Abby brings to the ACM CRC Board a deep knowledge of complex, heavily regulated and infrastructure-intense industries, business models that deliver growth in the face of industry disruption, boardroom experience required for successful digital transformation, OH&S injury and cost management and expertise in Audit and Risk. 

Abby’s experience and strong skills and capabilities in audit and risk, digital transformation, innovation strategic repositioning and government and stakeholder partnerships are well suited for her role as the ACM CRC Chair.

In this role as ACM CRC Chair, Abby:

• Leads the Board, ensuring they’re working to achieve the CRC’s strategic goals.
• Chairs all Board and Member meetings.
• Chairs the Nomination & Remuneration Committee.
• Helps manage audit and risk as a member of the Audit & Risk Committee.
• Creates a governance and management environment characterised by accountability, trust, and respect.
• Ensures appropriate policies for the CRC.
• Uses her deep understanding of innovative and digital technology to help drive digital transformation and innovation across the CRC with minimal risk.
• Drives the strategic repositioning of the CRC leveraging her exceptional skills in strategic analysis and leadership of complex businesses undergoing significant change.
• Draws on her clear thinking to facilitate systemic problem-solving and effective decision-making through collaboration. 
• Helps build and manage government and stakeholder partnerships.

Catherine is a seasoned Chair and Director with extensive board experience across Cooperative Research Centres (CRCs) and a strong focus on fostering collaboration between research, industry and government. With over 25 years of strategic board and directorship roles, she has been instrumental in driving innovation and sustainable commercial outcomes across sectors like agribusiness, sustainability and advanced technology.

As a Director for Reliable Affordable Clean Energy 2030 CRC, Catherine also supports collaborations aimed at accelerating renewable energy solutions from R&D to commercial readiness, aligning with Australia’s net-zero aspirations. Her corporate governance expertise across these CRCs underscores her commitment to sustainable development, operational excellence and the integration of research with practical, impactful outcomes.

In her roles with CRC CARE, SmartSat CRC, and CRC TiME, Catherine has provided corporate advisory expertise that connects research with applied industry solutions. At CRC CARE, she has supported advancements in environmental risk management; with SmartSat CRC, she has promoted applied research in Australia’s space and satellite sectors; and with CRC TiME, she has focused on sustainable mine rehabilitation, ensuring research aligns with practical environmental and economic outcomes.

Known for her pragmatic, solutions-driven approach, Catherine brings a deep understanding of corporate governance, stakeholder engagement and the alignment of regulatory compliance with strategic commercial goals. Her role in the CRC ecosystem makes her a respected leader in advancing cross-sector partnerships that drive growth, innovation and sustainable development.

Shireane brings to the ACM CRC extensive strategic leadership experience and expertise in complex technical, commercial and personnel environments gained through her experience as a senior executive and non-executive director. 

She is currently a Director of the Independent Project Review Institute, and Deputy Chair of the Information, Telecommunications and Electronics Engineering (ITEE) College board at Engineers Australia. Previously she held positions as Chair of the Advanced Magnetic Ranges Australia (AMRA) Board and Chair of the Department of Education and Training Implementation Committee. She has also held positions on the Services Australia Audit and Risk Committee, the Defence Committee and its Capability Investment and Audit Committees.

Shireane is a highly accomplished leader in acquisition and sustainment of complex, high technology Defence systems, in aerospace, maritime and land environments.  As an Honorary Fellow of Engineers Australia, she leads national working groups in Cyber and Artificial Intelligence Engineering, and is an active mentor and STEM supporter who is committed to shaping new talent and professional expertise in emerging fields of engineering.

Shireane is excited by the prospects of the ACM CRC and the opportunities that its success would afford the Australian economy and the organisation’s partners. She is looking forward to applying her extensive knowledge and experience in the many fields that underpin the CRC’s vision, to create a world-class, highly automated, digitally enabled network of designers, manufacturers and service providers.

Craig was Deputy Chief Executive Officer of CSIRO from 2010 to 2018 and previously served two decades as an officer of the Royal Australian Navy. 

He brings to the ACM CRC Board extensive experience in research and commercialisation strategy, innovation and entrepreneurship across a wide range of global projects and industry sectors.  

He is skilled in business sustainability in complex social, stakeholder and environmental settings, has an MSc (RRMC, Canada) and MBA (MGSM) and is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. 

He is Chair of ASX Listed Silex Systems Limited (SLX), Global Laser Enrichment LLC(a joint venture between Silex and Cameco) and the Australian Research Data Commons, and is a Non-executive Director at Sydney Water. He has also undertaken other such board positions across his career.

In this role as an ACM CRC Independent Director, Craig:

• Works with the Board to achieve the CRC’s strategic goals.
• Chairs the Research, IP & Commercialisation Committee.
• Offers research, commercialisation, innovation and entrepreneurship advice based on his extensive experience.
• Helps maintain a governance and management environment characterised by accountability, trust and respect.

Ian has extensive experience in innovation and science policy, programs, and commercialisation. He spent eight years as the Cabinet Minister, responsible for innovation and science in the Howard and Abbott governments. And, after leaving politics in 2016, he chaired the Innovative Manufacturing CRC, was a board member of the METS Ignited Growth Centre, and is currently a board member of CSIRO.  

