Dr. Yogambha Ramaswamy is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Biomedical Engineering at The University of Sydney and a member of the Sydney Nano Institute. She holds a Master’s in Biotechnology from the University of Queensland and a PhD in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Sydney (2009). Her postdoctoral career began as a Vice-Chancellor’s Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of New South Wales, followed by a Peter Doherty Early Career Fellowship in 2013 before joining the University of Sydney in 2015. Dr. Ramaswamy’s research focuses on biomaterials, tissue engineering, and mechanobiology, with a particular emphasis on developing calcium silicate-based ceramics and biopolymers for orthopedic and regenerative applications. Her recent work explores the role of physical cues in modulating stem and cancer cell behavior. She teaches courses such as AMME1961 (Introduction to Biomedical Engineering B) and AMME5962 (Introduction to Mechanobiology). Her research has been supported by grants including the NHMRC Early Career Fellowship and collaborations with institutions like the CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology and the University of Otago. Her publications span biomaterials, nanotechnology, and mechanobiology, with recent work addressing atherosclerosis, hydrogel design, and nanomedicine. She currently supervises PhD students Frank (biomaterials) and Alexander (atherosclerosis research).
Professor Guoxiu Wang is a Distinguished Professor and Industry Laureate Fellow at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), leading the Centre for Clean Energy Technology. His expertise spans battery technologies, materials chemistry, and electrochemistry, with a focus on lithium-ion, sodium-ion, and other advanced energy storage systems. He holds prestigious fellowships, including from the Royal Society of Chemistry and the European Academy of Sciences. His research has been recognized through numerous awards, including being listed as a Highly Cited Researcher since 2018. Research Interests: Professor Wang’s work addresses challenges in energy storage through innovative materials design, including electrode materials for sodium-ion and lithium-sulfur batteries, MXenes, and electrolyte development. His team explores strategies to enhance battery performance, such as heterostructure engineering and defect-rich catalysts. Publications & Impact: With over 750 refereed papers, including in Nature Energy , Advanced Materials , and Angewandte Chemie , his work has garnered >78,000 citations (H-index 153/165). Recent trends focus on sodium-ion battery materials, MXene-based capacitors, and sustainable energy solutions like osmotic energy harvesting. Awards & Leadership: Awards include Fellowships from the Royal Society of Chemistry (2017), International Society of Electrochemistry (2018), and European Academy of Sciences (2020). He serves as an Associate Editor for Energy Storage Materials and Electrochemical Energy Reviews , and leads international collaborations, including a Royal Society Wolfson Visiting Fellowship at the University of Manchester (2024–2026). Grants & Supervision: Secured significant external grants, with active supervision of PhD/Masters students in battery technologies. His labs prioritize sustainable energy solutions and advanced material synthesis. Labs & Teams: Directs the Centre for Clean Energy Technology, fostering interdisciplinary research to advance clean energy technologies, from novel battery designs to electrochemical catalysts for CO2 and nitrate conversion.
Dr. Qingbo Sun is a researcher at the Department of Materials Physics, Australian National University, specializing in advanced materials for energy and electronic applications. His work focuses on defect engineering, dielectric materials, and photovoltaic effects in nanocrystalline systems. Research interests include: Defect-driven local symmetry breaking Colossal dielectric permittivity Photocatalytic heterojunctions High-pressure material transformations Doping strategies in semiconductors Nonlinear electric polarization Research trends from his publications highlight innovations in TiO2-based photocatalysts, SnO2 dielectrics, and ferroelectric heterostructures. Collaborations span materials synthesis, computational modeling, and international experimental studies. His work is cited extensively in Scopus with 294 citations.
