Dr Masoumeh Zargar, Senior Lecturer at Edith Cowan University, is developing smart materials to solve some of today’s toughest water and environmental challenges. Microplastics and PFAS are increasingly found in our waterways, where conventional treatment methods often fail. At the same time, industries such as mining and desalination produce salty waste streams that are expensive to manage yet contain valuable minerals.
Dr Zargar leads ECU’s Advanced Materials and Membranes Research Group, where she designs and optimises innovative composite materials and membrane systems, such as smart filters, adsorbents, and catalytic materials—to remove PFAS and microplastics, recover critical minerals, and make industrial processes more sustainable.
Her work bridges the gap between lab innovation and real-world application by partnering with utilities and the resources sector to develop cost-effective, durable, and environmentally safe solutions. Beyond her research, Dr Zargar mentors early-career scientists, champions women in engineering, and fosters collaborations that accelerate the transition from science to industry impact.