Top spatial excellence award for USQ lecturer
Dr Apan who lectures in Geographic Systems, received the award in the Education and Professional Development category over academics from various other universities across Queensland. Recognised as the most prominent Spatial Science honour on offer in the state, Dr Apan said that he was pleasantly surprised to receive the award. 'I felt very honoured when I found out that I had won as I am the first USQ lecturer to do so,' he said. 'It is given to practicing academics that excel in teaching, research and also promote the development of the industry.' Usually reserved for lecturers at metropolitan universities, this was the first time that the award had been given to an academic in a regional institution. 'When I found out I was nominated I had no confidence at all that I could actually win the award because traditionally it goes to lecturers in the bigger universities,' Dr Apan said. 'To see that academics in smaller regional universities are also recognised for their work is a great thing for spatial academics in similar institutions.' Lecturing at USQ since 1997, Dr Apan has been published in more than 40 journals and has made many significant contributions to the industry. 'A lot of my research has focused on using satellites to map natural resources and crops and thankfully much of that research has been picked up by various journals,' he said. 'I am fortunate to have a job at a University where the staff and students are all very good people and where I can undertake meaningful research.' The awards are a joint venture between the Spatial Science Institute (SSI), Australian Spatial Information Business Association (ASIBA) and Queensland Spatial Information Council (QSIC). Dr Apan will now travel to Brisbane in November to attend the Asia Pacific Spatial Excellence Awards. Media Contact: Josh Ada, USQ Media +61 7 4631 1628, 0403 643 192 
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