Dr. Priya Samudrala
Dr. Priya Samudrala
Dr. Priya Samudrala is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at Monash University, where she commenced in July 2024. She is a chemist with a background in Biotechnology and Microbiology and holds an MSc in Organic Chemistry from Osmania University (2008), where she was awarded the Gold Medal for academic excellence. She completed her PhD in Applied Chemistry at RMIT University in 2016, focusing on heterogeneous catalysis for the transformation of bio-glycerol into commodity chemicals and fine chemicals. Her outstanding research contributions were recognised with the prestigious Martin Bennett Research Excellence Award.
Following her PhD, she continued her research at the Centre for Advanced Materials and Industrial Chemistry (CAMIC), School of Sciences, RMIT University, where she expanded her expertise in heterogeneous catalysis and delved into developing three-dimensional printed catalyst formulations for sustainable chemical production from renewable sources.
Dr. Priya Samudrala then worked as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow and Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Chemical Engineering, Monash University, contributing to multiple catalysis projects and teaching across Chemical and Environmental Engineering. In addition to her research credentials, Dr. Samudrala holds a teaching qualification from Monash University, achieving high distinction in teaching performance and full accreditation from the Victorian Institute of Teaching. This training has strengthened her ability to communicate complex scientific concepts and deliver engaging, student-centred learning.
Dr. Priya Samudrala’s research focuses on developing advanced heterogeneous catalysts and sustainable processes for converting renewable feedstocks and waste into valuable bio-based fuels and chemicals. At the core, her work is in green chemistry and sustainability, using rational catalyst design, process optimisation, and reaction engineering to improve efficiency, selectivity, and durability. Her goal is to create eco-friendly and economically viable pathways that support the transition to a more sustainable chemical and biofuel industry.
Qualifications
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) Applied Chemistry, RMIT University, Australia
- Master of Teaching (Education), Monash University, Australia
- Master of Science (MSc) Organic Chemistry, Osmania University, India
- Bachelor of Science (BSc) Biotechnology, Microbiology, Chemistry, Osmania University, India
Expertise
- Heterogeneous Catalysis, Advanced materials, Green Chemistry & Sustainable chemical processes, Biomass conversion, Glycerol valorisation, Nanomaterials, Renewable fuels, Clean energy, Additive manufacturing (AM) in catalysis, Fine chemical synthesis
Research Interests
Novel catalytic materials hold the key to advancing chemical and energy production. The development of active and robust catalysts for sustainable chemical syntheses remains one of the most important and challenging areas of industrial innovation. At the same time, the urgent need for environmentally cleaner processes is driven by the ecological and socio-economic impacts of conventional petroleum-based fuel and chemical production, which both depletes natural resources and contributes to environmental damage. To address these challenges, sustainable production of fuels and chemicals from renewable, biomass-derived feedstocks offers a cost-effective and low-impact pathway towards a cleaner and more resilient chemical industry.
Against this backdrop, Dr. Priya Samudrala’s research focuses on the design and development of innovative heterogeneous catalysts including hierarchically structured materials, and bio-inspired catalytic systems — to transform waste and renewable feedstocks into value-added chemicals and clean fuels. Her work sits at the intersection of green chemistry and sustainability, aiming to create efficient and economically viable catalytic processes that advance both the biofuel and chemical industries.
She has extensive expertise in developing mesoporous, microporous, crystalline, and amorphous catalysts, as well as supported nanoparticle systems (mono-, bi-metallic, and bifunctional). Her research integrates catalyst synthesis, reaction engineering, process optimisation, and kinetic studies to establish structure–activity relationships and improve catalytic performance. With a strong background in both experimental and theoretical aspects of catalysis, Dr. Samudrala advances molecular-level understanding of catalytic phenomena while translating these insights into practical solutions for biomass valorisation, bio-based fuel production, and sustainable chemical manufacturing.
Journal Publications
See Priya Samudrala’s research contributions through published book chapters, journal articles and conference proceedings.
Teaching Commitments
- CHE4173 - Sustainable Process Integration
- CHE5321 - Advanced Bioprocessing Technology - MS level
- CHE5888 - Sustainability and Innovation of Biobased Materials - MS level
- ENE3032 - Fate and Transport of Contaminants
- CHE4170 - Final Year Design Project
- ENG4701/ENG4702 - Chemical Engineering Research Project