Student spotlight:
Priya Dharwadkar
What inspired you to pursue a Ph.D. in water?
Water is fundamental to life, and yet it’s a resource we often take for granted. Water management is one of the most pressing challenges of our time. As we move into the future, water will only become a more precious resource. I aspire to be part of the effort to manage it responsibly.
A PhD offers a unique opportunity to establish a deep understanding of the challenges faced by the water and wastewater industry and to develop practical, research-backed solutions. It’s been an incredibly fulfilling journey to gain the skills needed to address these challenges, from analysing complex systems to testing innovative solutions.
How do you plan to contribute to the field water industry with your research?
My research focuses on advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), an exciting and promising technology for tackling emerging contaminants in water. These contaminants—such as pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and microplastics—are becoming increasingly difficult to address with traditional treatment methods.
The objective of my research is to evaluate how effective different types of advanced oxidation processes are at removing pesticides from drinking water. My work is particularly focused on optimizing these processes to minimize by-products and to integrate them effectively into existing treatment trains. I hope to contribute tools and insights that can make a real difference in how we manage emerging contaminants now and in the future.
What attracted you to the opportunity to work with an industrial sponsor?
I’ve always been passionate about working on real-world problems, and an industrial sponsorship offers a unique chance to do just that. With Anglian Water, I knew I’d get to address challenges that matter, from ensuring safe drinking water to improving sustainability.
What excited me most was the chance to contribute to solutions that could be implemented at scale, directly benefiting communities. It’s incredibly rewarding to see your research making a difference.
What skills or knowledge did you gain from your experience with AW that you didn’t have before?
Through my collaboration with Anglian Water, I’ve gained invaluable skills in project management, stakeholder engagement, and applied research. I’ve learned to design experiments with practical applications in mind, balancing scientific rigor with feasibility.
Working closely with the innovation team has also sharpened my ability to communicate complex ideas to a non-specialist audience—a vital skill in both industry and academia.
How has your experience with AW as industrial sponsor influenced your career aspirations or goals?
The collaboration with Anglian Water has added a practical perspective to my research, teaching me to think beyond the lab and consider critical factors like site conditions, regulatory compliance, operational costs, and environmental impacts. Regularly meeting with the innovation team has allowed me to incorporate their feedback and ensure my work aligns with the requirements of the treatment works.
This partnership has given me the confidence to tackle big-picture challenges in water treatment and inspired me to pursue a career where I can continue bridging the gap between academic research and industry applications.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
When I’m not in the lab or writing up my research, I enjoy spending time with the amazing friends I’ve made at Cranfield University. I’m also actively involved with the Institute of Chemical Engineers, organizing events that bring together chemical engineers in the Milton Keynes area. It’s a great way to connect with others in the field and stay inspired.
What advice would you give to other students considering participating in an industrial sponsorship program?
Working with an industrial sponsor has added a collaborative aspect to my PhD and connected me to industry experts who have been incredibly supportive and insightful.
One of the best parts of an applied PhD is seeing how your work can make a tangible impact. It’s very motivating to know that your findings might one day influence real-world solutions. If you’re considering a program like this, I’d say it’s an opportunity not to be missed.