Rate My Professor Lachlan Yee

Dr. Lachlan Yee is a Senior Lecturer and First Year Experience Coordinator in the Faculty of Science and Engineering at Southern Cross University. He earned his BSc and PhD from the University of New South Wales. Since joining the university in 2010, Yee has established himself as a prominent researcher in sustainable polymer technologies applied to environmental remediation. His work emphasizes reducing waste and pollution in soil and marine environments through innovative polymer science. Key research areas include developing antibacterial catalysts delivered via polyvinyl chloride thin-film polymers, exploring biodegradable polymers such as chitin, chitosan, polyhydroxyalkanoates, alginate, and carrageenan for ecological applications, and advancing small-scale plastic waste recycling into construction materials like concrete to support circular economy principles.

Recently, Dr. Yee has expanded his research to utilize black soldier flies (Hermetia illucens) for converting organic waste into high-value products, including insect protein and chitosan, with an on-campus fly farm at Southern Cross University. This project was recognized as a finalist in the Shaping Australia Awards for turning waste into wealth. He is an active member of the university's ZeroWaste research cluster, and his contributions align with multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals as per Scopus data. In education, Yee passionately teaches chemistry and views waste as a resource, enhancing first-year student experiences. His scholarly output includes significant publications such as 'Small-Scale Mechanical Recycling of Solid Thermoplastic Waste Using a Shredder and Single-Screw Extruder' (2023, Polymers), 'Response surface statistical optimisation of zeolite-X/silica by hydrothermal synthesis' (2019), 'High-efficiency cogeneration boiler bagasse-ash geopolymer concrete' (2017, Heliyon), and 'A Tuneable Switch for Controlling Environmental Degradation of Polyesters Used in Biomedical Applications' (2013). Additionally, he has supervised PhD theses on topics like arsenic sorption and ocean climate impacts. Yee also leads international student experiences, such as trips to Japan, fostering global perspectives in science education. His interdisciplinary approach bridges chemistry, environmental science, and engineering, impacting practical solutions for sustainability.