Finlay Campbell, a master’s student in environmental engineering and a trainee engineer at Environmental Engineers International Pty Ltd, sits down with Dr Raj Kurup, CEO of Environmental Engineers International and Adjunct Professor of Chemical Engineering at UWA, to discuss his journey in engineering, his leadership insights, and his approach to balancing innovation, ethics and mentorship.
Finlay Campbell: Dr Kurup, could you share with us what inspired you to pursue a career in engineering, and what led you to choose your specific field of expertise?
Dr Raj Kurup: From an early age, I was fascinated by how things worked and how they could be improved. The pivotal moment for me was learning about the Bhopal gas tragedy in 1984, where thousands died and tens of thousands were disabled. That event made me decide to pursue environmental engineering to help prevent such disasters. Looking back, it was the right choice, as it allows me to address critical global challenges—whether in water management, pollution control, or sustainability. For me, engineering is about improving lives through innovation, and that has always been my core motivation.
Finlay: Looking back on your impressive career, is there anything you wish you had done differently, or opportunities you regret not pursuing?
Raj: One area I should have explored earlier is the commercialisation of technologies. More training and experience in business and entrepreneurship during the early stages of my career could have provided me with different perspectives and opportunities. That said, I don’t have many regrets, as I carefully chose a path that blended research, technology development, design and consulting. I believe each decision was right for its time, and the diverse experiences I gained have been crucial in shaping my career. Looking back, I’m grateful for the journey and the valuable lessons learned along the way.
Finlay: In the fast-paced world of engineering, especially with high-stakes projects, how do you balance the pressure of meeting project deadlines and practical constraints like budget and time, while maintaining ethical standards and delivering innovative designs?
Raj: Balancing deadlines, budget constraints and ethical standards is a common challenge in engineering, but I firmly believe that ethics should never be compromised. The Code of Ethics of Engineers Australia guides me, emphasising responsibilities beyond technical aspects. The Challenger disaster, which could have been avoided if engineers' concerns were heeded, reinforced for me the critical role of ethics.
I ensure projects are planned with sufficient time for ethical, sustainability and innovative considerations. Innovation is key, but it must always align with ethical and sustainability goals. By maintaining transparent communication with clients about the long-term benefits of ethical and innovative practices, we build trust and deliver more sustainable solutions. In fact, by integrating innovation and ethics, we often reduce both capital and life cycle costs, providing lasting value for clients and the environment.
Finlay: You’ve worked extensively in both academia and consulting. How do you navigate the different focuses and demands of each, and how have these two areas shaped your approach to engineering?
Raj: Academia and consulting are very different, each with unique demands. Academia focuses on deep research and theoretical exploration, allowing for long-term innovation without immediate pressures. Many of my innovations, like the spore technology, had their foundations in academic freedom.
Consulting, however, is results-driven, requiring practical, actionable solutions within specific timeframes and budgets. It demands balancing innovation with real-world constraints such as cost and regulatory compliance.
Navigating both worlds has been challenging but rewarding. Academia provided me with curiosity and a strong understanding of underlying principles, while consulting taught me to apply these ideas practically. Both experiences shaped me into a well-rounded engineer, capable of merging the theoretical and practical aspects of the field.
Finlay: After having worked for large multinational consulting firms and clients, you decided to start your own consultancy. What challenges did you face, and what benefits have you experienced from making this transition?
Raj: Working at large multinational firms gave me invaluable experience managing complex projects with vast resources. However, starting my own consultancy was a different challenge, requiring me to handle business development and operations without the support systems I was used to.
Building credibility and a client base without a big brand was difficult, but the benefits have been immense. I now have the freedom to choose projects aligned with my values, especially in sustainability, and can offer more flexible, tailored solutions. Running my own consultancy allows me to innovate freely and adapt quickly, making it a deeply rewarding journey.
Finlay: Can you share how your personal values influence your daily work as an engineer, perhaps with an example?
Raj: Integrity, sustainability, and accountability are central to my work as an engineer. These values influence not only technical decisions, but also how I engage with clients and stakeholders. For instance, in an abattoir wastewater treatment project, the initial plan relied on conventional methods. However, I advocated for an innovative approach using the anammox process - the first large-scale application of its kind in Australia for nitrogen removal. This significantly reduced operational costs and environmental impact. While it required more time and resources, it aligned with my values and provided long-term benefits for both the client and the environment.
Finlay: What is a project or achievement in your career that you are particularly proud of, and why?
Raj: I am particularly proud of developing the Smart Priming Oxalate Removal Enabler (SPORE) technology, which valorises alumina reject streams and sodium oxalate waste. This innovative solution anaerobically treats waste without ongoing chemical neutralisation, converting legacy tailing dams into bioreactors. It replaces chemical treatments with a sustainable, biological process, significantly reducing environmental impact. Additionally, our implementation of the first working anammox process for nitrogen removal in abattoir wastewater plants stands out. Both projects achieved technical success and drove positive environmental and social change, receiving significant recognition and several awards across industries.
Finlay: How have you contributed to the development and mentoring of younger engineers, and what approaches do you find most effective?
Raj: Mentoring young engineers has been incredibly rewarding. I give them real-world problems early on, encouraging hands-on experience and critical thinking. Leading by example is key; I demonstrate ethical decision-making, continuous learning, and adaptability, hoping to inspire these values. I foster open communication, creating a space where they feel comfortable sharing ideas and challenging methods.
Another approach is providing ownership of smaller projects, gradually increasing complexity as they gain confidence. This helps develop both technical and leadership skills. Ultimately, mentoring is about guiding young engineers to realise their potential and take pride in their contributions.
Finlay: What advice would you give to new engineers starting their careers? Are there any pitfalls they should avoid?
Raj: My advice is to stay curious and keep learning - engineering is constantly evolving, and adaptability is key. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and learn from others. Embrace challenges and see failures as learning opportunities. A common pitfall is focusing too much on technical aspects without considering the bigger picture, including the ethical and environmental impacts. Always think holistically, and don’t get complacent. Push your boundaries by seeking out challenging projects that help you grow both technically and as a leader.