Sebastian Thomas

Dr. Sebastian Thomas is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Monash University, within the Faculty of Engineering. He holds a PhD from Monash University and a B.Tech in Chemical and Electrochemical Engineering from Anna University. His research focuses on materials durability, particularly corrosion mechanisms in alloys such as additively manufactured stainless steels, magnesium alloys, and nickel-based materials. He has collaborated extensively with industry partners like Woodside, BlueScope Steel, and the Office of Naval Research (ONR) on projects addressing corrosion challenges such as hydrogen embrittlement, stress corrosion cracking, and chromium-free coatings. Dr. Thomas has led industrial projects yielding over $100 million in asset management savings. He is a member of NACE's Research Committee and Materials Australia, and recipient of the 2012 NACE Best Paper Award. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to industry and infrastructure.

Education:

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Materials Science and Engineering, Monash University
• Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech), Chemical and Electrochemical Engineering, Anna University

Research interests include corrosion mechanisms in additively manufactured alloys, electrochemistry, and the development of corrosion protection methods. His current projects involve investigating corrosion characteristics of additively manufactured stainless steels and advancing chromium-free coatings. Dr. Thomas has delivered keynote talks at conferences such as ICMAT and MS&T, and his research bridges fundamental science with industrial applications.

Scientific Awards:

• Best Paper Award (2012), NACE International

Advising and Grants: Dr. Thomas supervises PhD students and has secured significant industrial funding, leading projects that combine academic research with real-world engineering solutions. His work on corrosion under insulation and stray current corrosion exemplifies this interdisciplinary approach.

Labs and Teams: His research is conducted in collaboration with leading industry partners and academic institutions, contributing to the ARC Research Hub for Australian Steel Innovation and other collaborative ventures.