Cameron L. Bentley is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Chemistry at Monash University, Australia. He holds a PhD in Chemistry from Monash University (2015), focusing on electroanalysis in ionic liquids. After completing his doctorate, he worked at the University of Warwick (UK) through prestigious fellowships including Endeavour, Marie Skłodowska-Curie, and Ramsay Memorial. In November 2020, he returned to Monash to lead an independent research group funded by a DECRA Fellowship. Affiliations: School of Chemistry (Monash University), Warwick Electrochemistry and Interfaces Group (former) Research Focus: Nanoscale electrochemistry, electrocatalyst design for renewable energy (water splitting, CO₂ reduction), and single nanoparticle electrochemistry. Bentley’s research innovatively combines scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM) with correlative microscopy/spectroscopy to study structure-activity relationships in electrochemical materials. Key projects include nanoscale imaging of water-splitting electrodes and developing platforms to probe individual nanoparticles for battery materials. Research Outputs: Over 77 publications since 2013, with recent focus on SECCM advancements, electrocatalyst optimization, and nanoscale reaction imaging. His work addresses pressing challenges in renewable energy storage and nanomaterials. Awards: A.M. Bond Medal (2023), Early Career Analytical Electrochemistry Prize (ISE Division 1, 2020) Grants: ARC DECRA Fellowship, CSIRO collaboration (2023–2027) He supervises PhD students in nanoscale reaction imaging and single nanoparticle electrochemistry, requiring competitive scholarships for international candidates.
Professor Philip Wai Hong Chan holds a Chair in Chemistry at Monash University, leading research in organic and inorganic chemistry with a focus on sustainable catalytic methodologies. He earned a B.Sc.(Honours) from the University of Bristol (1995) and a D.Phil. from the University of Oxford (1998), followed by postdoctoral training at Tohoku University, University of Sydney, and University of Hong Kong. Since 2014, he has been a Professor in Monash's School of Chemistry, advancing studies in homogeneous catalysis, photoredox systems, and organocatalysis. His research integrates synthetic chemistry with applications in drug discovery and materials science, particularly targeting bioactive natural products and functional materials. Key areas include transition metal catalysis for complex molecule synthesis and development of green chemistry approaches. Chan leads major projects like the ARC Training Centre for Advanced Radiochemical Technologies and has authored over 157 publications. Recognition includes multiple Asian Core Program Lectureship Awards (2007, 2014), a SPMS Teaching Excellence Award (2012), and contributions to antimicrobial research through self-assembling nanoparticles. He collaborates globally on topics like sustainable catalysis and medical imaging, reflecting his commitment to UN Sustainable Development Goals in health and innovation.
Professor Jun Huang is a faculty member in the School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Sydney, where he holds the rank of Professor and is Director of the Laboratory for Catalysis Engineering. He is also a Domain Leader for Materials at the nanoscale at Sydney Nano Institute and a member of several interdisciplinary institutes, including the China Studies Centre and Sydney Institute of Agriculture. His research focuses on catalysis engineering, with an emphasis on developing sustainable processes for renewable fuels, pollutant treatment, and greenhouse gas mitigation. Huang has held prestigious awards such as the Australia Research Council Future Fellowship (2022) and the Sydney Accelerator Fellowship (2018). Education: Huang earned his PhD from the University of Stuttgart (2008) and completed postdoctoral research at Georgia Institute of Technology and ETH Zurich. He joined the University of Sydney in 2010 as a Lecturer, advancing to Senior Lecturer, Associate Professor, and Professor. Research Interests: Huang's work centers on catalyst design for green chemical processes, including biomass conversion to biofuels, wastewater treatment, and CO2 utilization. He emphasizes sustainable manufacturing and environmental impact reduction through innovative catalytic systems. Current Projects: These include catalytic transformation of hydrocarbons/CO2/biomass, nano-catalysts for renewable energy, and advanced NMR spectroscopy for catalysis analysis. Collaborative projects involve anti-cancer therapies and drug pharmacology studies. Awards: Over 15 awards, including the 2021 ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering Lectureship and 2017 Vice-Chancellor’s Research Excellence Award. Teaching: Huang instructs courses such as CHNG2801 (Conservation Processes), CHNG3802 (Industrial Systems), and advanced chemical engineering topics. He supervises PhD/Master students in catalysis and sustainable engineering. Labs/Teams: Leads the Catalysis Engineering Lab and collaborates with Sydney Nano Institute on nanomaterials research.
