Paulomi Burey

Professor Paulomi (Polly) Burey is a Professor in Food Science at the University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ), affiliated with the School of Agriculture and Environmental Science and the Centre for Future Materials within the Institute for Advanced Engineering and Space Sciences. She holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering and a BE (Hons I) in Chemical and Materials Engineering from the University of Auckland. Her leadership spans academic programs and major research initiatives in sustainable materials and food systems.

Education:

• PhD in Chemical Engineering, The University of Queensland, 2005
• Graduate Certificate in Higher Education, The University of Queensland, 2007
• Bachelor of Engineering (Hons I) in Chemical and Materials Engineering, The University of Auckland, 2001

Professor Burey’s research centers on food materials science, focusing on the interplay between formulation, microstructure, processing, and rheological behavior of food materials. She is a pioneer in agrifood waste valorization, leading projects like the NO WASTE pilot precinct and the SIMPLE Hub, which aim to develop circular economy models in regional industries. Her work integrates engineering principles with sustainability goals, emphasizing waste-to-resource transformation.

Her recent publications reflect a strong trend in sustainable materials, waste recycling, food processing innovations, and interdisciplinary sustainability. Themes include egg peeling science, bioplastics, mycelium composites, and hydrogel wound dressings—showcasing her applied and fundamental research.

Professional Memberships:

• QLD Branch Co-Chair and Chair (2019–2022), Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology
• Member, Institute of Chemical Engineers
• Member, Society of Rheology
• Member, ISEKI

She actively supervises PhD and Master’s students in areas such as food technology, rheology, and waste-derived materials. She has led multiple externally funded research projects with a cumulative portfolio exceeding $13 million, including grants from the Strategic University Reform Fund and Regional Research Collaboration Program. Her leadership roles include Convenor of the BSc Food Science major and Associate Head (Research) in her School. She also leads a multidisciplinary research team and collaborates with industry, government, and international partners.

Labs and Teams: She leads the Sustainable Industry Design research theme and co-directs two major research programs: NO WASTE and SIMPLE Hub, involving over 15 industry and government partners, and national/international universities. Her lab work focuses on food rheology, microstructure analysis, and sustainable material development.