Dr Sasha Jenkins has over fifteen years of research and teaching experience spanning environmental biotechnology, waste management technologies and sustainable agriculture. Her research addresses major societal challenges in sustainable food production, resource security, waste management and climate change by understanding microbial functions and translating this knowledge into circular bioeconomy solutions. Her work focuses on optimising low-cost waste treatment technologies to convert waste into bioenergy, fertilisers, bioplastics and animal feed while maintaining healthy soils and strengthening food security. In recognition of her research, she received a national agriculture award in 2012.

• Master of Biotechnology Course Coordinator
• Graduate Research Coordinator for school of Agriculture and Environment. 
• University Graduate Research Board member 2024-2026. 
• University Academic Board member (term 2025-2027). 
• Member of School Agriculture and Environment Teaching & Learning Committee 2020-
• Member of School Agriculture and Environment Postgraduate Committee 2023-
• Member of School Agriculture and Environment Research Committee 2019-22
• Member of School Agriculture and Environment and Faculty of Science Gender and Inclusion Committee 2019-21
• PhD Supervisor

A major research focus is the development of novel materials and biological soil amendments, and understanding how they enhance microbial function, improve soil health and increase resilience to climate-related stresses such as drought. A second focus is converting waste streams from technologies including anaerobic digestion, insect farming and algal bioreactors into high-quality products such as novel feeds, biogas, soil amendments and bioplastics. This work encompasses demonstration, optimisation, prototyping and regulatory compliance within circular economy frameworks.

Following a 2012 National Science and Innovation Awards for Young People in Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry award, she built an interdisciplinary network that attracted industry and government support. Over the past decade, she has secured and managed A$25 million in competitive government and agricultural industry funding as lead PI. Her research has influenced policy and practice, with several slow-release organo-mineral fertilisers and fortified composts derived from waste streams now being commercialised by industry partners for the retail market. These products are designed to alleviate soil constraints, enhance microbial function and improve crop productivity and profitability.

Awards and recognition

• School of Agriculture and Environment Teaching award, 2026
• National Science and Innovation Awards for Young People in Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, 2012
• UWA Research Development Award Scheme, 2011
• British Council Researcher Exchange Programme Award, 2008
• Collaborative Innovative Partnership Award, 2007

• Coordinator for Masters in Biotechnology
• Unit Coordinator and main lecturer for following level 5 units:
  • Biotechnology and the Natural Environment (ENVT5001), 2020-
  • Environmental Biosensing Agents (ENVT5514), 2020-
  • Waste and the Circular Economy (ENVT5005), 2018-
  • Science in Practice (SCIE5005), 2024-2025
  • Biotechnology Research Dissertation (BTEC5501-6), 2020-2022
  • Biotechnology Research Project (BTEC5507-10), 2020-2022
  • Organic Agriculture (AGRI5504), 2018-2020

• Sub-coordinator and supervisor for the Research Dissertation units (SCIE5571-4), 2020-
• Teach, supervise and mentor students on the following undergraduate and postgraduate units: Science Practicum (level 5), Work integrated learning units (level 5), Science in Practice (level 5), Environmental Science and Technology (level 1)
• Supervised 11 HDR (7 as lead) and 25 Masters/honours research projects students to successful completion. Many of my scholarly publications have been in support of work carried out by these students who were first authors. All student first-authored papers are Q1, and 7 are in top 20% journals in the fields of soil science or environmental engineering
• Hosted five visiting international academics and students in my laboratory
• High school mentor programme (BioGENEius with local schools and Dept of Commerce
• Tutor in the School of Biology at the Newcastle University, UK
• Presenter and coordinator of various industry and academic workshops and training seminars
• Able to adapt to individual differences and learning styles

• Scientific committee member for Soil Science Australia National Conference 2026.
• Academic advisor on Joint DWER-DPIRD technical reference group for sustainable agriculture 2025-
• Academic advisor Joint DWER-DPIRD technical reference group for water quality in South-west catchments and estuaries. 2025-
• Technical advisor on the Western Australian Lot Feeders Association committee (2012-2015) and Dairy Management Steering Committee (2014-2016)
• Member of the Livestock Industry Technical Forum, Canberra, 2011-2018
• Organiser of the Australian future pork leaders programme 2012-2014
• Elected member of the Australian Pork Environment Specialist Research Advisory Panel 2009-2011

2018 – 2023  Lecturer, School of Agriculture and Environment, University of Western Australia.

2008 – 2018 Research Associate, School of Earth & Environment, University of Western Australia.

2007 – 2008 Research Associate, School of Biology, Newcastle University, England

2006 – 2007 Research Assistant, School of Biology Newcastle University, England.