Prof. Akshat Tanksale is a Professor in Chemical & Biological Engineering at Monash University, leading the Catalysis for Green Chemicals group. He specializes in heterogeneous catalysis for CO2 and biomass conversion into sustainable fuels/chemicals. His roles include Deputy Director of the ARC Research Hub for Carbon Utilisation and Recycling, and Carbon Theme Leader of the Woodside Monash Energy Partnership. Education: PhD (2008, University of Queensland) in nanomaterials/chemical reaction engineering, followed by postdoctoral research at UQ on biomass-to-fuels and hydrogen storage. Joined Monash in 2011. Research Focus: Innovating low/negative carbon emission technologies via catalyst design and CCU processes. Key areas include CO2 valorisation, biomass depolymerisation, and nanomaterials for energy storage (e.g., Zn-air batteries). His work aligns with UN SDGs addressing climate action and sustainable energy. Projects: Active in 11 projects (2021–2029), including leadership in carbon recycling via direct air capture and syngas conversion to acetic acid. Collaborates internationally on catalyst development and CO2 conversion. Awards: Multiple recognitions including Dean’s Award for Innovation (2020), Caltex Award (2018), and Australia-India Science & Tech Award (2010). Active in professional service, chairing IChemE Research Working Groups. Teaching: Offers courses CHE2162 (Mass/Energy Balances) and CHE3165 (Separation Processes).
Associate Professor Ken Chiang is a faculty member at RMIT University's School of Engineering under the STEM faculty. He holds an Associate Professor rank and has over 20 years of academic and industrial research experience, securing over $12 million in research funding. His work focuses on innovative catalyst technologies, sustainable processes, and liquid metal catalysis for applications in CO2 utilization, hydrogen generation, and environmental engineering. Research Interests Chemical Engineering, Macromolecular and Materials Chemistry, Materials Engineering, Environmental Engineering, and catalytic systems for renewable energy. Key Projects Recent projects include development of next-generation liquid metal catalysts for CO2 reutilization, low-emission hydrogen generation via ammonia utilization, and novel reactor concepts for process intensification. His research also addresses wastewater purification and solar-to-chemical energy conversion. Advising & Grants He has supervised 10 PhD students, 2 Master's students, and 2 industrial trainees. His funding includes government and industry projects totaling over $12 million. Labs & Collaborations Collaborates on decarbonization technologies and liquid metal systems, with contributions to RMIT's research network in sustainable energy and catalysis.
Professor Luke Connal is a full professor at the Research School of Chemistry at the Australian National University (ANU), where he leads the Connal Group. He joined ANU in 2017 after serving as a Senior Lecturer at the University of Melbourne. Currently, he holds an ARC mid-career industry fellowship and serves as the chair of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI) polymer division. Professor Connal is also an associate editor for the Royal Society of Chemistry journal "Molecular Systems Design and Engineering" and co-founder of two spin-out companies focused on polymer technologies. Professor Connal received his Bachelor of Chemical Engineering and PhD in polymer chemistry from the University of Melbourne, Australia. Following his doctoral studies, he completed a post-doctoral position with Professor Frank Caruso at the University of Melbourne, developing new techniques for the self-assembly of polymers. He then held a joint Sir Keith Murdoch postdoctoral Fellowship and Australian Linkage International Fellowship at the University of California, Santa Barbara, working with Professor Craig Hawker. Professor Connal's research focuses on the development of molecular design concepts to create new materials for diverse applications, including artificial skin and tissues, sustainable polymers and surfactants, additive manufacturing electronics, and water harvesting. His core competencies center around advanced polymer design, self-assembly, and catalysis . His group explores four main research themes: Catalysis, Functional Materials and Interfaces, Soft Matter, and Supramolecular Chemistry . They develop innovative materials such as enzyme-inspired polymer catalysts, smart polymers for 3D printing, and polymer electrolytes for energy storage applications. Analysis of Professor Connal's recent publications reveals a strong focus on developing biomimetic materials and responsive