Team
A unified collective of passionate individuals
Our diverse team combines deep industry expertise and knowledge to streamline and support complex educational initiatives, ensuring they align with broader institutional and sustainability objectives.
Our founder
Sharmila Prajit
Title: Partnership Strategist & Project Architect
Location: Australia
Expertise: Transnational Education, Student Mobility, Research and Grants.
Sharmila, with over a decade of hands-on experience in strategic and operational roles within the higher education sector—primarily focused on Global Partnerships—Sharmila quickly recognized the challenges of managing stakeholder coordination, balancing commercial objectives with sustainability, and aligning educational programs to meet industry demands. This insight clarified her mission: to simplify these complexities and deliver impactful projects that create genuine value
Dedicated to leveraging the power of small contributions and supported by mentors in the education industry, Sharmila excels in fostering strategic partnerships, optimising resource allocation, and building community capacity. Her passion for advocacy and awareness inspires collective action, turning visions into impactful, sustainable solutions.
Through her leadership, Sharmila is transforming education and rural and regional development, ensuring that every initiative aligns with her vision of creating equitable and purposeful change.
People
Anoop Thankan
Title: Head, Business Development
Location: Australia / India
Dr Abhishek Karmali
Title: Program Coordinator
Location: India
Md Lutfur Rahman
Title: Head, Business Development
Location: Australia / Bangladesh
Dr Maher Almatar
Title: Program Coordinator
Location: Middle East
Mr. Olufemi Abioye
Title: Academic Coordinator
Location: Africa
Advisers
Peter Burgess
Location: Australia
Board Member : Strategic Educational Partnerships
Peter is key partner of Inparallel Synergies, brings over three decades of expertise in transnational education (TNE) through his consultancy, EdBiz. Renowned for his work in quality assurance, change management, and strategic educational partnerships, Peter has guided institutions in Australia, the UK, and Asia, aligning them with global trends and future-focused strategies. His career includes leadership roles with the World Bank, AusAID, and the Asian Development Bank. Peter has also been honored with the International Education Association of Australia’s ‘Distinguished Contribution to Australian International Education Award’ in 2021.
Professor Peter Frappell
Location: Australia
Board Member: Quality Assurance and Partnerships Framework
Peter’s an Emeritus Professor at the University of Tasmania and founder of Tridactyl Projects, brings a wealth of expertise in international education, research excellence, and strategic partnerships to Inparallel Synergies. With a distinguished career that includes roles such as Pro Vice-Chancellor (Global Engagement), Dean of Graduate Research, and Senior Strategist for International Education, Professor Frappell has been instrumental in shaping global strategies for institutions. Tridactyl Projects, under his leadership, excels in data analytics, partnership development, and enhancing international engagement. This collaboration, strengthened by a proven track record with institutions such as the Tasmanian Government, Swinburne University of Technology, and City University of Hong Kong, positions Inparallel Synergies to drive impactful educational initiatives and expand its global footprint.
Ameena Bukhari
Location: India
Learning Designer
Ameena Bukhari is a dedicated Learning Designer, Facilitator, and Organizational Development (OD) Consultant at Inparallel Synergies, with a strong focus on women’s leadership. She specializes in creating programs that empower women to step into leadership roles with confidence, providing them with practical tools, mentorship, and strategies to navigate challenges in diverse sectors.
Ameena’s expertise extends to designing inclusive learning experiences that address the unique needs of women leaders, fostering resilience, strategic thinking, and effective communication. Her work emphasizes building a supportive network and developing leadership skills that enable women to drive meaningful change within their organizations.
With a deep understanding of organisational dynamics, Ameena optimises structures and cultures to create environments where women can thrive. Her efforts support Inparallel Synergies’ mission to cultivate a more equitable and empowered future, fostering leadership opportunities for women and enhancing overall organisational success.
Bert Verhoeven
Location: Australia
Academic Practitioner
With over 20 years of experience in innovation, entrepreneurship, and AI integration, Bert Verhoeven has established himself as an expert in using Generative AI (GenAI) to enhance education and competency development. Currently leading the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Academy at the University of Newcastle, Bert fosters GenAI literacy and cross-disciplinary collaboration to drive innovation. His hands-on experience in both academic and commercial sectors makes him an ideal consultant for AI skill development with Inparallel Synergies.
At the University of Newcastle and Flinders University, Bert successfully integrated GenAI into programs, transforming hybrid and experiential learning. He has delivered key workshops, including at the Academy of Management conference, and contributed to discussions at global forums such as the London School of Economics, showcasing AI’s potential in education.
In addition, Bert’s leadership in innovation is evident through initiatives like the award-winning Venture Dorm and the Innovative Manufacturing Accelerator (IMA), which have supported startups and SMEs. His deep expertise and global recognition position him as a key contributor to Inparallel Synergies’ AI-driven educational projects.
Neeta Prasad Lad
Location: India
Member
Neeta Prasad Lad serves as a trusted adviser to Inparallel Synergies, offering her extensive experience in business leadership in Executive leadership space.
Neeta’s advisory role focuses on guiding the company’s partnership strategy, fostering innovative approaches to sustainable development, and strengthening partnerships that align with the company’s mission of empowering communities through education and skills development. Neeta’s expertise ensures that Inparallel Synergies continues to thrive as a leader in the global educational landscape mainly in community development and regional development programs in India.
Paul Muller
Location: Australia
Board Member
Paul’s extensive experience in project management and strategic advising across multiple sectors makes him a valuable contributor to Inparallel Synergies. His expertise in strategy, risk, and operations will support Inparallel’s mission to create impactful educational partnerships and innovative projects. Paul’s pioneering research and commitment to challenging institutional norms align with Inparallel’s goals of driving excellence and innovation in education. His role in mentoring future leaders further strengthens Inparallel’s capability to inspire and develop creative and critical thinkers.
Dr. Vishal Rana
Location: Australia / Qatar
Academic Practioner
Vishal is a key partner at Inparallel Synergies, where his profound expertise in organizational transformation, human resource management, and educational technology significantly enhances the firm’s capacity to deliver innovative solutions. His pioneering work in integrating Generative AI into educational frameworks and his experience in guiding startups and established organisations through digital transformation aligns perfectly with Inparallel Synergies’ mission. Dr. Rana’s contributions are instrumental in advancing Inparallel Synergies’ initiatives in educational innovation and strategic partnerships, helping to shape the future of education globally.
Partners
