First Papua New Guinean to earn mechanical engineering PhD

DOCTOR Jack Khallahle, a lecturer at the PNG University of Technology (UoT), is the first Papua New Guinean to earn a PhD in mechanical engineering from an Australian university through the Australia Awards scholarship.
Specialised in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) in multi-face flow, Khallahle returned home a few months ago from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) with not just a PhD, but also determination to produce quality mechanical engineers at the UoT through his network with UNSW and engineers in Australia.
He believes that mechanical engineers in PNG are not being educated to a higher standard and are missing out on job opportunities as a result.
“It’s not about graduating and going to the mines to work as technicians,” he said.
“Engineering is a professional job to design and build.”
Khallahle developed a syllabus for engineering economics and now wants to create a new syllabus for CFD modelling simulation, from knowledge gained through his scholarship. He believes that introducing CFD and aerospace engineering will help produce quality mechanical engineers.
“It’s a very important course that engineers will require to design aircraft as well as engines,” he said.
“I acquired all these skills down there and I am in a better position to do this. I can’t wait to start my next semester.”
Khallahle comes from Chimbu’s Sinasina-Yongomugl, where he attended primary and high schools with a dream of becoming a pilot.
He was convinced by his teacher in year 12 at Aiyura National High School to study mechanical engineering where he could learn about aircraft engines and later become a pilot.
“It was very good advice,” he said.
Khallahle graduated as a mechanical engineer from Unitech in 1987, worked in PNG for 18 years, and then moved to Australia, where he worked for eight years.
His dream came true when he won a government flying scholarship and attended a two-year pilot training course at MAF Flight Training Centre in Mt Hagen.
He obtained a licence in 1992 as the 50th Papua New Guinean commercial pilot and enjoyed his flying career between 1998 and 2003.
Khallahle obtained a Masters in mechanical engineering in 2000 from the University of New South Wales through Australia Awards PNG.
“When I finished my Masters at the university, I was already thinking about doing a PhD,” he said.
Although he received a PhD offer, Khallahle learnt that he had to be an academic to be eligible for an Australia Awards scholarship, so he took up the role as a lecturer at the PNG UoT in 2014 and was offered a scholarship four years later.
His advice to those considering a PhD is to study what you are passionate about.
“You must be sure of your topic,” he said.
Khallahle advised Australia Awards applicants to research courses and facilities at their preferred study institutions to ensure they suited their studies and research needs.
Applications for 2024 Australia Awards Scholarships opens on Feb 1.