Tihui (Christine) Wu
Brisbane,QLD
Summary
I am a final-year Chemical Engineering student at the University of Queensland, set to graduate in November 2025. Throughout my academic journey, I have been actively involved in research and experimental work in hydrometallurgy. My highlighted experience includes hydrometallurgical techniques to recover vanadium, reviewing battery technologies, and provide technical support to a copper electrowinning project. I am now seeking opportunities to apply my knowledge in real-world settings. I am a fast learner, highly motivated, and eager to take on new challenges, viewing each one as an opportunity for growth and development.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
Work History
Research Assistant
Hydrometallurgy Research Group, The University of Queensland
12.2024 - Current
- This project involved conducting a literature review on emerging and commercialised flow battery technologies, focusing on historical development, global trends, and recent advancements aimed at improving current density, power density, and overall cell efficiency. Advanced system concepts were also evaluated to identify future directions for the energy storage sector.
- The review provided a detailed comparison of key flow battery chemistries, including vanadium redox (across multiple generations), zinc–bromine, all-iron, iron–chromium, and polysulfide–bromide systems. Analysis was based on electrolyte concentration, energy density, operating temperature, and system durability. This work laid the groundwork for a potential research publication.
- In addition, I provided technical support to a copper electrowinning project, focusing on process scale-up and the effects of impurities on cathode deposition quality. My contributions involved literature research, data interpretation, and laboratory-based support for experimental validation.
Placement Student
Hydrometallurgy Research Group, The University of Queensland
07.2024 - 12.2024
- This project aims to optimise the flowsheet for recycling spent vanadium catalysts to recover high-purity vanadium pentoxide (V2O5). The initiative supports a stable and cost-effective supply of vanadium for the growing Vanadium Redox Flow Battery (VRFB) industry.
- Through this project, I developed a comprehensive understanding of hydrometallurgical processes—including leaching, oxidation, solvent extraction, and precipitation—as well as high-temperature processing via calcination. I conducted experiments to determine optimal process parameters such as pH and temperature. Building on these results, I used HSC Chemistry software to simulate larger-scale operations, assessing factors such as reagent consumption and OPEX. This allowed for a preliminary evaluation of the process’s economic feasibility.
- Experimental results indicated that the targeted product purity (>99.5%) was achievable. Simulations and cost analysis confirmed the process as economically viable. In addition, waste minimisation strategies were identified by exploring the potential for recycling reagents and reusing process streams.
Research Assistant
A.Prof Adrian Oehmen And Dr. Lisa Bai, The University of Queensland
07.2023 - 11.2023
- This project focused on cultivating halophilic archaea for the production of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), a type of biodegradable bioplastic. Initial flask-scale cultures using various carbon-based media were successfully scaled up to a 10 L bioreactor to support larger-scale PHA synthesis.
- I conducted detailed kinetic analyses to determine specific growth rate, polymer volumetric productivity, specific PHA synthesis rate, biomass yield, and chemical oxygen demand (COD). I also investigated alternative cell disruption technique and compared its PHA recovery efficiency and purity.
- Key process parameters—including medium composition, temperature, dissolved oxygen concentration, and gas transfer efficiency—were optimised to enhance the quantity and quality of intracellular PHA granules. Additionally, I analysed metabolic profiles to better understand microbial performance under different conditions.
Master of Ceremonies
Australian National Chinese Women Federation
08.2022 - 08.2022
- I introduced the Federation’s initiatives to local council representatives and guided the evening’s performances, demonstrating confident public speaking and audience engagement skills. I also provided live English–Chinese translations, facilitating clear cross-cultural communication in a bilingual setting.
- In addition to my speaking role, I assisted in coordinating and delivering the event, which hosted over 50 participants. This experience strengthened my organisational and time management abilities, as well as my capacity to liaise effectively with diverse stakeholders in a dynamic, time-sensitive environment.
Education
Bachelor of Engineering/Master of Engineering -
University of Queensland
St Lucia, QLD06.2025
Skills
- Data Analysis (Python, MATLAB, Excel)
- Process Stimulation (Aspen Plus, Simulink, HSC Chemistry)
- Process Design (PFD, P&ID)
- Safety and Risk Assessment (HAZOP, HAZID FMECA, Bowtie, AccipMaps, LOPA, Consequence Modelling)
- Problem-Solving
- Effective Communication
- Report Writing
- Literature Research
- Leadership
- Team Work and Collaboration
Languages
Chinese
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Research Assistant
Hydrometallurgy Research Group, The University of Queensland
12.2024 - Current
Placement Student
Hydrometallurgy Research Group, The University of Queensland
07.2024 - 12.2024
Research Assistant
A.Prof Adrian Oehmen And Dr. Lisa Bai, The University of Queensland
07.2023 - 11.2023
Master of Ceremonies
Australian National Chinese Women Federation
08.2022 - 08.2022
Bachelor of Engineering/Master of Engineering -
University of Queensland
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