Deakin's newest graduates energised to tackle world's big challenges

Dr Apinya Chanthakett, an international student, plans to take what she's learnt at Deakin to address environmental issues in her home country of Thailand.

"Processing waste and creating energy are two of the world's biggest challenges as we work towards a more sustainable future," Dr Chanthakett said.

"My research looks at how we can divert household waste from landfill and use it to generate energy through a gasification process.

"I would like to contribute my new knowledge to my country. We still use traditional landfill and waste-to-energy could be a very good alternative solution."

Deakin University Vice-Chancellor Professor Iain Martin said he was proud to see students such as Dr Chanthakett receive their degrees and become part of the important global network of Deakin alumni, working to make a positive impact in their local communities.

"Our graduates leave with not only the knowledge they need but also a creative mindset, ready to tackle the world's challenges," Professor Martin said.

"Deakin's commitment to innovation ensures our graduates are equipped to make a difference and help create a better future."

Dr Chanthakett said moving alone to Australia was initially "very strange and scary" as she'd never heard of Geelong, and the pandemic began not long into her studies. But she credits the close support of her supervisor - engineering lecturer Dr Mohammad Taufiqul Arif - with pulling her through.

"In Australia I can be myself. I can be confident and independent and present my ideas," she said.

"I love Geelong. I found lovely local people. It was peaceful, and I could focus on my study."

But Dr Chanthakett's research took her far from the usual Surf Coast tourist highlights.

"My research involved collecting domestic waste samples from the Point Henry Resource Recovery and Transfer Centre and then analysing exactly what the waste contains," she said.

"Then I used a simulation model to work out how much energy could be produced from these components. I determined the best process to generate energy with the lowest emissions and lowest price.

"The best part has been collaborating with others and building professional skills. I didn't want to just get the certificate but learn how I can apply these skills in the future to find better solutions."

The 2023 Round Three Graduation Ceremonies take place from 3 to 6 October. The graduating class is composed of students from across all of Deakin's faculties and institutes, from medicine and engineering to creative arts and law.