Group Members
Higher degree by research (PhD/MS) students:
Declan McNamara
Declan McNamaraDeclan was born in Australia, and grew up in Singapore, England, and Dubai. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science from Monash University (Australia) in 2019. Prior to joining NSEL he spent over a year working at the Swiss federal labs in Zürich (EMPA) developing surface modified carbon fiber nanocomposites and conductive polymers. His passion for the environment, sustainable energy solutions and materials engineering are the driving forces behind his research. The current focus in his PhD is the surface modification of lithium anodes in Lithium-Sulfur batteries.
In his free time he enjoys Thai kickboxing, calisthenics, half learning languages (he’s up to four) and listening to very shouty music.
Sue Lyn Tan
Sue Lyn was born in Malaysia. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from University of Malaya in 2019. She then joined Monash University Malaysia and NSEL team as a PhD student in 2020, focusing on surface wettability modification for oil/water applications.
In her free time, she enjoys listening to music, watching movies and travelling.
Wanqiao Liang
Wanqiao received her Bachelor of Chemical Engineering from the South China University of Technology and Master of Chemical Engineering from the University of Melbourne. She joined Hill’s group and NSEL group as a PhD student in 2021. She is mainly focused on the field of ion separation, including porous membranes and flow battery separators. Wanqiao has a ragdoll cat and the name is Ion, if you wonder what kind of ion she is, the answer is obviously “Cat-ion”.
She likes K-pop dancing, eating and sleeping. Her MBTI is ISTP, so she always thrives on diversity and being ready for interesting challenges.
Eubert Mahofa
Eubert MahofaEubert graduated with a Bachelor of Technology Honours Degree in Chemical and Process Systems Engineering from Harare Institute of Technology (HIT), Zimbabwe, and a Master of Technology in Chemical Technology/Engineering from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University of Hyderabad, India in 2014. He then worked as a university lecturer in the Department of Chemical and Process Systems Engineering at HIT. Eubert joined NSEL in January 2022 focusing on graphene oxide membrane design and applications. He is a teaching associate at the university and his research interests are graphene oxide modified membranes, PFAS removal from contaminated water sources, after-exhaust treatment technologies, biomass and petrochemicals conversions.
In his leisure time, Eubert enjoys playing lawn and table tennis, snooker and traveling
Maleesha Madhubhani
Maleesha MadhubhaniMaleesha is from Kandy, Sri Lanka. She completed her bachelor’s degree in Materials Science and Technology from Uva Wellassa University, Sri Lanka in 2017 and a master’s degree in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology from the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka in 2020. Her master’s research project was based on enhancing the efficiency of dye sensitised solar cells. Having a keen interest in clean energy systems, she joined the NESL team at the beginning of 2022 as a PhD student focusing on the Li-S batteries’ material design and structure optimisation.
She loves making videos, watching Christmas movies and Korean dramas, cycling and traveling in her free time.
Tuan Kien Nguyen
Tuan Kien (Kelvin) was born in Hanoi, Vietnam. He received his Bachelor Degree in Materials Science & Engineering from National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore in 2018. After completion of the BSc, he worked as a Failure Analysis Laboratory Engineer in a semiconductor company in Singapore for three years. While working in industry he managed to maintain his research interest in advanced functional materials and technologies for energy storage (Li-ion batteries and supercapacitors). He joined the NSEL team at Monash University in April 2022 as a PhD student, focusing on the utilisation of 2D materials via printing techniques towards next-generation energy storage devices.
In his leisure time, he enjoys watching football, reading books, travelling and exploring countries all around the world. He is a big fan of FC Barcelona.
Olalekan Solomon Oluwole
Solomon is presently a Ph.D. student of mechanical and aerospace engineering at Monash University with a research direction focused on the optimization of supercapacitor performance using 2D materials. He completed my bachelor’s degree in Nigeria after which he proceeded to work with Frigoglass Industries Nigeria Limited & Beta Glass PLC as a graduate trainee and subsequently as a mechanical maintenance specialist where he valuable gained experience in production and service engineering. His interest in renewable energy and energy storage technology led him to further pursue a master’s degree at Southwest Jiaotong University where he researched the state of charge estimation of batteries.
