Our PhD Profile series shines a light on the next generation of material scientists and the innovative work shaping our future.
In this article, we speak to graduate researcher Nazish Qadeer, whose research tackles one of the biggest challenges facing global infrastructure: corrosion.
Through her PhD, Nazish is working closely with industry to develop environmentally friendly, low-toxicity corrosion inhibitors for zinc alloys and zinc alloy coated wires. Her research aims to design sustainable alternatives with enhanced durability and contribute to the development of longer-lasting infrastructure.
Hear from the researcher
Corrosion is one of the biggest challenges facing global infrastructure – but what if we could tackle it in a safer, more sustainable way? Graduate research Nazish Qadeer explains how she is working at the forefront of material science to develop environmentally friendly, low-toxicity corrosion inhibitors, focusing on protecting zinc alloys and coated wires to replace hazardous chromate-based systems.
AT A GLANCE
Area of research: Corrosion science focused on developing safe, sustainable alternatives to chromate-based coatings for improving the durability of zinc alloys and coated wires
Joined Deakin Institute for Frontier Materials: February 2024.
Career highlights:
- Best PhD Presentation Award and panel member at the Steel Research Hub Annual Symposium 2026
- Selected presenter for EUROCORR 2026, Dublin
What inspired you to start a career in your field?
I have been passionate about science, especially chemistry, since my childhood. My interest first began when I became fascinated by forensic chemistry after watching a television series, where I saw how chemistry could be used to solve real-world problems.
That curiosity was further strengthened during my school years by my chemistry teacher, who inspired me through the way they explained concepts and showed how chemistry connects to everyday life.
Over time, this early curiosity grew into a deeper interest in materials and corrosion science, which ultimately motivated me to pursue a research career in this field.
Why did you decide to join Deakin Institute for Frontier Materials?
I decided to join Deakin Institute for Frontier Materials because of its strong focus on collaborative and industry-connected research, which really aligns with my work in corrosion science. My PhD is part of the ARC Research Hub for Australian Steel Innovation, so being in an environment where I can regularly interact with both academic researchers and industry partners is incredibly valuable. What really attracted me to Deakin Institute for Frontier Materials is its emphasis on translating research into real-world impact, which matches my goal of developing practical and sustainable corrosion protection solutions. For me, the Institute provides the ideal environment to grow as a researcher while working on problems that have direct industrial relevance.
What makes you passionate about this area?
The opportunity to contribute to solving a long-standing global challenge while also working towards more sustainable solutions. Corrosion is not only a major economic burden but also a critical issue for the safety and longevity of infrastructure. At the same time, many conventional corrosion protection systems, such as chromate-based inhibitors, are highly toxic and environmentally harmful. Being able to work on developing safer, greener alternatives that can still deliver high performance makes this research very meaningful to me. I am especially passionate because my work sits at the interface of fundamental materials chemistry and real industrial application, allowing me to see how scientific research can directly contribute to more sustainable and durable engineering systems.
What motivates you in your research?
What motivates me most in my research is its direct connection to real-world industrial challenges. My PhD is part of the ARC Steel Research Hub, in collaboration with our industry partner Infrabuild, so my work is continuously guided by discussions between industry and academic researchers. This really motivates me, as it helps me understand the practical challenges faced in real industrial environments and what needs to be considered to move beyond lab-based research. Ultimately, this drives me to focus on developing solutions that are not only scientifically sound but also practically applicable for improving the durability of steel and zinc-based systems in critical infrastructure.
What are some of the key findings of this research?
This research reveals a novel class of eco-friendly, low-toxicity rare earth–based corrosion inhibitors as effective alternatives to hazardous chromate systems for zinc alloys, an area that has remained largely unexplored. These inhibitors deliver outstanding performance, significantly improving corrosion resistance under aggressive conditions across both short- and long-term exposure. Crucially, this work moves beyond lab-scale findings by demonstrating strong potential for real-world application, where these compounds can be used as rare earth oxide conversion coatings and as additives in paint systems to enhance the durability and protection of zinc alloy–coated wires.
Where do you see this research going?
I see this research moving beyond the laboratory into real industrial application. In the near term, the focus is on optimising and fully understanding the performance of novel rare earth–based corrosion inhibitors for zinc alloys under different and aggressive service environments. In the longer term, the goal is to translate these findings into practical technologies such as conversion coatings and advanced protective paint additives. With continued collaboration through the ARC Research Hub and our industry partner Infrabuild, I see this work contributing to safer, more sustainable corrosion protection strategies for galvanised steel infrastructure, ultimately improving durability, reducing maintenance costs, and lowering environmental impact.
What techniques and parts of your research do you have fun with?
What I enjoy most in my research is surface characterisation, particularly using SEM and EDS. I find it really exciting to see how the zinc alloy surface evolves after exposure to corrosive environments and how inhibitor molecules form protective films. Examining these surfaces at different magnifications, from overall morphology down to fine microstructural details, gives me a deeper understanding of how these films act as a barrier against corrosion. What I find most rewarding is linking these observations to how inhibitors interact with the alloy’s microstructure, which ultimately helps in designing more effective and high-performance corrosion inhibitors.
Quick-fire questions: life beyond research
If you weren’t in research – is there another occupation you could see yourself in?
If I were not in research, I could see myself becoming a chef because I really enjoy cooking. Cooking, for me, is both creative and calming, I like experimenting with different ingredients, trying new flavours, and seeing how small changes can create something completely different. In many ways, it reminds me of research, where you test ideas, adjust variables, and learn from outcomes. I think that blend of creativity and precision is what makes cooking so enjoyable for me, and I would genuinely be happy exploring that path as well.
Describe your ultimate holiday – what would you do and where would you go?
My ultimate holiday would be travelling with my family to explore natural landscapes. I really enjoy being in peaceful, scenic places like mountains, green valleys, or coastal areas where I can relax and reconnect with nature. For me, the best part of a holiday is spending quality time with my family, sharing experiences together, and enjoying the beauty of the outdoors away from daily routines. It’s a way for me to unwind, recharge, and create meaningful memories.
When you are not at work, what are you doing?
When I am not at work, I like to spend my free time with my family and friends, especially enjoying quality time with my mother. Family time is very important to me as it helps me relax and stay grounded. I also enjoy reading books, which allows me to unwind while learning new ideas and perspectives. In addition, I really enjoy cooking, it is something I find both creative and therapeutic, as it gives me a break from research and lets me experiment in a different way.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I would tell my younger self to stay focused, work consistently, and never give up on my goals, even when challenges feel difficult. I would also remind myself that progress takes time, and every setback is part of the learning process. Most importantly, I would encourage myself to stay curious and keep believing in my path, because dedication and persistence eventually open the right opportunities.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
In five years, I see myself having completed my PhD and further established as a researcher in the field of corrosion science and materials engineering. I aim to be working in a role where I can actively contribute to the development of sustainable and high-performance corrosion protection technologies, either within industry or academia. I would like to be part of projects that bridge fundamental research and real-world applications, particularly in collaboration with industry partners, so that my work can have a measurable impact on improving the durability and sustainability of engineering materials. Overall, my goal is to continue growing as an independent researcher and to be contributing meaningfully to solutions that address real industrial and environmental challenges.
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