Wennie Subramonian

Course: Bachelor of Chemical Engineering (Honours), 2012 and Doctor of Philosophy (Chemical Engineering), 2016
Nationality: Malaysian
Current role: Senior Lecturer and Course Leader, Teesside University (UK)

Please tell us about your role in your current organisation.

I am a senior lecturer in Chemical Engineering with both teaching and research commitments. Besides delivering lectures, tutorials, and practical sessions, I am also the module leader of several chemical engineering modules. As a module leader, I have developed new Master-level modules (MEng and MSc) and restructured several existing BEng modules. I also act as a project supervisor for Master’s Research Projects and BEng Final Year Design Project.

In terms of research, I am currently one of the primary investigators of a European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) project: Tees Valley Hydrogen Innovation Project. I have delivered ongoing research work and business engagement activities for the ERDF project. Following this project, the theme of my research contributions is industrial decarbonisation through the development of cleaner hydrogen technologies and the application of catalytic reactions to convert carbon dioxide into hydrogen. My research interests also include the development and commercialisation of water treatment technology and the development of carbon capture materials and catalysts for the conversion of carbon dioxide into useful biofuels and chemicals.

Please tell us about your PhD research.

My PhD research was to develop an integrated treatment process of pulp and paper mill effluent using coagulation and heterogeneous photocatalysis. My work led me to discover a natural plant-based coagulant to be used in treating industrial wastewater, and the synthesis of a reusable and retrievable photocatalyst using a facile and solvent-free method. My research contributions have been published in five research papers.

Why did you choose Monash?

I chose to pursue my postgraduate degree at Monash University Malaysia because I was presented with the opportunity to work alongside Associate Professor Dr Wu Ta Yeong and Professor Chai Siang Piao, both of whom are very advanced and highly knowledgeable in their respective fields of research. It was under their supervision that I was able to develop new knowledge and analytical skills in research.

Additionally, the university is highly equipped with state-of-the-art facilities that allowed me to produce high-quality findings throughout my studies. Overall, I am very glad that I have pursued my postgraduate studies here as it helped to build a strong foundation for my academic career and allowed me to pursue a better career opportunity overseas.

What did you enjoy most about your student life?

As a postgraduate student, I was able to network and build connections with other postgraduates of different research backgrounds. Through meaningful conversations, the postgraduate community enabled me to broaden my perspective and interests in various research areas.

Besides research, I have come to know fellow postgraduates through the Monash University Postgraduate Association (MUPA). The social activities organised by MUPA created a fun and wonderful experiences that promoted a healthy work-life balance for me. Overall, it was a holistic learning and growing experience at Monash.

What are your career goals?

One of my career goals is to further enhance my leadership and management skills as I will be undertaking Course Leadership in Chemical Engineering at Teesside University. The new role presents a heavier job responsibility and has its own challenges to ensure and manage the course and students. I hope to structure the course in an effective manner so that it tailors to current industrial requirements while improving the student learning experience.

Teesside University is located in a strategic region where it is accessible to main process industries. It is my goal to continue engaging with these industries to create more student placement opportunities. I would also like to further evaluate the latest teaching methods and assessment strategies to promote a deep-learning experience for students. Personally, it is essential to cultivate a learning culture that encourages critical thinking and genuine interest amongst the younger generation in order to have a progressive society.

Another major career goal of mine is to further pursue and expand in my field of research towards international collaboration. Recently, I have been exploring research opportunities with academics abroad (including Malaysia) through overseas and national grants. I would like to eventually commercialise my research so that it can be applicable and beneficial to industries. My current involvement in a regional project allows me to first conduct my research on a lab-scale basis. My goal is to ultimately convert my findings into pilot-scale research, which will lead to future commercialisation of the developed technology.

These are some of the achievements that I aspire to accomplish and contribute towards becoming a better educator and researcher.