Senate Members

Professor Nick Costa

Professor Nick Costa

Nick Costa is an Honours graduate of Agricultural Science and completed a PhD at the University of Adelaide. He has been a member of staff at Murdoch University since 1977, and has taught biochemistry and nutrition to students in veterinary science, biomedical science, chiropractic, molecular biology and biology.

He is now Professor of Sustainable Agriculture and Head of the School of Environmental Science. In addition, he has supervised many PhD and MPhil students and numerous honours students. He has received a University teaching award in the team teaching category. He has an active research profile maintained over his period at Murdoch University, and is now a research scientist in two CRCs (Beef and Beef Quality, and the Australian Sheep Industry). Moreover he is a member of the Sheep CRC national committee on education and an international research committee on trace element metabolism.

He has been Honorary Editor, Vice-President and President of the Nutrition Society of Australia representing both animal and human nutrition. Currently, Nick is Chair of the Lecturer Promotions Committee. Previously Nick has served on Senate (1997-1999) during the transition to the current model of administrative structure for the University, and on Academic Council (1984-1988) during the time of introduction of overseas full-fee paying students and assessment guidelines in units. Nick was Head of the School of Veterinary Biology and Biomedical Science from 1999 to 2003. He chaired the External Studies Committee of the University for over seven years, before the amalgamation of External Studies and ESTR to form the Teaching and Learning Centre. He was the University Radiation Safety Officer for over 15 years. From 1988, Nick has served as the State tertiary institutions’ representative on the Radiological Council, the statutory body charged with radiation safety in WA.

Nick is a keen supporter of university sports, having played football, cricket and table tennis for Murdoch University. Now he is a keen hobby farmer with two registered sheep studs, as well as a small vineyard and orchard at Frankland in the south-west of the State.

Senate Membership List