In this month’s newsletter, we would like to introduce PhD graduate, Solène Jahan from the College of Science and Engineering.

Solène’s recently submitted thesis, “Towards a better understanding of kinetic interactions between microalgae and bacteria – From lab to large-scale high rate algal pond” received outstanding results from the examiners.

We asked Solène to share what led her to a PhD and why it is important, the most enjoyable and hardest parts of a PhD journey and what the future holds.

What was your research about?

I have studied the kinetic interactions between microalgae and bacteria in high rate algal ponds, which are wastewater treatment systems using microalgae. This work uses an integrative approach coupling measurements on a large-scale high-rate algal pond operated in real conditions, experiments at lab scale and numerical simulations. This PhD was a cotutelle between Nantes Université in France and Flinders University.

What was the topic of your PhD and why was it important to you?

The protection of the water resource has always been the redline of my academic path. What I like the most about the topic of my PhD is that it “rings a bell” for a lot of people. Everyone knows what wastewater is and what microalgae are. Everyone is concerned by wastewater treatment in their everyday life. With this type of topic, you can easily discuss with and raise the interest of people who are initially not involved in the field.

What was been one of the hardest parts of the journey?

As my PhD was a cotutelle between two universities, one of the biggest challenges was to find a storyline that could connect the results obtained at lab-scale in France and at industrial scale in Australia. The scope had to remain wide enough to incorporate the two visions, while delving into complex phenomena. This storyline has not established itself easily, and it necessitated taking a step back and reconsidering a lot of things towards the end of the PhD, which is never easy.

One of the hardest parts of the PhD was also dealing with failed experiments and technical problems, which is a usually a common thing in every PhD.

How did your supervisors support you during your candidature?

I had 4 supervisors, 3 in France and 1 in Australia. They managed to align their visions despite their different sensitivities and perspectives regarding the topic, and it has been a real pleasure working with them in these conditions. The collaboration they have initiated between GEPEA and Flinders University and the complementarity of their skills made the richness of this thesis. Their guidance, support and sound advices have been of great help.