Sherub Phuntsho

Associate Professor Sherub Phuntsho specializes in humanitarian water solutions at the University of Technology Sydney's School of Civil and Environmental Engineering. A core member of the Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, he holds a PhD in Environmental Engineering from UTS.

His research emphasizes:

• Off-grid solar desalination for water-scarce regions
• Plastic waste upcycling into biofilters
• Urine-based nutrient recovery systems
• Capacitive deionization technology
• Climate-resilient water infrastructure

Recent publications (2024-2025) explore hydrogel energy applications, membrane-integrated hydrogen production, circular bioeconomy models, and environmental engineering challenges. Technical focus includes process innovation for developing contexts.

Leadership and recognition:

• Research Excellence through Collaboration Award
• World Water Challenge Finalist
• Editor for Process Safety and Environmental Protection
• President of Sydney Bhutanese Community Association

Leading projects with UNDP, Tuvalu government, and Bhutan Trust Fund, Phuntsho developed solar-powered desalination pilots for Pacific islands and plastic-bottle biofilters for Bhutanese wastewater treatment. He teaches fluid mechanics and advanced water treatment courses while supervising graduate researchers in membrane and sanitation technologies.