polymers. His work bridges fundamental polymer chemistry with practical applications in environmental remediation, healthcare, and sustainable technologies. A notable trend is the increasing emphasis on CO2 capture technologies through enzyme-inspired catalysts and hydrogel systems. His group has also made significant contributions to 3D printing of functional materials , particularly self-healing gels and pH-responsive polymers. The research demonstrates a consistent trajectory toward creating smart, responsive materials with applications addressing global challenges in sustainability and healthcare. David Syme Research Prize (2020) Grimwade Prize in Industrial Chemistry (2019) Professor Connal actively supervises multiple PhD students including Lilian Boton, Jason Buchanan, Sandra Jestin, Saif Rahaman, Peidong Shen, Ming Li Tan, Moki Thanusing, and Jekaterina Viktorova. His current research is supported by several significant grants including projects on sustainable and compostable plastic alternatives, multimaterial 3D printed antenna arrays, developing vitrimers as next-generation reusable plastics, multi-material 3D printing, and smart materials for atmospheric water management. These projects demonstrate his commitment to translating fundamental polymer research into practical solutions for environmental and technological challenges. The Connal Group at ANU operates at the intersection of polymer chemistry and materials science, developing innovative solutions across multiple domains. Their laboratory work focuses on creating new polymers with applications spanning artificial skin development, sustainable packaging alternatives, atmospheric water harvesting, and advanced electronics. The group's unique approach combines biomimicry principles with cutting-edge polymer synthesis techniques to create materials with precisely controlled properties. Current projects include developing strong and self-healing polymer materials for biological applications, expanding 3D printing capabilities for functional materials, creating fully recyclable or compostable plastics, and designing thermoresponsive polymer desiccants for sustainable water harvesting.
Dr. Priya Samudrala is a Senior Lecturer and Deputy Director of Education in Monash University's Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering. Her research spans heterogeneous catalysis, green chemistry, and sustainable processes, with expertise in biomass conversion, glycerol valorization, and 3D-printed catalysts for renewable fuel production. Recent publications (2017-2025) demonstrate consistent focus on sustainable catalyst design for biomass conversion, including catalytic reforming, hydrogenolysis, and CO2 valorization. Article trends emphasize catalyst innovation for circular economy applications, particularly in waste glycerol utilization and biomass-derived chemical production. Professional credentials include a PhD in Applied Chemistry from RMIT University and Master of Teaching from Monash University. Research contributions have been recognized through awards including the Martin Bennett Research Excellence Award.
Professor Anthony Masters is a Professor of Inorganic Chemistry at the University of Sydney's School of Chemistry within the Faculty of Science. He holds academic qualifications including a BSc (Hons I) from the University of Melbourne (1972) and a PhD from the Australian National University (1976). His career spans roles at Imperial College London, Case Western Reserve University, La Trobe University, and CSIRO, before joining the University of Sydney in 1986. His research focuses on catalysis, green chemistry, renewable energy materials, and integrating First Nations knowledge into scientific practice. Awards include FRACI, CChem, GAIDC, and an Honorary Fellowship from Western Sydney University. Professor Masters' research spans interdisciplinary areas such as cobalt carboxylate chemistry, molybdenum carbide catalysis, and sustainable synthesis methods. His work emphasizes environmental applications, including converting lignin into renewable chemicals and advancing hydrogen production via visible light. He has contributed to over 120 peer-reviewed articles and holds patents in catalytic systems. Recent grants include studies on electrode-supported ionogels and in situ environmental electrochemistry. Professor Masters collaborates on projects blending scientific innovation with cultural respect, exemplified by initiatives like 'Elements of Country,' promoting Indigenous perspectives in chemistry education. He advises on PhD admissions and postdoctoral positions, emphasizing competitive scholarship requirements for international candidates.
