David Lewis

Professor David Lewis is the Executive Dean and Head of the School of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials at the University of Adelaide. He holds a formal academic appointment within the Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology. His roles include leadership in academic administration and chemical engineering education.

Research interests focus on low-carbon technologies at the energy-water-environment nexus, particularly hydrothermal liquefaction for sustainable waste management and biofuel production. His work integrates fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and process control. Key industry collaborations include partnerships with Southern Oil Refining Pty Ltd and SQC Pty Ltd.

Teaching responsibilities include subjects like CE4054 Research Project and CE3036 Unit Operations. He actively supervises postgraduate students in process technology R&D. Notable grants include a $4 million Australian Renewable Energy Agency grant (2019-2021) and a $296K+ ARC Linkage Project (2015-2017).

Professional activities span leadership in academia and industry, including a 2012-2016 sabbatical managing a biofuel startup. His lab develops sub-critical water technologies for waste-to-energy solutions, addressing both national and international industry needs in petroleum and wastewater sectors.