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Laura Joana Cullen finished her graduation and master’s degrees in chemical engineering from the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto (FEUP) in 2021 and 2023, respectively. She was a monitor at the FEUP Project unit course (09/2022-12/2022), had a scientific initiation scholarship under the project #Summer@LEPABE_2021 (08/2021-09/2021), and a scientific scholarship under the Multiannual Funding 2020-2023 for the unit LSRE-LCM (UIDB/50020/2020_UIDP/50020/2020) during and after the completion of her MSc thesis (02/2023-10/2023). Her MSc thesis, held at LSRE-LCM, focused on the theme 'NETmix crystalliser for nutrients recovery from side-stream digestate'. She used Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) tools and conducted tracer experiments to study the mixing dynamics mechanisms in the meso-reactor NETmix when operated with large feed flowrate ratios. The results from this work were presented as poster communications at the 5th Doctoral Congress in Engineering (Porto, Portugal), at the 17th European Conference on Mixing (Porto, Portugal), and at the EFCE Summer School on Crystallization (Stevenage, UK). This work also resulted in the writing of a scientific paper as first author, published at Chemical Engineering Science (indexed by Scopus) (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ces.2024.120339). From October 2023 to December 2024, she was a research fellow at LSRE-LCM under the OZONE4WATER project (https://doi.org/10.54499/PTDC/EAM-AMB/4702/2020). She used CFD tools for operation and design optimisation of a flow distribution device and mixing nozzles incorporated in a pilot-scale sidestream injection system for ozone water treatment. She was part of the Local Organising Committee of the Winter School on Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs) and Disinfection By-Products (DBPs): Occurrence, Impact and Elimination, and of the EA3G2024 International Conference & Exhibition, both held in Vila Nova de Gaia (Portugal) in November 2024. In January 2025, she started her PhD in Chemical and Biological Engineering at FEUP with an FCT fellowship (2024.00685.BD). Her PhD project is entitled ‘NETCrystal - Reactive crystallisation in NETmix: Principles, Modelling, Design and Proof-of-concept’. An oral presentation on this project was done at the 3rd Baldyga Technical Seminar: Mixing challenges in chemical and biochemical applications (London, UK). She was part of the Organising Committee of the 4th Baldyga Technical Seminar and of the 6th Doctoral Congress in Engineering, both held in Porto (Portugal) in July 2025.
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

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
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
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
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
Outputs

Publications

Conference abstract
  1. Cullen, Laura J. R.; Fernandes, Isabel S.; Vítor J.P. Vilar; Santos, Ricardo J.. "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.
    Accepted
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  1. 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
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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
  1. 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
  2. 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
  1. "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
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