Spotlight: Catherine Lawrey

Meet Centre PhD candiate Catherine Lawrey

Catherine Lawrey is a PhD Candidate at UNSW Chemical Engineering under the supervision of Centre Chief Investigator A/Prof Emma Lovell, A/Prof Jason Scott and Prof Rose Amal.

Catherine’s research focuses on producing sustainable aviation fuel from carbon dioxide and green hydrogen using photothermal catalysis.

• What is your research about?

My research aims to develop a photothermal catalyst to produce SAF-range (C5+) hydrocarbons from carbon dioxide and green-hydrogen at elevated temperature and pressure. My research will work to decouple the effects of heat and light on the reaction mechanism adding to the literature in this emerging field.

• Why are you interested in this field?

Though it is a complicated and challenging project, the goal is both impactful and tangible. Ultimately, I am looking at a way to produce sustainable fuel for aeroplanes, and this is a concept that most people can understand. My research is still in the early stages, however, there is a very real and relevant requirement for a solution to climate change and fossil fuel reliance and if successful, my research will play a part in filling this need.

• How does being part of CSI support your research?

CSI is a multidisciplinary powerhouse of great minds across the country, and I feel very privileged to be part of such an incredible group. Though we are all focused on Carbon Science and Innovation, we are approaching the problem of decarbonisation from different angles. Hearing about all the different projects in the fortnightly meetings is inspiring, not only because the work is interesting, but because of the influence these talks can have on our own projects and how we choose to tackle the inevitable obstacles that come with research.

• What gets you out of bed in the morning?

My 2 young children (both literally and figuratively!). In fact, returning to research and academia was a career move spurred on by my four-year-old daughter’s blossoming passion for science. In addition, I have found that since becoming a parent I have felt a greater responsibility to do ‘good’ and pursuing a PhD in chemical engineering with a goal of reducing our reliance on fossil fuels is my current solution to this.