Originally a farmer by profession, Ian has extensive experience in innovation and science policy, programs, and commercialisation. 

He’s also a Non-executive Director of Woodside Energy, Chief Executive of the Queensland Resources Council, a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Honorary Fellow of Qld Academy of Arts and Science, and involved in several not-for-profit organisations.

In this role as an ACM CRC Independent Director, Ian:

• Works with the Board to achieve the CRC’s strategic goals.
• Offers great knowledge in science, innovation, and commercialisation, and in CRCs from having chaired the Innovative Manufacturing CRC.
• Helps maintain a governance and management environment characterised by accountability, trust, and respect.

Luke is an advanced manufacturing expert with an impressive career that includes implementing complex systems at companies such as Tesla, Ford and ACM CRC partners Carbon Revolution and Quickstep. 

Luke has experience implementing large scale manufacturing solutions that scale up production by an order of magnitude by implementing a balance of new automation technologies where they make a significant impact paired with well understood automation to balance risk.

Notable projects Luke has led include:

• Tesla Model 3 production line. Luke led the General Assembly project for the Model 3 in California, USA. This critical project that scaled up Tesla’s manufacturing capacity required optimising the vehicle design to make it simultaneously very easy to build and enabling it to be built on a highly automated assembly.
• Carbon Revolution’s Mega-line. Luke developed many new composite manufacturing processes and automation techniques which he drew together to create a high-volume manufacturing line. The project involved using advanced simulation tools developed through CRC projects to understand and optimise the production throughput and capital expenditure.
• Quickstep Drone development and manufacturing solution. Luke led the development of a novel new drone with a detachable payload, to be built using Quickstep proprietary process and new automated processes which enabled both an order of magnitude increase in throughput and an order of magnitude decrease in production costs.

In the role of ACM CRC CTO, Luke:

• Drives projects that benefit multiple partners and significantly grow the industry.
• Draws partners together around new manufacturing technologies to deliver win-win outcomes
• Connects research with our partners by understanding their needs and challenges, identifying areas of greatest impact and tailoring research to deliver meaningful outcomes.
• Creates programs that enable the development of new novel composite products that can be built with advanced automation.
• Drives research outcomes that lift the capabilities of ACM CRC partners

Stephen brings extensive experience in managing and delivering large-scale collaborative research programs on behalf of the Australian government, with a strong focus on strengthening Australia’s sovereign capability in advanced manufacturing.

For the past 15 years, he led an international collaborative research program for DMTC, supporting the Australian defence industry, universities, and government agencies - advancing technologies in naval manufacturing and sustainment.

In addition to this role, as a Principal Research Fellow, he led a university-based research team specialising in intelligent manufacturing and has worked closely with multiple CRCs and ARC Training Centres in industrial robotics and automation. This experience has given him a deep understanding of what is required to successfully translate research outcomes into practical, commercially valuable solutions for industry.

In this role as Research and Development Director, Stephen:

• Executes ACM CRC’s research, education and training strategies
• Oversees collaborative industry-focused projects and their research leaders across all four research programs and the education program
• Drives international research linkages
• Engages with industry, academic and government partners ensuring research excellence and commercial impact 

Dr Tristan Shelley is a specialist in advanced composites manufacturing technologies and a senior leader within the Centre for Future Materials (CFM) at the University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ). He provides strategic direction across industry‑focused and industry‑led research and development programs, with particular emphasis on applications for the Aerospace, Space, and Defence sectors.

Dr Shelley’s expertise spans advanced composite material processing, accelerated manufacturing techniques, and the bonding and joining of aerospace structures. His technical background includes numerical modelling, structural design, optimisation, and a broad range of composite manufacturing processes.

At CFM, Dr Shelley leads the Digital & AI and Automated Manufacturing research focus areas for composites, overseeing capability development in filament winding, Automated Fibre Placement (AFP), and braiding technologies. Since 2026, he has begun served as Research Program Lead within the Australian Composites Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre, contributing to national initiatives aimed at advancing high‑performance composite materials.

In this role as ACM CRC Leader of Research Program 1, Dr Shelley:

• Undertakes strategic and resource planning, sets and monitors research projects, milestones and outcomes, and leads and coordinates research activities with industry, research providers and other participants.
• Works with the Director of Research to maintain and grow industry and academic collaborations.
• Works with the Education and Training Program Leader to ensure a high level of HDR and other student engagement.
• Manages the Project Agreements and maintains oversight of the commercial and technical outputs of the project outcomes. 
• Monitors new technical developments in the automation of composite manufacturing to ensure CRC partners are fully informed in new technologies.

Garth is a Professor of Aerospace Engineering with the School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering at the University of New South Wales. He has an extensive track record of translational and applied research in the field of composite materials and structural mechanics, with a particular focus on development of new products and processes with industry.

In addition to his role as Professor of Aerospace Engineering at UNSW Sydney, Garth also serves as the Deputy Head of School (Education) responsible for the delivery of four undergraduate and five postgraduate coursework programs to around 2500 students annually.

