staying informed about developments in education, and exploring ways to support student growth and resilience. He is passionate about creating enriching student experiences and fostering a strong sense of community on campus
Dr Jason Chu
Lecturer
Dr. Jason Chu is a dedicated lecturer at Lincoln Institute of Higher Education, where he has been developing and delivering engaging course materials for the Master of Information Systems program since January 2024.
He also serves as a sessional lecturer at Western Sydney University and the University of Wollongong, a role he has held since 2016, teaching subjects such as Cyber Security, Database Systems, System Analysis, and Visualization.
He holds a PhD in Computer Science from Western Sydney University, a Doctor of Ministry from Andersonville Theology Seminary, a Master’s degree in Computer Research from Charles Sturt University, a Master’s degree in IT Management from Innotech Institute France, and a Graduate Certificate in Internetworking from the University of Technology Sydney.
Jason’s research focuses on cybersecurity, IoT, and AI deep learning and machine learning, with numerous publications in reputable journals.
Committed to fostering an inclusive learning environment, he actively contributes to academic governance and research, making him a valuable asset to the higher education sector.