Alumni Spotlight

🎓 Berwick College Alumni Spotlight: Robert Mollard (1993)

From Berwick College to the world of supercomputing and AI.

When Rob left Berwick College early in Year 12, he probably didn't imagine his career would eventually take him to the world of some of the fastest computers on the planet.

Today, Rob is Director of Presales, DDN Asia Pacific, leading a team that designs the high-speed data systems behind supercomputers and advanced AI.

But what does that actually mean?

In simple terms, Rob and his team build the "data highways" that allow enormous amounts of information to move quickly between thousands of computer chips. When AI models are being trained or supercomputers are running complex simulations, they need huge amounts of data every second. If that data can't move fast enough, everything slows down.

Rob's work spans the Asia-Pacific region, working with leading research organisations and technology companies. He also travels internationally to major supercomputing and AI conferences.

His interest in technology started at Berwick College, where he enjoyed pulling apart electronics, building things and experimenting with early computers. He was particularly interested in mathematics, science and problem solving.

After leaving school, Rob travelled and worked in hospitality before returning to Melbourne to study Electronics at TAFE, followed by a Diploma of Computer Systems Engineering at Swinburne.

In 1999, he joined CSIRO, where he spent 12 years.

Rob was later seconded to iVEC, now the Pawsey Supercomputing Centre, in Perth, where he helped design and build a very large-scale data storage system.

Since then, his career has taken him into senior technical and leadership roles, working on some of the largest computing and data systems across the Asia-Pacific region. His work has supported research facilities in Singapore and South Korea, helping researchers in areas including climate science, health and engineering.

Looking back, Rob remembers his inspiring maths and science teachers, practical projects and, perhaps surprisingly, drama and theatre. Performing as the lead in the school production 'Man of Steel' helped build the confidence and communication skills he still uses today.

Rob's journey is a great reminder that there isn't always a straight line from school to a successful career.

Today, he is passionate about mentoring young people and would love to return to Berwick College to share his story with our students.

We're looking forward to making that happen! 🩵✨

Alumni Spotlight: 

If you are a Berwick College alum or know an alum with a great story to share, we would love to hear from you. Please reach out to our Alumni Program Coordinator, Jessica, to get involved – alumni@berwickcollege.vic.edu.au