Portrait of Christopher Cooper

Christopher Cooper

Engineer and PhD Researcher

Profile

Chris is an engineer and final-stage PhD candidate at the Australian National University, developing hydrogen-plasma technologies for low-emission steelmaking. His experience spans experimental reactor development, software engineering, and techno-economic modelling.

Research & Professional Experience

PhD Researcher

The Australian National University

2023 – Present
  • Researching hydrogen-plasma reduction and direct reduction of iron ore for low-CO₂-emission steelmaking through thermochemical modelling, techno-economic analysis, and experimentation.
  • Developed a novel non-equilibrium plasma reactor for hydrogen-plasma reduction of iron ore, taking the technology from concept through prototyping to a provisional patent application; development is ongoing.

Software Engineer

Nearmap

2020 – 2023
  • Worked in computer vision, developing photogrammetry software and camera modelling tools for aerial imagery in C++ and Python.
  • Improved the accuracy of aerial photomaps and 3D reconstructions.
  • Worked with AWS compute clusters supporting city-scale aerial imagery.

Engineering Intern

Mission Systems

2019 – 2020
  • Developed simulation tools for testing drones using C++ and Python.

Education

Doctor of Philosophy

The Australian National University

2023 – Present

Researching low-emission steelmaking using hydrogen plasma in the School of Engineering.

Bachelor of Engineering Honours

The University of Sydney

2017 – 2020

Mechatronic Engineering, Space Engineering.

Higher School Certificate

The Scots College

– 2016

Dux of the College (ranked first academically), achieving an ATAR of 99.90 (the 99.90th percentile in the state).

Technical Expertise

Steelmaking Research

Hydrogen-plasma reduction and hydrogen direct reduction of iron ore

Modelling

FactSage thermochemical simulation and techno-economic modelling

Research & Development

Conceptualisation, prototyping, experimental research, and IP development

Software

C, C++, and Python

Awards & Scholarships

The Australian National University

  • Boswell Technologies HDR Award for Space Exploration (2024)
  • HILT CRC Annual HDR Student Prize (2024, 2025)
  • ANU PhD Scholarship
  • HILT CRC Scholarship

The University of Sydney

  • University Medal
  • Outstanding Proficiency Prize in Senior Mechatronic Engineering
  • William and Jane Grahame Mechanical Engineering Scholarship
  • Sydney Scholars Award
  • Dean's Excellency Award