I am a third-year joint PhD scholar at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, India and Monash University, Australia, under the IITB-Monash Research Academy. During my Master’s, my fascination with biology gradually evolved into a deeper interest in biomaterials and sustainable innovation. Through my research, I explore how biological systems can inspire the design of environmentally responsible food packaging alternatives to petroleum-based plastics. I am particularly interested in biopolymeric nanocomposites, active ingredient delivery, and developing functional materials that not only protect food but also contribute to a more sustainable future.

Cyril Cecil is an undergraduate student pursuing a Bachelor of Technology in Food Process Engineering. His academic interests focus on bioprocessing, sustainable food manufacturing, and the application of fermentation and enzymatic technologies in food systems. He has gained experience through engineering coursework and project based learning related to process optimisation and sustainability. Cyril is particularly interested in food waste valorisation and improving resource efficiency in food production. He aspires to pursue a career in food science and bioprocess engineering, contributing to the development of innovative and environmentally responsible food processing technologies.

Professor Sally Gras is a Redmond Barry Distinguished Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at The University of Melbourne where she leads the Food and BioPharma research theme within the University’s Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology. She is currently Director of the ARC Digital Bioprocess Development Hub and Deputy Director of the ARC Centre of Excellence in Plants for Space. Sally is Associate Director of the Bio21 Institute, where her research group is based. A Chemical Engineer and Molecular Biologist, she received her PhD from Cambridge University and was elected to ATSE in 2020.

Sajani Piyatilleke is a PhD candidate at the University of Melbourne. Her interests are in algal processing, food, and sustainability. Her current research focuses on cell rupture of marine microalgae and the synthesis of metabolites in freshwater microalage utilizing the effects of salinity as a low-cost, low energy abiotic stressor.

Mihiraj Karunanayake is a doctoral candidate in Chemical and Materials Engineering at the University of Auckland, New Zealand, researching dairy fouling using computer-aided tomography (CAT) and online sensing. He is a Chartered Electrical Engineer with more than eight years of industrial experience, and his experience includes research and development focused on practical engineering applications. His research interests include dairy heat exchanger fouling, embedded systems, IoT, wireless sensor networks, energy management, deep learning, and artificial cognitive systems, with additional experience in marine control systems. He holds a BSc (Hons) in Electrical and Electronic Engineering and an MSc in Artificial Intelligence.

Wai is an Associate Professor and is currently the Head of the Department of Chemical & Materials Engineering at the University of Auckland. His research interest is in food process engineering and specializes in food dehydration. He is an Associate Editor for the journal Drying Technology published by Taylor& Francis. Wai also has expertise in CFD simulations applied across the food and processing industry. He is an IChemE Fellow.