Lizeth Saavedra is a postgraduate student at Curtin University, focusing on caustic leaching of iron ores. She holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the Universidad Industrial de Santander, Colombia. Her current research explores the preferred conditions for caustic leaching of Pilbara iron ores, considering the economic viability of sourcing reagents from reverse osmosis brines and integrating renewable energy, supporting decarbonisation of the process while meeting the grade requirements for export products. She brings experience in life cycle assessment of wastewater treatment processes, complemented by creative problem-solving, detailed analysis, interpersonal communication and proactive leadership skills, with a focus on applied industrial research in unit operations and innovation. During her major, Lizeth was an active member of AIChE (American Institute of Chemical Engineers) and received the Freshman Recognition Award, Donald F. Othmer Sophomore Academic Excellence Award, and first place awards in Chem-E-Car Performance, Student Poster Chem-E-Car and Student Jeopardy competitions. Outside of academia, she finds joy in travelling, photography, exploring museums, dance fitness and sitcoms. Her love for animals is a significant part of her life, particularly for her cat, Salomon.