Emily Brown

What inspired you to pursue Chemical Engineering at UNSW, and how did it fit with your career goals?

There wasn’t a single catalyst, but a series of experiences. An exceptional high school chemistry teacher made science feel tangible and connected to the real world. Later, through the NSW Young Scientist Program, I met a biomedical engineer working on biomechanics and injury prevention, which opened my eyes to engineering as a human-centred discipline.

Chemical engineering ultimately drew me in because it offers both technical depth and broad impact. It provides a strong logical foundation and the ability to operate at scale — turning chemistry into practical solutions. Growing up aware of sustainability challenges, I wanted a discipline that could create transformative technologies while also helping solve environmental problems. It’s challenging, creative and full of possibility.

Was there a particular project or experience during your studies that had a major impact on your career path?

Volunteering in Cambodia with Engineering World Health had a profound impact on me. It taught me that engineering isn’t about designing something new for the sake of it — it’s about correctly identifying the root problem and truly understanding who you’re serving. Often, listening is half the solution.

The CEIC4001 Design Project was also invaluable. It reflected real-world engineering, balancing safety, cost, practicality and delivery. Today, working in sustainable remediation, I constantly navigate trade-offs between social, environmental, financial and operational outcomes. University taught me that effective engineering doesn’t happen in isolation; the “best” technical solution isn’t always the most appropriate in practice.

Which technical or professional skills from the program have proven most valuable in your day-to-day work?

Clear communication stands out. I work across government, researchers, community groups, engineers and private equity teams, and translating complex technical ideas into clear action is critical. Trust and alignment drive successful outcomes.

Technically, the most valuable skill has been structured problem-solving. You won’t encounter a rule book for everything, one of my projects was a global first deployment of a remediation technology. More important than memorising content is learning how to think, analyse data and keep learning. That adaptability carries into any field.

Can you tell us about your current role— what does your work involve, and what are your key responsibilities?

I work in a small startup water management and remediation firm, so my role is dynamic. I move between business development and technical engineering — engaging clients on sustainable remediation solutions while also working on-site at treatment plants, landfills and water systems.

Much of my work focuses on emerging contaminants like PFAS. I collaborate with university researchers to pilot new technologies, including in-situ remediation solutions for contaminated groundwater. Some days I’m analysing complex datasets; other days I’m collecting samples from a boat. That variety keeps the work challenging and rewarding, and it always comes back to delivering practical, sustainable outcomes.

What advice would you give to students wanting to build a career in product-focused engineering?

Focus on being solution-driven, not product-driven. Understand what truly motivates your end user and what problem they’re trying to solve. When you see the world from your client’s perspective, your engineering becomes more meaningful and impactful.

Engineering is an incredible platform for innovation, but real success comes from empathy, adaptability and a willingness to balance technical excellence with practical reality.