CMatP Profile: Premika Govindaraj

Premika Govindaraj is a postdoctoral research fellow with a PhD in Materials Engineering from Swinburne University of Technology. She is skilled in developing and innovating applications using smart nanomaterials.

Currently, her research focuses on developing smart self-sensing composites that are multifunctional. As a researcher with industrial expertise, she is keen to translate materials from lab to market.

Where do you work and describe your job.

I am a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Mechanical and Product Design Engineering at Swinburne University, working in the Smart Materials Lab. My research, in collaboration with an industry on an Australian Research Council Linkage project, focuses on developing graphene-enabled smart composites for structural health monitoring. By combining academic knowledge and industry experience, I am advancing smart composite materials with innovative functionalities. My interdisciplinary work includes expertise in sensor configuration in structural composites and image reconstruction, enabling the development of 2D spatial pressure mapping

In my role, I explore novel functional materials, design and conduct experiments, analyse data, and collaborate closely with a team to investigate applications for smart materials in areas like flexible electronics, next-generation composite manufacturing, and multifunctional composites. I also contribute to grant proposals, mentor students, and present research at conferences to advance progress in the field.

What inspired you to choose a career in materials science and engineering?

Coming from a family of engineers, I was drawn to the engineering early on, and my bachelor’s degree in Polymer Engineering solidified my interest in understanding materials on a deeper level. I realised that combining polymer engineering with materials science would allow me to pursue innovative research that bridges theory with practical applications. This blend aligns perfectly with my passion for exploring and developing materials with unique properties, particularly in fields like smart composite materials, where I see enormous potential to create impactful solutions.

Who or what has influenced you most professionally?

My greatest professional influences have been my teachers, my former boss in industry, and the inspiring women in STEM. My teachers fostered my curiosity and resilience in engineering, while my industry boss demonstrated the importance of practical problemsolving and the impact of applying research to real-world challenges. Additionally, seeing women excel and lead in STEM has inspired me to pursue my goals with confidence, underscoring the importance of representation and mentorship in the scientific community.

Which has been the most challenging job/ project you’ve worked on to date and why?

The most challenging project I've worked on was in industry, where I developed a hot runner system for a family mould that incorporated two different materials. Each project I've undertaken, whether in industry or academia, has required specialised knowledge and presented unique challenges, but this one stood out. I had to blend materials expertise with design knowledge to create a manufacturable runner layout that met both functional and practical requirements. By using mould flow analysis, I systematically examined runner imbalance and shear-induced effects due to material properties. This project demanded close attention to detail in runner design, pressurevolume-temperature characteristics and manufacturing feasibility, which ultimately led to a successful design.

In academic research, a major challenge in the materials field is achieving reproducibility and scalability. I am actively addressing this issue by determining the optimal environments for materials and characterizing them accordingly. When developing composite materials with sensing capabilities, I ensure that the fundamental properties of the base composites are not compromised by the integration of smart nanomaterials. For example, in one of my current projects focused on enhancing sensing capabilities for structural health monitoring, I chose to implement a point-of-care and detection pattern configuration for large-area sensing, rather than converting the entire surface into a sensing medium. Although this approach helps maintain the core properties of the composites while still achieving effective sensing, it presents specialised knowledge challenges in many areas.

What does being a CMatP mean to you?

Being a CMatP marks my commitment to professional growth, and it validates my excellence in the field of materials science and engineering. I view this credential as a valuable opportunity to expand my skills and address evolving challenges in my multidisciplinary research.

What gives you the most satisfaction at work?

I’m seeing a tangible outcome from my research work, and it is incredibly fulfilling to know that my work advances the scientific knowledge and the practical solutions. Furthermore, the opportunities to enhance my skills, share knowledge, and mentor others provide a rewarding sense of purpose in my professional journey.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?

The best advice I've ever received was from my manager and mentor, Dr. Nishar Hameed: "Aim for the sky to reach the mountains. Embrace every opportunity and take feedback from each failure." This guidance has encouraged me to set ambitious goals and continuously learn from every experience.

What are you optimistic about?

I am optimistic about the transformative impact of AI in our rapidly changing technological landscape. I believe that the unique intersection of materials science and AI will catalyse the next significant advancements in material design, discovery, and application. I am confident that smart nanomaterials and its composites will play a crucial role in harnessing the potential of AI in material applications.

What have been your greatest professional and personal achievements?

In 2020, I was honoured to receive the Australian Institute of Nuclear Science and Engineering (AINSE) Postgraduate Research Award (PGRA) scholarship during my PhD, which granted me access to the world-class facilities and expertise at ANSTO. Through this award, I utilised the Bilby Small Angle Neutron Scattering (SANS) and FarInfrared Terahertz (THz) spectroscopy to conduct fundamental research on understanding the alignment of graphene in polymer composites under magnetic fields and to analyse the THz absorption characteristics.

My greatest personal achievement was achieving both my master’s and PhD degrees on scholarships, a goal I set after covering the high tuition fees for my bachelor’s degree. During my PhD, I also balanced my studies with having two children. I believe my diligence and perseverance were key to reaching these academic milestones.

What are the top three things on your “bucket list”?

Take a memorable journey in “Kovai Xpress" (caravan) around Australia to explore diverse landscapes with my family.

Share my passion for materials and inspire others on a TED stage.

Bringing my materials research to realworld applications.