Dean’s Award for Outstanding PhD Theses

Congratulations to Dr Laura Montano who has received the Dean’s Award for Outstanding PhD Theses in recognition of her PhD thesis “An experimental study of free-surface dynamics and internal motions in fully aerated hydraulic jumps.”

The Dean’s Award recognises high quality PhD theses produced at UNSW; being awarded to graduates who have submitted a thesis that requires only minimal corrections, received outstanding levels of achievement for all examination criteria, and, in the opinion of both examiners, is in the top 10% of PhD theses examined.

Laura undertook her PhD studies in hydraulic engineering at WRL under the supervision of Dr Stefan Felder and Honorary Associate Professor Ron Cox. Laura conducted an extensive experimental study of the complex flow processes in fully aerated hydraulic jumps advancing the understanding of air-water flow properties, free-surface parameters and three-dimensional internal motions through the use of innovative technology. The results provide hydraulic engineers with important guidance on the optimal design of energy dissipators.

In 2019 having completed her PhD, WRL was fortunate enough to have Laura stay on and join our Projects Team - strengthening the hydraulic capabilities of WRL. Well done Laura for this outstanding achievement!