Muhammed Afnas Vilayatteri
Afnas holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Mahatma Gandhi University Kottayam, India. He further pursued his academic journey by obtaining a Master’s degree in Materials Science and Technology from the National Institute of Technology Calicut, India. After his post-graduation, he accumulated valuable experience as an Assistant Professor at Toc H Institute of Science and Technology in Kochi, India. He began as a PhD student in the NSEL group in February of 2023. His research interests revolve around the fascinating realm of water purification, nano-filtration, graphene oxide membranes, polymers, and other related areas. Beyond his scholarly pursuits, Afnas enjoys spending quality time with friends. He has a deep passion for soccer, both as a dedicated spectator and an enthusiastic player.
M.L. Chamalki Madhusha
M.L. Chamalki Madhusha graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (2019) and a Master of Philosophy in Chemistry (2022) from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka. At the same time, she worked as a graduate research assistant in the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. Chamalki’s research interests are nanomaterial synthesis and characterization, food chemistry, drinking water purification and materials chemistry. She joined NSEL in February of 2023 focusing on functionalization of graphene through green methods and making advanced composites based on functionalized graphene.
In her leisure time, Chamalki enjoys spending time with the family, shopping, trying new recipes of foods and listening to music.
Francis Peter
Francis received his Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Anna University, India in 2016. Prior to joining NSEL, he spent 5 years working as a scientist at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (India), pursuing research into thermochemical conversion technologies to produce bio-fuels from waste. He joined the NSEL team at Monash University as a PhD student in April 2023. His research focuses on the usage of 2-Dimesional materials for hydrogen storage and production. His interests are listening to music, watching movies, travelling, and playing cricket and soccer.
Shadhon Chandra Mohonta
Shadhon is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in Electrical & Computer Systems Engineering at Monash University with a research direction focused on implementing 2D materials for wireless sensing. He completed his B.Sc. in Electrical & Electronic Engineering from Rajshahi University of Engineering & Technology (RUET), Bangladesh in 2012 and his M.Sc. in Electrical & Electronic Engineering from the same university in 2018.
In leisure time, Shadhon enjoys watching movies, playing cricket and traveling.
Vu Hoang Nguyen
Hoang (Joseph) earned his M.Eng. degree in Nanoscience and Technology from Sungkyunkwan University in 2020. His academic journey began with a B.Eng. degree in Material Engineering from Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCMUT), VNU-HCM in 2018. Currently, he is pursuing his Ph.D. at Monash University in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Australia. His research interests include electrochemical energy storage devices, biosensors, and biochips. Beyond academia, he enjoys badminton, running, and spending quality time with his family and friends.
Devarani Theenathayalan
Devarani acquired a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Lady Doak College (2018) and a master’s degree in chemistry from Loyola College (2021), India. Prior to joining NSEL in February 2024, she worked as a project associate in the battery research lab at Hindustan Petroleum Green R&D, India. Her work was mainly focused on the development of high-voltage vanadium-based cathodes for sodium-ion batteries. Currently, her research is focused on Aqueous Zinc-Manganese Di-oxide batteries.
Ankush De
Ankush was born in West Bengal, India. He completed his bachelor’s from Midnapore College Autonomous and master’s from IIT Hyderabad. Currently he is a member of the NSEL lab and is pursuing a PhD from IITB-Monash Research Academy. His current research interest lies in developing a safe and stable electrolyte system for aqueous rechargeable Zn-MnO2 batteries. Other than research he loves hiking, watching movies, and playing musical instruments.
Brijesh Brijesh
Brijesh was born in Haryana, India. He is currently pursuing his PhD from IITB-Monash Research Academy (a Joint PhD program between IIT Bombay and Monash University). He completed his Bachelor’s and Master’s in Chemistry from University of Delhi. His current research interest lies investigating electrode materials for Sodium ion batteries. Outside of research he loves hiking, watching & playing cricket, and kabaddi.
Research Staff:
Dr. Meysam Sharifzadeh
Dr. Meysam Sharifzadeh He spends most of his free time with his family, enjoys watching movies and sport events, and traveling.
Dr. Sally El Meragawi
Sally received her bachelor’s and Master of Science degrees in chemical engineering from Texas A&M University in Qatar. In 2020 she received her Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Monash University. She then joined NSEL as a Research Fellow to conduct research that focuses on the development of graphene oxide membranes with an emphasis on improving stability in extreme environments and with the aim of improving performance for the removal of emerging contaminants.
