The valuable nutrients in our pee
PhD candidate Jordan Roods made a shift from a career in law to sustainability. Now, he’s focusing on the recovery of nutrients from organic waste streams.
Jordan Roods began his professional career in the field of law, working for a pro-bono legal centre which advocates for victims of modern slavery and forced marriage. Jordan also worked in the UTS Faculty of Law where he conducted public health law research.
These experiences led Jordan to think more about the way he could help to make a positive impact in the sustainability space. He took a position as a researcher in the Institute for Sustainable Futures (ISF)’s Resource Stewardship team, where he noticed…
“It was becoming clear that there is a considerable gap in circular economy governance research and that this is drawing a lot of attention from different stakeholders.” Jordan explained that “undertaking a PhD in this area would really build upon my previous study and experience and open the door to a host of opportunities.”
This year, Jordan joined ISF’s graduate research program. His PhD investigates the governance barriers and enablers to creating a circular nutrient economy in Australia. His research specifically focuses on the separation, collection and processing of the nutrients contained in human urine into renewable fertilisers to help address global food insecurity and environmental degradation. His supervisors are Professor Jason Prior and Associate Professor Dana Cordell. Assoc. Prof. Cordell’s work in this area, and in the study of phosphorus, is internationally renowned.
Completing a PhD at ISF is a fantastic chance to translate your research into practice and gain some valuable work experience along the way, which is a rare opportunity that is not guaranteed with other postgraduate programs.
– Jordan Roods, ISF
When asked about his experience at ISF so far, Jordan says the transdisciplinary approach that ISF applies to its research has provided him with a lot of personal and professional opportunities.
“The transdisciplinary culture and mission of ISF means that I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with others from different research backgrounds in a dynamic workspace.”
“I don’t feel confined to any one particular research area, but I’m instead encouraged to draw from a wider knowledge pool to address complex social and environmental problems.”
Jordan has taken a huge leap in his transition from law to researching the circular economy. He particularly values the opportunity he gets to work on research projects funded by the government, industry bodies and community organisations whilst completing his PhD, and the fact that he can see his work being put into practice.
“Completing a PhD at ISF is a fantastic chance to translate your research into practice and gain some valuable work experience along the way, which is a rare opportunity that is not guaranteed with other postgraduate programs."