In this role as ACM CRC Leader of Research Program 2, Garth:

• Undertakes strategic and resource planning, sets and monitors research projects, milestones and outcomes, and leads and coordinates research activities with industry, research providers and other participants.
• Works with the Director of Research to maintain and grow industry and academic collaborations.
• Works with the Education and Training Program Leader to ensure a high level of HDR and other student engagement.
• Manages the Project Agreements and maintains oversight of the commercial and technical outputs of the project outcomes. 
• Monitors new technical developments in the automation of composite manufacturing to ensure CRC partners are fully informed in new technologies.

Professor Asim Bhatti is an internationally recognised expert in neural engineering, cognitive systems, and intelligent human–machine performance modelling. His research integrates advanced sensing, AI driven analytics, and computational modelling to understand and predict complex system behaviour, expertise that directly strengthens the ACM CRC’s mission to transform composite manufacturing through automation, digitalisation and predictive intelligence.

At Deakin University’s Institute for Intelligent Systems Research and Innovation, Professor Bhatti leads multidisciplinary teams working across neuroscience, machine learning, extended reality, and simulation technologies. His work has produced new methods for quantifying human and machine performance, developing digital representations of complex processes, and integrating physiological, behavioural and computational data into real time predictive systems. These innovations have been adopted across defence, health, advanced manufacturing and transportation sectors, and have supported the creation of multiple technology spin offs.

Professor Bhatti’s leadership strengthens the CRC’s capability to create robust, intelligent, and predictive manufacturing environments. His expertise in modelling complex systems, human, machine, and hybrid, supports the development of next generation simulation tools that enhance automation, optimise composite manufacturing processes, and improve product performance across the entire lifecycle.

As ACM CRC Leader of Research Program 3 – Simulation & Performance Prediction, Professor Bhatti:

• Provides strategic and resource leadership for the program, establishing research priorities, coordinating multidisciplinary teams, and ensuring delivery of milestones and outcomes across simulation, modelling and predictive analytics.
• Leads the development of digital twins and advanced simulation frameworks that support automated composite manufacturing, including physics based models, data driven prediction tools, and integrated sensing to simulation pipelines.
• Works closely with the Director of Research to expand industry and academic partnerships, leveraging his extensive collaborations in intelligent systems, defence technologies, and advanced manufacturing.
• Collaborates with the Education and Training Program Leader to foster strong HDR and student engagement in areas such as AI, modelling, simulation, and performance prediction.
• Oversees Project Agreements and commercial/technical outputs, ensuring that modelling tools, predictive systems and simulation technologies translate into deployable solutions for CRC partners.
• Monitors emerging technologies in AI enabled simulation, cognitive modelling, in line sensing, and automated performance prediction to ensure CRC partners remain at the forefront of digital manufacturing innovation.

Luigi is an expert in advanced materials processing and manufacturing, specialising in polymers and composite materials, with a strong focus on translating research into industry ready solutions. 

He is Co-Director of the Centre for Advanced Materials Processing and Manufacturing at The University of Queensland (UQ), within the School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering.

He brings international experience in high performance composite manufacturing for automotive and aerospace applications. This includes working with the Ferrari Formula 1 Team in Italy, where he was responsible for the manufacture of carbon fibre suspension systems and gearbox components. In Australia, he contributed to the development of a patented composite manufacturing and assembly technology through a collaborative project with Airbus and the Cooperative Research Centre for Advanced Composite Structures (CRC-ACS), now continued by Advanced Composite Structures Australia (ACS-A).

Luigi leads and contributes to large scale collaborative research programs, including Cooperative Research Centres (CRC), Australian Research Council projects (ARC), and industry partnered initiatives. His work focuses on scaling materials innovations from laboratory to pilot and commercial production, with applications across consumer products, infrastructure, and energy sectors. He works closely with industry partners across the value chain to deliver technically robust and commercially viable outcomes. He is also actively involved in education and workforce development, teaching Systems Engineering, and Aerospace Composites, and supervising higher degree research candidates.

Through his roles, Luigi contributes to strengthening Australia’s sovereign capability in advanced manufacturing by bridging research innovation and industrial implementation.

In his role as ACM CRC Program Leader for Research Program 4, Luigi:

• Oversees delivery of research projects, milestones, and outcomes
• Coordinates activities across industry, research partners, and CRC participants, while growing collaborations
• Supports HDR and student engagement in collaboration with the Education and Training Program Leader
• Manages project agreements and monitors technical developments in composite manufacturing to inform partners

Everson is an Associate Professor of Aerospace Engineering with the School of Engineering at RMIT University. He has extensive research experience in translational and applied composites research and is currently the Research Lead for the Multifunctional Composite Research cluster at RMIT University.

Everson’s research interests encompass a broad spectrum, ranging from high-performance and multifunctional composites to fire safety and structural resilience. With over 15 years dedicated to composites research in Australia, Everson has forged impactful research collaborations with key Australian defence and composites manufacturing industry entities including the Defence Science and Technology Group. Notably, his prior involvement with the Advanced Composite Structures CRC underscores his commitment to advancing Australian-developed composites technology, particularly fire structural resistance evaluation and modelling of critical infrastructure.

Everson has led groundbreaking and translational research projects with Australian SMEs, focusing on upcycling waste materials into value-added composite products and developing environmentally friendly fireproofing solutions for critical infrastructure. His research extends to creating advanced multifunctional composites with self-healing and damage-sensing capabilities, further cementing his reputation as a research leader in composites.

