PhD Candidate wins National Award for Sustainability Research

USQ postgraduate student, Benjamin Taylor, was recently awarded the 2010 National Student Environmental Engineering and Sustainability Award from Engineers Australia’s Society for Sustainability and Environmental Engineering.

Benjamin said he wasn’t expecting his graduate research project Rapid estimation of rainwater yield throughout Australian and review of Queensland rainwater harvesting operating policy to receive national recognition.

'I did not expect to win this award - sustainability research is very popular due to global conditions, and I was competing against graduates from our leading national universities,' Benjamin said.

'The focus of my study was to estimate the water saving performance of residential rainwater harvesting. I have developed a tool, Taylor's hyetal index, that rapidly predicts performance, at potentially 20,000 national locations.

'As an engineer, I believe it is important for society to have access to tools that allow us to make accurate and informed decisions. My graduate research has achieved this, and now I am looking to make further improvements.'

Benjamin joined the University last year and works in the Australian Centre for Sustainable Catchments as a sponsored PhD Candidate.

'Currently, I am researching ways to achieve reliable stormwater management with rainwater tanks, without compromising their water saving performance. This added environmental benefit will ensure rainwater harvesting remains essential to sustainable development in existing and future planned urban catchments.'

'This research would not be possible without my supervisor Dr Ian Brodie and his unwavering support and encouragement. Also crucial, is the financial support by the Office of Research and Higher Degrees and the Faculty of Engineering and Surveying.'

Benjamin will formally receive the award in December at the society's conference.

'This national award is an excellent opportunity to promote our ongoing research here at USQ. I am looking forward to flying the USQ flag, and being the first Queenslander to take out the award,' he said.