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Biography
I studied for both my MEng and PhD at the University of Nottingham (2011 and 2014, Environmental Engineering). My PhD focused on the developing microwave-infrared ore sorting technologies to reduce energy use in mineral processing.
After my PhD, I worked as a research fellow in the National Centre for Industrial Microwave Processing at UoN. This was a great experience exposing me to diverse industrial and academic projects across mineral processing, oil and gas, food and agricultural products, chemistry and energy. Every day and every project was different and I helped to deliver multidisciplinary projects from laboratory up to 100 tonne per hour industrial scale.
In July 2016 I started a new role as Assistant Professor of Environmental Process Engineering.
Since January 2020 I have been Digital Learning Director for the Faculty of Engineering, intially focused on the COVID-19 response and now moving to longer term strategic delivery, working at Faculty level and University wide. My current digital learning focus is:
- data driven solutions to enhance the student journey
- embedding the development and delivery of digital capabilities for learning and employability
- leveraging the benefits of blended learning to enhance Engineering Higher Education
Rebecca is a member of the Food, Water, Waste Research group
Teaching Summary
I currently teach:
- Materials and Sustainable Processing
- Hazardous Waste Management
I have previously taught Environmental Risk Assessment and on the Environmental Field Course (Environmental Assessment).
I have a strong focus on digital learning, both in my strategic role as Digital Learning Director and within my own practice.
Research Summary
I am a member of the Food, Water, Waste Research Group. My current research covers broad interests in process and resource sustainability in the context of the circular economy and net zero. Current… read more
Selected Publications
LEE, C. S., BINNER, E., WINKWORTH-SMITH, C., JOHN, R., GOMES, R. and ROBINSON, J., 2016. Enhancing natural product extraction and mass transfer using selective microwave heating: Chemical Engineering Science Chemical Engineering Science. 149, 97-103 FERRARI-JOHN, R. S., KATRIB, J., PALADE, P., BATCHELOR, A. R, DODDS, C. and KINGMAN, S. W., 2016. A Tool for Predicting Heating Uniformity in Industrial Radio Frequency Processing Food and Bioprocess Technology. 1-9 BATCHELOR, A.R., FERRARI-JOHN, R.S., KATRIB, J., ODOUDO, O., JONES, D.A., DODDS, C. and KINGMAN, S.W., 2016. Pilot scale microwave sorting of porphyry copper ores: Part 1 – Laboratory investigations Minerals Engineering. (In Press.)
BATCHELOR, A.R., FERRARI-JOHN, R.S., DODDS, C. and KINGMAN, S.W., 2016. Pilot scale microwave sorting of porphyry copper ores: Part 2 – Pilot plant trials Minerals Engineering. (In Press.)
Current Research
I am a member of the Food, Water, Waste Research Group. My current research covers broad interests in process and resource sustainability in the context of the circular economy and net zero. Current research includes:
- novel magnetically recoverable materials for environmental applications e.g. soil nutrient management, contaminated land treatment, water treatment and air pollution
- health and environmental impact assessment of sustainable resource initiatives e.g. landfill mining, biochar amendment
- improving energy and resource efficiency in supply chains, e.g. modelling energy use in the dairy supply chain
- microwave heating for sustainable processing/manufacturing applications e.g. natural product extraction, malt roasting, biopolymer foaming and materials synthesis
Current PhD Opportunities
PhD opportunities are available in most of the above areas, for informal enquiries please get in contact via email with a CV and cover letter. Funding is available for PhDs via our Doctoral Training Centres. The University also has an extensive portfolio of Research Scholarships for international students.