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Winthrop Professor Dongke Zhang FTSE, Foundation Professor of UWA Chemical Engineering and Director of the Centre for Energy, has been named in the 2011 Top 100 Australia's Most Influential Engineers.

Winthrop Professor Zhang was joined by five UWA graduates in the list compiled by Engineers Australia to recognise senior engineers from all areas (industry, consulting, public service, academia and politics) who have made the most significant contributions to the nation.

Professor Dongke Zhang has conducted extensive research into fuel processing and conversion, and combustion science and technology with a specific focus on coal, natural gas and bioenergy.

In his academic career, 40 postgraduates have graduated under his supervision and he is currently supervising 10 PhD students in Australia and China. He has raised and managed more than $36 million in research funding from the federal and state governments, in addition to funding from Australian and overseas industries.

UWA graduates in the national top 100 Engineers include Alcoa Australia Managing Director Allan Cransberg, Water Corporation CEO Susan Murphy, Monadelphous Managing Director Rob Velletri, Main Roads WA Managing Director Menno Henneveld and WA Minister for Environment and Water Bill Marmion.

The selection process was assisted by an advisory panel that comprises five retired engineers including, Dr Maurice Allen, Major-General Bill Crews, Peter North, Dr John Nutt and Dr Mike Sargent, who all had distinguished careers and are still sought after for their knowledge and experience.

Media references

Janine MacDonald (UWA Public Affairs)  (+61 8)  6488 5563  /  (+61 4) 32 637 716