Kshitij Srivastava

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

I was drawn to Chemical Engineering because it sits at the intersection of fundamental science and real-world impact. UNSW, in particular, stood out for its strong emphasis on energy, materials, and sustainability areas, which I was deeply interested in from the outset. My goal was to develop a strong analytical and problem-solving foundation that would allow me to work on complex challenges such as energy storage, clean technologies, and advanced materials. Studying at UNSW enabled me to build this foundation while also exposing me to cutting-edge research and industry-relevant thinking, which aligned closely with my long-term aspiration to contribute to impactful, solution-driven engineering work. 

Was there a particular project or experience during your studies that influenced your career path?

My PhD research at UNSW was a defining experience. I worked on understanding Na-ion transport mechanisms in solid-state energy materials, in particular Na-ion batteries, using first-principles computational modelling. This project taught me how fundamental scientific insights can directly inform better material and device design.

Beyond the technical aspects, the experience showed me the importance of persistence, curiosity, and collaboration in tackling open-ended problems that continue to shape how I approach research and engineering challenges today.

Which skills from your time at UNSW have been most useful in your work?

The most valuable skills I developed at UNSW were:

• Structured problem-solving, especially breaking down complex systems into tractable components
• Data analysis and critical thinking, essential for making evidence-based decisions
• Communication, particularly explaining technical ideas clearly to diverse audiences

UNSW also encouraged independence and ownership of work, which has been crucial in navigating research-driven and product-oriented environments.

Can you tell us about your current role – what you do and your key responsibilities?

I am currently working as a research intern at ALBON (on a contract basis), where I contribute to research and development activities focused on translating scientific concepts into practical, scalable solutions. My role involves analysing data, supporting modelling and experimental decision-making, and working closely with a multidisciplinary team.

In parallel, I collaborate on an aerospace research project with Dr. Kshitij Mall from the University of South Alabama (remotely). This work involves applying computational and analytical approaches to solve engineering problems in an aerospace context, giving me exposure to how rigorous engineering principles are applied across different industries.

Together, these roles allow me to bridge fundamental research, product-focused engineering, and real-world application.

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

My advice would be to build strong fundamentals, but also to actively seek opportunities that expose you to how engineering decisions translate into real products or systems.

Product-focused engineering requires more than technical skill as it involves understanding constraints, stakeholders, and trade-offs. Students should work on interdisciplinary projects, communicate their ideas clearly, and remain curious about how their work fits into a broader impact. UNSW offers many opportunities to develop these skills if students are willing to step beyond coursework.