Priya Samudrala

Senior Lecturer, Monash University, Australia

Dr. Priya Samudrala is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at Monash University. Trained as a chemist with a background in biotechnology and microbiology, she specialises in heterogeneous catalysis and sustainable chemical processes. She earned her PhD in Applied Chemistry from RMIT University and an MSc in Organic Chemistry from Osmania University, where she received the Gold Medal for academic excellence. Her PhD work on catalytic glycerol valorisation to biopolymers was recognised with the Research Excellence Award.

Dr. Samudrala’s research focuses on developing advanced heterogeneous catalysts and sustainable reaction systems for converting renewable feedstocks and waste into bio-based fuels and value-added chemicals. Centred on green chemistry and sustainability, her work integrates rational catalyst design, process optimisation, and reaction engineering to enhance efficiency, selectivity, and catalyst durability—supporting the transition toward a circular and low-carbon chemical industry.

At Monash, Dr. Samudrala leads a research group developing hierarchically structured and bio-inspired catalysts for renewable energy and clean fuel applications. By coupling molecular-level understanding of catalytic phenomena with process optimisation, her team aims to deliver eco-efficient and economically viable solutions for sustainable chemical manufacturing. In addition to her research, she teaches across chemical and biological engineering offerings, supervises multiple PhD and final year students, and actively contributes to professional networks including RACI, JVCEC, the Australian Academy of Science EMCR Forum, and STEM Women.