Laura Joana Ribeiro Cullen (C71F-73A1-E502)

Curriculum Vitae

Laura Joana Ribeiro Cullen

Laura Joana Cullen holds a BSc (2021) and MSc (2023) in Chemical Engineering from the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto (FEUP). Her MSc thesis, developed at LSRE-LCM, focused on the study of dissimilar flowrate mixing in the NETmix mesosized static mixer/reactor. She conducted Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) simulations of passive tracer mixing and carried out tracer experiments for simulation validation. This work led to the publication of a scientific article in Chemical Engineering Science (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ces.2024.120339) and was presented at several scientific gatherings, including an international conference. From October 2023 to December 2024, she was a research fellow at LSRE-LCM (2023–2024) under the OZONE4WATER project (https://doi.org/10.54499/PTDC/EAM-AMB/4702/2020). She used CFD tools to optimise the design and operating conditions of sidestream ozone contacting systems, and conducted PLIF experiments for validation of CFD simulations. In January 2025, she began her PhD in Chemical and Biological Engineering at FEUP with an FCT fellowship (2024.00685.BD), with a project entitled ‘NETCrystal - Reactive crystallisation in NETmix: Principles, Modelling, Design and Proof-of-concept’. She has contributed to the organisation of several scientific events, including seminars and international conferences. Her main research areas of interest include mixing, CFD, single-phase flows, mass transfer and reactive crystallisation processes.

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Identification

Personal identification

Full name: Laura Joana Ribeiro Cullen
Gender: Female

Citation names

Cullen, Laura J. R.

Author identifiers

Ciência ID: C71F-73A1-E502
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-5784-2693
Scopus Author Id: 57918881800

Addresses

LSRE-LCM – Laboratory of Separation and Reaction Engineering – Laboratory of Catalysis and Materials, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465, Porto, Porto, Portugal (Professional)

Websites

https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-joana-cullen-aa14931bb (Social media)

Knowledge fields

Engineering and Technology - Chemical Engineering - Chemical Process Engineering

Languages

Language	Speaking	Reading	Writing	Listening	Peer-review
Portuguese (Mother tongue)
English	Proficiency (C2)	Proficiency (C2)	Proficiency (C2)	Proficiency (C2)	Proficiency (C2)

Education

	Degree	Classification
2024/09 - 2028 Ongoing	Engenharia Química e Biológica (Doutoramento) Universidade do Porto Faculdade de Engenharia, Portugal "NETCrystal - Reactive Crystallisation in NETmix: Principles, Modelling, Design and Proof-of-Concept" (THESIS/DISSERTATION)
2023/10 - 2024/10 Concluded	Estudos Avançados em Projeto em Engenharia (Outros) Universidade do Porto Faculdade de Engenharia, Portugal	18
2021/10 - 2023/07 Concluded	Mestrado em Engenharia Química (Mestrado) Major in Processos e Produto Universidade do Porto Faculdade de Engenharia, Portugal "NETmix crystalliser for nutrients recovery from side-stream digestate" (THESIS/DISSERTATION)	18
2022/09 - 2022/09 Concluded	Formação de Monitores do Projeto FEUP (Outros) Universidade do Porto Faculdade de Engenharia, Portugal	18
2018/09 - 2021/07 Concluded	Licenciatura em Engenharia Química (Licenciatura) Universidade do Porto Faculdade de Engenharia, Portugal	17

Affiliation

Science

	Category Host institution	Employer
2023/02/08 - Current	Researcher (Research)	Universidade do Porto Faculdade de Engenharia, Portugal
	Universidade do Porto Laboratório de Processos de Separação e Reacção Laboratório de Catálise e Materiais, Portugal
2021/08/30 - 2021/09/30	Researcher (Research)	Universidade do Porto Faculdade de Engenharia, Portugal
	Universidade do Porto Laboratorio de Engenharia de Processos Ambiente Biotecnologia e Energia, Portugal

Teaching in Higher Education

	Category Host institution	Employer
2022/09/12 - 2022/12/29	Tutor (University Teacher)	Universidade do Porto Faculdade de Engenharia, Portugal
	Universidade do Porto Faculdade de Engenharia, Portugal

