Multi-Disciplinary Learning Spaces
Our Multi-Disciplinary Learning Spaces (MDLS) play a pivotal role in ensuring our students achieve a mastery of concept-rich course material through active learning in authentic contexts.

MDLS are expected to act as catalysts for curriculum development and the Faculty’s vision of transformation to an active learning environment for students. More than just laboratories and workshops, MDLS are composed of 38 flexible and specialised learning spaces to enhance learning experience for approximately 4,000 Part I to Part IV engineering students annually.
The teaching and learning opportunities at MDLS include face to face in a context setting, more targeted learning experience, and option of group work with re-configurable furniture, experimentation with roll-in and roll-out equipment, and champion courses. The newly formed MDLS technical services team’s mission is to collaborate with subject matter experts and support the development of the concepts underpinning key courses and identify the difficult concepts to be explored through practical activities and other learning resources.
Take a tour
The 38 MDLS are across a number of categories: Flexibles, Electrical and Instrumentation, Wet Chemistry, Wet Non-Chemistry, Computational, and Specialised. Click the links below to view 360 degree images of spaces from each category.
MDLS 1
Equipped for:
- Fluid dynamics
- Hydrology experiments
- Civil engineering experiments
MDLS 2
Equipped for:
- Wind tunnel experiments
- Electrical experiments
- Strength of materials testing
MDLS 3
- Equipped for design and build activities (supported by the Engineering workshop)
MDLS 4
Equipped for:
- Design and build activities (supported by the Engineering workshop)
- Dual mechanics experiments
Contact the MDLS team
General enquiries
Email: MDLS@uoa.auckland.ac.nz
Dr Yantao Song | Technical Manager
Responsibilities: Overseeing the operations of MDLS and driving the Faculty’s vision in promoting innovative teaching and delivering excellent student learning experience at MDLS. She is passionate about supporting learning space technicians so that they develop their pedagogical awareness and skills.
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Geoff Kirby | Senior Teaching Technician
Room responsibilities: MDLS Wet Non-Chemistry, MDLS Dirty Prep, Engine Cell, 3D Printers
Geoff’s diverse areas of expertise include fluid mechanics, composite construction, 3D printing and more.
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Paul Martin | Senior Teaching Technician
Room responsibilities: MDLS Flexibles, MDLS Laser Cutter
Paul has a background in electronics and mechanical engineering, and helps with our undergraduate teaching laboratory development and health and safety compliance.
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Wai Yeung | Senior Teaching Technician
Room responsibilities: Electrical and Instrumentation, Soldering Workshop
Wai has an Electrical background with electrical circuit design specialisation, and possesses an Electrical Testing certification.
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Dr Sally Hsieh | Senior Teaching Technician
Room responsibilities: Wet Chemistry
Sally has a Chemistry background with particular specialisations in physical, material and analytical chemistry.
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Dr Naser Mostashiri | Teaching Technician
Room responsibilities: Computing, 3D Printing, Electrical and Instrumentation
Naser’s expertise lies in Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering, with a focus on CAD, robotics, and motion capturing. He looks after both undergraduate and postgraduate teaching.
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Jim Luo | Teaching Technician
Room responsibilities: Flexibles
Jim has a background in hydraulics through his specialisation in fluid mechanics, as well wind tunnel operation.
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Anesh Pratap | Teaching Technician
Room responsibilities: Flexibles, Design and Build Workshop
Anesh has a Mechanical background and specialises in machinery operation, maintenance and calibration.
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Dr Terry Huang | Teaching Technician
Room responsibilities: Electrical and Instrumentation, Computing
Terry’s background is in Electrical and Electronics engineering. He specialises in object detection and tracking, mmWave technology and wireless sensor networks.
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