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Breaking New Ground: How Dr Sanjana Senthilkumar is helping shape our future

SeaStock

07/03/2024

In the four months since Dr. Sanjana Senthilkumar joined SeaStock as a Research Scientist, our Company has made significant strides in optimising the extraction efficiency of the natural compounds from Asparagopsis seaweed and believes its onshore cultivation method may now be an impressive four times more efficient than more traditional offshore techniques.

Under Sanjana’s guidance, our approach to macro algae compound extraction has been transformed. This has enabled SeaStock to continue its focus on being the lowest cost base commercial producer of Asparagopsis.

Additionally, our recent breakthrough in natural bromoform extraction and our ability to provide customers with the highest recorded concentration in canola oil has propelled SeaStock to the forefront of the seaweed cultivation industry.

Commenting on her time at SeaStock so far, Sanjana said:

SeaStock has allowed me to apply my passion and knowledge towards truly transformative work. Every day, we’re making significant strides that not only advance our scientific understanding of seaweed cultivation but also promise a greener, more sustainable future for our planet. It’s a privilege to be part of the SeaStock team and I’m extremely excited about what’s ahead.”

Sanjana’s background, from her tenure as Senior Laboratory Assistant at ALS Geochemistry to her educational journey at the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, has been instrumental in these advancements. Her expertise has not only accelerated our research and development but also inspired a culture of innovation and sustainability within SeaStock.

The journey is far from over, but the progress we’ve made in just four months is testament to Sanjana’s  impact. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to pioneer sustainable solutions for a greener future with SeaStock.

DR SANJANA SENTHILKuMaR

Research Scientist

Dr Sanjana Senthilkumar is a Ph.D. graduate of Philosophy in Biosciences and Bioengineering, from the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, and holds a Bachelor of Technology in biochemistry from Sathyabama University, in India. During this time Sanjana gained vast research knowledge on plant secondary metabolites and their physiochemical properties. Her nearly decade-long experience spans across plant tissue culture, natural product chemistry, photo-physics, and various analytical techniques. She possesses skill in experimental design, research review, execution, data analysis, and scientific writing. She has led and executed a research entrepreneurship project, which involved design, development, and patenting of an innovative apparatus for use in chemistry laboratories. Additionally, she has undertaken several roles as a trainer, teaching assistant, supervisor, instrument operator, and laboratory demonstrator. Sanjana has been appointed to the position of Research Scientist to support the next phase of the Company’s commercial growth. Tasked specifically with helping establish a scientific approach to developing sustainable and commercially viable biomass growth of macro algae.

Zoe HOpKINSON

Production Technician

In 2023 Zoe completed a Bachelors in Coastal and Marine Science at Curtin University. During her study Zoe also gained work experience as an aquaculture volunteer, including roles with PhD students and Department Primary Industry Resource Development (DPIRD).  In addition Zoe worked at the Geraldton TAFE commercial hatchery, which introduced her knowledge to cultivate Asparagopsis seaweed and aquaculture operations.
Within completing Zoe's degree, she also completed field work studies on fish behaviours and interacted with multiple marine based professionals.  Zoe had access to innovative technology that made her learning & experiences much more immersive and accessible, enabling her to gain experience in technologies, equipment and platforms used within the aquaculture research industry.  Zoe is thrilled to be a part of the Seastock science team, which has further ignited her passion for the ocean and participating in work which will benefit the state of our climate. Working towards a more positive future for all.