Others

	Category Host institution	Employer
2019/07 - 2023/02	Volunteer Collaborator	Instituto Politécnico do Porto Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto, Portugal
	Instituto Politécnico do Porto Centro de Inovação em Engenharia e Tecnologia Industrial, Portugal

Projects

Grant

	Designation	Funders
2025/01/01 - 2028/12	NETCrystal – Reactive crystallisation in NETmix: Principles, Modelling, Design and Proof-of-concept 2024.00685.BD PhD Student Fellow Universidade do Porto Laboratório de Processos de Separação e Reacção Laboratório de Catálise e Materiais, Portugal	Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
2021/08/30 - 2021/09/29	#Summer@LEPABE_2021 #Summer@LEPABE_2021 Scientific Initiation Fellow Universidade do Porto Laboratorio de Engenharia de Processos Ambiente Biotecnologia e Energia, Portugal	Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia Concluded

Contract

	Designation	Funders
2023/10/10 - 2024/12/31	Tecnologia de Ponta de Ozono para Tratamento de Água PTDC/EAM-AMB/4702/2020 10.54499/PTDC/EAM-AMB/4702/2020 Research Fellow Universidade do Porto Laboratório de Processos de Separação e Reacção Laboratório de Catálise e Materiais, Portugal Universidade do Porto Faculdade de Engenharia, Portugal	Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia Ongoing
2023/02/09 - 2023/10/08	Laboratory of Separation and Reaction Engineering - Laboratory of Catalysis and Materials UIDP/50020/2020 10.54499/UIDP/50020/2020 Research Fellow Universidade do Porto Laboratório de Processos de Separação e Reacção Laboratório de Catálise e Materiais, Portugal Universidade do Porto Faculdade de Engenharia, Portugal Instituto Politécnico de Leiria, Portugal	Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia Ongoing

Other

	Designation	Funders
2025/07/01 - 2028/06/30	RENURE - Processo integrado e circular para a REcuperação de NUtrientes e remoção de micropoluentes de águas REsiduais COMPETE2030-FEDER-02218300 PhD Student Fellow Universidade do Porto Faculdade de Engenharia, Portugal	Agência Nacional de Inovação SA Ongoing

