EmpowerTech x WiT Ep 3: Transforming Industrial Waste Into Renewable Value
Episode 2: Dr Clarissa Yates - Building the World’s First Predictive Test for Postpartum Depression
In this episode of EmpowerTech, host Iyari Cevallos speaks with Dr Lalehvash Moghaddam, senior industrial chemist and winner of the 2025 Women in Technology Excellence in Industry Leadership Award. Lalehvash leads research focused on converting agricultural and industrial waste into renewable fuels, biopolymers, biochemicals and other high-value products - advancing green chemistry and circular innovation.
Her work has been recognised nationally and internationally, including:2025 Women in Technology Excellence in Industry Leadership Award
Recognition for contributions to biomass chemistry, polymer processing and waste valorisation across academia and industry networks
In this episode, Lalehvash shares:
How childhood storytelling and scientific documentaries sparked her love for chemistry
The journey from studying in Iran to pursuing her PhD in Australia
What it means to work as an applied chemist alongside industry partners
How waste is transformed into fuels, biomaterials and energy-storage components
Why industry adoption drives how she designs sustainable processes
The cultural barriers she faced and how she learned to advocate for her ideas’
How compassion and lived experience shape her approach to leadership
Her advice for young people pursuing science: follow your passion, trust your spark, and never give up
Content note:
This episode discusses discrimination, cultural barriers, and challenges faced by women and migrants in STEM.Links
Follow Iyari Cevallos on LinkedIn
Follow Dr Lalehvash on LinkedIn
Listen to Transforming Industrial Waste Into Renewable Value on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, and share it with someone passionate about science and sustainability.