Dr Elham Doroodchi

Biography

Dr Doroodchi, an early career researcher, began her PhD studies at the University of Newcastle (UoN) in 2001 after completing her undergraduate studies at the same university with a 1st Class Honours and University Medal, as well as, several other prizes including: the Newcastle University Dean's Medal, 2000, the Institution of Chemical Engineers Prize, 2000, and Deans Merit List, 1998-2000. Dr Doroodchi was awarded an APA Postgraduate Scholarship in 2001 to pursue her doctoral studies. This was followed by a Visiting Postgraduate Fellowship by the Vienna Institute of Technology (Austria) in 2004. Upon completion of her PhD studies, Dr Doroodchi was awarded a prestigious and competitive Research Fellowship by the UoN.

In 2005, the collective efforts of Dr Doroodchi and her colleagues in developing the Reflux Classifier was recognised when Prof Galvin accepted a national award on behalf of the group (National Award, 2005, Business / Higher Education Round Table). The Reflux Classifier since then has been commercialised and marketed to various national and international mineral processing companies.

Although an early career researcher (PhD October 2005), Dr Doroodchi has established a strong track record since joining the Discipline of Chemical Engineering as a Research Fellow. In collaboration with her colleagues in Chemical Engineering, she has been able to secure a total funding of $2,900,000. Also, she has been able to sustain a steady record of quality publications and managed to publish (total of 17 papers) 7 refereed journal, 10 peer reviewed conference papers and 2 patents over the past six years.

Apart from her research activities, she has also actively participated in a range of consultancy projects primarily concerned with energy and combustion. Through these, Dr Doroodchi has made significant contribution in solving problems of practical importance to the local industry.

Qualifications

• PhD, University of Newcastle, 2005
• Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical Engineering), University of Newcastle, 2000

Research

Research keywords

• Fluid Mechanics
• Multiphase Flows
• Particle Technology

Research expertise

Dr Doroodchi's research is underpinned by the two general areas of fluid mechanics and particle technology with the main focus being on the fundamental and applied research into multiphase systems. Specifically the research has focused on hydrodynamics of fluidized beds, and solid particle, droplet and bubble motion in fluid. The research carried out by Dr Doroodchi has involved a combination of novel and conventional experimental measurement techniques (e.g. Particle image velocimetry) and theoretical modelling (e.g. Computational fluid dynamics). In all cases, the fundamental understanding of the interaction between the phases is obtained under conditions relevant to the actual industrial-scale and subsequently has been applied to the engineering design of multiphase systems such as particle classifiers, separators and mixers. Dr Doroodchi has recently applied her knowledge in the fields of multiphase flows and particle technology into the emerging field of microfluidics which has numerous novel applications in medicine, engineering and life sciences. The studies include processing of nano-particles in microdevices, emulsification process in micro-reactors and mixing in micro-channels. The focus is on developing techniques to enhance phase interactions at micro-sized channels. Dr Doroodchis contribution to fluid mechanics of energy systems has led to the development of a novel power cycle for generation of electricity from geothermal resources and the use of waste heat for desalination of brackish water.

Fields of Research

Centres and Groups

Centre

• PRC - Priority Research Centre for Advanced Particle Processing and Transport
• Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources (NIER)

Memberships

Body relevant to professional practice.

• ARC International Reader since 2006 - ARC
• Member - IEAust

Administrative

Administrative expertise

Dr Doroodchi has been recognised as a an expert of international standing by the Australian Research Council (ARC) College of Experts and hence asesses a number of Discovery Projects scheme proposals each year.

Teaching

Teaching keywords

• Design
• Heat and Mass Balance

Teaching expertise

Dr Doroodchi has voluntarily contributed to the teaching activities of Chemical Engineering Discipline.