My passion is synthetic organic chemistry and its interdisciplinary applications. In my current role these include synthetic biology and nucleotide/phosphoramidite synthesis, and I have extensive experience applying organic synthesis in green chemistry, materials chemistry, medicinal chemistry, polymer design and surfactant chemistry. This includes not only the publication of exciting findings, but also in research translation, where our team is in the process of translating novel compostable, bio-based plastics into practical products with industry partners.

Funding & Awards

2025                  

Australian Economic Accelerator, Australian Government (Lead Investigator, AUD$189k)

Treloar Prize for Best Oral Presentation, Royal Australian Chemical Institute (AUD$500)

Director’s Award for Service, Australian National University

2023                

Kinetic Competition, Australian National University (Winner - AUD$50k)

ONPrime Program, CSIRO (AUD$3k)

2022                 

Environmental Sustainability Grant, Australian National University (Lead Investigator, AUD$20k)

2021                 

Innovation ACT Competition, CBRIN (Winner - AUD$5k)

2020                 

Research Training Program Scholarship, Australian Government

2017                  

Faculty Medal, University of Newcastle

2015                

Research Scholarship (AUD$1.5k), Faculty Commendation, University of Newcastle 

2013                

Faculty Commendation, University of Newcastle