Lachlan Yee

Dr. Lachlan Yee is a Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University, and serves as the First Year Experience Coordinator. He holds adjunct roles at Central Queensland University. With a BSc(Hons) and PhD in Industrial and Polymer Chemistry from UNSW (1996, 2001), his research focuses on sustainable polymer science to address environmental challenges, particularly waste reduction and pollution remediation. He specializes in biodegradable polymers (chitin, chitosan), antibacterial polymer applications, and plastic recycling into construction materials. His work also explores black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) for organic waste conversion into insect protein and chitosan.

• Education:
  • BSc(Hons) in Industrial Chemistry, UNSW (1996)
  • PhD in Polymer Chemistry, UNSW (2001)

Research Interests: Dr. Yee’s research integrates polymer science with environmental sustainability, emphasizing:

• Antibacterial catalysts on polyvinyl chloride surfaces
• Marine and soil applications of biodegradable polymers
• Small-scale plastic waste recycling for circular economy
• Bioconversion of organic waste via black soldier fly

Grants & Awards:

• Outstanding Teaching Award (Southern Cross University, 2021)
• Australian Research Council Grant (LP150100602): Plastics using renewable signal chemistry to remove bacteria in water

Lab & Teams: Affiliated with the Environmental Analysis Laboratory and collaborates on interdisciplinary projects. Supervises graduate students in polymer science, waste management, and biotechnology.