Within RMIT, Everson plays a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of engineers. He coordinates and delivers Undergraduate and Postgraduate Courses in composite materials and structures, while also serving as the Program Manager for the Master of Aerospace Engineering.

As the leader of the ACM CRC Education and Training Program, Everson is dedicated to bridging the translational research gap between academia and industry, increase industry research engagement, enhance capabilities, and develop skills in advanced composites manufacturing by:

• Cultivating a new cohort of industry-ready Higher Degree by Research (HDR) graduates to help transform the Australian composites manufacturing landscape.
• Proactively addressing gender inequality through promoting equal opportunities, implementing policies to prevent discrimination, providing mentorship and support for women in leadership roles, and fostering a culture of inclusivity and diversity.
• Developing targeted industry training packages that will help establish Australia’s  sovereign composites manufacturing capability and elevate trade skills in 21st century composite manufacturing processes, driving innovation and competitiveness in the global market.

Puneet brings a wealth of diverse experience to ACM CRC. Holding a PhD in Materials Engineering, he has developed technologies that have been successfully commercialised. His combined experience spans over 10 years, during which he has worked as a researcher in materials, a lecturer in aerospace and composites, and has successfully managed his own business, providing services to clients worldwide.

He notably served as a Research Assistant with Cooperative Research Australia, an organisation established to support the Cooperative Research Centres. In this capacity, Puneet contributed to CRC benchmarking reports, member organisation surveys, and research management.

Puneet’s contribution to ACM CRC is enriched by his extensive knowledge in the field of composites, gained through his academic background, his expertise in project management and commercialisation from his business ventures, and his understanding of CRC operations and process improvements, acquired during his tenure at CRA.

In his role as ACM CRC Research Portfolio Manager, Puneet:

• Manages ACM CRC Research Portfolios and collaborates with Project Leads to achieve key milestones.
• Assists in steering R&D projects towards commercial and scalable outcomes.
• Tracks milestone progress and undertakes financial management for Commonwealth reporting.
• Provides high-level operational, project management, and process improvement support to ACM CRC.

Nicole brings extensive experience in CRCs and project management, with a focus on driving research initiatives to successful outcomes. She has worked across various sectors, including digital health, mining economies, and green biotechnology, developing strategic plans, coordinating complex projects, and fostering strong stakeholder relationships.

During her tenure at the Climate Change Cluster, Nicole managed the Deep Green Biotech Hub, overseeing the Green Light Accelerator Program, the world's first algae accelerator dedicated to supporting the development of algae biotech solutions across a broad range of industries in NSW. She also hosted the inaugural Algae Business Summit.

Driven by a passion for sustainability and innovation, Nicole completed a Graduate Certificate in Business Administration from UTS in 2023 and is now pursuing a Master’s in Sustainable Leadership, expected to complete in mid-2025. This further study aligns with her commitment to advancing sustainable practices within research and project management, aiming to make a positive impact on the environment and society.

In her role as ACM CRC Research Relationship Manager, Nicole:

• Develop and implement effective systems and tools for CRC operations, ensure timely project and HQ acquittals in the CRC management system (Knack), and build trusted relationships with team members and stakeholders.
• Provide operational support to the CEO, prepare and distribute correspondence, create and prepare documents, and monitor CRC compliance requirements.
• Provide regular project status updates, support the CEO and Director of Research with executive reports and funding applications, and collaborate on promotional materials.
• Act as the ACM point of contact for enquiries, build collaborative relationships with stakeholders, manage negotiations, and ensure professional interactions.
• Analyse and improve processes, implement standardised procedures, and champion a high-performance and accountability culture.

Brent is a long-time communications professional, beginning his career as a music and entertainment writer before shifting focus towards manufacturing, engineering and related subjects in 2012. 

He brings years of experience in industrial communications to his role at the ACM CRC, having contributed as a staff writer and freelancer to many trade and other publications, as well as advising and copywriting for numerous manufacturing enterprises and not-for-profit organisations.

In his role at the ACM CRC, Brent aims to share as many good yarns as possible about high-performing yet shy Australian manufacturers teaming up with researchers to turn fantastic ideas into commercial impact.

Jonas brings to ACM CRC over 10 years of experience in office management, finance administration and marketing, committed to building strong relationships and ensuring ongoing communication.

With a background in office management, Jonas is highly experienced in streamlining administrative processes and ensuring the smooth day-to-day operations of the office.

He has spearheaded impactful marketing campaigns, coordinated successful events, and implemented effective social media strategies across the Asia Pacific region. He is also well versed in coordinating office projects, staff activities and admin/finance support, and seeks the continuous improvement of office processes and procedures.

In this role as ACM CRC Office and Marketing Communications Coordinator, Jonas:

• Leverages his extensive office experience to keep the CRC’s daily operations on track.
• Supports the CRC CEO with managing events and other marketing activities.
• Assists with internal and external communications needs.

Dr. Yakubov is currently an additive manufacturing postdoctoral research associate at The University of Sydney who received his PhD in mechanical engineering in 2022. 

He brings a fantastic wealth of expertise to the HERA project and a strong academic background in additive manufacturing techniques and novel material characterisation techniques of welded and 3-D printed metal composites. 

Dr Yaning Wei graduated from The University of Sydney in 2023 with the Faculty of Engineering PhD Completion Award.

