Engineering seaweed products to improve soil fertility and carbon inventory of arid lands
The University of Western Australia and Canopy Blue are collaborating to address key challenges in soil fertility in arid lands.
Project Overview:
The project titled “Engineering seaweed products through water extraction to improve soil fertility of arid lands”.
Leveraging The University of Western Australia renowned expertise in engineering (Dongke Zhang) and Canopy Blue industry leadership in the field (Shireen McCarthy and Jon-paul Cox), this project embodies a collaborative approach that bridges the gap between academia and industry.
Industry Supervisor Shireen McCarthy said “We are immensely proud of Alison for her outstanding achievement in receiving the National Industry PhD scholarship. This recognition not only highlights her exceptional research and dedication but also underscores our company’s commitment to fostering innovation and academic excellence. We’re excited to see how her insights will continue to drive our industry forward.”
Academic Supervisor Dongke Zhang said “My children are the extension of my biological life; My students are the extension of my thoughts and wisdom. As a learned scholar and “can-do” engineer, I believe that the true value of academic research is best measured by its practical use. Knowledge belongs to the society and technology belongs to the industry. Having watched Alison progressing from an undergraduate chemical engineering student to a professional engineering leader with passion for a better world, I know that I always wanted Alison to be one of (my final few) PhD students and Alison always wanted to read for a meaningful PhD. We are both grateful to Canopy Blue, Maxima and the National Industry PhD program for contributing to our shared endeavour.”
PhD Candidate Alison Duguid “I have always wanted to be a part of bridging the gap between innovative university research and industry applications, so this program was perfect. I’m so grateful be supported by amazing organisations like Canopy Blue and Maxima and being mentored by the one and only Dongke Zhang from the The University of Western Australia is a true honour. I look forward to helping realise seaweed as a regenerative commodity for our future!”
Thank you to everybody involved in helping getting this project started and supporting the program (Agi Gedeon, Shireen McCarthy and Jon-paul Cox, Dongke Zhang, Alison Duguid, Anthony Millgate, Bryce Logan)