Diana Ackerman

Process Engineer
Diana Ackerman
Qualifications

PhD (PFAS Water Treatment), UNSW

BE (Chemical and Process) (1st Class Hons), UNSW

Diana is a process engineer with a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in PFAS water treatment and a Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) in Environmental Engineering (Honours, first class), both from the University of New South Wales (UNSW). Diana has a combined 6 years of consulting and research experience.

Diana has conducted environmental consultancy services, primarily for water operators, supporting infrastructure renewals and upgrades. She has prepared technical reports, environmental risk assessments, led soil and water sampling programs, and coordinated with councils, laboratories and subcontractors. She has a strong understanding of regulatory guidelines including the Australian Drinking Water Guideline and the National Environment Protection Measures.

During her PhD, Diana developed the first global PFAS waterways contamination database, and designed a novel electrochemical reactor for PFAS destruction. Diana has expertise in PFAS environmental impacts and remediation technologies. She has a deep understanding of PFAS local and global regulations, their translation into practical applications, and laboratory best practices. She has published in high-impact journals and presented her work internationally, addressing complex technical challenges through developing practical, evidence-based solutions.

Alongside her research, Diana taught water and wastewater engineering at UNSW for three years. Diana’s approach to education was founded on her ability in technical communication and her expertise in water treatment principles. In this role, she conveyed complex process concepts to students, conducted jar testings and laboratory water quality assessments.

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