Currently, she holds a position as a postdoctoral researcher in the School of Civil Engineering at the University of Sydney, where she works under the supervision of Dr Ali Hadigheh and is a member of the Smart Materials and Sustainable Structures (SMS2) group.

Dr Wei is involved in the second ACM CRC supporting project that will focus on sustainable waste management in the composite industry. This project will develop a comprehensive market analysis of the recycling potential of fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) composite materials in Australia, addressing the pressing issue of sustainable waste management in the composites industry.

Dr Yiduo Wang received his DPhil Engineering Science degree in 2023 from the University of Oxford as a member of the Oxford Robotics Institute (ORI). 

He is a postdoctoral research associate in the Australian Centre for Robotics (ACFR) at The University of Sydney under the supervision of Prof Ian Manchester and Dr Viorela Ila.

Dr Wang's research focuses on robot perception, localisation and navigation, and expands to related fields such as control and planning.  

Dr. Binayak Bhandari is currently a Research Associate at the University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney). He is a recipient of the Australian Government’s "Distinguished Talent Visa" as well as among the “top 2% of scientists worldwide”, as per Stanford University’s ‘Updated science-wide author databases of standardized citation indicators’, in the fields of industrial automation, materials, and multidisciplinary engineering. 

Before relocating to Australia, he received his PhD (2014) from Seoul National University, South Korea and served as Assistant Professor and department chair at Woosong University, Daejeon, South Korea for seven years. 

Dr Bhandari is involved in the ACM project with Gowing Bros, which aims to design and manufacture a compact and lightweight smart travel surfboard.

Sina is a civil engineer specialising in structural engineering with a background and keen interest in data science. 

Sina is  pursuing a PhD at The University of  Western Australia, focusing on integrating computer science into structural analysis and monitoring.

Van is PhD candidate with ACM CRC research partner, The University of Sydney. Prior to this, he completed his Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering at the University of Architecture in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. 

Van was subsequently granted a full scholarship to pursue both a Masters and a Doctor of Engineering degree at Chulalongkorn University in Thailand, where his thesis work involved applying and developing probabilistic machine learning models for assessing the reliability of structural design and topology optimisation.

Van is involved in the HERA project, and is excited to be a part of something so high-tech.

His specific areas of interest include: probabilistic machine learning models for reliability-based design and topology optimisation; physics-integrated deep learning for reliability estimation of dynamical systems; Bayesian optimisation and swarm intelligence for solving large-scale and complex engineering problems; active learning for Gaussian process-based global sensitivity analysis; Bayesian model updating and solutions for non-convex inverse problems; and topology optimisation, simulation technology & 3D printing.

Dex is a PhD candidate with ACM CRC research partner, The University of Sydney. His thesis focuses on the connection design in composite timber-steel structures using Circular Design 4.0 technology. 

Prior to this, Dex completed his Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering at Harbin Institute of Technology (China) in 2020, followed by a Master of Professional Engineering degree from The University of Sydney in 2023.

His specific areas of interest include Circular design 4.0, Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Reality, BIM, and digital twins.

Sara is a dedicated PhD candidate at The University of Western Australia, beginning her studies on February 15, 2023, in structural engineering. 

Her research, in collaboration with FUZE, focuses on the rehabilitation of offshore structural elements in Marine environments. 

She completed her master’s degree at the American University of Sharjah, where her work focused on developing materials for 3D printing technology. Following this, she worked as a research associate, publishing several papers on recycled concrete, UHPC, and FRP RC beams with sustainability as her primary focus. 

Sara values her involvement with the ACM CRC and eagerly anticipates engaging with the industry to address practical challenges.

Sriram is an Aerospace Engineer, currently pursuing my doctorate in structural health monitoring using embedded sensor technology at The University of Western Australia. 

Along with a joint master’s degree from Nanyang Technological University (Singapore) and Technical University of Munich (Germany), Sriram has extensive experience in the repair and development of composite aero-engine structures in industry leading projects with the Rolls Royce UTC. 

He is passionate about innovation and structural integrity, striving for sustainable engineering methods whilst aiming for enhanced safety and reliability of components through cutting-edge monitoring techniques. 

Mohammed is a PhD candidate in the School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering at The University of New South Wales(UNSW Sydney). 

He holds a Master of Science in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering from the same institution. His primary research interests include Digital Twin, Knowledge Graph, Data Management, Industry 4.0, and Circular Economy.

Saral is a Mechanical Engineering PhD candidate with ACM CRC research partner, The University of New South Wales(UNSW Sydney). 

Prior to this, he completed his Bachelor's degree with Honours in Mechanical Engineering at IIT Bombay, India. He also possesses significant industrial experience, having worked with Airbus as a Modeling & Simulation Engineer. 

Saral's research focuses on developing an automated tow-wise layup design framework to achieve fit-for-purpose mechanical responses in continuous fibre composites. This involves an integration of cutting-edge additive manufacturing techniques, data-efficient neural network models, and nature-inspired hierarchical design principles. 

His work also includes the characterisation and numerical modelling of multi-scale structural features to accurately replicate the physical responses of advanced composite architectures. Saral is also working on a collaborative project aimed at uncovering hidden security flaws in automated composites manufacturing systems, designing novel security solutions to safeguard against cyber-sabotage.