In her free time, she enjoys reading, listening to music, and watching bad tv with her friends.
Dr. Manas Panda
Manas received his Ph.D. degree from IITB-Monash Research Academy (a joint research collaboration between Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, India and Monash University, Australia) and currently working at NSEL on Aqueous Zinc-Manganese Oxide (Zn-MnO2) Batteries project. Dr. Panda received his bachelor’s degree in Physics Honours from Utkal University of Odisha, India. Additionally, he has a master’s degree in Physics from Pondicherry University, India with a specialization in Condensed Matter Physics.
His current research focus is on investigating low cost aqueous batteries and two-dimensional layered materials for energy storage (Li and -Na storage) applications by using synchrotron radiation based techniques such as X-ray diffraction, Xray absorption spectroscopy (XANES and EXAFS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, etc.
As some extra curricular activities he has been involved in National Cadet Corps (NCC), National Service Scheme (NSS) India and has organised many Blood Donation Camps. He loves to work for the welfare of society.
Dr. Md Joynul Abedin
Md Joynul Abedin received his PhD degree in Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering from Monash University in 2020. The focus of his PhD was structure-processing-property of one- & two-dimensional colloidal particles, particularly investigating their bulk synthesis, optical & machine learning-based yield estimation, liquid crystal self-assembly, and optimizing flow properties to produce thin films & coatings for various applications. After completing his PhD, he joined NSEL as Research Fellow for designing and fabricating Lithium metal-based hybrid energy storage devices.
Prior to joining NSEL for his PhD study, Joynul completed his M.Eng. (Masters-by-Research) degree from University of Malaya, Malaysia and B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET).
In his free time Joynul enjoys time with the family, he also loves to travel, playing soccer & cricket.
Dr. Petar Jovanovic
Petar received his PhD, Masters and Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Monash University, where he also completed a Bachelor of Commerce. Petar’s research focuses bringing bio-inspired solutions to energy storage devices such as lithium-sulfur batteries and supercapacitors, as well as engineering 2D materials for ion selectivity both in battery separators and water treatment membranes.
In his free time Petar loves to learn new languages and is an avid adventurer with a passion for hiking, cycling and travelling. He also has a keen interest for politics and history and keeps up to date with current events.
Dr. Naimeh Naseri Taheri
Naimeh earned her PhD in experimental condensed matter physics from Sharif University of Technology in Iran in 2011. Following this, she embarked on her postdoctoral journey at the Institute for Research in Fundamental Sciences, later transitioning to a faculty position at Sharif University in 2013. As an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics, Naimeh’s expertise lies in the advancement of nanomaterials for electrochemical energy production and storage systems, with a focus on solar hydrogen production from water, supercapacitors, and printable electronics. Her academic journey expanded further when she assumed the role of senior research fellow at Monash University in 2023, collaborating with the NSEL group. Notably, Naimeh’s accomplishments have led to her selection as a Young Affiliate of The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS).
In her free time, Naimeh enjoys time with friends, hiking and Persian miniatures.
Prianca Govender
Prianca was born in South Africa and moved to Australia in 2019. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Science from Griffith University (QLD) in 2022. Prior to joining NSEL, she worked as a Microbiologist within a food safety laboratory and as a chemistry laboratory technician within schools. She is currently a research assistant working with Dr Petar Jovanovic. She has a love of space and is hoping to study further in the field of astrobiology/astrochemistry.
She spends most of her free time playing guitar, boxing, studying video game development and playing with her cat.
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Dr. Phillip Sheath
Phillip is currently the Hub Manager for the ARC Research Hub for Advanced Manufacturing with 2D Materials (AM2D). In this role, Phillip is responsible for the Hub’s day-to-day operations including engagement and coordination of AM2D’s partners and key stakeholders, monitoring of and reporting on the progress of AM2D’s research agenda, and responsibility for Hub processes, marketing, and outreach.
