Rate My Professor Craig Wheeler

Professor Craig Wheeler is a Professor in Mechanical Engineering in the School of Engineering at the University of Newcastle. He earned his PhD in 2004 from the University of Newcastle with a thesis entitled “Analysis of the Main Resistances of Belt Conveyors” and a Bachelor of Engineering from the same university. His professional career began at BHP Steel, where he served as a Cadet Mechanical Engineer from 1989 to 1996 and as a Mechanical Design Engineer from 1997 to 1999. At the University of Newcastle, he has held positions including Associate Director of the Centre for Bulk Solids and Particulate Technologies since 2005, Associate Director of TUNRA Bulk Solids, and Assistant Dean - Research, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment from March 2020 to March 2022. He also served as Convenor of the Australian Society for Bulk Solids Handling from 2010 to 2016.

Professor Wheeler's research specializes in developing theoretical models and optimization techniques for belt conveyor and bulk handling systems to reduce energy consumption and environmental impact in mineral transportation. Notable contributions include the patented Rail Conveyor technology, which halves the energy use of traditional systems, advancements in dust emission control achieving up to 90% reductions, and the design of the world’s longest single-flight belt conveyor in 2015. He has contributed to Australian Standards on conveyor testing methods and holds patents for dust minimization in loading chutes, idler roll sensing, and rail conveyor systems. Key publications encompass “Rail-Running Conveyors: A Disruptive New Belt-Conveying Technology” (2022) in Glueckauf Mining Reporter, “Reducing the energy intensity of overland conveying using a novel rail-running conveyor system” (2021) in the International Journal of Mining, Reclamation and Environment, “Development of the rail conveyor technology” (2019) in the same journal, and “Rotating Resistance of Belt Conveyor Idler Rolls” (2016) in the Journal of Manufacturing Science and Engineering. His achievements are recognized with awards such as the Australian Research Council Mid-Career Industry Fellowship (2024), Engineers Australia - Australian Society for Bulk Solids Handling award (2023), Australian Council of Engineering Deans National Award for Engineering Education Excellence (2017), and Pro-Vice Chancellor’s Award for Research Excellence (2009). Wheeler regularly delivers professional development and master’s level courses on belt conveying and feeding internationally.