Josh is a Mechanical Engineer with experience in the maritime and composites industry. He is currently working with our Industry partner, Ocius Technology, with the design and build of the Bluebottle USVs (unmanned surface vessels). 

Recently enrolled at The University of New South Wales(UNSW Sydney) as an MPhil student, Josh is completing an industry research masters focussed on developing the Bluebottle’s wave propulsion flipper.  

Teamed with Associate Professor Fangbao Tian and Associate Professor Garth Pearce, they are using data feedback from Ocius trials as inputs into Associate Professor Tian’s FSI solver to iterate and improve the vessel’s performance.

Sachi is pursuing her doctorate in designing and investigating a durable self-healing epoxy coating, at Deakin University.

She completed her BSc (Hons) in Polymer Chemistry at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura in Sri Lanka, and now aims to develop a coating capable of autonomously and repeatedly restoring its properties under typical environmental conditions that, in the long term, will serve as a protective layer to enhance the durability of composite materials.

Sachi is fascinated by materials with unique functionalities – materials that can change shape or even clean themselves – and truly believes that functional materials are the future and hold the potential to transform our world.

Roan is a PhD candidate with ACM CRC research partner, The University of Queensland (UQ), prior to which he completed a Bachelor's Degree and Masters Degree in Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering at UQ.

He has experience in the construction and boat building industries and completed his thesis on the design and characterisation of polymer matrix composite materials for use as thermal protection systems (TPS). 

His current PhD topic is on developing tools for optimisation and design of TPS for hybrid rocket nozzles covering high-temperature composites, with specific emphasis on ceramic matrix composites.

His specific areas of interest include: ceramic matrix composite and polymer matrix composite manufacturing, design and manufacturing of thermal protection systems, material ablation modelling, heat transfer modelling, nozzle design and hybrid rocket motor ablation.

Mustafa Siddiqui is a PhD student at The University of New South Wales(UNSW Sydney) specialising in the development of advanced Digital Twin models for optimising manufacturing processes, particularly for Omni Tankers Manufacturing Plant.

His research integrates AI and Machine Learning with Digital Twin technology to enhance manufacturing efficiency by detecting and mitigating manufacturing bottlenecks, which are significant obstacles that slow down production.

His research also focuses on ensuring efficient resource allocation, production scheduling, and strategic decision-making in manufacturing operations. 

With a background in publishing research on AI-enabled digital twins and machine learning applications, Mustafa is committed to advancing industrial technology and enhancing operational efficiency in global manufacturing.

Sharine is a third-year Materials Engineering PhD candidate at ACM CRC research partner, Deakin University.

She graduated with a BS and MS in Chemistry from the University of the Philippines Diliman, and has a deep passion for organic synthesis, materials chemistry and composite materials.

Her ambition is to take on a research and development role after her PhD, contributing to automotive, aerospace or defence projects. 

Sharine’s current research interests include: vitrimers, advanced composites, high performance structural materials, and resin development.

Abila is a PhD Student with ACM CRC Partner, The University of Sydney(USYD), prior to which she completed her Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) with First Class Honors.

Abila has a strong academic and research background in sustainable construction materials and environmental engineering.

She is currently pursuing her PhD in Civil Engineering, focusing on the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for quality control in structural steel fabrication. Her work aims to optimise Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) methods to improve fabrication efficiency, minimise defects, and ensure compliance with Australian Standards.

Phan (Mia) is a PhD candidate at RMIT University, having previously commenced her studies at Deakin University.

She completed her master's degree at Kyushu University, Japan, which focused on the structure and physical properties of polymers. She has a passion for polymer physics and composite materials.

Mia aspires to improve people's lives through scientific advancements. 

Her current research focuses on developing a novel method to enhance the toughness of epoxy resins, a crucial thermosetting polymer used in composite fabrication.

Her motivation as a researcher is driven by the belief: "Be a person who brings positive influence on others." 

Wlla Abbad is a PhD student with ACM CRC at The University of Sydney. She holds a master’s degree in industrial engineering/management from the University of Jordan and was awarded the 2024 HERA ‘Women in STEM’ Scholarship.

Her research focuses on sustainable manufacturing, specifically using Additive Friction Stir Deposition (AFSD) for aluminium/steel composite material. This includes both experimental and modelling work to understand and optimise the process. Aligned with circular economy principles, her work explores innovative approaches to recycling and reusing materials—contributing to critical advancements in the sustainability of metal composites.

Wlla’s excited to be working at the forefront of additive manufacturing and sustainable development of composites.

Zhiwang is a PhD Student with ACM CRC Partner, The University of Sydney(USYD), prior to which he completed his BEng in Mechanical Engineering and his MPhil in Mechanical Engineering, both at USYD.

His research is focused on tribology, polymer composites, and laser cladding. Specifically, he has investigated using 3D printing technology to change material design and fabrication, regarding the development of high-wear-resistance polymer composites, particularly using Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM).

Zhiwang has investigated recent advances in this field, focusing on the selection of key printing parameters (such as layer thickness, print speed, infill density, and printing temperature) and material compatibility optimisation to enhance print quality and tribological performance.

Manesha is a PhD student and a Graduate Research Teaching Fellow Level A (part-time) at Deakin University. Having graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Chemistry from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura in Sri Lanka, her research primarily explores the fields of organic and materials chemistry. She works on the development of an on-demand thermal surface modification to modify the interface of carbon fiber, with interests in development of this technique for recycled carbon fibers. 

