Dr Mark Lay
Lecturer; Work Placement Coordinator
Qualifications: BSc, MSc(Hons), PhD Waikato
Contact Details
| Name | Extn. | Username | Room | Department | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lay, Mr Mark | 4556 | mclay | D.G.20 | Engineering | ||||
| Lay, Mr Mark | 4556 | mclay | D.G.20 | Co-Operative Education Unit |
You can contact staff by:
- Calling +64 7 838 4466 then enter the extension
- Extensions starting with 4 or 5 can also be direct dialed:
- For extensions starting with 4: dial +64 7 838 extension
- For extensions starting with 5: dial +64 7 858 extension
- Emailing username@waikato.ac.nz
- Using the campus map to locate their room
Research Interests
Bioprocess Engineering
I have a keen interest in developing new separation techniques using chromatography, the workhorse of the biotechnology industry. My Masters and PhD were in continuous radial flow chromatography (CRFC), a radial flow chromatographic system with a rotating annular bed. This system allows continuous cross-current multi-component step elution separation at high flow rates and low pressure drops. I designed and assisted in building two prototypes which were used for the research. I also developed models, solved in Matlab, which can be used to predict and optimise CRFC performance. The general principles behind the models and their solutions can be applied to other chromatographic separations.
Science Education
I am also involved in science education research as part my work placement coordinator role for the Cooperative Education Unit. Science education is a fascinating field as it explores how we think, how theories are formed and knowledge generated.
Recent work involved investigating how trial interviews boost student confidence prior to actual job interviews. A common problem we have found previously when organising work placements is brilliant students lack confidence and personal skills to perform well at job interviews. Now, we offer trial interviews to help these students gain practice and confidence prior to a real interview.
Also, we have investigated intellectual conflict between science and religious perspectives of religious scientists. This study that showed that scientists tended to be idiosyncratic in what beliefs they accepted. They were more likely to dismiss beliefs that conflicted with areas which they specialised in, but we found some were able to come up with creative justifications from their scientific knowledge. These were very interesting findings for science education and science literacy.
Expertise
Biotechnology and process chromatography; science education research and co-operative education.
Recent Publications
- Low, A., Lay, M., Verbeek, J., Swan, J. (2012) Decoloring hemoglobin as a feedstock for second-generation bioplastics
Refereed Journal Articles - Preparative Biochemistry and Biotechnology - Bier, J., Verbeek, C., Lay, M. (2011) An ecoprofile of thermoplastic protein derived from blood meal Part 2: thermoplastic processing
Refereed Journal Articles - The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment - Bier, J., Verbeek, C., Lay, M. (2011) An eco-profile of thermoplastic protein derived from blood meal Part 1: Allocation issues
Refereed Journal Articles - The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment - Bier, J., Verbeek, C., Lay, M. (2011) Life cycle assessments of bioplastics: Applications and issues
Refereed Journal Articles - The International Journal of Environmental, Cultural, Economic and Social Sustainability
View All research publications by Mark Lay
