Rate My Professor Sonya Derry

Sonya Derry serves as a Lecturer in the School of Civil and Mechanical Engineering at Curtin University, part of the Faculty of Science and Engineering. She is a member of the Sustainable Engineering Group and her listed expertise includes engineering education and ethics, acoustics, and sustainability. Derry's academic background includes a Master of Engineering Science (Research) from the University of Western Australia, completed in 2000 with a thesis titled 'The Modelling of Torsional Vibration with Distributed Shaft Damping,' and a Bachelor of Engineering. These qualifications underpin her contributions to teaching and research in mechanical engineering disciplines.

In research, Derry has co-authored key publications advancing sustainable practices. She contributed resources and supervision to the 2023 paper 'Eco-Efficiency Assessment Utilizing Recycled Glass Aggregate in Concrete,' published in Buildings (MDPI). The study conducted a life cycle assessment (LCA) and eco-efficiency analysis of geopolymer concrete samples produced at Curtin University, using recycled glass aggregate as partial replacement for natural aggregates. Following ISO standards, it encompassed goal and scope definition, life cycle inventory, impact assessment, costing, normalization, and eco-efficiency portfolio using SimaPro software. Findings demonstrated potential for reduced global warming potential and other emissions compared to Portland cement concrete, though challenges persisted in categories like acidification and eutrophication, underscoring the need for optimized formulations in sustainable construction. Additionally, she contributed to 'Engineering sustainability through circular and green economy principles' (2024), emphasizing engineering education on sustainability and ethics. Derry teaches units including ENEN2000 Engineering Sustainable Development and MCEN4009 Engineering Noise Control, reflecting her focus areas in sustainability and acoustics within civil and mechanical engineering.