Her life goal is to be an active contributor to scientific knowledge that will help achieve sustainable development across the globe.

Neda is a PhD Student with ACM CRC Partner, University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ), before which she was working as a Structural Design Engineer at Mines & Metal Technological Engineering (MMTE).

Neda received her Master of Science (MS) in Structural Engineering at the Sharif University of Technology, Iran. Her PhD research continues to focus on structural engineering, during which she has been developing and characterising bio-based composites, and investigating a novel resin system for sustainable composites.

Her main goal is to find innovative solutions for advancing sustainable materials.

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.

Rounak Saha Niloy is a PhD student at UNSW Sydney, working in collaboration with the ARC Training Centre for Automated Manufacture of Advanced Composites (AMAC). He completed his Master’s by Research in Mechanical Engineering at UNSW Canberra at ADFA, and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET).

His research lies at the intersection of computational design, advanced manufacturing, and marine engineering. He focuses on developing optimisation frameworks for composite structures, integrating machine learning, CFD, and evolutionary algorithms to address complex, multi-objective design problems. His work also explores automated fibre placement (AFP) and data-driven manufacturing, aiming to improve both design efficiency and structural performance.

By combining domain expertise with modern computational tools, Rounak aims to bridge the gap between design and manufacturing, enabling more efficient and scalable engineering solutions for high-performance applications.

Pooya Jafari is a PhD candidate with ACM CRC Partner, University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ), researching under Program RP1 - High Performance Composite Materials. He was awarded an ACM CRC Top-up Scholarship to support his doctoral work.

Pooya's PhD focuses on the data-driven discovery and design of next-generation flame-retardant polymer materials using artificial intelligence. He develops machine learning and generative deep learning models - including recurrent neural networks integrated with reinforcement learning - to design novel flame-retardant molecules and predict their performance in polymers such as epoxy resin, Nylon 6 and Polylactic Acid (PLA).

Coming from a mechanical engineering background, Pooya was drawn to the opportunity to apply AI to a real and impactful engineering challenge: improving fire safety in polymer materials while moving beyond the time-consuming, trial-and-error limitations of traditional experimental methods. His research combines computational modelling with experimental validation to optimise flame retardancy, thermal stability and mechanical performance, with the goal of accelerating development of high-efficiency, low-loading fire retardants for applications such as battery thermal management and sustainable polymer systems.

Pooya values ACM CRC's strong connection between academic research and industry application, and the opportunity it gives him to work on real-world problems alongside leading researchers and industry partners. Long term, he aims to establish himself as a leading researcher at the intersection of artificial intelligence and advanced materials design, leading projects that translate AI-based discoveries into real-world applications.

Stephen Joseph is a PhD candidate at the The University of Queensland, and whose work concerns the hot topic of thermal management in ceramic-matrix-composite structures for scramjet engines.

His PhD focuses on integrating cooling into ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) for scramjet vehicle applications - work he describes as sitting at the intersection of "two of the most complex problems in engineering today": hypersonic aerothermal heating and advanced materials processing.

Stephen has worked with fibre-reinforced composites since 2016 as part of the UQ Composites Research Group. He had his first exposure to CMCs in 2020 through his undergraduate thesis, in which he helped design and manufacture a proof-of-concept scramjet combustor. His current research puts porosity in CMC structures under the microscope, investigating whether the mechanisms driving its formation can be tuned through manufacturing process design.

Stephen values being part of an organisation that connects industry leaders with the next generation of innovators, and points to the ACM CRC Partner Meeting as a highlight for the networking and exposure it gave him to cutting-edge composites research happening across Australia. Long term, he aims to lead an R&D team translating CMC technologies into hypersonic structures.

Chundu is a third-year PhD student at the University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ), an ACM CRC partner university. Before commencing her PhD, she worked as a civil engineer at the Ministry of Health (MoH) and the Centre for Bhutan Studies (CBS) in Bhutan. Her work at MoH focused on rural water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure, while her role at CBS involved sustainable construction and waste management. 

Motivated by an interest in sustainability and circular economy, Chundu applied for a PhD project at UniSQ focused on recycling used sucker rod guides from the oil and gas industry. She is currently developing post-service waste management pathways for glass fibre reinforced Nylon 6 rod guides recovered from Coal Seam Gas wells across Australia, in collaboration with Oilfield Piping Systems (OPS). 

Through her research, Chundu aims to evaluate how field-exposed composite materials can be recovered, reprocessed, and reused, contributing to a more circular approach to composite waste management in the oil and gas sector. 

Kiritharan Mahalingasivam's PhD research at University of Southern Queensland focusses on the structural behaviour and impact performance of pultruded glass fibre-reinforced polymer (GFRP) composite hollow sections for marine and civil infrastructure applications.

It investigates how cross-sectional geometry, impact energy, and loading conditions influence the deformation mechanisms, damage evolution, and failure behaviour of structural-scale composite members under axial and lateral impact loading. The research particularly examines the performance of circular (CHS), square (SHS), and rectangular (RHS) hollow sections under pile-driving and high-energy impact scenarios relevant to marine pile applications.

