Mohd Arish Usman
PhD Candidate (Materials Science & Engg.)
Newcastle,NSW
Summary
Chemical engineering researcher (PhD, University of Newcastle) specialising in porous materials for CO₂ capture, energy storage, and fertiliser formulations that address nutrient stratification in Australian soils. Experienced in material synthesis, field-trial design, and commercialisation-focused R&D; contributor to 2 patents and 3 first-author papers. Seeking postdoctoral or industry research roles in sustainable materials and agricultural technologies.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
PhD Student
University of Newcastle
Newcastle, NSW
04.2023 - Current
- Conducted research for academic projects, improving data accuracy and relevance for informed decision-making.
- Collaborated with peers on group projects Soil CRC, WANTFA, Murdoch University, strengthening teamwork and communication skills to achieve project goals.
- Prepared presentations for PhD projects, National and International Conferences improving public speaking and visual communication abilities.
- Developed porous materials for carbon capture and energy storage.
- Tested fertilizers at lab scale and field trials are currently underway in Perth to validate fertilizer performance under real agricultural conditions, assess wheat growth and yield, nutrient uptake and soil phosphorus availability.
- Conducted research and analysis to support academic projects and presentations.
- Collaborated with peers to develop effective study strategies and group initiatives.
Junior Research Fellow (JRF)
Manipal University Jaipur
Jaipur, Rajasthan
10.2019 - 06.2022
- Filed 2 patent applications in India, contributing to innovative solutions in research.
- Published 3 first-author research papers in peer-reviewed journals, enhancing knowledge in the field.
- Maintained high levels of confidentiality to protect data quality and project research.
- Conducted daily scientific experiments including catalytic reduction of para-nitro-phenol, selective adsorption of anionic dyes, carbon-dioxide capture, and surface functionalization, advancing understanding of material properties and separation techniques.
- Assisted in designing and implementing experiments, ensuring adherence to protocols and methodologies.
Education
Master Of Technology - Chemical Engineering
ZHCET/ Aligarh Muslim University
Aligarh, India09-2019
Bachelor Of Technology - Chemical Engineering
ZHCET/ Aligarh Muslim University
Aligarh, India06-2016
Skills
Data analysis and modeling
Polymer processing
Waste management
Process simulation
Design of experiments
Scale-up engineering
Technology transfer
Field trials for product commercialization
Written communication
Experimental design
Technical reporting
Literature review
Research documentation
Materials characterization SEM/TEM, XRD, FTIR, BET
Surface functionalization
Adsorption
Catalysis
Energy storage
Separation process development
Accomplishments
- Documented and resolved stratification issues in Australian soils by using controlled release biochar based fertilizers which will result in 2 experimental research papers and 1 patent application.
- Collaborated with team of Murdoch University Perth to test 4 fertilizer products in glasshouse experiments, which demonstrated better crop growth compared to commercial fertilizers.
- Achieved exceptional surface area for biocarbons which possess adsorption capacity of 2.5 tons CO2/ton of porous carbon.
- Collaborated with Soil CRC team and Australian grower group WANTFA Perth in the development of novel fertilizers and testing them under real agricultural conditions for 6 months.
Professional academic activities
Poster Presentations
1. Usman et al. “Engineered carbon clay composite based novel fertilisers to overcome nutrient stratification in soil.” Poster, Soil CRC, Wagga Wagga, Australia, 2024.
2. Usman et al. “Water dispersible hollow silica microspheres with hydrophobic shell internals for prolonged release of fragrance molecules.” Poster, ICEAN 2024, Newcastle, Australia, 2024.
3. Usman et al. “Hierarchical porous biocarbon derived from beetroot juice with ultrahigh surface area for enhanced gas capture and supercapacitors.” Poster, Carbon 2025, Saint Malo, France, 2025.
4. Usman et al. “Aminoclay functionalized biochar-based Phosphorus and Zinc fertilizer for addressing P stratification in Australian croplands.” Poster, 2nd International Conference on Plant Nanotechnology, Poznan, Poland, 2025.
5. Usman et al. "Reversing phosphorus stratification in Australian soils with Amino-clay functionalized Biochar." Poster, Soil CRC, Perth, Australia, 2025.
6. Usman et al. "Reversing phosphorus stratification in Australian soils with Amino-clay functionalized Biochar." Poster, HDR Festival University of Newcastle, Australia, 2026.
Oral Presentations
1. Mohd Arish Usman, Prof Ajayan Vinu, Prof Richard Bell, Dr Lukas Van Zwieten. “Amino clay functionalized biochar based Phosphorus fertilisers.” Oral presentation, Soil CRC Conference, Perth Australia, August 2025.
Timeline
PhD Student
University of Newcastle
04.2023 - Current
Junior Research Fellow (JRF)
Manipal University Jaipur
10.2019 - 06.2022
Bachelor Of Technology - Chemical Engineering
ZHCET/ Aligarh Muslim University
Master Of Technology - Chemical Engineering
ZHCET/ Aligarh Muslim University
Training
- Vocational Training in OG & CD, Kasimpur, Harduaganj Thermal Power Plant, Aligarh, India (09/2016)
- Graduate Trainee at Jubilant Life Sciences Ltd. Gajraula, UP, India (07/2016 - 08/2016)
PUBLICATIONS/CERTIFICATES
- Selective adsorption of anionic dye from wastewater using polyethylene imine based macroporous sponge: Batch and continuous studies (01/2022) Journal of Hazardous Materials
- Macroporous monoliths with tailorable hydrophobicity for oil-water separation (10/2021) Materials Today: Proceedings
- Adsorption of aniline blue dye on activated pomegranate peel: equilibrium, kinetics, thermodynamics and Support Vector Regression modelling (08/2021) International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology
- Candle soot particles-modified macroporous monoliths for efficient separation of floating oil/water and stable emulsions (03/2021) Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects