Profile: Michael Petrozzi

Michael Petrozzi did a PhD in the School of Geosciences at the University of Sydney, studying the transport and dispersion of contaminants in natural streams. His research focused on how contaminants discharged from landfill sites can be managed so as to minimise their impact on the environment. The information Michael gathered is also useful in the case of accidental spills. "If there's a spill, you can know where it will be at a certain point and what its concentration is likely to be, so you can clean it up efficiently," he explains.

Now Michael has his own environmental consulting business, Consulting Earth Scientists, specialising in landfill and contaminated site consulting.

"The best thing about what I was studying in my PhD was that I could see the ways in which the 'real world' needed this knowledge. There was a very definite link between my research and consultancy and I believe I have found my niche".

Michael's PhD was funded in part by Waste Service NSW and The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO). Much of Michael's initial consulting work was with Waste Service NSW. He feels that the experience he gained during his PhD prepared him for the work he is doing now.

"There are a number of large firms that consult in this area," says Michael, "But we distinguish ourselves on the basis of our qualifications, ability to develop practical cost-effective solutions, and good customer service."

Michael enjoys the consulting work that he does now. He finds satisfaction in seeing a job through to its finish, and finding solutions to problems quickly.

Michael plans to continue to develop his firm, with the aim of increasing its size every year. He's looking forward to the prospect of his role constantly changing as the company grows.