He describes the aim as establishing the governing mechanisms controlling impact resistance and structural response, and to develop design insights for safer, more efficient, and durable composite structural systems in harsh service environments.

Qingshan is a PhD student in materials engineering at University of Southern Queensland. Before commencing his PhD, he completed his master’s degree at Wuhan University of Technology, China, which focused on flame-retardant polymers. 

Driven by low-CO2 emission targets and the need to lightweight structural materials, Qingshan's PhD focuses on developing high-performance, flame-retardant and recyclable epoxy thermosets and their composites. Conventional epoxy resins - widely used as the matrix material in carbon fibre-reinforced polymer composites (CFRPs) - are highly flammable and difficult to recycle once cross-linked, a growing concern as global CFRP waste is projected to reach 20,000 tonnes per year by 2025. Qingshan's research incorporates dynamic covalent bonds and flame-retardant groups into epoxy cross-linked networks, aiming to improve fire safety and recyclability while maintaining the materials' high in-service performance.

Qingshan values ACM CRC's close integration of academic research with real-world industrial application, and the opportunity it gives him to understand practical challenges in advanced composite manufacturing and sustainability alongside university and industry partners. Long term, he aims to become a researcher in sustainable polymers and advanced composites, bridging fundamental research with industrial application and contributing to circular economy and low-carbon technologies through international research collaboration.

Sebastien is a PhD student at The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney) specialising in fluid-structure interaction to optimise the performance of surfboards. He first became interested in modelling and design of surfboards during engineering preparatory classes in France. 

Sebastien's PhD focuses on the advanced modelling and design of surfboards, with a particular emphasis on composite sandwich structures and lattice-based cores. Having surfed for more than 15 years and built his own boards, he became aware first-hand of how toxic traditional surfboard construction can be, and how little the underlying foam materials have changed in over 50 years. 

Combining this practical experience with his engineering background, Sebastien is developing design and simulation tools to give manufacturers a more scientific, quantitative understanding of surfboard behaviour - moving beyond reliance on empirical shaping experience alone. His work aims to enable full 3D printing of surfboard cores with spatially variable density and mechanical properties, demonstrating that surfboards can be built in a less toxic way while tailoring their structure to specific performance requirements.

Sebastien values the opportunity ACM CRC gives him to work closely with both academic researchers and industry partners, tackling real-world problems while still exploring fundamental scientific questions, alongside access to specialised equipment, facilities and a supportive network of composites and manufacturing experts. 

Long term, he aims to work at the intersection of research and industry, bringing advanced composite technologies and simulation methods into real surfboard manufacturing, with the ambition of being recognised as a specialist in surfboard engineering and composite structures.

Tanjima Akter is a second-year PhD candidate in Carbon Fibre and Composites at Carbon Nexus, Institute for Frontier Materials (IFM) at Deakin University. 

Before starting her PhD, she completed her Masters degree in Smart Agriculture Systems based on Imaging and Spectroscopy at Chungnam National University, South Korea, and a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering at Bangladesh Agricultural University. 

Tanjima is particularly dedicated to developing Green Carbon Fibre (GCF) as an energy-efficient and cost-effective alternative to conventional carbon fibre. By using low-cost materials, her work aims to reduce energy consumption and production costs while maintaining high performance. The resulting GCF has potential applications in batteries, supercapacitors, packaging, automotive components, and lightweight consumer goods. 

Takudzwa Tendere is a PhD candidate at The University of Sydney. He holds a Master's degree in Industrial Engineering from Stellenbosch University and has experience in both academia and industry.

Takudzwa's PhD focuses on developing multilayer metal matrix composites (MMCs) using an automated manufacturing system that combines laser-directed energy deposition and thermal spray technologies, for demanding applications in industries such as mining, defence and marine engineering. A key part of his research integrates artificial intelligence and machine learning to optimise manufacturing parameters, improve material quality and reduce defects - moving beyond trial-and-error toward faster, data-driven decisions that consistently produce higher-quality components.

Takudzwa values ACM CRC's close connection to industry and the opportunity it gives him to collaborate with leading researchers and industry partners, ensuring his research stays relevant and focused on solving real-world problems. 

Long term, he aims to become a leading researcher and innovator in advanced manufacturing and intelligent materials engineering, translating research into practical solutions that strengthen Australia's advanced manufacturing capability while mentoring future engineers and researchers.

Chris is PhD candidate with ACM CRC research partner, The University of New South Wales(UNSW Sydney), prior to which he completed his Bachelor of Engineering.

He has always been fascinated with understanding how things work, and strives to work in the automotive industry following his PhD completion.

His specific areas of interest include mould-free composite manufacturing, out of autoclave manufacturing, and hybrid composites.

Alex is a final year Mechanical Engineering PhD candidate in with ACM CRC research partner, The University of New South Wales(UNSW Sydney).  He has a deep passion for composite materials and advanced manufacturing and an ambition to become a leader in the automotive and aerospace industries.

In collaboration with the CRC’s Director of Research, Professor Gangadhara Prusty, Alex recently published a paper on “Manufacturing feasibility of a bend free ellipsoidal composite pressure vessel using automated fibre placement”.

His research and industrial interests include: automated fibre placement, composite pressure vessels, advanced composites, and hydrogen fuel cell and battery electric vehicles.