Dr Pankaj Sharma

Using technology to make a positive difference.

Dr Pankaj Sharma takes a practical, problem-solving approach to teaching, helping ākonga build confidence through hands-on development and real-world applications.

Growing up and working in Fiji shaped Pankaj’s belief that technology can be a powerful tool for improving people’s lives and strengthening communities.

“I chose ICT because I saw it as a way to bring about change, particularly social change. I want students to recognise that their ICT skills can help them build rewarding careers while also making a positive contribution to the world,” says Pankaj.

Pankaj completed his PhD in Information Science at the University of Otago, where he studied decision-making within open-source software communities, using Python as a major case study.

He later joined the University of Auckland as a postdoctoral researcher in Geographic Information Science, focusing on geospatial privacy and Indigenous data sovereignty.

His research contributed to MapSafe, a series of tools designed to protect sensitive geographic data before it is shared, reflecting his wider interest in developing ethical technologies that benefit people and communities.

Before joining UCOL, Pankaj taught at the University of Fiji, covering areas including artificial intelligence, data science, business intelligence, and cybersecurity.

His experience also includes working in public and private sector organisations in Fiji and New Zealand as a software developer, database administrator and business analyst.

At UCOL, Pankaj teaches cybersecurity, mobile application development and data analytics courses across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Drawing on his industry and research experience, he focuses on making learning practical, relevant and connected to the workplace.

“The best moments are when students move from uncertainty to confidence and realise they can create something genuinely useful. Knowing that learning can influence their careers and lives is what makes teaching so meaningful to me.”

Pankaj particularly values UCOL’s practical approach to learning and its focus on keeping programmes responsive to developments in technology and industry.

“Our students develop more than technical knowledge. They also build communication, teamwork, critical thinking and project skills that are important for a successful career in ICT.”

His advice for anyone considering ICT is simple: stay curious, adaptable and keep learning.

“ICT never stands still. Most importantly, learn by building things and solving real problems.”