Rosilene Welter Gabas (Brazil)

Why did you choose to study at JCU?

I’m a chemical engineer from Brazil and I’m completing my Doctor of Philosophy at JCU.

I chose to study at JCU because of my supervisor, Associate Professor Michael Oelgemöller who is a leading expert in green (solar) and applied photochemistry. We were introduced by a mutual friend and I noticed there was great synergy between our research.

Secondly, I fell in love with the city of Townsville. A small, peaceful city, with a lower cost of living, beautiful weather, developed, and organised society.

Tell us about your research.

I’m developing eco-friendly methods to produce biodiesel, which is a low carbon footprint fuel. In my research, it’s produced through vegetable oil, such as canola and waste cooking oil, which is highly pollutant and a big issue for the environment when not properly disposed of. This issue can be minimised by using it to produce this renewable fuel, which is also less toxic than diesel from crude oil.

JCU student Rosilene Welter Gabas onsite in one of the practical laboratories.

What have you enjoyed most about your time at JCU so far?

I love my research and working in the laboratory makes me feel fulfilled. In addition, I feel that it is possible to have a great life balance here. I can enjoy the city, and the beach, and explore the wonderful nature around Townsville.

What are your career aspirations?

I wish to carry on as a researcher, by studying and exploring projects which can help the environment and make the world a better place for generations to come.

What is your advice for prospective international students or researchers?

May the longing for our home country, family and culture be the fuel that makes us do our best and make it worth every moment we are away from home.

I always keep one of Roosevelt's sentences in my mind: "Do what you can, with what you've got, where you are."