SUPERS
UWA presents
WISDOM SEEKERS
10:45AM – 28 FEBURARY 2020, Grace Scullett-Dean, PHD STUDENT
VO
My name’s Grace Scullett-Dean. I’m doing a PHD at UWA in Environmental Science.
I followed my supervisor Talitha Santini over here. I was really attracted to her research, and so I chose to follow her over to Perth to start my PHD at UWA.
What’s most exciting to me about soil is that we’re in the middle of a soil crisis.
We’re depleting soils globally far quicker than we produce them naturally.
In this trial we are having a look at how we can transform bauxite residue – which is a by-product of aluminium production – into a productive soil.
We’re combing a range of different amendments to try and transform this material, so we’re testing out these blends right here.
Bauxite residue is highly alkaline and saline, so we are trying to reduce the salinity and alkalinity using different waste amendments.
This project is directly connected with industry, because it’s fully funded by South 32 –
an aluminium company.
Working with industry is great for us, because it gives us an opportunity to translate our fundamental research into real world impact.
Western Australia is a major global producer of bauxite and alumina, so this research is of direct relevance to the Western Australian economy.
I would definitely say that Environmental Science is a very exciting field to work in.
Studying here at UWA, being surrounded by highly motivated people
SUPERS
UWA School of Agriculture and Environment is working closely with industry partners as part of their ongoing rehabilitation of mine sites, tailings, and soils impacted by mining activities.
In collaboration with industry partners, UWA hopes to improve environmental management in the minerals industry and establish Australia as a world leader in tailings management.
Seek Wisdom. UWA.