Outputs

Publications

Conference abstract	Cullen, Laura J. R.; Fernandes, Isabel S.; Vítor J.P. Vilar; Santos, Ricardo J.. Corresponding author: Cullen, Laura J. R.. "NETmix for precipitation applications: mesh validation for chemical reaction". Paper presented in 15th European Congress of Chemical Engineering (ECCE) & 8th European Congress of Applied Biotechnology (ECAB) & 3rd Iberoamerican Congress on Chemical Engineering (CIBIQ), Lisbon, 2025. Published Cullen, Laura J. R.; Marrocos, Paulo H.; Santos, Ricardo J.; Vítor J.P. Vilar. "CFD simulation of a sidestream ozone contacting system: macromixing studies and experimental validation". Paper presented in 6th Doctoral Congress in Engineering, Porto, 2025. Published Cullen, Laura J. R.; Fernandes, Isabel S.; Vítor J.P. Vilar; Santos, Ricardo J.. "Chemical reaction in NETmix: CFD simulation of a micromixing-sensitive reaction system". Paper presented in 6th Doctoral Congress in Engineering, Porto, 2025. Published Cullen, Laura J. R.; Marrocos, Paulo H.; Santos, Ricardo J.; Vítor J.P. Vilar. "Design of an ozone side stream injection scheme: assessment of the influence of nozzle length on mixing efficiency". Paper presented in Winter School on Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs) and Disinfection By-Products (DBPs): Occurence, Impact and Elimination, Vila Nova de Gaia, 2024. Published Cullen, Laura J. R.; Marrocos, Paulo H.; Santos, Ricardo J.; Vítor J.P. Vilar. "Design of an ozone sidestream injection scheme: assessment of the influence of nozzle length on mixing efficiency". Paper presented in EA3G2024 International Conference & Exhibition, Vila Nova de Gaia, 2024. Published Cullen, Laura J. R.; Marrocos, Paulo H.; Santos, Ricardo J.; Vítor J.P. Vilar. "Design optimisation of a flow distribution device incorporated in a sidestream injection system for ozone water treatment". Paper presented in EA3G2024 International Conference & Exhibition, Vila Nova de Gaia, 2024. Published Cullen, Laura J. R.; Fernandes, Isabel S.; Santos, Ricardo J.; Vítor J.P. Vilar. "NETmix crystalliser for struvite precipitation: CFD modelling of flow dynamics and distribution". Paper presented in 5th Doctoral Congress in Engineering, Porto, 2023. Published
Conference paper	Cullen, Laura J. R.; Fernandes, Isabel S.; Santos, Ricardo J.; Vítor J.P. Vilar. "CFD Studies of Mass Transfer, Flow Distribution and Flow Dynamics in a NETmix Technology-Based Crystalliser for Struvite Precipitation". Paper presented in 17th European Conference on Mixing (MIXING 17), Porto, 2023. Published • 10.52202/074122-0078
Conference poster	Cullen, Laura J. R.; Fernandes, Isabel S.; Vítor J.P. Vilar; Santos, Ricardo J.. Corresponding author: Cullen, Laura J. R.. "NETmix for precipitation applications: mesh validation for chemical reaction". Paper presented in 15th European Congress of Chemical Engineering (ECCE) & 8th European Congress of Applied Biotechnology (ECAB) & 3rd Iberoamerican Congress on Chemical Engineering (CIBIQ), 2025. Cullen, Laura J. R.; Fernandes, Isabel S.; Vítor J.P. Vilar; Santos, Ricardo J.. "Chemical reaction in NETmix: CFD simulation of a micromixing-sensitive reaction system". Paper presented in 6th Doctoral Congress in Engineering, 2025. Cullen, Laura J. R.; Oliveira, Paulo H. M.; Santos, Ricardo J.; Vítor J.P. Vilar. "Design of an ozone sidestream injection scheme: assessment of the influence of nozzle length on mixing efficiency". Paper presented in EA3G2024 International Conference & Exhibition, 2024. Cullen, Laura J. R.; Oliveira, Paulo H. M.; Santos, Ricardo J.; Vítor J.P. Vilar. "Design optimisation of a flow distribution device incorporated in a sidestream injection system for ozone water treatment". Paper presented in EA3G2024 International Conference & Exhibition, 2024. Cullen, Laura J. R.; Oliveira, Paulo H. M.; Santos, Ricardo J.; Vítor J.P. Vilar. "Design of an ozone side stream injection scheme: assessment of the influence of nozzle length on mixing efficiency". Paper presented in Winter School on Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs) and Disinfection By-Products (DBPs): Occurence, Impact and Elimination, 2024. Cullen, Laura J. R.; Marrocos, Paulo H.; Santos, Ricardo J.; Vítor J.P. Vilar. "Design of a sidestream configuration for ozone water treatment: assessment of the influence of nozzle length on mixing efficiency". Paper presented in Encontro Ciência 2024, 2024. Cullen, Laura J. R.; Fernandes, Isabel S.; Santos, Ricardo J.; Vítor J.P. Vilar. "NETmix reactor for struvite precipitation: flow distribution and mass transfer under dissimilar flowrate mixing conditions". Paper presented in EFCE Summer School on Crystallization: Seminars on Fundamentals and Applications, 2024. Cullen, Laura J. R.; Fernandes, Isabel S.; Santos, Ricardo J.; Vítor J.P. Vilar. "CFD studies of mass transfer, flow distribution and flow dynamics in a NETmix technology-based crystalliser for struvite precipitation". Paper presented in 17th European Conference on Mixing, 2023. Cullen, Laura J. R.; Fernandes, Isabel S.; Santos, Ricardo J.; Vítor J.P. Vilar. "NETmix crystalliser for struvite precipitation: CFD modelling of flow dynamics and distribution". Paper presented in 5th Doctoral Congress in Engineering, 2023.
Journal article	Cullen, Laura J.R.; Fernandes, Isabel S.; Brito, Margarida S.C.A.; Dias, Madalena M.; Lopes, José Carlos B.; Santos, Ricardo J.; Vilar, Vítor J.P.. "Flow dynamics studies in the NETmix reactor for a large range of flowrate ratios between feed streams". Chemical Engineering Science 298 (2024): 120339. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ces.2024.120339. 10.1016/j.ces.2024.120339 Teixeira, Ana Paula; Coutinho, Bruna; Cancela, Joana; Cullen, Laura J. R.; Brito, M.S.C.A.. "Valorisation of Kiwifruit Residues and their Application in an Anti-ageing Facial Cream". U.Porto Journal of Engineering 8 5 (2022): 68-85. http://dx.doi.org/10.24840/2183-6493_008.005_0008. Published • 10.24840/2183-6493_008.005_0008
Thesis / Dissertation	"NETmix crystalliser for nutrients recovery from side-stream digestate". Master, Universidade do Porto Faculdade de Engenharia, 2023. https://hdl.handle.net/10216/152329.