Phillip completed his PhD on graphene water treatment in 2016 and subsequently took up roles in the Department of Industry (Australian federal government agency) where he assessed grant applications, undertook business development activities relating to government grants and programs, supported the then Innovation and Science Australia board and its committees, assisted in the delivery of government grant programs, and managed a portfolio of manufacturing grant recipients. Phillip transitioned to leading a team of investigators and managing trade remedies investigations at the Anti-Dumping Commission, before returning to the university sector to manage AM2D.
Professionally, Phillip enjoys connecting people and seeing things grow. Personally, Phillip enjoys arthouse and experimental cinema, reading, running and martial arts.
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Alumni:
Mr. Jiangfeng Cui: Jiangfeng joined the NSEL team in 2021 where he worked on the fabrication and design of GO-based membranes for nanofiltration applications. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors.
Ms. Marjan Hamimanesh: Marjan joined NSEL in April of 2023 where she worked on the development of lithium ion capacitors. We wish her all the best for her future endeavors.
Dr. Wanqing Chen: Dr. Wanqing Chen earned her PhD in 2023 from Monash University where she focused on developing low-cost and efficient photochemical flow systems for synthesising and modifying 2D materials. We wish her all the best for her future endeavors.
Dr. Yingyi Huang: Dr. Yingyi Haung earned her PhD in 2022 from Monash University where she focused on the development of lithium sulphur batteries. Following receiving her PhD, she joined Calix Limited as a Battery Test Engineer. We wish her all the best for her future endeavors.
Dr. Ehsan Ghasemiestahbanati: Dr. Ehsan Ghasemiestahbanati earned his PhD at Monash University where he focused on flow battery separators for the next generation of batteries. Following receiving his degree in 2022, he joined Calix Limited as a R&D battery Engineer. We wish him all the best for his future endeavors.
Dr. Mahdokht Shaibani: Dr. Mahdokht Shaibani earned her PhD at Monash University and then joined NSEL as a postdoctoral research fellow where her research focused on energy storage devices. Her thesis was titled “Synthesis and application of carbon-based materials for high performance energy storage devices”. She is now working as a lecturer at RMIT University. We wish her all the best for her future endeavors.
Dr. Dilusha Cooray: Dr. Dilusha Cooray recieved her PhD in electroanalystical chemistry from Monash University. She then joined NSEL in 2017 as a postdoctoral research fellow. She now works as a postdoctoral research fellow at Deakin University. We wish her all the best for her future endeavors.
Dr. Tanesh Gamot: Dr. Tanesh Gamot recieved his PhD in 2018 from the IITB-Monash Research Academy graduate program. His thesis was titled “Exploring surfactant-like properties of Graphene Oxide for thermal engineering of emulsions”. He then joined NSEL in 2018 as a postdoctoral research fellow. He joined as the cheif scientific officer in 2022. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors.
Dr. Gargi Mukhopadhyay: Dr. Gargi Mukhopadhyay earned a PhD jointly working at NSEL, Australia and IIT-Bombay, India in April 2021. Her area of research was the development of graphene based electrochemical biosensors. We wish her all the best for her future endeavors.
Dr. Manas R. Panda: Dr. Manas R. Panda earned a PhD jointly working at NSEL, Australia and IIT-Bombay, India in April 2021. His thesis was entitled “Advanced Electrodes from 2D Layered Materials for Li-and Na-Storage”. We wish him all the best for his future endeavors.
Mr. Kazi Imadadul Hassan: Imdadul joined the NSEL team in May 2017 where he worked on the fabrication and electrochemical characterisation of gravure printed microsupercapacitors using graphene oxide liquid crystals. We wish him good luck.
Mr. Shannon Papworth: Shannon joined the NSEL team in June 2017 under the umbrella of a CRC-P (Power Efficient Wastewater Treatment Using Graphene Oxide Technology) to develop novel adsorption materials for wastewater treatment. He left the group to join the newly formed company NematiQ. We wish him good luck.
Dr. Samuel T. Martin: Dr. Samuel T. Martin worked as a Research Fellow at NSEL for several years. He left the group to join the newly formed company NematiQ. We wish him good luck.
Dr. Md. Joynul Abedin: Md. Joynul Abedin earned a PhD working at NSEL in November 2020. His thesis was entitled ” Structure–Processing–Property Relationships in Graphene Oxide Materials”. We wish him all the best for his future endeavors.
