Dr Kenneth Cheah

PhD - Materials Engineering

Dr Kenneth Cheah chose to study Materials Engineering because it offered a good balance of science and engineering and he is now working for a high-tech clean energy company.

"I wanted a degree that allowed me to do practical science in a wide range of industries and Materials Engineering was just a nice fit," Dr Cheah said.

Dr Cheah has worked for various multinational companies and is now the project leader for materials research and development at Victorian company Solar Systems Pty Ltd. "There is never a dull moment working for a company like Solar Systems," he said. "My job includes identifying new material technologies, working with research partners and negotiating commercial terms with vendors."

"One of my prime responsibilities is to develop a high-efficiency and durable solar reflector for a large scale solar power station to be built in north-west Victoria. We are currently in the process of designing and building a 154MW solar concentrator photovoltaic (PV) power station that will be the first of many large scale installations in Australia and overseas."

"My study provided a very comprehensive background," Dr Cheah said. "In addition, I still maintain close contacts and friendship with my colleagues within the Materials Engineering Department and they are always willing to help if there is an interesting problem that needs solving."