Carolyn Chan

Immediate Past Chair

Carolyn is an experienced chemical engineer with business qualifications. She has worked in various technical and commercial type roles over the past 20 years in the oil and gas industry.

George Wild

Chair

George graduated from Birmingham University in the UK with a BSc (HONS). Since graduation, he has worked in the UK, Australia, Thailand, Vietnam, Nigeria, and South Korea.

Hugh Barlow

Social Media Coordinator

Hugh is the Social Media Coordinator for the JVCEC, generating media content and growing the chemical engineering community connection in Victoria.

Garv Bhardwaj

Student representative - Monash University

Garv Bhardwaj is currently studying a Bachelor of Engineering (Honors) specialising in Chemical Engineering at Monash University.

Nicholas Chuan Jen Soon

Student Representative and Event Coordinator.

Nick has joined the joined the Victorian JCEC as the University of Melbourne and Events Coordinator.

Dr Gang (Kevin) Li

Melbourne University Academic Representative

Dr Gang (Kevin) Li is a senior lecturer academic at the Department of Chemical Engineering, the University of Melbourne, and a theme leader at ARC Industrial Transformation Training Centre for LNG Futures.

Gavin Nieuwenhuiys

Events Coordinator

Gavin has more than five years experience in the petrochemical industry in particular coal gasification with the focus on equipment sizing and project management.

Nithiya Pathmasiri

Student Representative

Nithiya Pathmasiri is currently in her third year of studies at Monash University studying a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) specialising in Chemical Engineering.

Associate Professor Kalpit Shah

RMIT Representative

Associate Professor Kalpit Shah carries 19 years of combined industry and academic experience. After completion of Bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering, he worked in petrochemical and chemical industries for nearly eight years as a Process Engineer.

Connor Skoss

Event Coordinator

Connor, a University of Adelaide chemical engineering graduate, specialises in wastewater treatment. Now in EPC project delivery across AU/NZ and the Pacific, his expertise includes fine bubble aeration, membranes, and ion exchange technologies.

Akshat Tanksale, CEng MIChemE

EA Rep and Immediate Past Chair

Associate Professor Akshat Tanksale completed his PhD at The University of Queensland in 2008, followed by a postdoctoral position at UQ. He has been an academic staff member at Monash University since 2011.

Dr Joanne Tanner, AIMChemE

Secretary and Monash University Academic Representative

Dr Joanne Tanner is a qualified Chemist and Chemical Engineer. She has experience in control systems design and configuration and has managed and implemented client-driven chemical engineering research and design projects at laboratory and pilot scale.

Fiona Adams

Deputy Chair

Fiona Adams, a chartered chemical engineer and RMIT graduate, excels in safety, rail, and engineering management. At Ediom, she leads engineering coordination for Victorian level crossing projects and develops strategies for major transport bids. A former Women in Engineering leader, Fiona combines technical expertise with impactful leadership in infrastructure development.

Leigh Atkins

EA Representative

Leigh Atkins, a seasoned process engineer in oil, gas, and energy, excels in leadership, asset planning, and advanced process control. As Lead Industry Advisor for Future Fuels CRC and EngAus representative on JVCEC, Leigh’s extensive site experience and technical expertise drive impactful contributions to the energy sector's advancement.

Sandeep Rajan

Secretary

Sandeep Rajan, a final-year chemical engineering student at RMIT University from southern India, is passionate about research in chemical engineering. With a keen interest in alternative energy materials and technology, he aspires to contribute to advancing sustainable solutions in the energy sector.