Dr. Sally El Meragawi: Sally El Meragawi earned a PhD working at NSEL in November 2020. Her thesis was entitled “Design and investigations of graphene oxide-based membranes for water treatment applications”. She is currently working as a Research Fellow at NSEL, Monash University, continuing her work in the field of membrane development.
Dr. Sebastian Hernandez Sierra: Dr. Sebastian Hernandez Sierra worked as a Research Fellow at NSEL. He left the group to take up another Research Fellow position. We wish him good luck.
Mr. Dusan Djordjevic: Mr. Dusan Djordjevic worked as a Laboratory Assistant at NSEL. He left the group to take up a position at CleanTeQ Pty Ltd. We wish him good luck.
Mr. Reza Sabet: Mr. Reza Sabet worked as a Laboratory Assistant at NSEL. He left the group to take up a position at Thermo Fisher Scientific Australia Pty Ltd. We wish him good luck.
Dr. Prasoon Kumar Dr. Kumar earned a PhD from the IITB-Monash research academy in June, 2018i, undertaking part of his work at NSEL. His thesis was entitled “Scalable fabrication of lithography-less, bio-inspired, 3D micro/nanofluidic devices”. He was awarded a national postdoctoral fellowship (Science and Engineering Research Board, Department of Science and Technology, India) which he undertook at the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. He will now start as as Assistant Professor at the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Ahmedabad, India. Congratulations to Prasoon for a successful transition to an academic position.
Mr. Chinmay Sonawane: Mr. Sonawane obtained a Masters of Engineering Science (Research) on 4th July, 2018 from NSEL.
Dr. Parama Chakraborty-Banerjee Dr. Banerjee completed her postdoctoral research at NSEL and took up a lecturer position at the Department of Chemical Engineering, Monash University from October 2017. Congratulations to Parama for a successful transition to an academic position. She is now one of our research collaborators.
Dr. Samuel T. Martin Dr. Martin earned a PhD working at NSEL in April 2017. His thesis was entitled “Nanofluidics of Graphene Oxide”. Sam was awarded the Endeavor fellowship to study fluidics in 2D materials with Professor Lyderic Bocquet at Ecole Normale Superieure, Paris. Sam is now in a postdoctoral position at NSEL working on a Co-operative Research Center (Projects) in developing methods and technologies to up-scale the production of Graphene Oxide membranes via a reel-to-reel process.
Dr. Abozar Akbarivakilbadi Dr. Akbarivakilabadi earned a PhD from Monash University working at NSEL in November 2017. His thesis entitled “Large-Scale Fabrication of graphene based-thin film for water-treatment and energy-storage applications” received the Bill Melbourne award for best PhD dissertation from the Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering of Monash University in 2018. He worked as a postdoctoral research with Professor Rodney Ruoff at Center for Multidimmensional Carbon Materials (Institute of Basic Science), Ulsan, South Korea. Then returned to Monash University to work as a Research Fellow with NSEL in May of 2019 to work on the development and commercialization of graphene-based membranes. He now works as the Research & Development Manager at NematiQ Pty Ltd.
Dr. Dhanraj Shinde Dr. Shinde completed his first postdoctoral research position at NSEL and took up a postdoctoral appointment at New Mexico State University, Las Cruces with Prof. Sergei Smirnov in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry in October 2016.
Dr. Phillip Sheath Phillip received his PhD on the topic, “Structure-performance correlations of engineered graphene based materials for water treatment: experimental and theoretical investigations” in May 2016. Following his PhD, he worked for the government in Department of Industry, Innovation & Science, Canberra. Now, he manages the ARC Research Hub on Advanced Manufacturing of 2-Dimensional Materials.
Dr. Derrek E. Lobo Derrek received his PhD on the topic, “Advances in bottom up and top down fabrication of nano carbon architectures and their applications” in March 2015. Currently, he is working for Agilent Technologies in Melbourne.
Dr. Rachel Tkacz Rachel received her PhD on the topic, “Graphene-based assemblies from colloidal suspensions” in June 2015. Her thesis was awarded the Bill Melbourne Award for the best PhD thesis in the Department in 2016. Currently, she is back in Israel working in a R&D position in a government laboratory. Congratulations on becoming the first PhD student to graduate from NSEL!