Mrs. Lilyan Alsaka | Environmental Chemistry | Environmental Chemistry Award

University of Technology Sydney, Australia

Profiles

• ORICD Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Mrs. Lilyan Alsaka’s academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Building and Construction Engineering from the University of Technology, Baghdad, followed by a Master’s in Environmental Engineering at the same university. These formative studies laid the foundation for her deep-rooted interest in sustainable engineering and environmental protection. With a solid base in both structural and environmental engineering principles, her early academic pursuits reflected a strong commitment to addressing environmental challenges through technical excellence. She further enhanced her qualifications with a Diploma in Chemistry Techniques and a Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques from TAFE NSW, demonstrating her commitment to continuous learning and practical expertise.

Professional Endeavors

With over 20 years of combined academic, research, and professional experience, Mrs. Alsaka has played pivotal roles in environmental engineering, focusing on pollution control, wastewater management, and soil remediation. She has worked across multiple sectors—academic, governmental, and research-intensive environments—translating complex scientific research into applicable field solutions. Her work includes environmental impact assessments (EIA), waste stabilization, and transboundary water policy development. She also holds an HSE Leadership Certification, contributing to safe and sustainable engineering practices in all her professional roles.

Research Focus and Technical Contributions

Mrs. Alsaka’s research is distinguished by its applied focus on water and soil remediation, particularly in challenging areas like PFAS (perfluorooctanoic acid) removal, heavy metal extraction using hydrogel-based and electrokinetic systems, and advanced landfill leachate treatment. Her hydrogel composite-based systems have shown remarkable efficiency in removing contaminants such as chromium, nickel, and copper, reflecting her ability to integrate innovative materials science with environmental engineering. In addition, her membrane technologies for desalination and reactive barrier designs using iron slag underline her multidisciplinary expertise.

Impact and Global Engagement

Mrs. Alsaka has made significant contributions at both local and international levels. From analyzing pollution in the Tigris River in Mosul to engaging in international programs on shared water resource management, her work bridges scientific research and global environmental policy. Her participation in these programs has not only influenced policy development for sustainable water use but also demonstrated her role as a global advocate for responsible environmental governance.

Academic Contributions and Citations

As a PhD candidate at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) in her final year, Mrs. Alsaka has authored and co-authored numerous peer-reviewed articles in leading journals, focusing on emerging contaminants, remediation technologies, and water quality improvement. These publications have contributed significantly to the scientific discourse around sustainable engineering practices and are referenced within academic and policy-making circles. Her technical reports, funding proposals, and scholarly articles are a testament to her research rigor and scholarly impact.

Technical Skills

Mrs. Alsaka is proficient in a wide range of technical and laboratory skills, including TAFE-certified environmental monitoring techniques, ISO 14001 auditing, and laboratory testing of groundwater, soil, and wastewater. She is experienced with membrane filtration systems, hydrogel synthesis, and solid waste stabilization methods. Her strong command of Microsoft Office tools, environmental risk assessment methodologies, and regulatory reporting procedures positions her as a technically agile environmental engineer.

Teaching Experience and Mentorship

Beyond her research, Mrs. Alsaka has served as a lecturer and student supervisor, nurturing young minds in the field of environmental engineering. Her mentorship of career professionals and students alike underscores her dedication to capacity-building and academic growth. With experience in lab training, technical instruction, and stakeholder engagement, she effectively bridges academia and real-world environmental solutions.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking forward, Mrs. Alsaka is poised to make lasting contributions in the areas of clean water access, PFAS remediation, and international water policy. Her interdisciplinary expertise, coupled with a strong ethical foundation and a vision for sustainability, positions her as a leader in next-generation environmental solutions. Her legacy will be one of innovation, mentorship, and global collaboration, ensuring a cleaner and more sustainable future.

Notable Publications

Eco-friendly kappa-carrageenan-nano zerovalent iron hydrogel water and wastewater purification
Authors: Rokhsare Kardani, Sudesh Yadav, Ali Altaee, Lilyan Alsaka, John Zhou
Journal: Journal of Hazardous Materials
Year: 2025

A Review of Hydrogel Application in Wastewater Purification
Authors: Lilyan Alsaka, Lina Alsaka, Ali Altaee, Syed Javaid Zaidi, John Zhou, Tayma Kazwini
Journal: Separations
Year: 2025

Iron slag permeable reactive barrier for PFOA removal by the electrokinetic process
Authors: Namuun Ganbat, Faris M. Hamdi, Ibrar Ibrar, Ali Altaee, Lilyan Alsaka, Akshaya K. Samal, John Zhou, Alaa H. Hawari
Journal: Journal of Hazardous Materials
Year: 2023