9 Questions with Zaneta Senselova

Our PhDs are playing a significant role within our program, and in the broader industry.

Zaneta is a PhD Student with ACM CRC Partner, University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ). In 2024, she was awarded an ACM CRC RISE Fellowship – a program that is dedicated to advancing female representation in STEM, aiming to bridge gaps in STEM opportunities and progression by recognising and supporting outstanding women in the field.

Zaneta’s research focuses on understanding the degradation of composite materials under extreme weather conditions and utilising this knowledge to improve existing prediction models or develop new ones, thereby enhancing the ability to forecast the long-term performance of composite materials in infrastructure. 

She strives to become an ambassador in her field, promoting research on composite materials and manufacturing to encourage more women to pursue paths in engineering and science, and make a meaningful impact here and around the world.

Q1. Under which ACM CRC Research Program does your PhD project sit?

Research Program 3 - High-Performance Composite Materials.

Q2. What is the focus of your PhD?

My PhD focuses on understanding the long-term durability and degradation mechanisms of advanced fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites when exposed to harsh environmental conditions. I study how factors such as moisture, elevated temperature, and UV radiation affect the structural, chemical, and mechanical properties of these materials over time. The goal of my research is to develop predictive models and strategies that ensure the reliability and sustainability of composite materials in critical applications, such as infrastructure and renewable energy systems.

Q3. When did you become interested in this field?

I became interested in this field during my engineering studies, where I was fascinated by the potential of composite materials to create lighter, stronger, and more sustainable structures. As I learned more about their applications in infrastructure and renewable energy, I realised how important it is to understand their durability under real-world conditions. This inspired me to pursue research that can help extend the life and performance of these materials in demanding environments.

Q4. What made you interested in it?

I’ve always been curious and drawn to innovations. I enjoy creating things that have purpose and make an impact. My interest in nature and sustainability inspired me to focus on materials that are strong, eco-friendly, and long-lasting. Working with fibre composites allows me to combine my passion for building meaningful solutions with the drive to make technologies more sustainable and environmentally responsible.

Q5. What do you hope to achieve through your PhD? What challenges are you hoping to solve?

Through my PhD, I hope to improve the understanding of how fibre-reinforced polymer composites degrade when exposed to harsh environmental conditions. My goal is to develop predictive models that help engineers design longer-lasting, more sustainable materials for critical infrastructure and renewable energy applications. The main challenge I aim to solve is ensuring the durability and reliability of these composites over time, reducing maintenance costs and extending their service life.

Q6. What are your long-term goals/ambitions?

Quite frankly, I haven’t thought about long-term goals. Now my biggest goal is finishing my research with a positive outcome and creating something that will help future generations. 

Q7. What’s the best thing about being an ACM CRC PhD student?

Meet people. All sorts of people from industry and academia and building connections. 

Q8. What one piece of advice would you give to people thinking of undertaking a PhD in the composites manufacturing area?

It is a stressful life, so be ready and buy boxing gloves. After a hard week, you can release all stress by punching a bag (not people). :D 

Q.9 Tell us something about you that would surprise/impress people.

Even though my background is in civil engineering, people are often surprised by how much I enjoy hands-on tech projects. I love spending time in our makerspace, experimenting with electronics and building all sorts of circuit kits I can find.