Activities

Oral presentation

	Presentation title	Event name Host (Event location)
2025/07/04	Precipitation in NETmix: Simulation of a Micromixing-sensitive Reaction System for Mesh Validation (Speaker: Laura J.R. Cullen)	4th Baldyga Technical Seminar Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto (Porto, Portugal)
2025/07/01	CFD simulation of a sidestream ozone contacting system: macromixing studies and experimental validation (Speaker: Laura J.R. Cullen)	6th Doctoral Congress in Engineering Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto (Porto, Portugal)
2024/11/27	Design of an ozone sidestream injection scheme: assessment of the influence of nozzle length on mixing efficiency (Speaker: Laura J.R. Cullen)	EA3G2024 International Conference & Exhibition International Ozone Association (Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal)
2024/11/27	Design optimisation of a flow distribution device incorporated in a sidestream injection system for ozone water treatment (Speaker: Laura J.R. Cullen)	EA3G2024 International Conference & Exhibition International Ozone Association (Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal)
2024/09/13	Lagrangian and Mechanistic Approach for Modelling Precipitation Processes (Speaker: Laura J.R. Cullen)	3rd Baldyga Technical Seminar: Mixing challenges in chemical and biochemical engineering applications University College of London (London, United Kingdom)
2022/07/01	Valorisation of kiwifruit residues and their application in an anti-ageing facial cream (Speakers: Cullen, Laura J. R.; Teixeira, Ana Paula; Coutinho, Bruna; Cancela, Joana)	Workshop 'Desenvolvimento de produtos de alto valor acrescentado baseados em matérias-primas naturais da região Norte' Universidade do Porto Faculdade de Engenharia (Porto, Portugal)
2018/07/19	Biodegradable Sodium Alginate Hydrogel for Drought-stricken Soils (Speakers: Cullen, Laura J. R., Dias, Catarina N.)	15th International Conference on Hands-on Science Facultad de Biología Universidad de Barcelona (Barcelona, Spain)

Supervision

	Thesis Title Role	Degree Subject (Type) Institution / Organization
2025/07 - 2025/10	Estudo da Dinâmica de Mistura em Reatores NETmix Co-supervisor	Chemical Engineering (Degree) Universidade do Porto Faculdade de Engenharia, Portugal
2023/09 - 2024/02	Estudo da assimetria de caudais no reator mesoestruturado NETmix Co-supervisor	Chemical Engineering (Degree) Universidade do Porto Faculdade de Engenharia, Portugal

