Why did you join as an ALGA member?
I joined as an ALGA member right at the start of my career joining my team at Photon as a grad from university. The environmental space and remediation was something new to me and something I didn’t know too much about at university. Studying chemical engineering more students are moving into the water space as apposed to more traditional heavy industry occupations. I was completing a masters in biomedical engineering and thought I would end up more in the medical or pharmaceutical space. I knew I wanted to work in sector that was human centred and made a palpable impact on the people/ world around me. For a fresh graduate, stepping into a complete unknown sector and role, there is a steep learning curve and plenty to take in. Ian my boss, had moved into this sector after a colourful and successful career in more chemicals, water and waste resource recovery and noted how much he had learnt and gained through the ALGA community and resources. I jumped in straight away! The learnings and knowledge from an organisation with such broad and inclusive perspectives, case studies, wisdom and opportunity is something I now recognise to have drawn me in!
How did you hear about ALGA?
As above! Through the fabulous team around me. If only I knew about ALGA more at uni..!
What does your job involve?
My role has evolved significantly in a short time. Working in a small company with a lean team means exposure to a broad spectrum of responsibilities. When I first joined, I supported everything from standard monthly reporting to hands-on remediation site work (digging, pumping, operations, and even non-live electrical work). I was involved in sampling, data analytics, and liaising with our university partners. I loved being onsite, getting directly involved and learning from experience. Photon is a global team so this often involves working and collaborating internationally. As Photon Water and Remediation has grown, I transitioned into more complex engineering design, deployment, and project management for decontamination, remedial and water management and wastewater treatment circuits. Now, I work in a technical role that bridges research and development, technical sales, and business development. Under the parent company of Photon Energy Group, I support the development and cross selling of integrated and complex renewable energy, water and remediation solutions. While I have a lot to learn still, I feel in my short time, I’ve had the opportunity to experience the full lifecycle of projects—the good, the bad, and the ugly—across a variety of roles. This includes delivery and proof of concept and emerging technologies and the operation of water treatment plants. My site experience, combined with deep analytical work in results, reporting, and data interpretation, has given me the toolkit to tackle the unique challenges clients face in environmental and remediation projects.
What project/s are you currently working on?
A bit of everything! I am supervising new lines of research with our team and partners both at the University of Technology Sydney and the VEGAS institute at the University of Stuttgart in Germany. We have some exciting project development work underway with partners in the US. Locally I’m supporting the work and pilot of a novel in-situ electrokinetic permeable reactive barrier enhanced treatment of PFAS contaminated soil with our proactive colleagues at Fire and Rescue NSW. I still engage and manage many of our government contracts and provide engineering supervision of our wastewater mobile treatment plant. We have some interesting renewable energy and remediation projects in the mining sector and in leachate treatment in which I’m involved with clients from a broader strategy perspective and then deeper engineering and design integration perspective. I’m really excited as I’m getting to interact more and more with the impressive people in ALGA, sitting on the ecoforum committee this year- so amongst everything else there is plenty to keep busy with!
What part of your job do you enjoy the most?
I love the people and active problem-solving part. I love taking a challenge head on and the process of continuing to learn. Regardless of how a project goes then you always feel as if you accomplished something and hopefully made things that little bit better for either the environment or people around you, and if not you can pocket that experience and learning for next time!
What are 3 items you could not live without and why?
Ahh, living with only 3 items would be tough! I supposed it would change day to day, but I would have start with my little Beaglier Ralph (though he’s definitely not an item!). He’s a gorgeous boy and loves a cuddle- there’s no truer love! Something I can’t live without (again, not an item again!) is movement and the outdoors. It’s grounding, exciting and liberating and something that too many people take for granted. There’s not much that fresh air and moving your body can’t improve… so maybe its my runners because I definitely wear them every day?! Since my friends and family aren’t items.. my 3rd item would have to be either my passport or a hiking bag. Some of my friends may say I’m slightly chaotic, but I don’t like staying put and always feel there is just so much more to explore, see, and experience. The network of people I love and the experiences that you gain jumping on road (for both work and personal!) is irreplaceable.