Associate ProfessorJohn Kavanagh

John Kavanagh is an Associate Professor, Deputy Head of School, and Associate Head (Education) in the School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Sydney. John holds both a BE (Honours 1 and University Medal 1999) and a PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Sydney (2003). John’s academic leadership and teaching contributions span curriculum innovation, student experience, and the strategic development of the School’s educational portfolio.

John’s research program focuses on three key areas: large‑scale bioprocess design, PFAS remediation, and the use of microorganisms to produce foods. His group has developed extensive capability in modelling bubble column reactors, integrating microbial kinetics with computational fluid dynamics to predict and optimise industrial bioreactor performance. He also leads investigations into advanced wastewater treatment—examining electrocoagulation, membrane integration, and electrodialysis—and conducted, with Hans Coster, the first experiments demonstrating the potential of electrical impedance spectroscopy for detecting fouling in reverse osmosis membranes.

In the field of environmental remediation, John works with PJ Cullen to develop plasma bubble column technologies for single‑step degradation of PFAS and other persistent pollutants.

His research in microbially derived foods with Fariba Dehghani and Dale McClure centres on producing fat‑soluble vitamins, particularly vitamins A and K, using bacteria, fungi, and algae. This work contributes to the growing need for sustainable, scalable, and nutritionally meaningful bioproduction platforms.