Professor Thomas Rainey

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PhD (Queensland University of Technology), GradCertAcadPrac (Queensland University of Technology), BEng(Chem)Hons (University of Adelaide)

Tom conducts experimental and financial modelling research relating to the process engineering of decarbonisation, biomass, energy production and filtration problems.  He is Course Coordinator for engineering and a recipient of The Caltex Award for excellence in chemical engineering education.

Key research areas:

Decarbonisation of process industries
Cellulose/nanofiber materials
Technoeconomic evaluation    
Process modelling
Pulp and paper- all areas
Thermochemical biofuels and their diesel engine performance

PhD opportunities: There are opportunities to work in Tom’s process engineering group. Applicants are welcome to contact him to discuss potential projects. He leads a program investigating decarbonisation, nanocellulose, filtration problems and refinement of biofuels.

Publications: https://eprints.qut.edu.au/view/person/Rainey,_Thomas.html

Additional information

Experience

Professional Experience:  

  • Present Professor, School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering, QUT
  • 2013 to 2024 A/Prof./Senior Lecturer, Science and Engineering Faculty, School of Chemistry, Physics and Mechanical Engineering, QUT
  • 2005 to 2012 Research Fellow, Centre for Tropical Crops and Biocommodities, QUT
  • 2003 to 2005 Research Engineer, Sugar Research Institute (SRI), Mackay, Queensland
  • 2000 to 2003 Process Technologist, Kimberly – Clark, Millicent Paper Mill and Tantanoola Pulp Mill, South Australia

Grants: in such fields as:

  • Decarbonisation education
  • Industrial decarbonisation
  • Alumina
  • Biomass supply chains
  • Bagasse paper formation and filtration
  • Process modelling and technoeconomics

External collaborations (academic)

  • Monash University- Australian Pulp and Paper Institute, Melbourne, Australia
  • Central Pulp and Paper Research Institute, India
  • Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Germany

Awards

Type
Committee Role/Editor or Chair of an Academic Conference
Reference year
2021
Details
Member of the organising committee for the 2020 & 2021 Chemeca conference which is the regional chemical engineering conference. Also member of the technical program sub-committee.
Type
Committee Role/Editor or Chair of an Academic Conference
Reference year
2021
Details
Chair of the Institution of Chemical Engineers, Queensland members branch. Also, Chair of the Queensland Joint Chemical Engineering Committee (IChemE and Engineers Australia) 2019-2021.
Type
Academic Honours, Prestigious Awards or Prizes
Reference year
2019
Details
The Caltex Award for excellence in Chemical Engineering education
Type
Membership of Learned Societies
Reference year
2019
Details
Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
Type
Membership of Learned Societies
Reference year
2017
Details
RPEQ in chemical engineering.
Type
Membership of Learned Societies
Reference year
2017
Details
Chartered Engineer, Member IChemE

Research Projects

Title
Making Australia Resilient to Airborne Infection Transmission
Primary fund type
CAT 1 - Australian Competitive Grant
Project ID
LP200301123
Start year
2023
Keywords
Title
The Integrated Bio-Economy Project and the Controlled Biosphere
Primary fund type
CAT 1 - Australian Competitive Grant
Project ID
LP180100269
Start year
2019
Keywords

Current Supervisions

Completed Supervisions (Doctorate)

Completed Supervisions (Masters by Research)