Meet Biosolids Program Manager Aravind Surapaneni

A self-professed “dirt scientist”, Aravind Surapaneni loves his work. And with roles at South East Water, RMIT University and IWN, he has plenty to keep him busy. Here’s a quick Q&A with him, including a unique description of what he does each day.

LET’S START WITH THE PERSONAL. TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF.

I come from a background of intergenerational farmers in India. I completed my studies there, then did my PhD in New Zealand. I’m a Kiwi and Aussie by passport, with a lost Indian identity along the way.

Most people who know me think what I enjoy outside my work is…. my work. It’s a bit sad really!

My biggest personal achievement outside work was an opportunity to travel to North Korea and Sierra Leon.

WHAT’S YOUR CURRENT ROLE?

I’m a Senior Research and Planning Scientist at South East Water. I am also on secondment to RMIT University for 5 years (2 days per week) as Deputy Director – Industry for the recently formed Australian Research Council Training Centre for the Transformation of Australia’s Biosolids Resource.

WHAT’S YOUR PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND?

Initially, I worked as a soil chemist for 10 years at the Department of Primary Industries in Tatura. I did a two-year stint in the pharma industry in the US and then joined South East Water in 2009 (dream job really!). I was drawn to the water industry here because of how many issues there are still to be solved and worked on. I also did a Diploma in Project Management at Swinburne University.

Agriculture and soil scientists aren’t always involved in decision making. But a lot of the by-products from the water industry are very applicable in farming. The water industry is not just about building dams and providing communities with water, it is also about agriculture and farming. In Australia, we can use biosolids in farming to grow crops or feed for livestock.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE WHAT YOU DO EACH DAY (BUT TO A 5 YEAR OLD)?

I am a dirt scientist with permanent head damage (PhD). My job is make sure your poo is put to good use each time you flush the toilet.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR IWN ROLE?

I joined IWN in January 2020 as the Biosolids and Resource Recovery Program Manager. I’m a relative new comer to the IWN family, but I was actively involved in the Victorian Biosolids Task Group (BTG) under the VicWater umbrella from 2012. When the group stopped operating, IWN was a logical extension for my biosolids interest.

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO ACHIEVE WITH IWN?

For me personally, I want o make a difference in the industry, show leadership, drive things through and nucleate people around me, such as the IWN family, biosolids colleagues and customers.

For the industry, I want to:

• Answer key strategic questions about biosolids management and opportunities to recover nutrients during and after wastewater processing.

• Find new and innovative ways to manage biosolids consistent with organisational goals, environmental protection and customer value creation.

• Develop alternative technologies and innovations for managing biosolids.

• Promote collaboration and knowledge sharing for the common good – this will be my strong mantra.

• Continue to deliver great outcomes to the water industry as a team.

WHAT GETS YOU OUT OF BED IN THE MORNING?

Like everyone, my day starts with morning rituals but mostly, what gets me out of bed is thinking about how to best manage biosolids that we produce every day.