Hong Peng is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Chemical Engineering, University of Queensland (UQ), specializing in fundamental chemical engineering processes. He earned a PhD in Chemical Engineering from UQ in 2014, winning the OZ Minerals Award for Excellent Thesis. With industry experience at BHP Billiton (2006-2009), he now leads research in nucleation/crystallization phenomena and waste valorization. Research: Focuses on metal recovery from bauxite residue, CO2 utilization via zeolite catalysts, and crystallization processes Grants: ARC Training Centre for Global Hydrogen Economy, Advance Queensland Fellowships, ANSTO Synchrotron access Publications (100+) reveal trends in zeolite synthesis , CO2 hydrogenation , mineral phase transformation , and bioleaching mechanisms . His recent articles emphasize anion effects on crystallization and green metallurgy innovations. Awards: TMS Young Leaders (2020), Best Alumina Paper (2017), dual UQ Amplify Fellowships Service: Vice Chair of TMS Recycling Committee, academic representative for Queensland chemical engineering As a supervisor , he guides PhD candidates in catalyst design, membrane separation, and zeolite nucleation projects, while teaching Chemical Thermodynamics (CHEE3003) and Process Modeling (CHEE3007).
Professor Yulin Zhong is a faculty member at Griffith University's School of Environment and Science, specializing in Chemistry and Forensic Science. He holds a Professorship since 2025, previously serving as an ARC Future Fellow (2020–2024) and Senior Lecturer (2016–2019). His research focuses on electrochemical synthesis of nanomaterials, additive manufacturing for energy storage devices, and green materials engineering. Zhong has led numerous funded projects, including ARC grants totaling over $1.4M, and collaborates with institutions like the Queensland Micro and Nanotechnology Centre. He has supervised over 20 doctoral students and authored 111+ research outputs. Education: BAppSc Hons (2005) and PhD (2010) from National University of Singapore (NUS), followed by postdocs at Princeton University (2009) and MIT (2011–2012). Awards include the ARC Future Fellowship (2021), A*STAR Fellowship (2010), and Gold Medal for Outstanding PhD Thesis (2009). Research interests span nanomaterials, electrochemical energy storage, and wearable devices. Key contributions include scalable 2D material synthesis and 3D-printed energy components. His work aligns with Sustainable Development Goals 7 (Clean Energy) and 13 (Climate Action).
Dr. Joel Hooper is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Chemistry at Monash University. His research focuses on organic synthesis and catalysis, with applications in bioactive molecules, polymers, and nanomaterials. He leads projects in transition-metal and organocatalysis, polymer synthesis, and carbon nanomaterials. Hooper has secured funding from the Australian Research Council (ARC) and collaborates internationally on sustainable materials and catalytic methodologies. His expertise aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in sustainable industrial processes and responsible consumption. Hooper supervises PhD students in catalysis, polymer chemistry, and materials science, offering fully funded projects. He pioneered methods like decarboxylative radical polymerization and explored graphene as a catalyst for chiral chemistry. Key collaborations include work on vitrimer composites for defense applications and engineered enzymes for cyclic peptide synthesis. Hooper’s research outputs span journals like Angewandte Chemie , Chemical Communications , and Materials Today Chemistry . His lab develops novel synthetic pathways, emphasizing green chemistry and functional materials. He actively engages in research networks, including projects on thermoresponsive hydrogels and polymer-grafted nanocellulose.
Dr. Shuaiyu Jiang is a Research Fellow at RMIT University's School of Science, specializing in renewable energy and catalysis. His work focuses on advanced materials for photocatalytic and electrochemical systems, including hydrogen production, CO2 reduction, and solar energy conversion. He is actively involved in developing sustainable technologies for environmental and energy challenges. Research interests include designing high-efficiency photocatalysts, optimizing catalytic systems for industrial applications, and exploring novel material interfaces. His projects emphasize interdisciplinary approaches to address global energy demands and environmental sustainability. Recent research has highlighted innovations in high entropy alloys for water splitting, ferroelectric catalysis, and defect-engineered materials for nitrogen reduction. His contributions span both fundamental material science and applied energy systems, with a focus on scalability and real-world applications. Dr. Jiang is open to supervising Masters and PhD students in areas such as renewable energy systems, catalytic materials, and environmental technology. He collaborates on projects involving functionalized materials for energy harvesting and wastewater valorization.
