PhD research leads to statewide award for excellence

USQ engineering lecturer Dr Ian Brodie has been recognised with an Award for Excellence from the Stormwater Industry Association of Queensland (SIAQ) for his PhD research.

The SIAQ is a state branch of the Stormwater Industry Association (SIA), an organisation that promotes innovative and sustainable practice technologies, standards and policies that minimise the adverse environmental, social and economic impacts of stormwater.

Dr Brodie's PhD, Suspended Solids in Stormwater Runoff, was recognised for excellence in stormwater research after it produced data related to stormwater and water systems within a catchment.

'Suspended solids can be things such as dust or dirt, which can create a significant environmental pollutant,' Dr Brodie said.

'My research was looking at stormwater runoff from different surfaces and taking samples from a number of locations.

'The information from the research is providing good knowledge of how to plan stormwater runoff and how to manage the pollution.'

With members across Australia, the SIA is the peak body for urban stormwater management, with their Queensland awards open to any research organisation, consultant, government or private organisation or individual.

'The SIA has membership from industry, consultants, product designers, academics and local government,' Dr Brodie said.

'I was a bit surprised that I won as some of the entries are really quite good and they are well known as the SIAQ is the main body for this work.'

Following the state award, Dr Brodie will now nominate for the national awards, which will be held later this year.

'The next round is the national awards, for which I have to re-apply.

'It is in November in Melbourne and I am hopeful of making the trip down so that I can attend.'

Head of Agricultural, Civil and Environmental Engineering Associate Professor Mark Porter congratulated Dr Brodie and said it was a reflection of the innovative work underway within the Engineering Faculty.

'This is wonderful recognition of the work done in water engineering in this faculty,' he said.

Media Contact: Josh Ada, USQ Media, +61 7 4631 1628