PhD Student in Chemical Engineering
After earning a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering in 2014, I obtained an additional honors degree in Applied Science, specializing in water utilization within environmental engineering at the University of Pretoria (UP), South Africa, completed in 2017. This ignited my passion for water and wastewater treatment research, leading me to pursue a Master of Engineering degree in Chemical Engineering (research-based) still at UP, which I completed in 2021. Currently, I am undertaking a PhD degree in Chemical Engineering at the University of Sydney, Australia.
University of Sydney, Australia
Professor Marjorie Valix
Decision Support Tools for Water and Wastewater Asset Management
For years, my education has centered on studying theory and conducting laboratory-based research, culminating in published works. Yet, my passion lies in applying these theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios. Joining an industry-led research project presents a chance to bridge academia and practicality, allowing me to collaborate with professionals to understand industry challenges and contribute innovative solutions. This opportunity not only facilitates networking but also nurtures a deeper understanding of how theoretical knowledge translates into impactful applications, enriching both my professional growth and the industry’s advancement.
Having recently embarked on my PhD journey, I am filled with anticipation for the remarkable achievements that lie ahead as I work towards completing this program. This journey is just beginning, and I am excited to see where it will take me.
I am keen to acquire industry experience in the fields of wastewater treatment and wastewater asset management. By integrating this practical experience with my educational background, I aim to develop a comprehensive understanding of the sector.
My research project aims to develop a failure predictive model for sewer concrete pipes affected by microbiologically induced concrete corrosion (MICC) and aggressive soil conditions. This pioneering project holds significant academic and industrial implications, especially within the Australian research community. Academically, it advances understanding of internal and external corrosion in concrete sewer pipes, shedding light on underlying mechanisms and critical influencing factors. This contributes to the academic community’s comprehension of a vital infrastructure issue, driving knowledge development in Australia.
On an industrial scale, addressing corrosion concerns in sewer systems extends asset lifespan, resulting in substantial cost savings for rehabilitation efforts. This is particularly advantageous for infrastructure management, wastewater treatment industries, and construction companies in Australia, where efficient resource allocation is paramount. Moreover, the project enhances asset management within Australia’s industrial sector, enabling more effective prioritization of maintenance and resource allocation based on deterministic failure predictive modelling (FPM). This model will serve as a crucial component of the decision support tool (DST) required by industry stakeholders to make well-informed decisions regarding sewer infrastructure management.
Furthermore, the research aligns with Australian industrial needs for environmental compliance and public safety. By preventing contamination, infrastructure damage, and service disruptions, it contributes to safeguarding public health and environmental preservation.