Event organisation

	Event name Type of event (Role)	Institution / Organization
2025/06 - 2025/07	6th Doctoral Congress in Engineering (DCE25) (2025/06/30 - 2025/07/01) Congress (Member of the Organising Committee)	Universidade do Porto Faculdade de Engenharia, Portugal
2025/03 - 2025/07	4th Baldyga Technical Seminar (2025/07/03 - 2025/07/04) Seminar (Member of the Organising Committee)	Universidade do Porto Laboratório de Processos de Separação e Reacção Laboratório de Catálise e Materiais, Portugal
2025/04 - 2025/04	Olimpíadas Portuguesas de Química Júnior 2025 (2025/04/05 - 2025/04/05) Other (Member of the Organising Committee)	Universidade do Porto Faculdade de Engenharia, Portugal
2025/03 - 2025/03	Mostra U.Porto 2025 (2025/03/06 - 2025/03/09) Exhibition (Other)	Universidade do Porto, Portugal
2024/04 - 2024/11	EA3G2024 International Conference & Exhibition (2024/11/27 - 2024/11/29) Conference (Member of the Organising Committee)	Universidade do Porto Faculdade de Engenharia, Portugal Universidade de Coimbra, Portugal
2024/02 - 2024/11	Winter School on Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs) and Disinfection By-Products (DBPs): Occurrence, Impact and Elimination (2024/11/25 - 2024/11/26) Conference (Member of the Organising Committee)	Universidade do Porto Faculdade de Engenharia, Portugal Universidade de Coimbra, Portugal Universidade Nova de Lisboa Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Portugal
2024/04/10 - 2024/04/13	Olimpíadas Portuguesas de Química Júnior 2024 (2024/04/13 - 2024/04/13) Other (Member of the Organising Committee)	Sociedade Portuguesa de Química, Portugal
2024/04/08 - 2024/04/11	Mostra U.Porto 2024 (2024/04/11 - 2024/04/14) Exhibition (Other)	Universidade do Porto, Portugal
2023/03/19 - 2023/03/21	'Semana Profissão: Engenheiro' 2023 (2023/03/19 - 2023/03/21) Other (Other)	Universidade do Porto Faculdade de Engenharia, Portugal
2022/05 - 2022/11/17	XXII Jornadas de Engenharia Química - Catalisa a Descoberta (2022/11/17 - 2022/11/17) Conference (Member of the Organising Committee)	Universidade do Porto Faculdade de Engenharia, Portugal
2022/03/30 - 2022/04/01	Semana Profissão: Engenheiro 2022 (2022/03/30 - 2022/04/01) Other (Other)	Universidade do Porto Faculdade de Engenharia, Portugal
2022/03 - 2022/04	X Encontro Nacional de Estudantes de Engenharia Química (2022/04/08 - 2022/04/11) Meeting (Other)	Universidade do Porto Faculdade de Engenharia, Portugal
2021/09 - 2022/03	XXI Jornadas de Engenharia Química da FEUP - (R)evolução Industrial (2022/03/11 - 2022/03/12) Conference (Other)	Universidade do Porto Faculdade de Engenharia, Portugal

Event participation

	Activity description Type of event	Event name Institution / Organization
2023/06/21 - 2023/06/23	2nd International Summer School in Hydrogen & Fuel Cells Technology Conference	Universidade do Porto Centro de Estudos de Fenómenos de Transporte, Portugal
2023/03/31 - 2023/04/03	XI Encontro Nacional de Estudantes de Engenharia Química Meeting	Universidade de Coimbra Faculdade de Ciencias e Tecnologia, Portugal
2021/04/14 - 2021/04/17	XX Jornadas de Engenharia Química Conference	Universidade do Porto Faculdade de Engenharia, Portugal
2020/11/18 - 2020/11/18	Engenho 2020 Conference	Ordem dos Engenheiros Região Norte (OERN), Portugal
2019/11/14 - 2019/11/14	XIX Jornadas de Engenharia Química Conference	Universidade do Porto Faculdade de Engenharia, Portugal
2019/04/12 - 2019/04/15	VII Encontro Nacional de Estudantes de Engenharia Química Meeting	Universidade do Porto Faculdade de Engenharia, Portugal
2018/11/15 - 2018/11/15	XVIII Jornadas de Engenharia Química Conference	Universidade do Porto Faculdade de Engenharia, Portugal

Association member

	Society Organization name	Role
2020/11 - Current	Ordem dos Engenheiros Região Norte (OERN)	Student-member
2021/06 - 2022/06	Núcleo de Estudantes de Engenharia Química da Faculdade de Engenharia da Universidade do Porto (NEEQ-FEUP)	Leader of the Pedagogical Department
2020/09 - 2022/06	Mentoring programme ConnEQt	Mentor
2020/10 - 2021/06	Núcleo de Estudantes de Engenharia Química da Faculdade de Engenharia da Universidade do Porto (NEEQ-FEUP)	Member of the Sustainability and Social Action Department

Course / Discipline taught

	Academic session	Degree Subject (Type)	Institution / Organization
2022/09/12 - 2022/12/29	Projeto FEUP	Engenharia Química (Licenciatura)	Universidade do Porto Faculdade de Engenharia, Portugal

Distinctions

Award

2018	3rd Prize - 2018 Edition of the Contest FCT NOVA Challenge Universidade Nova de Lisboa Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Portugal
2018	Honourable Mention at the 8th edition of 'Feira de Ciências Hands-on Science' Hands-on Science Network Association, Portugal