Dr Qian earned his PhD in minerals and materials engineering from the University of South Australia in December 2011. During his PhD project, he investigated the kinetics and mechanisms of the formation of pyrite (FeS2) by replacing iron oxides under hydrothermal conditions. Since gaining PhD, Dr Qian's primary research has been focused on the leaching of sulfides, acid and metalliferous drainage (AMD) remediation and 'Cu enrichment' reactions. His other research interests and activities include computational simulation of mineral bulk and surface structures, synchrotron analysis (SPEM, EXAFS, XANES, XFM, micro-XRD, etc.), sustainable control of toxic ions such as Se and As in water resources. Dr Qian's research goal is to apply his fundamental knowledge and skills to help industry solve complex problems like AMD.