Meet Our Postgraduate Students!
John Nowakowski, BE(Chem, Hons I)
PhD Candidate, School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
1. Why did you choose Chemical Engineering?
During Open Day, I was wondering around the uni with my parents, and we happened to be walking past the Chemical Engineering building. My mother suggested we have a look, and as soon as I walked in, I knew there was something drawing me to this course. The combination of all of the things I enjoy most – Science, Computing, and English, was definitely a winner.
2. Why did you choose the University of Sydney?
I knew it was definitely one of the best universities in the country, let alone the best for Chemical Engineering.
3. What are the advantages that studying at University of Sydney has given you?
A well-recognised degree from a world-renown institute, and a set of great friends
4. What are you studying/researaching?
I am currently looking into the behavior of Carbon Nanotubes in fluid suspensions, especially when they are under shear. This involves computer-based modelling, but also experimentation in the field.
5. What else do you like to do?
I enjoy keeping up with the University lifestyle, especially taking part in clubs and societies. I enjoy going to the cinema and watching shows on DVD – I’m currently working my way back through Weeds, Buffy, Monty Python, and Six Feet Under. And, of course, I do like to have a drink or two!
Andrew Gadd, BE (Chem, Hons I) BCom
PhD Candidate, School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
1. Why did you choose Chemical Engineering?
I've always been interested in how things work (objects and processes), and my favourite subjects at school were Chemistry and Engineering Science. Chemical engineering just seemed perfect for me, and it was! I also did a commerce degree (combined degree), which compliments chemical engineering very well.
2. Why did you choose the University of Sydney?
The University of Sydney has an outstanding international reputation for producing quality graduates. The facilities and support are also excellent, providing for an enjoyable environment.
3. What are the advantages that studying at the University of Sydney has given you?
Sydney Uni fosters effective learning by balancing fundamental theory and practical problem-solving with hands-on experiments and industrial experience. There is a strong camaraderie between fellow students, and everyone is happy to help each other out.
4. What else do you like to do?
I love the outdoors. My favourite hobbies are skiing, fishing, wake boarding, soccer, camping, 4-wheel driving and rock climbing. I also love to travel, cook and read a good novel.
5. What's the funkiest thing you have done?
After finishing my undergraduate degree, I worked as a ski instructor in Beaver Creek, Colorado for 5 months, teaching children aged 7-14 years old. Their energy and enthusiasm is incredible! The instructors and staff I worked with were from every corner of the globe, and I made lots of awesome friends! I'd recommend this sort of experience to everyone.
Catharine Tierney, BE (Materials, Hons I) BSc (Physics)
PhD Candidate, School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
1. Why did you choose Chemical Engineering?
After working in industry as an engineer for three years, I decided to come back to uni and develop my research skills and move towards a career in sustainability. I want to make a positive contribution to the world by developing sustainable technologies. I choose chemical engineering at the University of Sydney because of the wide range of multi-disciplinary projects available in this area.
2. Why did you choose the University of Sydney?
The University of Sydney has an excellent reputation, is centrally located and has great facilities. I choose the University of Sydney because I had the opportunity to work with innovative staff at the Laboratory for Sustainable Technology in the School of Chemical Engineering.
3. What are the advantages that studying at The University of Sydney has given you?
Sydney Uni has given me great flexibility and variety in my work. I have had the opportunity to do both experimental and numerical research, with great support from a number of academics and access to a wide range of facilities. I also have the opportunity to attend conferences and seminars relevant to my research. Recently, my work won first prize at the Australian Institute of Energy postgraduate awards.
4. What are you studying/researching?
My research is focused on advanced materials design for porous burners, with the aim of mitigating the greenhouse gas emissions associated with coal-mine ventilation air. This project combines combustion science, materials engineering and process design - all with the aim of developing a sustainable technology.
5. What else do you like to do?
I grew up in the Blue Mountains, so I really enjoy the outdoors. I love getting away from the city and going for a bushwalk. I also enjoy bike riding, swimming and reading. I also really have the travel bug! I just got back from my third trip to Europe – this time I went to Austria, Germany, Ireland and Wales. Next on my list is Spain and the Greek Islands.
6. What are you doing in Chemical Engineering?
My PhD combines a range of different fields with the aim of developing a sustainable technology.
7. What are you combining with Chemical Engineering?
I have an undergraduate degree in materials engineering, so my PhD is a combination of chemical and materials engineering. Apart from study, my husband and I are also trying to renovate our apartment and I am also learning Mandarin through short courses at the uni.
8. What is the best thing about Chemical Engineering?
Chemical engineering provides a good basis for a career full of variety. It provides fundamental knowledge that is applicable to a wide range of problems.
9. Where do you think that Chemical Engineering will take you? What plans do you have?
I plan to have a career in sustainable materials research. This is a broad statement, because I really don’t mind where I end up – as long as I am challenged and enthusiastic about my work.
10. What’s the funkiest thing you have done?
Recently, I climbed Croagh Patrick in County Mayo, Ireland. It took two hours to climb up, but the view was worth it! I can also fire-twirl - although it has been a while, so I might end up with no eyebrows next time.
Christopher Hicks, BE (Chemical, Hons II)
PhD Candidate, School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
1. Why did you choose Chemical Engineering?
Towards the end of high school I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do, but I knew I wanted to further my education at university. I looked into Chemical Engineering simply because I enjoyed applying science to the real world and I was good at Chemistry. I chose to study in the field after learning about the vast contribution a Chemical Engineer can make to society, not to mention the salary and international travel.
2. Why did you choose the University of Sydney?
The University of Sydney was an easy choice for me. Apart from the accreditation of the course, it offered the best learning environment and is close to public transport.
3. What are you studying/researching?
I am currently enrolled in a PhD in Engineering at the School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. I am doing research on the rheology and flow behaviour of bread dough; a complex fluid that cannot be defined by normal fluid mechanics.
4. What else do you like to do?
When I am not studying hard at university I am usually out surfing or skateboarding.
5. Where do you think that Chemical Engineering will take you? What plans do you have?
The great thing about Chemical Engineering is that it can take you almost anywhere in the world. Upon finishing my PhD I plan to travel and work overseas, either in the US or UK.