Dr Nadeesha Lakmini Loku Mannage, of the Bioresources, Bioprocessing and Biorefining Program was awarded an Executive Dean’s Commendation for Outstanding Doctoral Thesis. This award is given to a select few of doctoral theses in the QUT Faculty of Science.
Dr Loku Mannage’s research focused on the conversion of agricultural waste into valuable products such as high-performance chemicals, energy storage materials and bio-based polyurethane foams. By using components like cellulose and lignin found in agricultural waste, the study explored sustainable ways to produce useful materials from what would otherwise be discarded.
This work addresses the urgent need for sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels. By extracting and modifying cellulose and lignin from agricultural waste, it shows how we can convert biomass into high-value products. It also highlights the potential of utilising by-products in a closed-loop system that promotes a circular economy and contributes to a greener, more sustainable future.
PhD students in the Centre for Agriculture and the Bioeconomy are provided with a variety of opportunities to learn and build up their research capabilities to take on many different roles in academia, government and industry. Dr Loku Mannage said that learning to use new equipment and instruments also made the project more engaging and rewarding.
QUT’s doctoral program lets students explore real world issues and develop new theories, methodologies and models that could lead to shaping the future. “The most exciting moment was successfully modifying lignin with a furan compound after several unsuccessful attempts,” Nadeesha mused.
Studying a PhD is not without its challenges, as researchers often operate on the cutting-edge of knowledge, exploring the unknown, and making new discoveries and innovations. Nadeesha advises current and aspiring students to stay curious and be resilient. “Believe in yourself and your journey. Everyone’s path is different, so avoid comparing yourself to others. Trust that your efforts will lead to meaningful progress,” Nadeesha says.
Learn more about studying a PhD in QUT here.
Find a Centre for Agriculture and Bioeconomy supervisor through our website.