Saya Ramakrishnan

Dr Saya Ramakrishnan is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Engineering at the University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ). Holding a BScEng from the University of Moratuwa and a PhD from Swinburne University of Technology, their research focuses on sustainable construction materials and 3D concrete printing technologies. Key areas include geopolymer concrete, phase change materials (PCMs), and thermal energy storage in cementitious composites. They lead projects funded by ARC and industry, such as the $429,629 DECRA grant for active rheology control in concrete and a $1.44M IMCRC project for advanced construction materials.

Research highlights include innovations in set-on-demand geopolymer systems for 3D printing, encapsulated additives for material activation, and eco-friendly concrete using recycled brick waste. Dr Ramakrishnan supervises doctoral students exploring topics like in-line activation technologies and fire-resistant alkali-activated cements. Their work is affiliated with UniSQ's Centre for Future Materials.

Grants and industry partnerships emphasize practical applications of their research, such as thermal coatings for energy-efficient buildings and next-generation construction panels. Publications span journals like Cement and Concrete Research, Construction and Building Materials, and conferences on applied energy and materials science.